IARN — The U.S. Senate’s latest proposed coronavirus relief package includes $20 billion in farm relief. Read more
DNR Confirms Zebra Mussels At Lake Manawa
IARN — An aquatic invasive species known to negatively impact ecosystems has been discovered at Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs. Read more
China Asks For Packages From U.S. To Investigate Seed Mailings
IARN — Chinese officials have asked for mailed seed packages from the U.S. to investigate unsolicited mailings. In a daily briefing with media, a spokesperson with China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Tuesday stated China Post, China’s state-owned postal service, has contacted the U.S. Postal Service, asking it to send fake packages to China for investigation. The spokesperson noted China is a member of the Universal Postal Union, which prohibits plant seeds as imports, or in transit, for member countries. Read more
Prolonged Heat Welcomes Twospotted Spider Mites
IARN — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor indicates western Iowa still faces moderate drought conditions, while a section of west-central Iowa remains under the D2 level of intensity, or severe drought. Some of those areas have since received timely rains. Dryness, however, does not appear to be the only problem they face. Read more
COVID-19 Impacting Hong Kong Food Industry
IARN — One of the most densely populated places in the world is facing another round of COVID-19 challenges, which could have an impact on its food industry. Read more
U.S. Residents Receiving Unsolicited Seeds From China
IARN — Numerous state agriculture departments, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are urging consumers not to plant seeds sent to them from China. Americans across the country report receiving unsolicited seeds from China in packages labeled as jewelry. These unknown seeds are a concern for American farmers, as they could be invasive species, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock. USDA considers the practice agricultural smuggling, and all states reporting the practice are asking consumers to notify their state agriculture departments. Read more