Agriculture

Secretary Northey reviews key ag issues from 2016

Published by admin on Wed, 01/04/2017 - 10:52am

     Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey highlighted some of the top ag issues in Iowa in 2016 in a December press release.

   “Iowa farmers saw record production for both corn and soybeans again in 2016, however low prices are making profitability a real challenge on both the crop and livestock side. Despite the economic challenges, farmers are by nature optimistic and we continue to see investments in the future and new and innovative technologies that will allow them to be even more productive while also reducing environmental impact,” Northey said.

ISA research conference is set

Published by admin on Wed, 01/04/2017 - 10:50am

     The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is challenging farmers to realize “There’s more to your field than yield” at the ISA Research Conference, to be held Feb. 7-8 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

     Farmers, landowners and agronomists will gain valuable information on agronomic and environmental practices to help make informed decisions. Registration is open now at www.isafarmnet.com.

SWCD schedules monthly meeting

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 9:37am

     The Jones Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3,  2017 at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at the USDA Service Center, 300 Chamber Drive, Anamosa.

USDA to reimburse organic producers

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 9:37am

     The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Dec. 21 that starting March 20, 2017, organic producers and handlers will be able to visit over 2,100 USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to apply for federal reimbursement to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic or transitional certification.

     “USDA reimburses organic producers up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification, but only about half of the nation’s organic operations currently participate in the program,” said FSA administrator Val Dolcini.

MV students win plaque at Beef Extravaganza

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 9:34am

     Justin Wessel and Grace Willenborg of the Maquoketa Valley FFA Chapter finished first in the Credit and Finance station during the Beef Scholarship Extravaganza, hosted by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation Dec. 7 in Ames.

     The event took place at the Hansen Ag Learning Center on the Iowa State University Campus, and 26 teams competed, with more than 70 high school students from Iowa. Students were challenged at 10 different stations to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

Iowa Pork Congress celebrates 45 years

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 9:33am

     The Iowa Pork Producers Association will host its 45th annual Iowa Pork Congress on Jan. 25 and 26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

     Pork Congress is North America’s largest winter swine tradeshow and conference and it will feature 10 seminars, 300 exhibitors, training sessions, fun social events and exciting youth activities.

     Nearly 300 different swine-specific companies will fill the Hy-Vee Hall tradeshow floor marketing such things as flooring and feed efficiency products to weight monitoring equipment and feed supplements.

4-H News

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2016 - 9:32am

Prairie Hill

     The regular meeting of the Prairie Hill 4-H Club was held at the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center Dec. 19.

     The meeting was called to order by Chloe Gray at 6:22 p.m. The Pledge to the American Flag was led by Bella Mullen. Roll call was “favorite winter sport,” answered by 34 members. Five visitors were present.

Hart: Exports, demand could result in better '17 prices

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 9:30am

     Three themes emerged from the Ag Outlook forum, on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

     First, Iowa and the nation are seeing high supply, but also high demand, in most agricultural markets, and that demand may be improving.

     Second, that exports and trade will be significant factors in most markets in 2017.

     And third, that the outlook for prices has a chance to be better than it has been in recent years.

     “There is reason for optimism,” said Chad Hart, a crop markets specialist and economist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Dairy Days programs are set

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 9:28am

     Iowa dairy producers have the opportunity to learn about emerging dairy industry issues at the 2017 Dairy Days hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists. The program is scheduled at seven eastern Iowa locations between Jan. 16 and Feb. 2.

     The workshop closest to Monticello will be Thursday, Feb. 2 at the River Valley Coop, 605 Franklin St., Ryan.

     Other workshops are scheduled for Jan. 16 in Waverly, Jan. 17 in Calmar, Jan. 19 in Riceville, Jan. 30 in Bloomfield, Jan. 31 in Kalona, and Feb. 1 in Holy Cross.

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.

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