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Energy

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Cruse: Iowa has lost 6.8 inches of topsoil, a $1 billion-a-year economic hit

Rick Cruse, an Iowa State University agronomy professor who directs the Iowa Water Center, said new calculations show that Iowa has lost 6.8 inches of topsoil to erosion since 1850.


That means a $1 billion annual hit…
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Oct 29, 2015
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Garst family donates more land to Whiterock Conservancy

The family of the late Stephen and Mary Garst has donated another 1,200 acres of prairie, wetlands and working farmland to the Whiterock Conservancy near Coon Rapids. A total of 3,365 acres has been donated to Whiterock …
By BPC Staff | Oct 29, 2015
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Water Works approves 10 percent rate increase

The Des Moines Water Works board on Tuesday approved a 10 percent increase in water rates for all customers effective April 1 to cover a revenue shortfall of more than $3 million. The shortfall comes as residents …
By BPC Staff | Oct 28, 2015
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Northey blasts proposed cut in crop insurance

Congress’ proposed budget would make cuts in the crop insurance program, bringing quick criticism from Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey. “Farmers rely on crop insurance as an important safety net and protection from devastating losses…
By BPC Staff | Oct 28, 2015
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An inside look at Bill Stowe’s contract extension, potential $500,000 retention bonus

 

The Des Moines Water Works board has approved retention bonuses totaling more than $500,000 for the utility’s general manager, Bill Stowe, should he stay in the job through his planned retirement in five years.…
By PERRY BEEMAN | Oct 28, 2015
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Event Nov. 10: Practical Farmers’ ‘farminars’ begin

Practical Farmers of Iowa will host a fall farminar series this year, starting on Nov. 10 and running weekly on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 15. This free webinar series covers a …
By BPC Staff | Oct 28, 2015
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Iowa soybean group reviews Chesapeake Bay cleanup for best practices

The Iowa Soybean Association has released a seven-part series after two employees visited Chesapeake Bay to assess the effectiveness of a more regulatory approach than Iowa’s voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy.


The main finding: There isn’t…
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Oct 28, 2015
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Northey: Crop harvest mostly done

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said warm weather last week allowed farmers to move into the final weeks of harvest. “The warm weather last week allowed farmers to make good progress, and now 92 …
By BPC Staff | Oct 27, 2015
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Fires at Barton plants lead to $1.1M fine

Fires and explosions at chemical distribution plants in Iowa and Kansas eight years ago have led to a $1.1 million civil penalty for the plants’ owner, Barton Solvents Inc., The Des Moines Register reported. The proposed settlement …
By BPC Staff | Oct 27, 2015
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Event Nov.10: Avoid top 10 waste management mistakes

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans a waste management training session from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Nov. 10 at Courtyard by Marriott in Ankeny. The session is designed to help businesses avoid the top 10 …
By BPC Staff | Oct 26, 2015