There are 147,000 Iowans working every day to make pork production in Iowa the envy of the world. Their jobs are spread over several sectors; farmers, of course, but also those who work in animal nutrition and health, transportation, equipment manufacturing, meat processing, food safety, and retail. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) salutes all those Iowans during #Porktober22 (you may know it as October Pork Month). We know that each of you is doing your part to produce a safe, nutritious pork product to feed the world. Iowa is the country’s top pork-producing state. Again, that achievement is a testament to the work done by the women and men who work in the pork industry. If all 147,000 Iowans working to support the pork industry were aggregated into one place, they would create the state’s third largest city! “October is a celebration of real stories, real farms, and the real way people feel when they enjoy the taste of pork and the way it brings them together,” says IPPA President Kevin Rasmussen of Goldfield. “Pork is the leading animal protein for consumers across the globe, but our most important consumers will always be those here at home,” he says. “Porktober22 is when we highlight the people, the product, and in today’s climate, the sustainability successes by those in the pork industry. Learn more about pork and Iowa’s pig farmers at www.IowaPork.org/Porktober22. There, you’ll find quick and affordable pork recipes, stories about Iowans who are part of the pork industry, as well as information about the sustainability of pork production.
Surveys Show Historic Increases in Farmland Values and Cash Rents
Economist analyzes results of annual USDA surveys
AMES, Iowa – The annual land value survey and cash rent surveys from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service confirm what many in Iowa’s agriculture industry already expected: land values and cash rents are up significantly.
According to an article in the September edition of the Ag Decision Maker newsletter, a publication of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa cropland values rose 19.7% on average over the past year, from $7,810 per acre to $9,350 per acre. Pastureland is up 9.3%, now averaging $3,300 per acre.
As for cash rents, the survey shows an increase of 9.9% for non-irrigated cropland, for an average of $256 per acre in 2022. Cash rent for an acre of Iowa pastureland is up to $59.50 per acre on average, an increase of 2.6% and a new record high level.
The article is authored by Lee Schulz, associate professor in economics and livestock economist at Iowa State University. He said it’s important to keep in mind these numbers are statewide averages from USDA, and that county and individual parcel results could be higher or lower, depending on many factors.
Schulz said he would not be surprised to see further increases to pastureland, because historically, pasture values tend to follow cattle and corn prices.
As a state average, cropland values are the highest ever, and cash rents are second only to 2014, when they reached $260 per acre.
The current increases come at a very different time in the economy, however.
“The 2022 general economy is more anemic,” according to Schulz. “Inflation is around 8.5%, which could buoy land values. Potential for a steeper economic slowdown could dampen interest in buying land, and rising interest rates and any slippage in net farm income could erode farmers’ ability to service land debt.”
While the future is difficult to predict, Schulz said if inflation remains high and interest rates continue to climb, the impact will eventually be felt.
“Agriculture does not operate in a vacuum,” he said. “The Federal Reserve is actively raising interest rates and eventually that has a negative correlation with land values and farmers’ ability to borrow.”
For farmers and landowners having negotiations over land sales and rent, Schulz said the USDA surveys are useful, but that decisions should include other surveys and factors, as well, such as the annual Iowa State University Land Value Survey, released at the end of each year, and the Iowa State University Cash Rent Survey, released each May.
“The USDA survey findings help provide one data point for conversations, but the agricultural community should continue to weigh other sources of information and factors when making decisions about cash rents and sales,” said Schulz.
Bertha P. Schadt
Bertha P. Schadt, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, September 23, 2022 at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.
The funeral service for Mrs. Schadt will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. Chaplain Donald E. Combs of Hospice Compassus will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon to 1PM on Wednesday prior to the funeral service.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to All God’s Creatures of Mt. Pleasant. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Schadt, the former Bertha Plummer, was born March 31, 1932 in Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of William Milton and Ida Bernice (Newman) Plummer. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1951. On October 3, 1951 in Iowa City, Bertha was united in marriage to James Kenneth Schadt. Mr. Schadt died Thursday, September 25, 2008 at their home in Mt. Pleasant.
Bertha spent her early years in marriage raising her family. In 1965, she went to work for the Emerson Electric Company in Mt. Pleasant. In 1971, Bertha took a position with Don Whaley’s Land Fill, remaining there until 1984. She then became a Home Health Aide for the Henry County Health Department, retiring in 1997 at age 65.
In her spare time, Bertha enjoyed crocheting. She also helped her husband Jim raise a large garden and canned much of what they grew.
