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Rollins unveils project to improve farmer data reporting and accuracy

BOONE – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins spoke to producers at Iowa’s Farm Progress Show this week and announced plans to “modernize” agricultural data reporting with the goal of making it more accurate and less burdensome for farmers. Rollins traveled to state fairs and farm shows across the country in August, speaking with farmers about the surveys and other reporting tools they currently use and asking how they can be improved. “You deserve administrative support that makes your lives simpler, more rewarding, and easier, not harder,” Rollins said. ...

Iowa sues Amazon with 21 states and FTC, alleging deceptive advertising scheme

The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from 22 states sued Amazon Monday, claiming the online retail company used artificial bids to inflate costs for advertisers, bringing in tens of billions of dollars. The complaint alleges that Amazon used an “invented auction participant” to drive up prices for advertising placements and sponsored product spots on its online store. The lawsuit quotes a former company employee who said the system allowed the company to charge prices “beyond what [can] be achieved through advertiser competition.” “Amazon has millions of ...

G'day

Webster City High School to close early Wednesday Webster City High School will dismiss at 1:13 p.m. Wednesday due to the forecast of high heat and the impact of high temperatures inside of the school building. The school administration will continue to evaluate weather conditions and expected temperatures on a day-by-day basis. This will be communicated with families if additional adjustments become necessary later in the week. The administration encourages everyone to remain flexible and understanding as they work together to provide the best possible environment for our ...

Turning Back the Pages of Time

1926 Webster City business interests will observe Labor Day for the first time For the first time in its history, Webster City will be closed on Labor day, which falls next Monday. It will be the opening day of the county fair and, in as much as business will be closed all day, there will be no closing on Thursday, which will be Watermelon day at the fair. Oil stations and restaurants, however, will be open all day and the food stores at least half a day. The Freeman Journal will also publish as usual, as a fair edition had been planned for that day before any movement was a foot to ...

Farmers have until Dec. 31 to file claims in Deere settlement

Eligible equipment owners can file claims in class action suit settlement with John Deere. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA) Farmers who purchased and had to repair John Deere large agricultural equipment during a certain time frame may be eligible for a payment as part of an antitrust class-action settlement. To receive the payment, however, farmers must file a claim in the newly opened Deere Repair Settlement website, by Dec. 31. Right to repair advocates argue that accepting the current settlement will give farmers a small payout and prevent them from future or more substantial ...

Webster City FFA chapter receives National FFA honor

INDIANAPOLIS – The Webster City FFA chapter of Webster City, IA, has been recognized in 2026 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. They were given a 3-star ranking. Truly a mark of their exceptionalism, less than 10% of chapters nationwide are given a ranking ...