Many rural residents in Iowa rely on private wells as their source of water for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, and watering livestock. Even if your well and the area around it have remained unchanged, it is important to test water annually for indicators of contamination, including nitrate and bacteria, to ensure the water is safe to drink. Read more about Maintaining Safe Drinking Water in Your Private Well
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced an extension of the deadline to determine whether the monarch butterfly is warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The new deadline, December 15, 2020, was originally June 30, 2019. Despite the delay, conservation efforts to help the monarch survive and thrive are important as ever. Read more about Despite Delays, Monarch Conservation Efforts Continue in Iowa
Wild turkey. Ring-necked pheasant. Trumpeter swan. Turkey vulture. Northern bobwhite. These are the remarkable birds of Iowa's rural landscapes. They're large, conspicuous, and broadly recognized. These species, and a few more, are those most associated with rural life and synonymous with our experience on the farm. However, I submit that to the trained eye, and ear, the bird that most symbolizes Iowa's countryside is not these charismatic familiar species, but rather, the unremarkable yet fascinatingly remarkable Dickcissel. Read more about An Ode to the Dickcissel: Rural Iowa's Most Unremarkable Remarkable Bird
Are you interested in taking a beekeeping class this winter? The Iowa Honey Producers Association offers classes throughout the state. Read more about Winter Beekeeping Courses
Many of the key agricultural and taxation developments in 2018 continue to significantly impact agricultural producers, and we will continue to monitor these evolving issues as we head into 2019. Happy New Year! Read more about Reviewing Key 2018 Developments in Agricultural Law and Taxation
Minimizing the potential for barn fires is good risk management for small farms and acreages with livestock, hay, straw, etc., stored in a barn. Read more about Protection from Barn Fires
For many of us, conservation is our way of life. Finding ways to connect with and improve the land, the soil, the water, and wildlife consumes our thoughts and free time. If you have someone in your life that shares that same passion, here’s a few ideas for brightening their holiday season. Read more about A Conservationist's Christmas List
After a relatively warm and dry mid-summer, rainfall returned to the state during the last weeks of August into early September. Warmer than normal conditions are expected to continue across the state during September. Read more about Iowa Fall Outlook
New challenges for deer management are on the horizon. Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD is a neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family. Read more about Doing your Part in the Management of Iowa's White-tailed Deer and the CWD Threat
Treasury and the IRS released IRC § 199A proposed regulations, REG-107892-18, on August 8, 2018. These are proposed regulations, but taxpayers can rely on them until final rules are adopted. Read more about Despite Guidance, Lots of Questions Remain Regarding Rental Income
