Calhoun County Farm Bureau

06/03/2026

Head to India for FB’s 2027 Market Study Tour

India—home to nearly 1.5 billion people—is the world’s most populous nation and an increasingly important growth market for U.S. agriculture. As India works to diversify beyond Chinese demand, its expanding economy is driving greater interest in diverse foods and higher-value protein, creating long-term opportunities for Iowa farmers and agribusinesses.

To help Farm Bureau members better understand this emerging market, the Iowa Farm Bureau will lead an India Market Study Tour from February 19–28, 2027. This immersive experience is designed to provide firsthand exposure to India’s agricultural sector and consumer trends.

Participants will:
• Meet with key agricultural leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
• Tour representative farms and agribusinesses.
• Gain insights into India’s agricultural systems, trade environment, and market opportunities.
• Experience the rich culture and history of several Indian states, providing valuable context for doing business in this dynamic country.

This tour builds on Iowa’s growing engagement with Indian leaders and institutions. This trip offers Farm Bureau members a unique opportunity to better position themselves for the future of global agriculture.

Seats are limited, and applications are due by July 24—reserve your spot today!

To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/Market-Study-Tour

Don’t wait. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a market that will help shape the future of agriculture.

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby

With nearly 1.5 billion people, India is the world’s most populous nation and a key growth market for U.S. agriculture as it works to diversify beyond Chinese demand. India’s expanding economy is driving greater demand for diverse foods and higher-value protein, presenting a long-term opportunit...

06/03/2026

By early June, the wild roses were beginning to bloom along gravel roads in Calhoun County. This beauty graced the side of a gravel road in Elm Grove Township northwest of Lake City.

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby

06/03/2026

Calhoun County Farm Bureau Director James Hepp and his son, Karsten, 4, were checking fields on May 31. Karsten was excited to see how fast the corn is growing. James was glad to see how healthy the corn’s roots look.

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby

05/27/2026

FB’s Economic Summit Slated for July 17

Do you have questions about ag trade? We have answers.

The Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Economic Summit – Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag, hosted by Tyne Morgan from U.S. Farm Report, will address key issues and more. This one-day conference will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. It will bring together internationally renowned economic experts, policy thinkers, and Iowa agribusiness leaders to unpack the full spectrum of perspectives on agricultural trade - from free trade to tariffs, and from the global scale down to the farm level.

U.S. ag trade is at a pivotal moment – and the decisions being made today will shape the future of agriculture for years to come. Global markets are shifting, tariffs are evolving, and geopolitical pressures continue to reshape demand for U.S. commodities. For Iowa farmers and agribusiness leaders, the stakes have never been higher. Understanding where we’ve been – and where ag trade is heading – is essential to protecting profitability and securing new opportunities in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Bob Lighthizer, will discuss fair trade and the Trump trade policy agenda. Gregg Doud of National Milk Producers Federation and former Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the USTR, will look at where our trade efforts should be focused and what other sources of demand for U.S. ag products are coming down the pike.

Other presenters include free trade economist Dr. Sam Gregg of the American Institute for Economic Research; beef and pork trade expert Erin Borror with U.S. Meat Export Federation; and grains market commentator Susan Stroud of No Bull Agriculture. Leaders from ISU’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will highlight ongoing research related to agricultural trade, farm profitability and agricultural financial conditions.

You’ll gain a clear, practical understanding of how global trade forces are shaping opportunities for Iowa agriculture. You’ll also hear directly from Iowa businesses actively exporting agricultural and ag related products offering practical insights into exporting strategies, challenges, and opportunities.
The summit blends policy insight with real world experience, identifying where global trade may open new doors for Iowa agriculture and how farmers can position themselves for success in an uncertain environment.

When trade is uncertain, knowledge is power. Save your spot today and save money!
For more information and to register, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/Economic-Summit.

Special Early Bird Pricing (Available now through May 31, 2026)
Farm Bureau Members: $25
Non-Farm Bureau Members*: $200

Regular Price: (After May 31, 2026)
Farm Bureau Members: $50
Non-Farm Bureau Members*: $400

Registration includes a complimentary July 16 evening welcome reception, sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services.

* For $60 or less, you can join Farm Bureau and enjoy the many benefits of membership including reduced admission to this conference and more.

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby

Farming today can be a challenge. Are you feeling stuck between fluctuating commodity prices, stubbornly high input costs and volatile international trade markets? What does the current state of the U.S. macroeconomy, generationally high interest rates and inflation mean for Iowa agriculture?

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

“The baby chicks arrived, welcomed by eager hands!”

After a 21-day incubation period, the long-awaited arrivals are here! Baby chicks began hatching last week at Manson Northwest Webster Elementary school in Barnum, bringing excitement to 1st grade classrooms throughout the week.

Students eagerly learned how to care for their new feathered friends, keeping a close eye on food, water, and maintaining the proper pen temperature. Along the way, they also discovered chick behavior—learning that gentle hands are needed to hold their warm, delicate bodies and that a quiet setting helps them hear the chicks’ soft, cheerful peeping.

This experience marks the final hands-on Ag in the Classroom lesson of the school year. Through engaging, sensory-rich activities like this, students gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and the important role farmers play in our everyday lives.

05/21/2026

Governor Honors SCC, MNW Students for Academic Excellence

Annabelle Snyder, a 2026 South Central Calhoun High School graduate, and Josie Eldal, a 2026 Manson Northwest Webster High School graduate, have been recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement. They were honored during the 24th Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

This statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), recognized 429 high school seniors from across Iowa.

“Iowa Farm Bureau has a long history of supporting students in their educational journey, knowing they represent the leaders of tomorrow,” said IFBF President Brent Johnson. “From providing more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships annually to our long-time title sponsorship of the Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, we’re honored to support and celebrate Iowa’s outstanding students.”

Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher. They will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Governor Reynolds.

“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” said IHSAA Executive Director Tom Keating. “The partnership between the IHSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the Governor’s Office, has made this event possible for many years.”

Nearly all (98%) of the students who were recognized at the award ceremony participate in extra-curricular school activities. More than 80% participate in at least one interscholastic sport. In addition, more than 68% of the students plan to continue their education in Iowa.

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby

05/20/2026

Calhoun County FB Honors Scholarship Winners

Calhoun County Farm Bureau Director Nick Burley (right) presented three $1,000 Calhoun County Farm Bureau scholarships during South Central Calhoun High School’s awards night on May 13 in Lake City.

Recipients included Sophia Wuebker (left), Mya Ridgely (third from left) and Katie Burley (second from right). Nick also presented a Webster County Farm Bureau scholarship to Shannon Melody (second from left).

Sophia was also named a 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship recipient. She’ll receive a $2,500, four-year renewable scholarship, totaling up to $10,000 in support of her education.

Congratulations to all these scholarship winners. We wish you all the best as you continue your educational journey and pursue your future goals!

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby

05/20/2026

Cooper Albright, 3, was definitely having a fun day on the family’s Lytton-area farm recently. He got to ride in the dump truck and excavator with his dad, Nick Albright, and was doing some spraying with his uncle, Ben Albright (shown here), who is a Calhoun County Farm Bureau director. Cooper also helped his grandma (Lisa Albright) feed the cattle some hay.

“Train ‘em young!” said Lisa, who noted that it seems like just yesterday when her 16-year-old grandson Aidan (Ben’s oldest son) was doing all these things. “Enjoy them while they’re little. They grow up way too fast!”

Submitted by Darcy Maulsby