Agriculture

Farmers are encouraged to 'keep the stubble'

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2017 - 9:05am

     During a special month-long campaign called “No Tillage November”, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its partners are encouraging Iowa farmers to “keep the stubble” on their harvested crop fields and improve soil health.

     The project is mirrored after the national cancer awareness No Shave November campaign that encourages people not to shave during the entire month. The campaign encourages farmers to keep tillage equipment in their machine sheds this fall and keep the crop stubble on their fields.

Wet October helps improve conditions

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2017 - 9:04am

     Following a wet October, shallow groundwater and drought conditions in Iowa improved, according to the latest Water Summary Update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

     Despite the wet month, little flooding occurred across the state.

Cattle producers are invited to leadership summit

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2017 - 9:03am

     Cattle producers and friends of the industry are invited to attend the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting on Dec. 7 and 8. The event will be held at the CPMI Center in Ames. Interested attendees may register online at www.iacattlemen.org or call 515-296-2266.

     The leadership summit will bring together the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation to celebrate the past year’s successes and work towards improving Iowa’s beef industry into the future.

Ag Chemical Dealer Update meeting is set

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2017 - 9:01am

     Seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers, agronomists, crop consultants and farm managers have the opportunity to hear the latest information on weed management for 2018 and pest resistance at the 2017 Ag Chemical Dealer Update meeting in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

     Topics for the Iowa City Ag Chemical Dealer Update include thresholds for insects, soil health, weed management, and SCN management.

4-H NEWS

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2017 - 9:01am

Scotch Grove Challengers

     The Nov. 5, 2017 meeting of the Scotch Grove Challengers was held at the Monticello Youth Development Center in Monticello.

COLUMN: Farm to School grants are available through USDA

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:04am

     The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that $5 million in grants are available through the Farm to School Program.

     According to a USDA press release, the program has been awarding grants to schools and communities since 2013.

     “Farm to School” refers to efforts that bring locally or regionally produced foods into school cafeterias; hands-on learning activities such as school gardening, farm visits and culinary classes; and the integration of food-related education into the regular, standards-based classroom curriculum.

Physical loss loans are available through FSA

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:03am

     U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steven J. Peterson announced Oct. 26 that physical loss loans are available for 10 counties in Iowa as a result of four separate disaster events. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, flooding, hail, high winds, lightning and tornados may be eligible for emergency loans.

Weed, insect CIC is set in Monticello

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:02am

     The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Jones County office will host a Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, Plant Disease Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The program, provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), can be seen at office locations across Iowa.

     The local attendance site for the Nov. 15 CIC is the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center, 800 N Maple St, Monticello. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by sessions from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Safety net programs are offered by FSA

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:01am

     USDA Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) acting State Executive Director (SED) Bob Wegand announced that approximately 104,600 farms that enrolled in safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill will receive financial assistance for the 2016 crop year.

     The programs, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), are designed to protect against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues due to market downturns.

Women in Ag Conference is set

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2017 - 9:01am

     The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference will be held Nov. 27-28 at the Iowa State Center – Scheman Building, Ames.

     The cost to participate in the intensive leadership workshops on Monday evening is $20. The cost to participate in the full-day conference on Tuesday is $30 for students with college/university identification and $60 for all others. Online registration is now available.

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