My sister just read Gaining Ground this week, finishing it with tears streaming down her face. It’s no wonder, though I tend to more readily recall the book’s amusing passages from my reading of the memoir earlier this summer. While we both identify with author Forrest Pritchard’s attempts to save the family farm, our emotional […]
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Month: August 2013
Saving the family farm, phase two: the m...
CHELSEA – As a reporter, you’re often thrust into unfamiliar territory. Whether it’s covering a shooting in a dark alley or stem cell research at a medical institute, you’re expected to know enough to ask the right questions to make sense of the situation. I’m hoping that experience serves me well as we embark on […]
Iowa man assessed maximum for poaching w...
A Moravia man was assessed $20,000 in damages after pleading guilty to poaching a trophy deer. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Jerry Kaster, 40, of Moravia, shot a buck deer that scored more than 200 inches with a .270 rifle while driving his minivan on a rural road in the Lake Rathbun […]
New Pioneer’s Local Plate contest set fo
New Pioneer Food Co-op has announced a new contest to coincide with Eat Local Week, from Sept. 2 to Sept. 8. Here is more from New Pi about their new contest:
Iowa growers experience bumper apple cro...
Apple trees are laden with fruit this month, after a dismal season last year. Other fruit and nut trees are thriving, as well, but need special attention as Iowa continues a streak of dry weather. Eastern Iowans interested in learning more about the proper care of fruit and nut trees are in luck. Marion-based Trees […]
Viticulture full circle: harvesting grap...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Who can blame Kirkwood Viticulture Instructor, Lucas McIntire, for being in what I can only describe as a state of grape Nirvana. At our most recent class, the weather was Iowa-perfect and early grapes were good to go, allowing us to not only harvest the fruit of the vineyard, but to take […]
Monsanto lobbyist hired for Iowa agricul...
The following is from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship: DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Mike Naig has been hired as the new Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. He will start with the Department on September 4. “Mike will be […]
Brucemore Garden and Art Show returns Sa...
CEDAR RAPIDS – You can’t walk away from the Brucemore Garden and Art Show without learning something new, and often, buying something new, as well. Gardening experts offer tips on raised beds, insect identification, heirloom vegetables and much more, while vendors sell garden art, pottery, jewelry and other artwork.
Salsa days and aronia berries
So many people I’ve talked to this weekend were in the process, or at least planning, to make salsa. From what I’m hearing from area CSAs, farmers market vendors and gardeners, this has been an excellent season
Downtown Farmers Market set for Saturday...
The season’s abundance will undoubtedly be evident at this Saturday’s Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids. You can always find details about upcoming farmers markets on the Homegrown list and here is more about Saturday’s event from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance: