Agriculture

Farmers in northeast Iowa and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Northeast Iowa Farm Energy Fair Tuesday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar. The event will offer the opportunity to attend workshops about technical and financial assistance available for farm energy projects and time to meet with local contractors.

Workshops at the fair will focus on farm energy efficiency and on-site solar opportunities. Morning programming will dive into information regarding farm energy efficiency including lighting, grain drying, dairy equipment, financial incentives, and technical assistance programs.

Programming in the afternoon will focus on on-site farm solar energy production and the incentives that are available for farmers. Industry professionals, farm equipment specialists, solar contractors, and lighting suppliers will be available throughout the day to explore options for improved energy usage.

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• July 15: Report All Spring-Seeded Crops   
• August 1: ARC/PLC Sign-up

Sonny Perdue Sworn in as Secretary of Agriculture
Sonny Perdue was sworn in as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by fellow Georgian and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a brief ceremony on April 25 at the Supreme Court building.

Perdue grew up on a dairy and diversified row crop farm in Bonaire, Georgia. Being uniquely qualified as a former farmer, agribusinessman, veterinarian, state legislator and governor of Georgia, he has experienced the agriculture industry from every possible perspective throughout his life.

Cost-share assistance available for cover crops, no till/strip till or nitrification inhibitor

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has announced the 2017 sign-up period is open for statewide cost share funds to help farmers install nutrient reduction practices.  This program has been popular with farmers interested in adding additional practices to their operation.  Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today reminded eligible farm owners that the deadline to apply for the 2017 Century and Heritage Farm Program is June 1, 2017. The program recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms.

“The application deadline for families with a Century or Heritage Farm is quickly approaching and I hope those with an eligible farm will take the time to apply,” Northey said. “This program is a great way to highlight the deep history and strong heritage of agriculture in our state.”

Farm families with a century or heritage farm must submit an application to the Department no later than June 1, 2017 to qualify for recognition at the Iowa State Fair this year.

submitted by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD

It can be difficult for landowners to determine a pasture rental rate and lease terms.  The most basic pasture arrangement is a conventional rental agreement which establishes either a price per acre or a monthly rate based on the number of grazing units.  It is important to establish which party is responsible for specific input costs such as fertilizer and fence repair and who will determine when the cattle need to be removed based on stubble height.  Other considerations include access to water, length of the grazing season, and the soil types.  Weed management greatly affects the quality of the pasture as many weed species (such as thistles and multiflora rose) proliferate if not managed and can quickly take over a pasture.  More management intensive systems like rotational grazing have greater input costs, but allow the producer to better utilize the pasture acres. 

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• May 15 – August 1: Primary Nesting Season - No Mid-Contract Management Activities on CRP acres
• July 15: Report All Spring-Seeded Crops   
• August 1: ARC/PLC Sign-up

Crop Reporting
With spring planting right around the corner, Allamakee county farmers are reminded to report all spring planted crops to the FSA office by July 15 to remain eligible for FSA and other USDA programs. Please remember to bring planting dates with you. It is the producer’s responsibility to accurately report acres and producer’s shares in individual crops. Discrepancies found later may affect eligibility for all FSA-administered programs.

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• May 15 - August 1: Primary Nesting Season - No Mid-Contract Management Activities on CRP acres
• July 15: Report All Spring-Seeded Crops   
• August 1: ARC/PLC Sign-up

Crop Reporting
With spring planting right around the corner, Allamakee county farmers are reminded to report all spring planted crops to the FSA office by July 15 to remain eligible for FSA and other USDA programs. Please remember to bring planting dates with you. It is the producer’s responsibility to accurately report acres and producer’s shares in individual crops. Discrepancies found later may affect eligibility for all FSA-administered programs.

Farmers in northeast Iowa and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Northeast Iowa Farm Energy Fair Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar. The event will offer the opportunity to attend workshops about technical and financial assistance available for farm energy projects and time to meet with local contractors.

Workshops at the fair will focus on farm energy efficiency and on-site solar opportunities. Morning programming will dive into information regarding farm energy efficiency including lighting, grain drying, dairy equipment, financial incentives, and technical assistance programs.

Programming in the afternoon will focus on on-site farm solar energy production and the incentives that are available for farmers. Industry professionals, farm equipment specialists, solar contractors, and lighting suppliers will be available throughout the day to explore options for improved energy usage.

Submitted by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD

Plan now to facilitate successful cover crop establishment this fall.  Your herbicide program could prevent successful cover crop establishment or may restrict grazing/forage options for your cover crop.  Many herbicides prohibit grazing or feeding within a specified time frame, which would then prohibit cover crops planted on these fields to be used for feed. Make sure that you follow the restrictions listed on the label.  There are several resources available that compile information from herbicide labels regarding establishment of cover crops for grazing/forage.

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• May 15 – August 1: Primary Nesting Season - No Mid-Contract Management Activities on CRP acres   
• May 31 - Marketing Assistance Loans for Prior Year Harvested Corn and Soybeans
• August 1 - ARC/PLC Sign-up