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Ag and Environment

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Initiative paying farmers for conservation practices wins USDA grant

Des Moines Register: A nearly $170 million Iowa-based initiative that pays farmers for their environmental efforts will be among the first to win a grant from a new $1 billion climate-smart agriculture program, U.S. Agriculture Secretary …

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Groups continue to navigate steps toward regional water system

An employee conducts water quality testing at Des Moines Water Works, which is involved in a proposal to create a regional water system and expand capacity to support economic development and the region’s growing workforce. Photo …

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First Iowa outbreak of deadly rabbit disease detected in Story County

Des Moines Register: Iowa has detected its first outbreak of a deadly disease that infects rabbits and for which there is no vaccine or known cure, the Iowa Department of Agriculture reported Monday. A department news …

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Borlaug Field Award recipient announced

A food scientist who has led the development of a high-yielding grain that has improved nutrition for farmers and communities in India and Africa has been named the recipient of the 2022 Norman E. Borlaug …

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Renewable energy incentives offer hope of reopening Newton wind turbine blade plant

Des Moines Register: A new law intended to drive about $370 billion in climate and renewable energy investment may lead to the reopening of an Iowa wind turbine blade manufacturing plant that once employed more than …

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Crews building up Raccoon River levee system to enhance flood protection

Work is underway to build up the levee system along the Raccoon River to reduce the risk of flooding. According to a news release, the project will also increase resilience as weather patterns and flooding …

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USDA opens applications for Biofuel Infrastructure Grants

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for $100 million in grants to increase the sale and use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. The USDA is making …

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Renewable tax credits users to transition to GovConnectIowa portal

Iowa taxpayers who claim renewable energy tax credits will soon be using a new secure online portal to conduct transactions. The Iowa Utilities Board is joining the Iowa Department of Revenue and other state agencies …

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Iowa nutrient council receives $250K grant from Google

The Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council announced Wednesday a $250,000 grant from Google that will bolster INREC initiatives to improve water quality and support Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. According to a release, INREC worked with the …

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Polk County will vote to oppose Iowa pipeline project

Axios Des Moines: Polk County Supervisors are drafting a letter to object to Navigator CO2 Venture’s proposed 1,300-mile pipeline project, multiple supervisors tell Axios. The route would cross 33 of Iowa’s 99 counties, including the northeast …