Agriculture

Iowa Ag Secretary also notes economic challenges, progress on water quality, expanded renewable fuel retail options

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has highlighted some of the top ag issues in Iowa in 2016.

“Iowa farmers saw record production for both corn and soybeans again in 2016, however low prices are making profitability a real challenge on both the crop and livestock side.  Despite the economic challenges, farmers are by nature optimistic and we continue to see investments in the future and new and innovative technologies that will allow them to be even more productive while also reducing environmental impact,” Northey said.
 
Record Production, Economic Challenges
Much of Iowa had a nearly ideal growing season that saw Iowa farmers produce record corn and soybean crops again this year.

by Cindy Mensen, Acting Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

ATTENTION FARMERS - REMINDER:
January 2: Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday

2017 ARC-Co Program Sign-up
Sign-up for the 2017 farm program, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) has begun.  Farmers who have a risk in what is planted on the farm are eligible to sign contracts for their commensurate share.  These shares should match what you present to crop insurance agents when buying coverage for your 2017 crops.

Farm Loan Programs
The Farm Service Agency has a microloan program to better serve the unique, financial operating needs of beginning, niche and small family farm operations.  This program is designed to help farmers with credit needs of $50,000 or less.  The loan features a streamlined application process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD Project Coordinator

Anyone who owns land that has expiring CRP, it is suggested that they (or their renter) update their NRCS Conservation Plan. Keep in mind that the ground hasn’t been farmed for at least 10 years and the plan that was written before might be different from the intended tillage and rotation.

The Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District can check the soils and slopes to ensure that desired management will meet compliance requirements. It is also wise to get an updated map showing where waterways and headlands are encouraged. With the large rainfalls this area has been experiencing the last few years, areas left in grass have the potential to provide significant protection from concentrated flow and erosion.

by Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD Project Coordinator

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Allamakee County was the largest oat-producing county in Iowa at an estimated 181,000 bushels. This was a slight reduction from last year’s 196,000 bushels.  Winneshiek County followed closely with 179,000 bushels, which was down from last year’s 243,000 bushels. Favorable conditions throughout the growing season resulted in generally higher yields. The average number of bushels per acre in Allamakee County was estimated at 88.3 with a statewide average of 76.0 bushels per acre.

The Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is encouraging producers to consider planting more acres in small grains as they look to the 2017 crop year. There are many benefits to growing small grains. With the current corn and soybean prices and steady input costs, one of the biggest benefits to growing small grains is the lower input costs.

Attention agriculture friends in NE Iowa! Do you respect our farmers? Do you love agriculture? Do you enjoy being with kids? Do you have some free time to work with children in the classroom? Then this event is perfect for you! Join us for an Ag in The Classroom volunteer FREE workshop on January 20th at NICC Calmar Dairy Center.

Howard County Farm Bureau and Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation have partnered with NICC Calmar, Dairy to host an Agriculture in the Classroom County Contacts Workshop Friday, January 20, 2017. There will be a 9 a.m. optional tour of NICC Robotic Dairy Operation and the new Beef Learning Facilities. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northeast Iowa Community College Dairy Center 1527 Iowa 150, Calmar, IA 52132.

by Cindy Mensen, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

ATTENTION FARMERS - REMINDER:

December 26: Office Closed for Christmas Holiday
January 2: Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday

2017 ARC-Co Program Sign-up
Sign-up for the 2017 farm program, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) has begun.  Farmers who have a risk in what is planted on the farm are eligible to sign contracts for their commensurate share.  These shares should match what you present to crop insurance agents when buying coverage for your 2017 crops.

Market challenges, Foreign Animal Disease, beef import safety, the state beef checkoff and estate tax garnered the most attention at last week’s Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit.
The summit, which was held on December 10 in Ames, combined educational sessions with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association policy committee meetings and annual meeting.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has three policy committees: Beef Products, Business Issues and Cattle Production. The committee meetings are open to any ICA members, and generate organizational positions related to important topics affecting Iowa’s beef business. These policies drive the efforts of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and are used by staff and leaders in discussions with local and national elected officials and regulatory agencies.

Policy discussions this year revolved around cattle marketing, foreign animal disease preparedness, beef import safety, the state beef checkoff and estate tax.

Commercial manure applicators should plan to attend the Commercial Manure Applicator training program scheduled for Thursday, January 5, from 9 a.m. to noon. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct the required three-hour training workshop at that time. There is no fee to attend the workshop, but commercial applicators must register by Dec. 30 by contacting the hosting ISU Extension and Outreach office. The workshop will be hosted at the following county offices: Allamakee, Clayton, Howard, and Winneshiek.

By Sara Berges, Allamakee SWCD Project Coordinator

We know that lower commodity prices mean that profit margins are tight.  So how can landowners encourage conservation on their ground?  One important aspect of rental arrangements is good communication.  It is important that both parties understand what is expected for the maintenance of the land including what crops will be planted and what conservation practices will be utilized.

There are many ways landowners can play a role in ensuring that their land is well-managed and protected against erosion and the destruction of soil health.  They can take on some (or all) of the cost of conservation practices.  Landowners typically cover the cost of structural practices like terraces and ponds, but they can also help pay for cover crops or other practices.   An alternative would be to reduce rent if specific practices, like cover crops or no-till, are used. 

by Cindy Mensen, Acting Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148

ATTENTION FARMERS - REMINDER:

December 15:    County FSA Committee Meeting/Election 9 a.m.
December 15: Deadline for fall certification of forage and pasture areas
December 16: Deadline for 2017 MPP sign-up

County Committee Election
Ballots have been collected and the FSA Committee will tally them on Thursday, December 15. We want to convey our thanks to both Daryl Rud and Lyle Stock who agreed to be nominees for the position on our important farmer represented FSA committee. 

Fall Certification
December 15 is the deadline to timely file your fall certification of hay, grass, forage and pasture fields on your farms. This is a report of any grass or hay crops that will be seeded over the winter and that you plan to use as forage or pasture in crop year 2017.