Agriculture

Wed
04
Oct

Applications are now open for the beginning farmer Savings Incentive Program

Practical Farmers of Iowa is now accepting applications for the Savings Incentive Program Class of 2019. The two-year program for beginning farmers was launched in 2010, and has since served 127 individuals on their path to establishing a successful farm business.

The program aims to help beginning farmers succeed through mentorship from an experienced farmer; business plan support; the chance to save money and receive matching funds; the opportunity to attend a range of targeted learning events; and access to a network of supportive farmers.

Wed
04
Oct

Iowa Corn Growers Association announces 60 Day Harvest Weight Proclamation

To help haul in this year’s harvest, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into effect a proclamation granting a temporary 60-day weight limit exemption for trucks on Iowa roads. The 2017 Harvest Weight Proclamation specifically increases the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover, by 12.5 percent per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize/overweight permit.

The 2017 proclamation again applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the federal interstate system. Trucks cannot exceed the truck’s regular maximum by more than 12.5 percent per axle and must obey the posted limits on all roads and bridges.

“We sincerely thank Governor Reynolds for this proclamation,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “With the extremely dry conditions across Iowa, it is important that farmers can get their crops out of the field and to market efficiently.”

Wed
27
Sep

What's up at the FSA Office?

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• September 1 - December 15: 2018 Margin Protection Program Sign-Up
• September 30: End of fiscal year for FSA
• September 30: Last day to remove bales for those who requested managed haying on CRP grounds.
• December 15: Acreages intended to be used for forage and pasture in 2018 need to be reported

Power of Attorney
For those who find it difficult to visit the county office personally because of work schedules, distance, health, etc., FSA has a power of attorney form available that enables you to designate another person to conduct your business at the office.

If you are interested, contact our office or any Farm Service Agency office near you for more information. Power of Attorney provisions do not apply to farm loan programs. 

Wed
20
Sep

What's up at the FSA Office?

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• September 1 – December 15: 2018 Margin Protection Program Sign-Up
• September 30: End of fiscal year for FSA
• September 30: Last day to remove bales for those who requested managed haying on CRP grounds.
• December 15: Acreages intended to be used for forage and pasture in 2018 need to be reported

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to eligible livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish producers who have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, not covered by other agricultural disaster assistance programs.

Wed
20
Sep

National Farm Safety and Health Week being observed September 17-23

Each year since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety & Health Week. This recognition has been an annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council and over the years, the development and dissemination of National Farm Safety and Health Week materials has shifted to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. NECAS is the agricultural partner for NSC and has been serving the agricultural family and business community since 1997.

Wed
20
Sep

Iowa State University research uses light to neutralize livestock odors


Analyzing odor samples ... Jacek Koziel, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, left, and Devin Maurer analyze odor samples from a swine farm. Sumitted photo.

Iowa State University researchers have literally, and figuratively, shed new light on the odor problems arising from livestock facilities.

Jacek Koziel, an associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, and his team are using black light to help neutralize the volatile components that make up objectionable odors. Shined on surfaces coated with a thin layer of titanium dioxide, the black light initiates photo-catalytic reactions that have been found to significantly reduce several odorous chemicals that are found downwind of livestock operations.

Wed
20
Sep

Flatland family farm recognized as Heritage Farm ...

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, in conjunction with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, annually recognizes farm families who have continuously owned their farm land for 150 years or more with the Heritage Farm Award. Duane and Linda Flatland were presented this award by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey at the Iowa State Fair August 17 for their farm, which is located in Winneshiek County at 2295 Winnmakee Road, Waukon. Submitted photo.
 

Wed
20
Sep

Ornamental and Turfgrass Applicators Course offered in Allamakee County November 8

Allamakee County will offer the Ornamental and Turfgrass Applicators Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, November 8, 2017. The program can be seen at locations across Iowa through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) team.

The local attendance site is Allamakee County Extension, 218 7th Ave SE, Suite #102. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the course runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $35 on or before November 1 and $45 after November 1. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Allamakee County by phone at 563-568-6345.

Wed
20
Sep

Cover crop seeding: Remember to calculate pure live seed

Submitted by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD

As fall approaches and producers prepare for harvest, many are also preparing for cover crop seeding. Keep in mind a few points regarding seeding rates, methods, and seeding dates. If you are receiving government cost-share (either through state funds or federal EQIP funds) and are planting winter-hardy species like cereal rye, the planting deadline is October 21. Cereal rye should be planted at a rate of 55 lbs/acre of pure live seed (PLS) if drilling, 61 lbs/ac PLS if broadcasting with incorporation, and 66 lbs/acre of PLS if broadcasting without incorporation.  Pure Live Seed can be determined using the following calculation (percent germination + dormant seed) x (percent purity) all divided by 100. There are also calculators available online (such as on the allamakeeswcd.org website) or stop by the NRCS office for assistance.

Wed
20
Sep

Dairy Webinar Series “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - Dairy Edition”

Mark your calendars for a noon webinar September 26. Join the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Team as Dr. Larry Tranel, ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist hosts “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”.  This webinar will discuss organic and organic “grass-fed” dairy systems.  

The webinar is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and North Central Risk Management Education Center. To join the webinar, log onto https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/isuedairy, or for more information contact Larry Tranel attranel@iastate.edu, 563-583-6496 or Jenn Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu, 563-382-2949.

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