ISU economists report the latest trends in prices, production and utilization of major crops and livestock.

Labor has been a problem for agriculture throughout its history. This survery of above-average commercial farmers shows general wage levels, skills, and fringe benefits of farm worker in recent years.

Use of clear plastic as a mulch or "mini-greenhouse" can speed maturity of sweet corn and some other vegetables. The authors tell how much plastic was used at the Muscatine Island Field Station.

Iowa's 10 million acres of pasture and forage land can support many more beef cows. The author cites extensive research to show this land can carry anywhere from 1.6 million to 7 million cows.