Those thankful for sharing in Bertha’s life include a son – Jim (Melody) Schadt of Mt. Pleasant, a daughter – Linda (Greg) Allred of Mt. Pleasant; a son-in-law, David Brower of Mt. Pleasant; 2 brothers – Marvin (Barb) Plummer of Madisonville, KY and Halvor (Diane) Plummer of Burlington; a sister – Charlotte (Richard) Allen of Marion, IA; a sister-in-law, Darlene Gholson of Mt. Pleasant; 6 grandchildren – Jesse (Jamie), Charity (John), Jamie (Scott), Matthew (Giselle), Nathan and Rob; 12 great grandchildren – Kaden, Hailey, Maddie, Jayton, Cole, Jensyn, Scarlett, Savannah, Calysta, Kearrah, Jayden and Cole, and 1 great great grandchild – Rowen.
Her parents, husband, a daughter – Martha Brower, 3 brothers – Charles, Bill and Leo Plummer, a sister – Phyllis Parker; a grandson – Nicholas and a brother and sister in infancy precede Bertha in death.
MP Band Has Good Weekend
The Mount Pleasant High School Marching Band had a very successful Saturday at two competitions in Marion. In the morning at Linn-Mar High School they placed third in a very competitive class 3A and received a caption award for Best Color Guard. In the evening the Panther Marching Band competed at Marion High School and won every award possible, taking top honors in 3A and winning caption awards for Best Color Guard, Best Winds, Best Drumline and Best Drum Majors. The evening was highlighted by Mount Pleasant winning the honor of Best Band in all classes.
Next up for Mount Pleasant will be traveling to Mark Twain High School in Center, Missouri October 1 for a contest that will include parade, indoor drumline and color guard competitions plus the usual field show competition.
Sports, September 24th
High School Football Recap
The Mount Pleasant Panthers fall to 0-5 on the season after falling to District opponent, Fort Madison, 46-0. The Panther defense did an impressive job in the first half holding the Bloodhounds to only 12 points including a couple stops deep inside their own zone, but it truly came down to the fact that the Panther offense could not gain any ground throwing the football. Unfortunately, it was not all that surprising as the Bloodhounds have a defense that came into the game allowing less than 10 points a game. Injuries plagued the team as two starting linemen were out and Payton Hagans was unable to play, as well. The Panthers will look for their first win to come against Iowa City Liberty next Friday at home.
WACO celebrated Homecoming with a perfect record still intact after they defeated New London 43-14. The Warriors scored the first 35 points of the game with five of their touchdowns coming on the ground. Simeon Reichenbach ran for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dom Lopez threw for a touchdown and Borden Pickle ran for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Winfield-Mt. Union demolished Lone Tree 54-14 for their Homecoming night. Cam Buffington led the way for the Wolves rushing for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns. Abram Edwards added 2 more touchdowns on the ground and as a team the Wolves rushed for 306 yards.
Iowa City Liberty 20, North Scott 16
Burlington 42, Clinton 30
Grinnell 28, Washington 21
Fairfield 16, Keokuk 15
High School Volleyball
The Southeast Iowa Super Conference tournament finals commence tonight at 5 pm with Winfield-Mt. Union takes on New London in the first round and WACO will face off against Holy Trinity Catholic. West Burlington will clash with Wapello and Burlington Notre Dame will face off against Central Lee.
Iowa Wesleyan Athletics
The Tiger volleyball team battled hard against Culver-Stockton but lost in straight sets by scores of 25-12, 25-23, and 25-23. Malie DaMate continued her dominance leading the team in kills with 10 adding 10 assists to go along with it. Leamaris Fuentes led the Tigers in assists with 15 on the day. Iowa Wesleyan’s next game will be September 29 against Stephen College at 6 pm.
The women’s soccer team defeated Waldorf today 2-1 to tally their fourth victory of the season. It was a comeback effort as Waldorf led 1-0 after the first half. Jacqueline Campos and Baylee Alvarado scored within three minutes of each other and the defense didn’t allow another goal. The Tigers next game will be September 28th when they travel to play Coe College at 5 pm.
The men’s soccer team tied Waldorf 1-1 in a highly defensive matchup. Waldorf had the 1-0 lead late and it appeared as though that would be enough until Richard Arch scored in the 87th minute leading to the final score. Their next game will be Tuesday, September 27th, against Hannibal-LaGrange University at Mediapolis at 7:30 pm.
