Business

The use of drones in agriculture continues to be a popular conversation among farmers across the Midwest, and for good reason. Drone usage can help with capturing arial imagery during planting season, weed and crop scouting, spraying crops, locating cattle, documenting storm damage and much more, making them a reliable tool for identifying problems quickly and efficiently.

Clickstop is proud to announce it has been named a winner of the 2025 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that recognizes companies that prioritize workplace culture and employee engagement. This national award is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through Energage’s survey, which assesses workplace culture, alignment, and engagement.

In 1936 a young lady took on the challenge of starting a business in downtown Vinton. If not the first, she was among the first women to open and operate a business on her own. With a baby in tow the young woman named Deloris opened a store in downtown Vinton. The son, Ron learned well from his mother, but more about that later.Deloris moved the business in 1943 to what used to be the Wirth Jewelry store which was located at 107 West 4th St.

Benton Development Group has announced the planned expansion of Frontier Natural Products Co-op’s Belle Plaine facility, creating 16 new jobs and an investment of more than $30 million in Benton County. According to BDG Executive Director Kate Robertson, the planned expansion shows the importance of close cooperation between the county’s economic development organization, cities, the state government, and local businesses.

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association have joined forces to continue the annual Forage Webinar Series from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 1. A variety of forage topics will be discussed, including a spring forage climate outlook, a forage market outlook and a discussion on interseeding with summer annuals.Attendees will hear from nationally recognized leaders on their topics:Madelynn Wuestenberg is an agricultural climatologist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, dedicated to enhancing climate resilience in Iowa’s agriculture and food systems.

Business planning starts with an idea, but attaining a healthy, functioning business requires completing tasks that can seem overwhelming. In the newest installment of the Urban Agriculture Webinar Series, Alex Van Alstyne, food business education specialist with Iowa State University, will share knowledge and resources for understanding and developing a business plan.

Sheep producers are invited to attend Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan Workshop on May 9.AMES, Iowa – Sheep producers are invited to attend Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan Workshop on May 9.Sheep producers will learn how to best protect their flocks from disease and prepare for the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.

 In celebration of Iowa Ag Week and as part of his annual visits to every county, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig visited Benton County on Wednesday, March 26. Secretary Naig, middle in a green jacket, visited Genosource near Blairstown. He learned about the farm and company and toured their Visitor Center near Blairstown. Genosource is a very innovative farm and genetics company that just celebrated their 10th anniversary at this location.

Clickstop, an Iowa-based eCommerce powerhouse, has once again been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest by Inc. Magazine. This marks the 16th time in the company’s 20-year history that it has received regional or national recognition for its sustained growth and success.Clickstop’s consistent growth reflects its commitment to profitable expansion, operational excellence, and a people-first culture.

 The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been notified that Benson Hill Holdings, Inc., of St. Louis, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy effective March 20, 2025. Benson Hill Holdings, Inc. holds a grain dealer license in Iowa.Anyone with unpaid grain sold to this dealer before March 20, 2025, may file a claim with the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund.