AMES, IOWA (August 20, 2026) — As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity.

Proper timing not only improves flavor and texture, but also encourages many crops to keep producing.

"Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity ensures the best taste and quality," said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

AMES, IOWA (August 6, 2026) — To help producers, crop advisers, and agricultural lenders make informed nutrient management decisions amid high fertilizer costs, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering four Fertilizer and Finance workshops across Iowa this August.

WASHINGTON DC (July 7, 2026) — The National Organic Program (NOP) has posted a Common Organic System Plan (OSP) for organic farms, businesses, and certifiers. An OSP is central to the organic certification process, because it describes how a farm or business follows the USDA organic rules. The plan includes information on production practices, processing and how organic products are protected as they travel along supply chains.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN (June 30, 2026) — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative applauds the introduction of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. The bill, introduced by House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, would update the H-2A visa program by expanding access beyond “seasonality,” control associated costs, and streamline the visa program process.

Currently dairy farms are not eligible to use the H-2A program due to the year-round aspect of the farms.