Category: Agriculture

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Puppy mill update: Five Iowa breeders cited for violations

Gary Dickson

The Bailing Out Benji organization reported Federal inspectors citing several Iowa breeders for regulatory violations, including inadequate veterinary care and sanitation issues. Violations were also found in 16 other states. Iowa-based breeders were among those cited, with five cited in the second quarter of 2024. Violators include Dunroven Farms, Century Farm Puppies, Coldwater Kennel, New Designs Kennel, and Riverside Kennels. Continue reading Puppy mill update: Five Iowa breeders cited for violations

Agriculture, economic development, Environment, NebraskaLeave a comment

Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

Gary Dickson

Climate change is expected to drive a mass migration from coastal areas due to rising sea levels and extreme weather. This presents an opportunity for rural Midwest communities like Nebraska to revitalize and attract new residents. Initiatives such as enhancing quality of life and promoting soil health hubs are seen as ways to prepare for potential climate migrants. Continue reading Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

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Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Supreme Court upheld a jury’s $4.75 million award to Vagts Dairy for damages caused by electrical currents from a nearby gas pipeline. The dairy’s cattle suffered abnormal behavior, illnesses, and high mortality rates. The court’s decision rejected the gas company’s appeal, emphasizing the severity of the damages and supporting the jury’s verdict. Continue reading Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

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15 Iowa puppy mills cited in Humane Society’s annual report

Gary Dickson

The Humane Society of the United States released its annual “Horrible Hundred” report, highlighting regulatory issues at 100 puppy mills nationwide, including 15 in Iowa. The report revealed violations at various Iowa breeders, including issues such as unsanitary conditions, lack of veterinary care, and poor record-keeping. The report emphasizes the need for public awareness of the realities of the industry. Continue reading 15 Iowa puppy mills cited in Humane Society’s annual report

Agriculture, Commentary, Environment1 Comment

Farm insurance unfairness: Taxpayers foot the bill, but only for the ‘golden crops’

Gary Dickson

Farmers in Iowa face challenges getting insurance coverage for agritourism due to high premiums and limited options. The federally subsidized insurance largely benefits large-scale commodity crops, leaving smaller-scale farmers with limited support. Calls for reform and reduced subsidies highlight the disparity, with Republican lawmakers advocating for increased support for the “Golden Crops.” The author questions the fairness of taxpayer-funded support for crop insurance while essential public services remain underfunded. Continue reading Farm insurance unfairness: Taxpayers foot the bill, but only for the ‘golden crops’

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Elk Point’s Fleurish Flower Farm named Specialty Crop Producer of the Year

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) and the S.D. The Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources moved to recognize one specialty crop producer for making an outstanding contribution to local production in South Dakota. 

Christy Heckathorn of Fleurish Flower Farm, is the 2023 S.D. Specialty Crop Producer of the Year.

Fleurish’s one-acre flower farm, near Elk Point, S.D., is home to a variety of annuals, perennials and an heirloom pumpkin patch. Continue reading Elk Point’s Fleurish Flower Farm named Specialty Crop Producer of the Year

Agriculture, Environment, IowaLeave a comment

More than half of Iowa’s tested streams and lakes are ‘impaired’

Gary Dickson

There are at least 721 water body segments in Iowa that do not meet water quality standards for recreation, public water supplies and the protection of aquatic life, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR has drafted its latest list of “impaired” waters that it is required to submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency every two years. The list is based on data collected by the department and numerous other entities between 2020 and 2022, and it is used to guide restrictions for stream pollution for Continue reading More than half of Iowa’s tested streams and lakes are ‘impaired’

Agriculture, Iowa, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Two cases of bird flu found In Woodbury County

Gary Dickson

A news release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Wednesday said that the agency and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed two positive cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Woodbury County, Iowa.  

The affected sites are both backyard mixed-species flocks.  Continue reading Two cases of bird flu found In Woodbury County