The Tiger football team fell to Dakota State University 24-7. It was a tough day through the air for the Tigers as Zach Chevalier tossed two interceptions on the day. Askia Moses led the way on the ground with 73 rushing yards, and Parker Heidt scored the lone touchdown on the day for the Tiger offense. Jeremiah Pauling led the way in tackles with 14 total tackles and 5 tackles for a loss. Comal Phillips captured the lone sack of the game for the Tiger defense. Iowa Wesleyan’s next game will be Saturday, October 1st, when they celebrate Homecoming against Mayville State University at 1 pm.
Men’s and women’s golf will be participating in the Purple Cup on Saturday and Sunday, both Tee offs scheduled for 12:30 pm.
Men’s and women’s cross country competed at the Grand View Viking Invitational today. The top finisher for the men’s team was Logan Lucas who finished in 50th with a time of 29:09. Daron Jackson finished in 72nd, Gannon McNamee in 105th, and Andrew Huhuyana finished in 111th.
The women’s team finished in 9th out of 11 teams. Faith Younce was the best finisher for the Tigers with a time of 21:57 and that was good enough for 32nd. Allison Morris finished in 39th, Lilly Garnsey in 58th, Lidia Pamos in 78th, and Teya Hawkins finished in 83rd place. The next competition for both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams will be October 8th at the Seminole Valley Stampede.
This Day in Sports History
1920 – Future Baseball Hall of Fame slugger Babe Ruth becomes first to hit 50 home runs in a MLB season
1922 – St Louis Cardinals future Baseball Hall of Fame infielder Rogers Hornsby sets National League HR mark at 42
1930 – Portsmouth beats Brooklyn in 1st NFL game played under floodlights
Bertha P. Schadt
Bertha P. Schadt, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, September 23, 2022 at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com
Daniel Tousignant (final arrangements)
Daniel Tousignant, 82, of Mount Pleasant died Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic.
Dan was born June 27, 1940, in Negaunee, Michigan, the son of Arthur and Dorothy (Maltby) Tousignant. He graduated from high school and joined the National Guard. In 1960, Dan moved to southeast Iowa. On July 22, 1961, he was united in marriage to May Lou Krogmeier at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton, until her death 1987. He was then united in marriage to Donna Rhodes on October 29, 1988, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Dan farmed and worked for General Electric for 32 years. He was a scrap iron dealer and played guitar in numerous bands. Dan was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and was a charter member of St. Alphonsus Knights of Columbus. He was inducted to the Old-Time Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. Music was his passion, he opened for many notable country music stars during his time on the road. Dan was also in bowling league, baseball league, enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, jigsaw puzzles and 50’s western movies.
He was a man of all trades and a master of none.
Dan is survived by his wife Donna; four children, Cindy (Gary Sr.) Ruth of Mount Pleasant, Theresa (Russell) Ross of Lykens, PA, Belinda Tousignant of Salem, Arthur (Heidi) Tousignant of Mount Pleasant; three step-children Michelle (Jamie) Ellis of Hannibal, MO, Bob Diamond of Mount Pleasant, Ken Diamond of Danville; 27 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; four siblings Judy Keast, Sr Joan Tousignant, Armene Walsh, and Mike Tousignant.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Mary Lou; grandson Gary Ruth II; five siblings Alfred Tousignant, Beulah Vickers, Elaine Brock, June Ashby, Germaine Tousignant; nephew Shawn Coin and niece Jean Van Tatenhove.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Father Paul Connolly will officiate. Interment will follow in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Family will greet friends from 4:00 until the Vigil Service begins at 7:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed at Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at our website www.powellfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers a general memorial fund has been established. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Dan and his family.
September 26th, 2022 – October 2nd, 2022
09/26/22
Urie Rose
09/26/22
Donna Deerdorf
09/26/22
Amanda McDaniel
09/26/22
Ryan & Natalie Duffie
09/27/22
Martha Allen
09/27/22
Lucy Lance
09/27/22
Deb and Dave Kempker
09/28/22
Dave Adams
09/28/22
Loraine Baccam (Patel)
09/28/22
Dixie Crane
09/28/22
Ashley Eaves
09/28/22
Marriane Williams
09/29/22
Michael Fitzpatrick
09/29/22
Paul Gugeler
09/29/22
Kaiden Hughell
09/29/22
Leah Roberson
09/29/22
Michael Tometich
09/29/22
Ralph Matthews
09/29/22
Bev Krogmeier
09/29/22
Brett Garmoe
09/30/22
Doris Aicher
09/30/22
Jean Brombaugh
09/30/22
Ashley Elmore
09/30/22
Kendra Klein
09/30/22
Todd Davis
10/01/22
Karl Schaefer
10/01/22
Lea Bradley
10/01/22
Mark & Linda Kimzey
10/02/22
Jack & Becky Thornton