Agriculture

by Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University Professor of Agronomy and Meaghan Anderson, ISU Extension Field Agronomist in Central Iowa

One benefit of planting cover crops is their contribution to weed management.  While several factors contribute to the inhibition of weeds by cover crops, the physical barrier of cover crop residue on the soil surface is most important. Research has shown a strong relationship between the amount of cover crop biomass at termination and the level of weed control provided by the cover crop (Figure 1 above).

Because of the importance of cover crop biomass, it is essential to manage the cover crop to maximize growth when using cover crops to aid weed management. The following practices have a major influence on cover crop biomass:

More landowners are interested in planting strips of deep-rooted prairie within crop fields or on marginal land as an effective soil conservation and water quality practice. But they need reliable answers about the costs and benefits, the best seed mixes to use and how to establish a prairie that resists weedy invasion.

Answers to practical questions like these are coming out of projects led by University of Northern Iowa researchers and funded by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University.

“Restoring prairie at strategic locations in agricultural landscapes is a practice that can gain huge improvements in water quality and bring other benefits, like reduced weed pressure and valuable habitat for pollinators and wildlife,” said Justin Meissen, Research & Restoration Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center and principal investigator on one of the projects.

by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
May 15 - August 1: Primary Nesting Season.  No MCM activities on CRP acres.

Marketing Loans - Reminder
Grain that is under loan, or “sealed” as many producers call it, must be repaid or released for sale prior to moving the bushels out of storage for sale or feed use.  Unauthorized disposition results in possible penalties and administrative actions.  Remember to “call before you haul” and we can discuss your options and forms that you may need to sign.  Phone the FSA office at (563) 568-2148. Routinely monitor the quality of this grain. Changes in weather, frequent rains, wind, temperature fluctuations can cause grain quality to decrease. It’s important that sealed grain maintain its quality.

The Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for youth to develop skills that they can use now and throughout their lives. Iowa 4-H builds upon a century of experience as it fosters positive youth development that is based on the needs and strengths of youth, their families, and communities. With the Allamakee County 4-H/FFA Swine Weigh-In scheduled for April 6, youth are working to select their swine projects for the 2019 Allamakee County Fair. 36 youth and parents recently participated in a Swine Workshop, pictured above, to learn more about the project area. The workshop was held Monday, March 25 at the Allamakee County Extension Office. The goal of the event was to provide exhibitors education on swine selection, swine nutrition, daily care and management, pre-show preparation, showmanship, and judging. AJ and Kim Lewis of Center Point presented on these topics. Ellingson Elevator sponsored the workshop and provided supper.

Projects must prevent soil erosion and improve water quality in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee Research and Demonstration Fund has grant money available to support research, education or demonstration projects focused on reducing erosion and improving water quality. Funds are available to collaborative teams of scientists, farmers, institutions, soil and water conservation districts, and educators in the state of Iowa.

Projects must help improve and sustain Iowa’s natural resources, like the fertile soil and fresh water, on which our state’s agriculture-based economy depends to qualify.

by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

Mid-Contract Management (MCM) on CRP Acres
Now that temperatures are starting to feel more like spring, and the snow is really starting to melt, please start thinking about your MCM, if you are scheduled for this year. Those that are scheduled for this year would have received a packet from our office this past fall detailing what needs to be done. You do have until May 14, 2019 to complete the work, but now is a good time to start lining up contractors if you haven’t already done so, buy seed if needed, and get equipment ready.  If you have technical questions, need a seeding plan, or contractor list please contact the NRCS office.  Any other questions can be directed to FSA.

by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

Mid-Contract Management (MCM) on CRP Acres
As we start to see warmer temps and melting snow, please start thinking about your MCM, if you are scheduled for this year. Those that are scheduled for this year would have received a packet from our office this past fall detailing what needs to be done. You do have until May 14, 2019 to complete the work, but now is a good time to start lining up contractors if you haven’t already done so, buy seed if needed, and get equipment ready. If you have technical questions, need a seeding plan, or contractor list contact the NRCS office. Any other questions can be directed to FSA.

Once you complete your MCM, notify the FSA office, sign the FSA-848B form, and provide acceptable evidence of practice completion to determine proper cost share payment.

by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

Prescribed Fire 101 Workshop
Wednesday, March 20, Pheasants Forever (PF), Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) will hold an informational meeting, inside, for landowners and land managers from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration from 9-9:30 a.m.) at the Upper Iowa University campus (501 Washington St., Fayette, IA). It will take place in the Andres Center room 202 on the second floor, with an elevator available for assistance. Afterwards, weather permitting, we may have an opportunity to watch a live demonstration burn in a nearby field to see how to implement a successful burn. This event is open to landowners, producers, and land managers and is free of charge.

The Iowa Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) announced the 2019 Iowa CCA of the Year earlier this month. Adam Kramer, small business owner in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and Waukon, Iowa farmer, has accepted this annual award during the Iowa CCA recognition luncheon at the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference (ASC) held February 12, 2019.

A certified crop adviser utilizes best management practices that protect the environment and lead growers to produce higher yields and increased profitability for their farms. Farmers and employers prefer to work with CCAs because they have demonstrated commitment, education, expertise, and experience to make a difference in a client’s business.

Practical Farmers of Iowa is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned land-matching website, FindAFarmer.net, a free tool that aims to connect farmland owners with land seekers to preserve family farms. Practical Farmers first developed the tool in 2011 as a way to help Iowa’s aging farmland owners find possible successors, and to support beginning farmers facing the difficulty of accessing land.

The most recent Farmland Ownership and Tenure Survey, released last summer by Iowa State University, shows that 60 percent of Iowa farmland is owned by someone 65 years or older, and 35 percent is owned by someone 75 years or older. In addition, more than half of Iowa’s farmland is farmed by someone other than the owner. FindAFarmer can help retiring farmers find a non-family successor to continue the farm and non-farming landowners find a tenant for a rental arrangement. The site can also help facilitate many other unique land access situations.