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Just last week, I talked about the impact ethanol is having on the nation's energy programs and markets, but this week, a caution: The energy bill that will (or should) solidify ethanol's position in the pantheon of renewable fuels for the 21st Century is slow a-bornin'.

Septic systems serve an important function in rural homes and they need regular maintenance. Understanding how they work will help you avoid problems and costly repairs.
A conventional septic system has two primary parts: the tank and the soil absorption field (sometimes called a leach field) biologically treats the wastewater and soaks it into the soil absorption field from things that would cause it to fail, namely grease and solids.

Iowa State University Extension is pleased to announce that the North Central Iowa Beef Conference originally planned for Sat.y, Jan. 22, has been rescheduled for Mon., Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The event will be at the Franklin County Convention Center on Highway 3 and will include a program for producers and a variety of commercial exhibits.

Derryl McLaren, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa, reminds producers that March 15, 2005 is the final date for producers to complete and sign the application for NAP (Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program) coverage for all 2005 spring planted crops. Coverage fees must also be paid by the March 15, 2005.
Producers who purchased NAP coverage on Spring Seeded Crops in 2004 have until March 15, to obtain continuous coverage by paying the applicable service fees for Spring Seeded Crops.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge recently encouraged Iowa families to participate in Iowa's Century Farm Program sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau. The Century Farms Program was initiated during the (1976) Bicentennial to honor farm families who have owned their farmstead for 100 years or more. To date, the program, which annually awards certificates from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, has awarded over 15,000 certificates since 1976.

Machinery management decisions are an important part of the farm business. Sorting out all of the options for acquiring the use of newer machinery can be a challenge. Should a producer own, rent seasonally, lease or share ownership of a single machine or a line of machinery? How can a group of people own machinery together and make it work? What are your current machinery costs? These and other important questions about machinery economics will be covered at a "Farm Machinery Management and Economics" seminar on March 8 from 1 to 3 pm at the Allamakee County Farm Bureau Building in Waukon.

The Northeast Iowa Writers Retreat will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at Little Switzerland Inn in McGregor.
Retreat activities will feature northeast Iowa writers Don Harstad, Jacquie McTaggart and Denny Eilers, and will allow for writing time.

As gardeners wait for spring, they wish there was something to do. Fortunately, Iowa State University Extension will have its Second Annual Horticulture Chautauqua Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Roseville School gymnasium (about 10 miles SW of Charles City on Highway 14) from 9 am until 3 pm to get everyone started.
The morning session will feature three speakers who will talk about Landscape Design, Buck Roses, and New & Unusual Plants for Northeast Iowa.

The Allamakee County Historical Preservation Committee met in an open meeting Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center in Lansing.
Present were Karen Galema, Jean Huffey, Kurt Rathbun, Marlys Leiran and co-chairpersons Gloria Jackson and Lois Wiedenmann, representing Lansing, Waterville, Harpers Ferry, and Waukon. Absent were Betty Zarwell of Lansing and Betty Helgerson of Postville.

The Nightcrawlers Forever committee is planning for the annual potluck benefit to be held Sunday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m., with an auction to be held at 2:30 p.m.. This year's event will be held at a new location, Milty's on Main St. in Lansing.
The committee is once again seeking contributions from area businesses and individuals in an attempt to make the annual event another success this year. Those contributions may be in the form of a cash donation or merchandise donation, as raffle prizes are also needed for this event.