Agriculture

National Farm Safety and Health Week was observed September 21-27

With the busy harvest season commencing across the state, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging Iowans to keep safety at the top of their mind in the field, around the farm and on the road. Farming can be physically exhausting and mentally demanding, and agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in America.

In recognition of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Secretary Naig has provided some safety tips for both farmers and drivers as well as resources for Iowans needing mental health support.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Applying for Farm Storage Facility Loans 
The Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program provides low-interest financing to help you build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks.

A new study from Iowa State University sheds light on the evolving landscape of agricultural conservation in Iowa. It found that many farmers who adopted two key conservation practices - cover crops and no-till - did not continue to use the practices over time. 

The research, published in the journal Society & Natural Resources, explored farmers’ self-reports of whether they adopted, continued or abandoned the conservation practices between 2015 to 2019. The survey data from more than 3,200 farmers across six major watersheds in the state demonstrates the importance of factoring “disadoption” rates for conservation practices into conservation assessments and goals. 

The findings showing high disadoption rates challenges conventional assumptions about conservation practice implementation and offers important insights for policymakers, extension professionals and conservation advocates.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Iowa Farmers: Sign Up Now for NRCS Conservation Programs Before October 10 Deadline
Iowa producers have a great opportunity this fall to apply for two of the most popular USDA conservation programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The first-round cutoff date for applications is October 10, 2025. These programs are designed to support farmers, ranchers, and landowners in making improvements to their operations while protecting Iowa’s natural resources.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Offers New ‘Homegrown Lifestyle’ Online Series

Small-scale producers, homesteaders, hobby and beginning farmers can access new resources available through Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach.

The Homegrown Lifestyle series, developed by the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development Program, offers three online courses designed to help small farm owners grow their own food, raise livestock and preserve their land.

Each course, Acreage Management, Fruits and Vegetables, and Livestock, provides flexible, research-based learning tailored to the needs and interests of beginning producers, retirees and families focused on self-sufficiency.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Regular Maintenance Requirements for all CRP Contracts
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to conserve farmland for future generations while providing habitat for wildlife, reducing soil erosion, and improving water quality. Regular maintenance on CRP acres is needed to ensure the acreage continues to provide conservation benefits and remains in compliance with the CRP contract.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with Michigan State University and the Center for PFAS Research, will host a webinar titled “PFAS in Agriculture: What It Means for Your Farm and the Food Supply Chain.” The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, from 10 to 11 a.m.

PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are synthetic compounds widely used in consumer and industrial products. According to Alex Van Alstyne, food business extension specialist with Iowa State, understanding the risk of PFAS is important for farm and food business owners.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

NRCS Program Sign-Up Deadlines Approaching - Apply Soon to Be Considered in the First Round
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging Iowa agricultural producers and landowners to start the application process now for conservation programs that provide both financial and technical assistance. The first-round application cutoff is expected in October. Applications received after that date will continue to be accepted, but they will be placed into the second-round ranking period.

The I-29 Moo University and Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series will continue Wednesday, September 17, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The webinar will feature a variety of forage topics, including an overview of controlling weeds in hay, alfalfa quality trends and the monthly hay market outlook.

Webinar presenters are:
• Wes Everman, assistant professor and extension weed scientist, will discuss how to manage weeds in hay, focusing on both identification and control methods.
• Jeff Jackson, alfalfa and forage specialist at CROPLAN by WinField-Land O Lakes, will present new advancements in alfalfa, plant health and winter hardiness to help cattle producers improve their operations.
• Luke Schubert, owner and auctioneer with Schubert Auction Service in Pierz, Minnesota, will share insights on the hay market observed along the I-29 Corridor.

Deadlines/Dates
September 30: Fiscal Year End

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Premiums Due
Reminder - 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) participants, premium balances are due August 30, 2025. Please call the Allamakee County office to settle any outstanding premium balances BEFORE August 29th. Checks are to be made payable to CCC. For more information about DMC, please contact the Allamakee County FSA office (563) 568-2148, Ext. 2