Since it was first enacted in 1986, the Chapter 12 bankruptcy law has been extended three times. Agricultural economist Neil Harl conducted surveys in 1987 and 1994 that indicated the law was beneficial for farmers, primarily because it encourages negotiations between borrowers and lenders. Harl said there is a push to make the law permanent. Whether or not Iowa farmers planted genetically modified crops in 1998, their bottom lines were basically the same, according to an analysis of 1998 farm costs and returns. The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture funded the analysis of the USDA's annual cropping practices survey.
Bats follow air currents and often get pulled into chimneys.
Young bats also like to explore, says Jim Pease, extension wildlife specialist. He compares them to teenagers learning how to drive. People often see more bats in the fall because it's breeding season for some species and because they're eating more to prepare for hibernation. For the most part, bats are harmless, but there have been concerns with some bats in Ames testing positive for rabies. Pease says the best way to keep bats out of the house is to find out where they get in and seal the opening.