Agriculture

State Beef Checkoff results are certified

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 9:27am

     The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on Dec. 14 certified the results from the referendum held Nov. 30 to reinstate the $.50 per head Iowa beef checkoff. Collection of the checkoff will begin March 1, 2017.

     The certified results show the referendum passed with 56 percent of the more than 1,700 producers that voted favoring the reinstatement of the assessment. A simple majority was needed to pass the referendum.

Hein to chair ag committee

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:11am

     House Speaker Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) recently announced that Rep. Lee Hein (R-Monticello) will serve as the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

     “As a farmer himself, Rep. Hein knows firsthand the challenges facing Iowa’s farmers and rural communities.  He is a proven leader and is well equipped to continue leading the Agriculture Committee,” said Speaker Upmeyer.

     Hein was also appointed to the following committees:  Labor, State Government, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture & Natural Resources budget.

ICA applauds passage of beef checkoff

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:10am

     The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) reacted positively to news that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the passage of the referendum to reinstate the $.50 per head Iowa beef checkoff that was held November 30th.

     The preliminary results show a positive vote of 56 percent to 44 percent in favor of reinstating the referendum.  A simple majority was needed for passage.

     The Department has until Dec. 30 to certify the referendum results. Collection of the checkoff will begin March 1, 2017.

USDA announces new CRP water quality practices

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:10am

     Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Dec. 7 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer farmers and ranchers more opportunities to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The announcement includes new CRP practices to protect water quality and adds an additional 1.1 million acres targeted to benefit wildlife, pollinators and wetlands.

4-H NEWS

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:09am

Scotch Grove Challengers

     The Nov. 6, 2016 meeting/holiday party of the Scotch Grove Challengers was held at Legacy Lanes in Monticello. Members answered the roll call topic: “Favorite Thanksgiving food.” Annie Schlarmann led the Pledge of Allegiance. Joseph Schrader read the Secretary’s Report. Davin Wickman made a motion to approve the Secretary’s Report. Autry Fasnacht seconded. Matthew Beal read the Treasurer’s Report. Ashlynn Sparks moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Davin Wickman seconded.

GUEST COLUMN: Next generation of the checkoff

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:08am

     One generation ago, in 1991, U.S. soybean farmers came together to create an organization to improve our industry. The idea was if soybean farmers focused available resources, we could accomplish great things. This idea – thanks to an act of Congress – became the United Soybean Board (USB), which is recognizing its 25th anniversary this year.

     This occasion has allowed us, the volunteer farmer-leaders of the soy checkoff, the opportunity to step back, recognize our successes and take a focused look forward at where the greatest possibilities lie for U.S. soybean farmers.

ICPB: Ethanol exports show gains

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:07am

     U.S. ethanol exports continue to make gains this year as worldwide demand for the fuel expands and diversifies, according to the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB).

     In the 2015-16 marketing year, U.S. ethanol exports reached 868 million gallons, the second largest on record, making the U.S. on track to be the world's leading ethanol exporter for a third year in a row.

     This comes as more countries mandate the blending of ethanol with gasoline for its high octane and low-carbon advantages in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving air quality.

Monticello's Dirks named to corn CAT

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:10am

     Benjamin Dirks of Monticello is one of 23 Iowa college students who will make up the seventh Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT).

Donations to Jones Soil and Water Endowment Fund sought

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:10am

CONSERVATION CONVERSATION

   This is a great time to consider a donation to an endowment fund, and the Jones Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) board is encouraging anyone, especially farmers bringing in grain, to make a donation now.

     If you are someone who appreciates and respects our natural resources, know that your donation today will continue supporting conservation efforts in Jones County forever.

USDA works with farmers, ranchers to protect grasslands

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:08am

     Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services deputy under secretary Alexis Taylor announced on Nov. 30 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept more than 504,000 acres that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment. Through the voluntary CRP Grasslands program, grasslands threatened by development or conversion to row crops are maintained as livestock grazing areas, while providing important conservation benefits.

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