Agriculture

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey encourages Iowans to nominate deserving farmers for the 2016 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. The award is given out each year to one statewide winner who is making outstanding contributions towards soil conservation and water quality. The award is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).
“The award recognizes a farmer who has gone above and beyond in their conservation efforts. It is important that we recognize the continuous voluntary improvements made by all Iowa farmers and help raise awareness about the efforts by farmers to conserve our valuable soil and protect water quality,” Northey said.

The next Allamakee County Committee meeting will be Thursday, April 7 at 9 a.m. in the Allamakee County Conference Room.

Reminders
May 15-August 2, 2016 - Nesting season on CRP ground. Please contact the county office before you do anything in regards to noxious weeds etc.
May 31, 2016 - Last day to receive a commodity loan for corn, soybeans etc.

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) has announced that eligible customer-owners in Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette Howard and Winneshiek will receive checks this month totaling $3,574,000 - their share of the financial cooperative’s $160 million cash-back dividend for 2015.
FCSAmerica has distributed a portion of its net earnings to eligible customer-owners for each of the past 12 years, returning $1.15 billion in cash-back dividends to farmers, ranchers and their rural communities. The share of FCSAmerica’s 2015 dividend returned to Iowa customer-owners amounts to $67.4 million.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminds Iowans that the deadline to apply for grant funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program is May 2. The grants are available to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Iowa.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, which administers the program, has reported that Iowa will receive $244,352.23 in funding this year.
“The Specialty Crop Block Grant funds can support food safety, research and marketing efforts that will encourage Iowans to choose the products that are produced right here in our state,” Northey said. “Specialty crops are a very important part of Iowa agriculture as they allow farmers to diversify and give customers access to locally grown products.”

by Joyce Davidshofer, Allamakee County Executive Director

The next Allamakee County Committee meeting will be Thursday, April 7 at 9 a.m. in the Allamakee County Conference Room.

Reminders
May 15-August 2, 2016 - Nesting season on CRP ground. Please contact the county office before you do anything in regards to noxious weeds etc.
May 31, 2016 - Last day to receive a commodity loan for corn, soybeans etc.

Cover crops offer a valuable tool for farmers to reduce nutrient loss and help ensure clean water in Iowa waterways. But some farmers have reported that planting winter rye as a cover crop may reduce corn yield.
A team of researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) is investigating why there may be an occasional decrease in corn yield after planting winter rye.
“We want farmers to understand any risks involved before they plant cover crops,” said Alison Robertson, an associate professor in plant pathology and microbiology. “If there appears to be a downside to this practice, we want to understand it more fully and hopefully develop management practices to reduce the risks.”

Before Iowa farmers plant the first seed this spring, they have the opportunity to enroll in dozens of strip trials through the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) On-Farm Network®. Trials are currently available on both soybeans and corn on a variety of topics including seed treatment, crop protection, crop management, nitrogen and soil health.
“This year we have a wide array of trials for farmers to choose from,” said Rich Stessman, ISA On-Farm Network field research specialist for northwest Iowa. “Our program is focused on what Iowa farmers want and need to know to improve their profitability.”
Trials allow farmers opportunities to test products and practices on their own operations. The data coming from the trials is an incredible resource to farmers.

by Joyce Davidshofer, Allamakee County Executive Director

The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) and Iowa State University (ISUEO) Extension and Outreach are teaming up to offer a free session to assist Iowa pork producers prepare for a Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA).
The program is set for Thursday, March 31 from 1 to 3:30 pm at the Howard County Extension office, 132 First Avenue West in Cresco, according to ISUEO swine specialist Mark Storlie.
“Session attendees will walk through the steps of the audit, evaluate areas for improvement and customize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be prepared for the audit process,” Storlie said. “Attendees will be provided a binder and flash drive, including customizable audit materials for their farms, from support by IPPA, IPIC and the Pork Checkoff.”

The Iowa State Fair and WHO News Radio 1040 are searching for nominations for the 2016 Way We Live Award to honor farm families that exemplify the unique values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming. To enter or nominate someone, submit an entry form along with a 500-1500 word essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped the family’s life. All entries must include a family picture that illustrates the family’s commitment to their farming operation. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/the-way-we-live-award/. All entries must be postmarked or e-mailed by May 15 of this year and sent to:
The Way We Live Award
Iowa State Fair
P.O. Box 57130