IARN — Dry conditions are likely to continue in the western part of Iowa through the spring.
On Wednesday, January 13th, the Iowa DNR and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship sponsored a virtual meeting to provide insight into ongoing drought conditions in the state. Read more
Statewide Iowa — The number of patients being treated in Iowa hospitals for COVID has dropped below 500 for the first time since October 19. Read more
Sheldon, Iowa — More than two years have been spent by City officials trying to get the crumbling Sunset Motel, on South 2nd Avenue, demolished and that effort will soon be coming to fruition. Read more
Alton, Iowa — A one-vehicle rollover accident late Sunday morning near Alton has led to the arrest of a Sheldon man. Read more
IARN — Following a challenging year in 2020, farm economists continue to provide outlooks for the Ag sector in 2021.
During the American Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual convention, AFBF livestock economist Michael Nepvuex discussed several issues that are expected to impact US livestock production this year. One of the top factors that could influence farm profitability is relations with China, according to Nepvuex. Read more
IARN — Fewer new loans to farmers continued to drive a pullback in agricultural lending activity. The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank reported this week that stronger prices for agricultural commodities, alongside continued support from government payments, may have reduced financing needs for some farmers and contributed to the slower pace of lending. A historically low number of new loans contributed to an increase in average loan size and drove a slight decrease in the overall volume of non-real estate loans at commercial banks in the fourth quarter. Read more