IOWA FARM

Jun 13 2026POLITICS

Updates to Iowa’s Historic Tax Credit Rules

Iowa has decided to update how it handles tax credits for historic preservation projects. The state’s Historical Division removed one rulebook and moved its details into another. Instead of having separate guidelines for historic projects, the state is combining them into a single set of rules. The

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Jun 06 2026WEATHER

Storm Alert: Iowa Braces for More Thunder and Rain

Iowa residents are gearing up for a new wave of storms, as the National Weather Service in Des Moines predicts more severe weather starting Friday. After Thursday’s heavy showers, the state saw its highest 24‑hour rainfall in places like Boone (2. 73 inches) and Independence (2. 58 inches). Even the

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Jun 03 2026HEALTH

Heat Stress and the Hidden Toll on Florida Farmworkers

Farm laborers in Florida often work under intense sun, leading to a higher risk of heat‑related illnesses. New studies show that these hot conditions may also affect their mental health, creating a double burden for those on the ground. The workers’ jobs expose them to high temperatures for long

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Jun 01 2026ENVIRONMENT

How tiny soil microbes shape mercury risks in rice fields

Farmers growing rice in contaminated soil face a hidden dilemma. Tiny soil microbes control how mercury turns into a more dangerous form called methylmercury—a toxin that can build up in rice grains. Scientists wanted to see what happens when these microbes start disappearing, which climate change m

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May 10 2026ENVIRONMENT

This summer’s fruit harvest might be smaller and pricier than usual

Farmers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are bracing for a tough season ahead. After a sudden heatwave in mid-April followed by unexpected freezes just days later, many fruit crops are struggling to recover. Peaches, apples, and even some berries were hit hard, with some farms losing most of their pro

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May 08 2026SPORTS

Why Iowa’s football team is betting on smaller-school transfers

Iowa’s football program brought in 15 new players in 2026, and most came from schools outside the top tier of college football. Nearly nine out of ten transfers joined from leagues below the Power 5, a clear sign the Hawkeyes are hunting for hidden talent that bigger programs often overlook. The mov

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May 04 2026SCIENCE

Finding New Ways to Keep Cow Infections Under Control

Farm animals often face health issues that cost farmers time and money. One common problem is udder infections in cows, caused by bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis. These germs don’t just harm the cows—they can also sneak into milk and dairy products, raising concerns about food safety. Antibiotic

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Iowa passes strict new criminal laws

Iowa just approved a set of new penalties for crimes that supporters call "firm but fair" and critics warn could fill prisons faster than they can handle. The changes include longer sentences for violent acts and stricter rules for repeat offenders. Lawmakers debated for weeks before pushing it thro

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Apr 28 2026SPORTS

'Iowa and Iowa State Draft Picks: A Fresh Look at the 2026 NFL Selections'

Iowa and Iowa State each had a different story in the 2026 NFL Draft, which ran from April 23 to 25. Only one player from Iowa State landed a spot on an NFL roster: defensive tackle Domonique Orange was chosen 82nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings. Analysts say he is a strong stop‑gap defender,

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Apr 27 2026SCIENCE

Small algae, big changes: how broiler chickens respond to high-chlorella diets

Farmers looking for plant-based feed alternatives often turn to microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris because it’s packed with nutrients and grows quickly. But when chickens ate diets where soy meal was swapped for 20 % Chlorella, something unexpected happened—growth slowed down and certain fats in the

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