Business

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.

Powerball® and Mega Millions® tickets can now be purchased in checkout lanes at select Fareway® Stores in Iowa, marking the state debut of this new convenience in lottery purchases. The new purchase process allows easy-pick tickets in Powerball and Mega Millions to be printed at the cash register. The tickets involved are produced on the same paper as store receipts, but printed separately.

This past month, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a 13-member delegation returned from a trade mission to Costa Rica and Guatemala. The trade mission was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and included representation from Iowa’s meat and grain commodity groups. The purpose of the mission was to foster trade opportunities as the State of Iowa advocates for the export of high-quality, Iowa grown corn, soybeans, pork and beef products.