Agriculture

Experts advise checking herds for ticks, parasites

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has confirmed a case of Theileriosis, caused by Theileria orientalis Ikeda, in a herd of cattle in southeast Iowa for the first time.

Theileria is a protozoan parasite that infects red and white blood cells, leading to anemia and, in some cases, death. The parasite is carried by Asian Longhorned Ticks (ALHT), which have recently been identified in Iowa for the first time. Although the tick will be active all summer, it is common to see a surge of infestations when cattle are first introduced into a new pasture. The presence of a preferred host generates a surge in new ticks, as females will begin to lay thousands of eggs.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
July 15: Deadline for Acreage Reporting
August 15: Deadline to enroll in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

Managing your pasture to reduce soil erosion
ICM News Archive
When it comes to soil erosion and surface runoff from agriculture land, tillage and row-crop management, these attract a lot of attention. However, most Iowa land currently in pasture is unsuitable for crop production because of steep slopes. These slopes make pasture even more vulnerable to water erosion. Mismanaged pasture can contribute substantially to water quality degradation due to soil erosion and sediment transport to nearby water bodies.

Farmers will have an opportunity to see various strip-till bars in action during the Strip-Till Field Day near Crawfordsville on July 30.

Iowa continues to see an increasing number of acres of strip-tillage each year. “The goal of this field day is to increase awareness of strip-tillage as a conservation practice to help reduce erosion, improve soil health, protect water quality and complement cover-cropping systems,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomist with Iowa State University.

Attendees will have the opportunity to observe multiple strip-till bars showcased with field demonstrations on wheat residue, as well as visit static displays from supporting ag industry partners.

“This field day offers a great opportunity for those considering moving to a reduced tillage system as they can observe differences in equipment,” Vittetoe noted.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 
July 15: Deadline for Acreage Reporting
August 15: Deadline to enroll in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

USDA to Provide $1 Billion to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire in 2023 and 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. Emergency relief payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024. 

Urban farmers have many competing needs, often working full-time, off-farm jobs in addition to farming in or near a city. That’s why Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is working with farmers in four major metropolitan areas.

Growing Urban Ag in Iowa is a pilot project that addresses issues relevant to urban farming, including alleviating hunger and increasing sustainability. The project also focuses on job skills training, food safety, community building and youth involvement.

Urban Ag Field Days, part of the pilot project, feature on-farm demonstrations and encourage conversations between extension specialists, urban farmers and curious community members.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 
July 15: Deadline for Acreage Reporting
August 15: Deadline to enroll in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

Pasture Management in Allamakee County: June Priorities
June in Allamakee County marks a pivotal period for pasture management. With optimal growing conditions, it’s essential for producers to implement strategic practices to ensure pasture health and productivity throughout the grazing season.

1. Implement Rotational Grazing
Rotational grazing is crucial in June to prevent overgrazing and promote uniform forage utilization. In Allamakee County’s hilly terrain, this practice helps maintain soil integrity and pasture vitality. Moving livestock when forage height reaches about 4 inches and allowing regrowth to 8-10 inches ensures sustainable pasture use.

I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association’s Forage Webinar Series continues June 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This month’s webinar will feature a variety of forage topics, including a spring forage outlook, a forage market outlook and a discussion on safety when using round bales.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
June 6: Deadline to submit a CRP offer
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth
July 15: Deadline for Acreage Reporting
August 15: Deadline to enroll in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

2025 Crop Reporting
2025 Spring Acreage Crop Reporting is underway in our office.  Filing an accurate acreage report (FSA-578) for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planting acreage, is a requirement of participation in Farm Service Agency Programs.  Once you are finished planting, please contact or stop in our office to complete your FSA-578 Report of Commodities. The deadline to file is July 15, 2025.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s annual Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar will be held Tuesday, June 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Empty Nest Winery, 1352 Apple Road in rural Waukon. The seminar aims to assist agricultural lenders and farm financial advisers in helping farmers manage risk and understand market outlooks.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
May 31: Deadline to request a Marketing Assistance Loan (MALs) for 2024 farm stored or warehouse stored grain
June 6: Deadline to submit a CRP offer
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth
July 15: Deadline for Acreage Reporting

Conservation Reserve Program Nesting Season
Primary nesting season has begun across the country, but what exactly does that mean for you?