Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Johnston-based corn challenge could reshape future demand for corn

Coming up: Des Moines Singles Happy Hour - 55+ on the Johnston Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Hey there, Johnston! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Johnston-based corn challenge could reshape future demand for corn
  • What farmers told USDA about fertilizer prices at a Johnston hearing
  • How Iowa Corn's Cy-Hawk Series ties fans back to Johnston

Also on today's calendar: Schonesland 2026 Dams and Tracks Driving Tour and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 68 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Thursday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, temps: high: 76, low: 65.
  • Friday: Humid with rain and a t-storm, with a high of 86 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

• Winners of The Radicle Corn Challenge Announced (morningagclips.com) — Johnston is spotlighted as Radicle Growth announces the winners of its global Radicle Corn Challenge from here, highlighting innovations that could boost long-term demand for Midwest corn. Local growers are directly tied to the winning companies' plans to turn corn into sustainable plastics and home-care ingredients, potentially strengthening markets that support Johnston-area farm incomes and the broader rural economy.
   

• Ag Briefs: "Fed Up" farmers raise fertilizer collusion concerns to USDA (wisfarmer.com) — Johnston hosted more than 170 farmers from 13 states as they pressed USDA officials about alleged fertilizer price collusion and soaring input costs. Local producers heard federal leaders promise antitrust scrutiny, while also getting updates on equipment production, new dairy products, livestock disease risks, and record diesel prices that could affect Johnston-area farm operations this season.
   

• Corn Growers kick-off Cy-Hawk Series (pencitycurrent.com) — Johnston is the home base for Iowa Corn's announcement kicking off the 2026–27 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, celebrating both farmers and student athletes. While the opening gathering took place in Iowa City, the series' year-long rivalry and corn-focused messaging connect strongly back to Johnston-area growers and fans who follow Hawkeyes–Cyclones matchups across multiple sports.
   

📸 Around Johnston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnston

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Transforming Age posted a job opening for Arbordale - Server in Urbandale. Apply here.
  • Universal Health Services posted a job opening for Unit Clerk - Outpatient (PT) in Clive. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.

🗞 Nearby News

Grimes

  • 2026 Iowa High School Football Top 25 Rankings – Sept. 14 (on3.com)

Urbandale

  • Urbandale native earns historic honor for impact beyond the football field (who13.com)
  • We Ranked 10 Iowa Apple Cider Donut Shops From Good To Completely Irresistible (travelmag.com)
  • Des Moines resident shares firsthand witness of life in West Bank (blackiowanews.com)

Ankeny

Ok Johnston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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