Agriculture

A new study from Iowa State University sheds light on the evolving landscape of agricultural conservation in Iowa. It found that many farmers who adopted two key conservation practices - cover crops and no-till - did not continue to use the practices over time. 

The research, published in the journal Society & Natural Resources, explored farmers’ self-reports of whether they adopted, continued or abandoned the conservation practices between 2015 to 2019. The survey data from more than 3,200 farmers across six major watersheds in the state demonstrates the importance of factoring “disadoption” rates for conservation practices into conservation assessments and goals. 

The findings showing high disadoption rates challenges conventional assumptions about conservation practice implementation and offers important insights for policymakers, extension professionals and conservation advocates.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Iowa Farmers: Sign Up Now for NRCS Conservation Programs Before October 10 Deadline
Iowa producers have a great opportunity this fall to apply for two of the most popular USDA conservation programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The first-round cutoff date for applications is October 10, 2025. These programs are designed to support farmers, ranchers, and landowners in making improvements to their operations while protecting Iowa’s natural resources.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Offers New ‘Homegrown Lifestyle’ Online Series

Small-scale producers, homesteaders, hobby and beginning farmers can access new resources available through Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach.

The Homegrown Lifestyle series, developed by the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development Program, offers three online courses designed to help small farm owners grow their own food, raise livestock and preserve their land.

Each course, Acreage Management, Fruits and Vegetables, and Livestock, provides flexible, research-based learning tailored to the needs and interests of beginning producers, retirees and families focused on self-sufficiency.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Regular Maintenance Requirements for all CRP Contracts
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to conserve farmland for future generations while providing habitat for wildlife, reducing soil erosion, and improving water quality. Regular maintenance on CRP acres is needed to ensure the acreage continues to provide conservation benefits and remains in compliance with the CRP contract.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with Michigan State University and the Center for PFAS Research, will host a webinar titled “PFAS in Agriculture: What It Means for Your Farm and the Food Supply Chain.” The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, from 10 to 11 a.m.

PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are synthetic compounds widely used in consumer and industrial products. According to Alex Van Alstyne, food business extension specialist with Iowa State, understanding the risk of PFAS is important for farm and food business owners.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

NRCS Program Sign-Up Deadlines Approaching - Apply Soon to Be Considered in the First Round
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging Iowa agricultural producers and landowners to start the application process now for conservation programs that provide both financial and technical assistance. The first-round application cutoff is expected in October. Applications received after that date will continue to be accepted, but they will be placed into the second-round ranking period.

The I-29 Moo University and Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series will continue Wednesday, September 17, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The webinar will feature a variety of forage topics, including an overview of controlling weeds in hay, alfalfa quality trends and the monthly hay market outlook.

Webinar presenters are:
• Wes Everman, assistant professor and extension weed scientist, will discuss how to manage weeds in hay, focusing on both identification and control methods.
• Jeff Jackson, alfalfa and forage specialist at CROPLAN by WinField-Land O Lakes, will present new advancements in alfalfa, plant health and winter hardiness to help cattle producers improve their operations.
• Luke Schubert, owner and auctioneer with Schubert Auction Service in Pierz, Minnesota, will share insights on the hay market observed along the I-29 Corridor.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Premiums Due
Reminder - 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) participants, premium balances are due August 30, 2025. Please call the Allamakee County office to settle any outstanding premium balances BEFORE August 29th. Checks are to be made payable to CCC. For more information about DMC, please contact the Allamakee County FSA office (563) 568-2148, Ext. 2

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will continue its monthly webinar series on Friday, Sept. 12, from noon to 1 p.m. CDT.

Kristiana Coutu, director of the Beginning Farmer Center and counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University, will discuss common reasons why federal immigration officials may contact agricultural employers or visit farms.

Additionally, Coutu will provide practical information to help producers understand what to expect and how to prepare for potential interactions with immigration enforcement officials.

“Agricultural employers are increasingly concerned about immigration enforcement and have questions about how it may directly impact their farm,” said Fred Hall, extension dairy specialist at Iowa State. “This webinar will address situations dairy farm employers should be aware of, along with key compliance areas that every agricultural employer should understand.”

Deadlines/Dates
July 10: Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) opened
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Drone - Seeding Cover Crops in Allamakee County: Timing, Benefits and Cost-Share
Cover crops are a proven soil health tool for reducing erosion, improving water infiltration, and building organic matter. In Allamakee County, growers and conservation partners are increasingly using aerial and drone seeding to get cover crops established where and when ground equipment can’t go - or when timing is tight. Below is a practical guide to drone application of cover crops in Allamakee County: the best windows to seed, why it’s worth doing, and how the Iowa Financial Incentive Program (IFIP) and other cost share options can help.