Clay Masters

Mississippi River Level Disrupts Supply Chain

Clay Masters — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:46:00 +0000

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

It's MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

And I'm Renee Montagne. Good morning.

The drought is hurting farming operations in much of the Midwest and Southwest, and its next possible victim: barge traffic on the Mississippi River. There were fears that shipping on this crucial cargo route could come to a halt as early as this week, when water levels reach historic lows. But the Army Corps of Engineers says the river will likely stay open for shipping at least until the end of the month.

King, Vilsack Take House Battle To Iowa State Fair

Clay Masters — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 10:31:00 +0000

One of the country's toughest congressional races is in Iowa between Republican Rep. Steve King and the state's former first lady, Christie Vilsack.

Iowa is losing a seat in the House after the election, due to redistricting. Now ultra-conservative King is facing a more moderate electorate as he runs in the newly redrawn 4^th Congressional District against a political newcomer.

This week, King and Vilsack took their messages to the Iowa State Fair, a magnet for political candidates.

Drought Hits Farmers And Residential Landscapers

Clay Masters — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:01:00 +0000

The drought is beginning to really sink its teeth into the Midwest. More than three-quarters of the nation's corn acres are in a drought zone. In Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, corn crops are burning up and its causing commodity prices to shoot up. Suburban residents are paying to water their lawns, but it isn't doing much good.