Agriculture

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

by Joyce Davidshofer, Allamakee County Executive Director

Meeting
The next Allamakee County Committee meeting will be Thursday, March 10 at 9 a.m. in the Allamakee County Conference Room.

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.

A Farm Succession Planning Class is being scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Dahl Centennial Union (Borlaug Room) on the campus of Luther College in Decorah. Melissa O’Rourke, Farm and Agribusiness Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension, will be the instructor for the class.
Succession planning is essential to the thoughtful, transparent and complex process of passing a farm on to the next generation. This class will discuss the language of estate planning; gift, estate and inheritance taxes; working with legal and tax professionals; and how to navigate the family communication that is vital to creating a good estate plan. Anyone who is unsure of how to build a transition plan or what options are best for their family or a farm operation will find this class extremely helpful. Lunch will be provided.

by Joyce Davidshofer, Allamakee County Executive Director

Meeting
The next Allamakee County Committee meeting will be Thursday, March 10 at 9 a.m. in the Allamakee County Conference Room.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Allamakee County will offer a networking program that empowers women in agriculture to become better business partners and owners.
Annie’s Project, a six-week course designed especially to help farm women develop their management and decision-making skills, is being offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Allamakee County. Online registration is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/womeninag or at the Allamakee County Extension office.
Classes will be held at Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank Community Room Thursdays from 9 a.m.-12 Noon beginning March 17 and continuing each Thursday through April 21. A light lunch will be provided from noon to 12:30 p.m. within the cost of the program.