Iowa's economy is in trouble. According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Iowa's economy shrank by 0.5% last year, making it the second-worst performing state in the entire country.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, host Zachary Oren Smith speaks with Algona farmer Josh Manske about the impact of President Trump's new tariffs on Iowa agriculture. Manske, a fifth-generation farmer who publishes the Corn Belt Newsletter, discusses how these tariffs could further harm Iowa's already struggling farm economy.

Then Iowa Starting Line's Amie Rivers and Avery Staker join to break down a Republican bill that would have shielded pesticide companies from cancer lawsuits, the legislature's 2% increase in school funding, and the political blame game around Iowa's economic decline.

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative. For more, check out cornholechampions.substack.com.

Links:

* 1st Story - Iowa economy shrinks, posts second-worst growth as political parties pass the blame (Iowa News Now)

* 2nd Story - Iowa Republicans Want to Shield Pesticide Firms From Cancer Lawsuits (The New Republic)

* 3rd Story - Iowa Senate approves 2% increase in school funding, other funding provisions (WHO 13)

* Farm-state Republicans rocked by tariffs fear Trump lacks exit strategy (The Hill)

Guest:

* Josh Manske is a fifth-generation farmer in Algona, Iowa who grows corn and soybeans. After a career as a professional golfer, Josh returned to farming in 2019. He's also a farm realtor and publishes the Corn Belt Newsletter.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cornholechampions.substack.com

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