Agriculture

Palmer amaranth is an invasive weed that is native to the southwestern United States. Over the last three years, however, the weed has made its way into Iowa and has been identified in at least nine counties, most recently in Madison, Clayton, Washington and Crawford Counties.

Palmer amaranth is related to waterhemp, a common weed found across Iowa. In addition to traditional weedy traits, the characteristic that makes those two weeds unique, and hard to manage, is their ability to evolve resistance to herbicides, according to Bob Hartzler, professor of agronomy and extension weed specialist at Iowa State University.

“Both weeds are adapted to a production system that relies on herbicides,” said Hartzler. “Waterhemp is a relatively non-competitive weed so many farmers have learned to accept lower levels of weed control. If Palmer amaranth spreads across the state and farmers try to manage it like they do waterhemp, it will have a huge negative economic impact.”

submitted by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD

Now is a good time to think about your farm lease for next year.  According to Iowa law, if you want to terminate your rental agreement or make changes in your current lease terms, you must properly serve a notice of termination by September 1. This applies to both cash and crop-share leases, but not custom farming contracts.  Prior to 2013, parcels under 40 acres were exempted from requiring termination notice.  Now, a written notice of termination is required on all tracts of rented farmland, regardless of size.

Farm leases automatically continue as written from year to year unless either party gives a notice of termination.  Even an oral lease is automatically renewed if it is not properly terminated.

The Iowa State University Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm will celebrate its 40th anniversary on August 26 at its annual fall field day.

The 260-acre farm was purchased in 1976 by the Northeast Iowa Agricultural Experimental Association (NEIAEA) in partnership with Iowa State University. The NEIAEA has over 2,000 members from 20 counties and provides leadership for the farm’s operations. Iowa State researchers conduct research on a variety of agronomic crops, fruits, vegetables, soil management, water quality, pest management, soil fertility and variety testing.

The program will start at 10:30 a.m., with introductory comments from NEIAEA and Iowa State leaders in celebration of the farm’s accomplishments. This will be followed by Chad Hart, Iowa State University extension grain markets specialist who will provide a grain market outlook. Others from Iowa State University will speak during farm tours that will run multiple times throughout the day.

With the use of cover crops becoming more prominent, a group of Iowa State University researchers has created a publication to answer common producer questions about their use.

Former Iowa State graduate students Andrea Basche and Gabrielle Roesch-McNally and current undergraduate student Rebecca Clay, under the guidance of associate professor Fernando Miguez,  wrote the publication "Answering Common Producer Questions on Cover Crop Use in Iowa" (HORT 3053).

by Cindy Mensen, Acting Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

ATTENTION FARMERS - REMINDER:
2016 Crop/land use reporting date is November 15, 2016 for fall seeded small grains and all hay types, including pasture for the 2017 crop year.
In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements and avoid being assessed a late filing fee, you are encouraged to visit the FSA County office to file an accurate crop certification by the applicable deadline. The Allamakee County Farm Service Agency is located at 635 Ninth Street NW in Waukon, or call 563-568-2148.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is encouraging Iowans interested in protecting our state’s soil and water resources to consider running to serve as a Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner.  Anyone interested in becoming a commissioner should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District.  Nomination papers must be filed by August 31, 2016.

“Each of Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts are managed by five volunteer commissioners who help their community meet their conservation priorities,” Northey said.  “Commissioners help oversee the distribution of federal, state and local conservation aid in their community.”

by Anthony Anastasi
NRCS Summer Intern

When crop rotations allow for it, late summer seeding is a viable alternative for the establishment of forage crops. According to Stephen K. Barnhart, Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University and Extension Forage Agronomist, soil temperatures are higher in late summer than in early spring, so plants will germinate and grow faster and will be less susceptible to disease. Barnhart states that as long as proper late summer seeding practices are followed this practice can result in highly productive stands and can also be used to patch up spring established stands that have thin or bare spots.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey recently 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.

The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres.

First-time users that apply by August 1 will be the first applications funded.  First-time users that apply after August 1 will still receive priority consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre.

by Cindy Mensen, Acting Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

REMINDERS:

July 31: FSA Photo Contest deadline
Aug 1 : Final date to submit a nomination form for the FSA Committee election
Aug 1 : Deadline to sign-up for the 2016 ARC-Co Program (sign a CCC-861)
Aug 1 : Last day to request a farm or tract reconstitution for 2016 crop year
Sept 1: Premiums are due for 2016 MPP buy-up coverage

Country Heritage Community (CHC) will once again be offering the Maize Maze in Elgin, beginning July 30. This year the theme will be “The Amazing Iowa Barns," and CHC is seeking the assistance of area residents in sharing their own barn stories or photos.

Many who have had the opportunity to grow up on a farm will remember the role that the barn played in the structure of daily life. From milking, to stacking hay, to jumping from the beams into a haystack - all have their own story.

Area residents are invited to share their story and have it on display at the 2016 Maize Maze. All stories will have a chance to win the honor of "Best Iowa Barn Story." Stories are to be no longer than two pages (if typed, size 12 font). There will be two divisions of competition, one for ages 17 and under and another for ages 18 and over.