Agriculture

Some 7,000 poultry and livestock producers who must file a manure management plan can now file their MMP electronically three years out of four.

Producers can learn how to “Save Money and Time - File your MMP Online,” at a 1 p.m., February 28 webinar.  Pre-register now on the DNR’s eMMP webpage.

DNR staff will discuss the benefits of online filing (including filing and paying fees from home, office or smart phone), creating a login ID, submitting the plan, paying fees and assigning rights to their consultants. Farmers and their consultants can file and pay fees for multiple plans at one time.

“One of the big benefits is eliminating the drive to county offices to get a signature in each county where manure will be applied,” said Ted Petersen, DNR supervisor. “If everyone uses the eMMP, DNR estimates the online solution will save driving at least 178,000 miles per year.”

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

Conservation Reserve Program: Mid-Contract Management Meeting
When: Thursday, February 22 - Two Sessions: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Famers and Merchants Savings Bank (Basement) 201 W Main St., Waukon IA 52172

CRP mid-contract management (MCM) information will be provided by staff from FSA, NRCS, and the IADNR. The focus will be on MCM policies, practices, cost-share, invoice details, and programmatic dates.  Staff will also address any CRP-related questions folks have.

You are welcome to attend either session, and we ask that you bring your MCM (FSA-848) packet with you. If you don’t have MCM scheduled for this year, but would like to learn more about it, please attend!

Snacks and refreshments will be provided.  If you have any questions, contact the Allamakee County FSA office at (563) 568-2148.

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• February 19: Office closed in observance of George Washington’s Birthday

Transitioning Expiring CRP Land to Beginning, Veteran or Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
Retired or retiring landowners or operators are encouraged to transition their Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to beginning, veteran or underserved farmers or ranchers through the Transition Incentives Program (TIP). TIP provides annual rental payments to the retiring farmer for up to two additional years after the CRP contract expires, provided the transition is not to a family member.

Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2018 to be recognized at Iowa State Fair

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged eligible farm owners to apply for the 2018 Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms.

“Century and Heritage Farm recognitions at the Iowa State Fair are a great celebration of Iowa agriculture and the families that care for the land and produce our food,” Northey said. “I hope eligible families will take the time to apply and then come to the State Fair to be recognized.”

Applications are available on the Department’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on the Century Farm or Heritage Farm link under “Hot Topics.”

In January, 89 of 99 Iowa counties notified the DNR that they plan to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements by using the master matrix.

With 10 exceptions, all counties will use the matrix during the next 12 months. The following counties will not use the matrix in 2018: Davis, Des Moines, Keokuk, Lee, Mahaska, Osceola, Plymouth, Wapello, Warren and Washington.

Animal producers in these counties must meet more requirements than other confinement producers who need a construction permit. Producers qualify by choosing a site and using practices that reduce impacts on air, water and the community.

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• February 19: Office closed in observance of George Washington’s Birthday

February 2018 CCC and FSFL Interest Rates
New rates were issued for the month of February and are as follows:
• 2.125% for 3 years
• 2.250% for 5 years
• 2.375% for 7 years
• 2.375% for 10 years
• 2.500% for 12 years
• 2.625% for 15 years

Marketing Assistance Loans
The February commodity interest rate is 2.750%. The 2017 marketing assistance loan rates are $1.87 for corn, and $4.99 for beans. If you do take out a marketing assistance loan with us, we will need a copy of your driver’s license, as well as your spouse’s. 

by LuAnn Rolling,
District Conservationist

Removal of crop residue should be weighed against the potential impact on soil productivity. Crop residue removal affects soil nutrient availability, soil organic matter, erosion potential, soil water availability, yield and economics. While crop residue removal by grazing usually results in little nutrient or organic material removal, mechanical harvest removes nutrients and organic material critical to maintaining soil productivity.

How much corn residue can be safely removed from a field? This is not an easy question to answer. Sustainable crop residue removal rates depend on several factors such as soil erodibility, surface slope, cultural practices and climate conditions. Tillage, crop rotation and yield level are also important factors dictating how much crop residue can be harvested and still ensure sustainability of the system.

A tiny worm that causes billions of dollars in damage to crops like soybeans will be in the scientific spotlight this month thanks to an article written by two Iowa State University plant pathologists.

The latest knowledge on how cyst nematodes attack plants was the lead article in PLOS Pathogens Pearls, a journal of the nonprofit open access science, technology and medicine publisher.

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• February 19: Office closed in observance in George Washington’s Birthday

Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation Compliance
Landowners and operators are reminded that in order to receive payments from USDA, compliance with Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions are required. Farmers with HEL determined soils are reminded of tillage, crop residue, and rotation requirements as specified per their conservation plan. Producers are to notify the USDA Farm Service Agency prior to conducting land clearing or drainage projects to insure compliance. Failure to obtain advance approval for any of these situations can result in the loss of eligibility and all Federal payments.

Topics include pollinator habitat, planter technology and niche pork, among others

Practical Farmers of Iowa will offer nine new topics as part of its long-running Tuesday night webinar series, known as farminars, thus continuing its farmer-to-farmer education through the winter. Farminars offer practical knowledge for beginning and experienced farmers raising row crops, livestock, fruits and vegetables, and are free for anyone with an internet connection to participate.

Farminars are held every Tuesday at 7 p.m., and each focuses on a unique production or business management topic. All presentations are led by a farmer or subject-matter expert, and attendees are able to ask questions in real-time using a chatbox while they listen and watch a slideshow.