RSSIowa artists of all ages are invited to participate in the second annual Celebration of Iowa: Agricultural Art Award. The theme for this year’s exhibit is “Cultivating Change.” The Agriculture Art Award is a juried art exhibit that highlights our state’s role as a global leader in agriculture. Artwork will be judged on innovation of [...]
Read the full story >>Iowa’s strong agricultural heritage will continue as long as we ensure farming is a viable career for our young people. Two bills currently under consideration in the Legislature could help. House File 599 would expand a tax credit program in which retiring farmers lease or rent land to beginning farmers. The state now provides $6 [...]
Read the full story >>Iowa’s nutrient rich soils have made the state a leader in agricultural production. Problems are created, however, when erosion puts those nutrients into our lakes, rivers and streams. High levels of nutrients in Iowa’s waterways increase water treatment costs. They also help create large algae blooms that deplete oxygen and kill off aquatic life and [...]
Read the full story >>The Mississippi River Basin Initiative is helping Iowa farmers implement conservation practices that limit nutrient runoff, improve wildlife habitat and maintain agricultural productivity. Nationally, the Natural Resources Conservation Service is investing $59 million this year in the health of the Mississippi River basin. Iowa, one of 13 participating states, currently has 18 projects that provide [...]
Read the full story >>Nominations are being accepted through June 15 for the 2013 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards. The award recognizes Iowa farmers who are environmental leaders, committed to healthy soils and improved water quality. Those nominated should make environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopt best management practices throughout their farming operation. For more details [...]
Read the full story >>DES MOINES – Leaders of the Iowa Senate today released the outline of a state budget focused on expanding Iowa’s middle class. “Iowans want Republican and Democratic legislators to focus our efforts on expanding Iowa’s middle class,” said Senator Bob Dvorsky of Coralville, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We will also deliver a balanced [...]
Read the full story >>Tax cuts should focus first on helping Iowa families, farmers and small businesses. That approach is reflected in Senate File 106, which the Iowa Senate approved on February 4. This legislation updates Iowa’s tax code in light of the recent changes at the federal level. The Iowa legislation I voted for will prevent a cut [...]
Read the full story >>On February 11, 2013, Democratic Senator Matt McCoy held a news conference on rail infrastructure at the Iowa Statehouse. Senator McCoy’s prepared remarks The purpose of this news conference is to point out that the Iowa passenger rail project will likely have its bigger economic impact in the form of greater Iowa freight capacity. Here’s [...]
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Statement by State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco: “Congratulations to sculptor Benjamin Victor. Creating a statue of Dr. Norman Borlaug for Statuary Hall in our nation’s Capitol building is a great honor, and I know Mr. Victor will make Northeast Iowa proud. He is a talented artist whose lifelike, detailed works have earned him international acclaim.
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As Iowa’s annual harvest heads to market, the Governor has signed a proclamation allowing oversized and overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover on Iowa roads. The proclamation took effect on September 4 and expires after 60 days. The Iowa Department of Transportation will monitor the situation to ensure the public’s safety and facilitate the movement of harvest vehicles.
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