WEST DES MOINES, Iowa—March 22, 2022—Iowa agriculture is responsible for a direct economic output of $88.3 billion and more than 315,000 jobs contributing $17.57 billion in wages, according to the sixth annual Feeding the Economy report.

This report, commissioned by 30 food and agricultural groups, highlights the total impact of agriculture from the farm through the supply chain.

“When we think about Iowa farming—we often think about the farmer,” says Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) President Brent Johnson. “But especially during Ag Week, we want to highlight the many essential people who help get a crop from the ground and into your fuel tank, local grocery store or everyday products we don’t consider that have an ag tie. From truckers and manufacturers to food safety workers and retail chain employees, Iowa agriculture would not be as strong as it is without everyone working together.” 

To measure the total economic impact of these supporting industries, the analysis also includes upstream and downstream activity related to Iowa agriculture. For example, when a farm equipment retailer hires new employees because farmers are buying more tractors, experts consider the new salaries an indirect impact. Similarly, when a retail associate spends her paycheck, an induced economic impact occurs. Together, these have a multiplier effect on the already formidable direct impact of food and agriculture.

When these factors are considered, Iowa agriculture supports 801,000 jobs and a $204 billion economic output. Iowa agriculture also has an export value of $6.56 billion.

“Iowa is a vital production center in the nation. Trade provides additional positive impacts for Iowa beyond the animal or crop-based products for which our state is well-known,” says Dr. Sam Funk, IFBF’s senior economist. “The exports of farm machinery and technical services to meet the needs of people around the world is another glimpse at the support agriculture provides for the economy here in Iowa and everywhere.”

Visit www.FeedingTheEconomy.com to view the entire report.

Des Moines County construction project is anticipated to begin March 28th with J-20 (Salem Rd/Agency Rd), on the west side of Geode Lake Dam, being closed to thru traffic during the entirety of the project. Construction is estimated to take approximately 6 weeks, weather permitting. This project will fully reconstruct roughly 800 feet of J-20 (Salem Road/Agency Road) extending west from the spillway bridge. Questions or concerns may be answered at 319 753-8241 or by email at office@dmcroads.org.

The Henry County Supervisors will continue to weigh the options for rural solid waste services presented to them by WEMIGA Waste.  The Board meets in special session Wednesday afternoon (March 23) at 3:30 pm. Tuesday the Supervisors received one bid for Henry rural solid waste collection services.  After the current service provider, Mike Prottsman announced he will no longer manage the collection operation as of the end of March, the Supervisors sent out requests for proposal.  WEMIGA Waste, a local family owned company provided the Supervisors three options to choose from.  One option is to continue to operate the Citizen Convenience Center on West Washington in Mount Pleasant Tuesday thru Saturday for a flat monthly fee of $14,800. The current four remote collection sites would no longer be available. A second option includes both the Mt. Pleasant site and the four remote locations.  The monthly fee would be $21,400. But the Mt Pleasant location would only be open Friday and Saturday like it is now.  The final choice is just four remote sites at $15, 300 a month. The Board plans to make a decision at the March 29 board meeting.

Rural residents should be aware that the week of March 28 thru April 2 solid waste collection services will not be available.

Henry County Jail

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   03-22-2022______

   26       Henry County Inmates

   55       Out of County Contract Inmates              

  81       TOTAL