The business economy, many people have emphasized, hasn't done well during the year just past. Unemployment still is too high.

The average value of Iowa farm land and buildings, after holding steady in 1961, crept up again in 1962. Value increases were general throughout the state, overshadowing decreases that occurred in occasional "pocket areas."

The voluntary feed-grain program was an attempt to halt the build-up of surplus feed grains. Interviews with farmers in 12 Iowa counties reveal traits of farm operators who did and did not take part in the program.

Merit ladino is most useful for pasture in mixtures with bromegrass or orchardgrass. Merit outyields common ladino and is superior in winterhardiness and in tolerance to leafhopper damage and midsummer drouth.