Agriculture

Iowa corn beginning to silk, soybeans blooming ahead of normal

Across the state of Iowa, approximately 2% of planted corn acres are beginning to silk, and 13% of soybean acres are blooming, which is five days ahead of the five-year average, according to the crop progress and condition report. 

Farm Bureau report: Iowa consumers worry about government-caused increases in food costs

The Iowa Farm Bureau’s latest food and farm index found that among concerns of the high cost of groceries, the overwhelming majority of Iowa grocery shoppers surveyed are concerned about increases to food prices caused by government regulations.  The annual survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, also found that more consumers are seeking locally grown […]

Nearly half of Iowa corn acres planted

Despite another week of rainy conditions, which left an average of just over three days suitable for field work, Iowa farmers have more corn and soybeans in the ground than this time last year.  Corn planted in the state reached 49%, which is three days ahead of 2024 planting but two days behind the average.  […]

Mango farms where? Climate change is scrambling where the world's food is grown.

Grist details how farmers from Italy to California are embracing mango crops as the world warms.

Making sex deadly for insects could control pests that carry disease and harm crops

In the toxic male technique, genetically engineered male insects would implant semen containing toxic venom into the female insects during mating.

Mosquitoes cause around a million deaths per year. So, scientists are coming up with genetic engineering techniques that could lower their numbers.

Agriculture secretary oversees food production, rural life, and nutrition programs that help millions afford healthy diets

A farmer harvests corn near McIntire, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2023.
The USDA oversees food production and much more. However, it has little direct power to reduce food prices – a centerpiece of President Trump’s campaign.

3 ways AI can help farmers tackle the challenges of modern agriculture

For all the attention on flashy new artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, the challenges of regulating AI, and doomsday scenarios of superintelligent machines, AI is a useful tool in many fields. In fact, it has enormous potential to benefit humanity. …

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Variety is the sauce of life.
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While economic forces have streamlined many global dishes into uniform, predictable formats, pizza continues to thrive in all its messy and delicious variety.
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(BPT) - Health care essentials like over-the-counter (OTC) products can quickly add up and eat into your budget. Whether you're buying pain medication to manage headaches or antibiotic ointment for …
'I'll have a coke – no, not Coca-Cola, Sprite.' Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via The Conversation
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Digestive issues are on the rise in the US. Here are 5 of the most common conditions.
With a rising prevalence of gastrointestinal issues among Americans, Live It Up broke down the five most common conditions.
Beyond the beach: 7 exciting experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
(BPT) - The Mexican Caribbean is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, and there are even more experiences within its 12 regions that are just as memorable as its shores. If …
10 cool cars you can't buy in the US yet
CheapInsurance.com reports on 10 exciting cars unavailable in the U.S. due to regulations, costs, and brand strategies.
Dog breeds losing popularity
Stacker pulled data from the AKC to compare dog popularity rankings from 2004 and 2024; the 2024 popularity rankings were released in March 2025.
How to understand your home energy use — and cut costs
(BPT) - Heating and cooling systems account for around 55% of the average home's energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And during the warmer summer months, HVAC systems are …
4 ways to celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day
(BPT) - Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food everyone loves. It's homey, cheesy and tasty, evoking comfort like no other dish. National Mac and Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to …
On the Golf Course, You Really Have Skin in the Game
On the Golf Course, You Really Have Skin in the Game
(NewsUSA) - Mark Twain famously said that golf is a good walk spoiled. For most golfers, the sport is also fraught with a very high risk of getting skin cancer. On the course, golfers are exposed to …