Agriculture

Tree planting event

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 11:36am

Network launched to support financially distressed farmers

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 11:35am

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide personalized support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation.

   Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to help them stabilize and regain financial footing. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made this announcement in late September at the Farm Aid Festival in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Beef Quality Assurance sessions are set

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 11:34am

   Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, will host several Beef Quality Assurance training programs across southeast Iowa this fall. The program will cover numerous best management practices and will qualify producers for BQA certification.

Naig urges safety during this harvest season

Published by admin on Wed, 09/25/2024 - 9:39am

   With the busy harvest season commencing across the state, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging Iowans to keep safety top of mind in the field, around the farm and on the road.

Seminars to cover rural stress challenges

Published by admin on Wed, 09/25/2024 - 9:38am

   Even in good times, farmers face a unique set of challenges when it comes to rural stress and mental health. Professionals working in the healthcare or mental health fields may not be aware of or understand these unique challenges, said David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

   Because of this, ISU Extension and Outreach is hosting two in-person “Relationships Can Heal: Knowing the Farmer Client” programs this fall.

Tips on seasonal ventilation maintenance

Published by admin on Wed, 09/25/2024 - 9:37am

   Fall is a great time to plan for seasonal ventilation maintenance and manure pit pump-out.

   Brett Ramirez, an agriculture and biosystems engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, says taking time now will help ensure these critical steps are completed before cold weather arrives.

   “It’s critical to get barns ready for winter to help reduce heating costs and provide a good environment for the pigs,” he said. “Routine equipment inspections and maintenance will pay dividends in the long run.”

Ag Lender Seminars are scheduled

Published by admin on Wed, 09/25/2024 - 9:37am

   Agricultural lenders will receive useful, research-based information during upcoming Ag Lender Seminars planned in northeast and northwest Iowa.

   The Tri-State Agricultural Lenders Seminar will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Best Western Plus Hotel, 3100 Dodge St., Dubuque. The event begins with registration at 9:45 a.m. and concludes around 3:15 p.m.

Three from county are Century Farms

Published by admin on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 9:09am

   Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson honored 439 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage Farm designations at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The program celebrates farms that have been owned by the same families for 100 and 150 years, respectively.

Safety Week is stark reminder

Published by admin on Wed, 09/18/2024 - 9:05am

   Life on the farm is busy, especially in the fall, and hazards can crop up anywhere. In 2023, a dozen agriculture workers died on the job in Washington state and farming continues to be one of the most dangerous industries in the country.

State 4-H Council includes Meyer

Published by admin on Wed, 09/11/2024 - 9:54am

   Wesley Meyer of Anamosa is one of 40 Iowa youth who are beginning their new terms as State 4-H Council members.

   The State 4-H Council induction was held during the closing ceremonies of the 2024 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference in June.

   “These young leaders will serve as ambassadors for the 4-H Youth Development program throughout the state and in their local counties,” said Madeleine Bretey-Smith, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H leadership and civic engagement specialist.

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