Agriculture

Extension's dairy goat webinar series to continue

Published by admin on Wed, 12/11/2024 - 10:15am

   The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team will continue its dairy goat webinar series in 2025.

   All webinars will be from 12 to 1:15 p.m. Central time. Topics will include timely updates on financial management, herd health, animal care and nutrition.

   “Dairy goat production is an important industry in Iowa,” said Jenn Bentley, dairy field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Poster contest winners named

Published by admin on Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:03am

   Officials with Jones Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) congratulate two young local artists who recently were selected as top entries in the “2024 Conservation Districts of Iowa Poster Contest,” including one regional champion and one regional/state champion.

   Both earned the top prize in SWCD’s Region 4, which includes 11 Northeastern Iowa counties:

   • Adrianna Ames, Anamosa regional and state winner in the Grade 7-9 Division.

   • Easton Skinner, Olin, regional winner in the Grade 2-3 Division.

FFA Fall Fest '24 includes meal, awards

Published by admin on Wed, 11/20/2024 - 9:39am

   Hay and Grain Show winners were honored, new officers were installed, and Chapter and Greenhand Degrees were presented during the Monticello FFA Fall Fest Nov. 7 at the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center.

   The event began with a soup supper prepared by Hillside Sports Bar & Grill, Amy Wickman and Kathy Cooper.

   Leading the ceremony were the outgoing FFA officer team and advisor Eric Schmitt.

ICA plans convention

Published by admin on Wed, 11/20/2024 - 9:37am

   The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, invites cattle producers and industry supporters to attend the 2024 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention held Dec. 12-13 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames.

'Common Ground' film to be shown in Manchester

Published by admin on Wed, 11/13/2024 - 9:48am

   The Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority is proud to host a free documentary film showing of “Common Ground” at the Castle Theatre in Manchester.

   The viewing is set for 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 112 E. Main St., Manchester.

   There is no charge to view the documentary, but ticket reservations are required and can be reserved at the Castle Theatre website or at https://bit.ly/WMA-commonground.

Things to know in the event of a DNR inspection

Published by admin on Wed, 11/13/2024 - 9:48am

   Are you ready for a DNR inspection? If it has been 20 years since your last one, it could be time for a review, according to the Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers (CSIF).

   CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham says inspections are on the rise, and it’s important to know not only the rules and regulations, but your rights.

   “With an increased focus on water quality, the DNR is more active and attentive than ever,” says Waddingham.

IFBF plans study tour of Brussels and Netherlands

Published by admin on Wed, 11/13/2024 - 9:47am

   Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members are invited to apply for an International Market Study Tour from June 7-15, 2025, visiting Brussels and the Netherlands.

   The tour will explore agricultural practices and climate-policy impacts in Europe, with opportunities to engage directly with EU agricultural policy organizations and meet farmers affected by EU regulations.

   The EU's Green Deal set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent and have 25 percent of agricultural land under organic practices by 2030.

COLUMN: Naig establishes organic council

Published by admin on Wed, 11/06/2024 - 10:00am

   Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced the formation of the Iowa Organic Advisory Council within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and appointed seven Iowans to serve on it, according to an IDALS press release.

   Included in the council are two individuals representing livestock or dairy production who are certified organic, two certified organic crop producers, one involved in retail, one representing a certified organic processing or handling operation, and one involved in education.

Webinar to explain new dairy tool

Published by admin on Wed, 11/06/2024 - 9:59am

   Dairy producers, consultants and industry representatives are encouraged to attend a free webinar Tuesday, Nov. 12, from noon to 1 p.m., from the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team.

   DecisiveDry, part of the Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS) HerdHQ web-based suite of products, is an effective management tool to determine if a cow should be dry treated.

   It uses Selective Dry Cow Therapy strategy to help lower dry treatment costs and reduce the use of antibiotics.

USDA conservation payments to begin

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 9:24am

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will begin issuing more than $2.14 billion in payments to eligible agricultural producers, and landowners – providing much needed support through key conservation and safety-net programs.

   Producers should soon receive payments from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for their participation in these programs aimed to conserve natural resources and keep family farms economically viable.

Subscriber Login