Agriculture

Oxford Happy Hustlers

June

     The regular meeting of the Oxford Happy Hustlers was held on June 4, 2017 at 5 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Four members, one guest, and two leaders were present. The meeting was hosted by Nicole Guenther. The meeting was called to order by president Morgan Strait. The pledge to the American flag was led by Lillian Strait. Roll call was “What are your summer vacation plans?;” it was answered by four members.

     Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on July 19 reminded Iowa farmers that funds are available to help install practices focused on protecting water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

     A Beginning Farmer Workshop will be held Wednesday, Aug. 2, 1-4 p.m. at the Maquoketa Campus of Clinton Community College, 501 W. Washington St., Maquoketa.

     Participants will learn about opportunities for beginning farmers, defined as individuals or entities who have operated a farm for fewer than 10 consecutive years.

     Resources that will be discussed include Farm Service Agency opportunities, the National Resource Conservation Services, the Iowa Ag Finance Authority, and more.

Prairie Hill

     The regular meeting of the Prairie Hill 4-H Club was held at the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center on July 7, 2017.

     The meeting was called to order by Chloe Gray at 6:27 p.m. The Pledge to the American Flag was led by Bella Mullen. Roll call was “What is one thing you learned in 4-H this year?” and was answered by 31 members. Ten visitors were present.