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About 30 million acres of cropland were abandoned from 1986 to 2018, researchers from the University of Wisconsin reported last week in the journal Environmental Research Letters. The greatest area of abandonment was on the Great Plains, and especially around the Panhandle, resting atop the declining Ogallala Aquifer. The second-highest rate of abandonment was seen along the Mississippi River, probably from too much water.
Half the previously cultivated acres went back to pasture or grassland, particularly on the Plains.
The study generally confirms that row-crop production is intensifying in Iowa. Livestock follow feed and water. Cattle are moving north. It raises huge implications about meat production and processing, where beef production is concentrated in Dodge City, Garden City and Amarillo. You can ship corn in but not water, yet. We should guard the Dakota Aquifer jealously.
Just 20% of the abandoned acres are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, indicating that Nature is sorting land use much faster than government policy is. The abandonment peaked between 1997 and 2002.
The researchers suggest their satellite mapping can help guide more efficient land use. Abandoned acres in southwest Kansas could be deployed for solar arrays or for semi-arid biomass production using switchgrass or sorghum. Their study, in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma and the University of Michigan, was sponsored by the Department of Energy. It shows us what they’re thinking about.
Our Tai Dam and Lao neighbors can take great pride that Lanon Baccam was nominated as the Democratic congressional candidate for the Des Moines area. Baccam, son of Tai Dam refugees and a native of Mount Pleasant, beat Melissa Vine handily in the primary to run against incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn.
Baccam embodies the America spirit. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard at age 17, served in Afghanistan as a combat engineer, earned his degree at Drake University and served in the US Department of Agriculture for Secretary Tom Vilsack, helping veterans start careers in agriculture.
He is running as a moderate who can bring people together. Nunn is running from the hard right, and it will be difficult for him to bash immigrants while facing a true patriot. This south-central Iowa district was held by Democrat Cindy Axne before Nunn, so it is winnable for Baccam. We’re cheering him on. If Baccam pulls an upset, it will be a great day for immigrants in Iowa.
Since last week’s primary, Kevin Virgil of Sutherland said he is considering another Republican primary against incumbent Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull in 2026, assuming Feenstra defeats Democrat Ryan Melton of Nevada. Feenstra spent $2 million fending off Virgil, who spent just $83,000 but got nearly 40% of the Republican primary vote. Virgil won Buena Vista County. His main issue was opposition to carbon dioxide pipelines. Virgil was supported by former Rep. Steve King, whom Feenstra defeated in a primary. Virgil says he is confident he will raise a lot more money in 2026 for an assumed primary.
Since the conviction of Donald Trump by a New York jury, President Joe Biden reclaimed a lead in national polling and in swing states. Biden is holding onto White voters without a college degree in Wisconsin and appears to be in good shape in Michigan. Polls measure a moment in time. People do not want a criminal in the White House, at this moment in time. Trump was incoherent at a rally over the weekend in Las Vegas. The teleprompter didn’t work. It was hot. And he was sweating the fact that he is a common criminal who had to meet his probation officer for a sentencing review on Monday.
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