Agriculture

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
November 11: Office closed in observance of Veteran’s Day
November 25: Office closed in observance of Thanksgiving
December 6: Deadline to Return COC Ballots
December 15: Fall Seeded Crop Certification Deadline
March 15: ARCPLC Program Deadline

Differences between Cereal Rye and Ryegrass for Cover Crops
by LuAnn Rolling, NRCS District Conservationist
There is some confusion when it comes to knowing the differences between annual ryegrass and cereal rye. Many confuse these crops because they share the word “rye” in their names. Annual ryegrass is a cool-season grass, while cereal rye is a grain that has growth characteristics much like wheat. Annual ryegrass seed costs slightly less than cereal rye, is much smaller and weighs 26 pounds per bushel. The seed of cereal rye is much larger and weighs 56 pounds per bushel.

Learn from women working in the agricultural industry

“Lead Like Someone Left the Gate Open” is the theme of the fifth Annual Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference. The event will be held Nov. 29-30 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The conference begins Monday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. with campus tours. A three-hour, intensive workshop starts at 3 p.m. followed by dinner and networking. The full-day conference Tuesday begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Meals and refreshments are included in the registration cost. Attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Iowa’s own world-class agricultural speaker, Jolene Brown. She’ll take conference participants through a special leadership journey with three presentations to help build a solid business foundation, while using personal passion and purpose to motivate and celebrate agrarian roots.

New to Farming Because of the Pandemic? USDA Can Help
USDA Service Centers across the country, are hearing from people who are interested in more space and working the land and we want to let you know we can help. Are you new to farming because of the pandemic? USDA can help you get started in farming – on everything from helping you register your farm to getting financial assistance and advice.   

Size air filtration systems for the most efficiency

Swine producers have used air filtration technology for a decade or more, in an effort to reduce disease outbreaks attributed to airborne disease transmission.

Until recently, however, the industry lacked a publicly available, evidence-based reference that addresses the proper amount of filtration per facility.

“Air Filtration Sizing Worksheet for Swine Facilities” is a new publication and worksheet from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach that walks producers through the process of determining the number and configuration of air filters for a facility – whether new or renovated.

Fall Considerations for Soil Health
by LuAnn Rolling, District Conservationist

There are several things that producers can do this fall when considering trying to improve their overall soil health. A dry fall and early harvest takes some of the pressure off emptying manure storage structures before winter. It’s tempting to want to apply as soon as possible. However, it pays to postpone land application until soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Cooler soils maximize nitrogen availability and minimize its loss - whether applying anhydrous ammonia or ammonia-laden manure. That saves money.

Profitable pig production depends on getting finished pigs to market, with costs below market price.

Lowering mortality rates can improve potential profitability. However, experienced pig producers know that mortality is a cost — by its very nature and by efforts to reduce it.

In a recent article in Ag Decision Maker, Russ Euken, swine specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Lee Schulz, extension livestock economist, take a look at some of the different factors that can affect the cost of mortality.

Five sessions on the issues affecting Iowa agriculture into 2022

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach farm management team will hold its annual Pro-Ag Outlook and Management program via five webinars, scheduled for Nov. 1-5.

The goal of the program is to provide agribusiness leaders a concise evaluation of current market conditions, opportunities and challenges, and expected trends in crop and livestock income potential and management considerations heading into a new year.

Producers will hear about the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 impact on farm markets, and what might lie ahead as the U.S. and the world continue to recover.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
October 15: Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance for Producers Facing Inclement Weather
Severe weather events create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers. Despite every attempt to mitigate risk, your operation may suffer losses. USDA offers several programs to help with recovery.

Publication helps farmers understand how to check for soybean cyst nematode

Fall is always a good time for soil tests, and following the hot, dry summer of 2021, this is also a good time to test for soybean cyst nematode.

“Soybean cyst nematode, unfortunately, loves hot, dry soil so I am expecting higher than ever numbers from fall samples,” said Greg Tylka, professor in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University.

SCN is a small, unsegmented plant-parasitic roundworm that attacks the roots of soybeans.

The nematode is the most economically significant pest of soybeans in Iowa and has been found in all 99 Iowa counties, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Infested soybean plants often show no symptoms other than reduced yield.