Agriculture

Wed
08
Aug

Initial statewide mapping of conservation practices now complete

A statewide effort to identify and map six types of conservation practices (terraces, ponds, grassed waterways, water and sediment control basins, contour strip cropping and contour buffer strips/prairie strips) has been completed and provides the most comprehensive inventory of conservation practices in the nation.

An analysis of the results shows the value of this public and private investment in conservation would be $6.2 billion in today’s dollars. Additional analysis work is underway to utilize the science of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to quantify the water quality impact these practices are having in terms of reduced sediment and phosphorus loads to Iowa streams.

Wed
01
Aug

What's Up at the FSA Office?

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• August 1: Last day to request a farm/tract reconstitution for 2018 crop year
• August 1: Last day to file County Committee Election Nomination Form
• August 17: CRP Signup 51

County Office Committee Election in LAA-2 – Deadline for Nominations is August 1!
The COC nomination period started June 15, and producers can nominate themselves or others. If you would like to run, or are nominated and agree to run, you will need to complete form FSA-669A, which you can pick up at our office or online at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.  All nominations must be postmarked or received in our office by August 1.

Wed
01
Aug

Waukon Feed Ranch awards jackets to exhibitors of Allamakee County Fair Grand and Reserve Champion Market Hogs ...

Waukon Feed Ranch provided jackets to the 4-H exhibitors who showed the Grand Champion Individual Market Hog and Reserve Grand Champion Individual Market Hog at the 2018 Allamakee County Fair Swine Show July 19. Pictured in the photo above are, left to right, exhibitor Trudy Baxter and her Grand Champion Individual Market Hog with Waukon Feed Ranch co-owner Kim Winters, Waukon Feed Ranch Swine Division Assistant Manager Corey Tieskoetter and Waukon Feed Ranch Human Resources Manager Michelle Winkie. Pictured in the photo below are, left to right, exhibitor Alaina Gebel and her Reserve Grand Champion Individual Market Hog with Waukon Feed Ranch co-owner Kim Winters and Waukon Feed Ranch Swine Division Assistant Manager Corey Tieskoetter. Submitted photos.
 

Wed
01
Aug

Focus on Nitrogen Field Day August 9

Sharing research-based information to help maximize profit and minimize nitrogen losses.

As part of the state-wide series of workshops, ISU Extension invites farmers and those who advise them to attend an event on Thursday August 9 at the ISU Northeast Research Farm near Nashua, titled “Focus on Nitrogen: Managing Nitrogen for Maximum Profit and Minimum Water Quality Impact.”

Being one of the country’s most prestigious water quality research facilities, we will kick off the day with a field tour by Ken Pecinovsky, farm superintendent, who will highlight nitrogen management strategies and water quality testing practices being conducted on the farm. Brian Lang and Terry Basol, ISU agronomists, will discuss the nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for corn, split application of nitrogen, and cover crops as it pertains to making crop production decisions.

Wed
01
Aug

2018 Women in Ag Tours - Allamakee County

Women across Iowa have the opportunity to visit diverse agricultural businesses through one-day bus tours this summer. Each tour is designed by local groups of women in agriculture and led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county professionals and the Women in Ag program. Interested persons may sign up for a local tour, take a tour across the state, or join several tours.

While showcasing Iowa’s agricultural diversity, each tour will feature discussion around five common agricultural risks: 1) costs and benefits of production practices, 2) safety of families and employees, 3) impacts of changing regulation, 4) storing and marketing farm products, and 5) managing soil and water.

Wed
25
Jul

What's Up at the FSA Office?

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• May 15 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season. No MCM Activities on CRP Acres
• August 1: Last day to request a farm/tract reconstitution for 2018 crop year
• August 17: CRP Signup 51

Late-Filed Crop Reports
Thank you to everyone who stopped in by the July 15 deadline (July 16 this year as the 15th fell on a Sunday) and certified their crops.  Allamakee County certifies approximately 1700 farms every year, and the staff works hard to get these completed timely and accurately.

Wed
25
Jul

Consider spring herbicide program prior to planting fall cover crops

Producers planning to use cover crops this fall need to be aware of what herbicides they applied this spring and what the restrictions are for seeding following application. 

According to Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University Extension Weed Specialist, the use of preemergence herbicides has increased in recent years due to the spread of herbicide resistant weeds. “Many of these products are persistent in the environment, and phytotoxic concentrations may remain in the soil at the time of cover crop establishment in the fall,” he said. “While herbicide labels provide information on restrictions regarding rotational crops, these recommendations generally are not written with cover crops in mind.”

Hartzler says restrictions on the label that prohibit planting cover crops may be due to:

Wed
25
Jul

Reminder: Farmers encouraged to apply now for cost-share for cover crops, no-till/strip-till and nitrification inhibitors

Assistance available through Iowa Water Quality Initiative

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today reminded Iowa farmers that funds are available to help install practices focused on protecting water quality.  Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.
The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres.

First-time users that apply by July 27 will be the first applications funded.  First-time users that apply after July 27 will still receive priority consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre.

Wed
18
Jul

What's Up at the FSA Office?

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

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• May 15 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season. No MCM Activities on CRP Acres
• August 1: ARC/PLC Sign-up
• August 1: Last day to request a farm/tract reconstitution for 2018 crop year
• August 17: CRP Signup 51

Wed
18
Jul

Organic vegetable farm in Decorah hosts “In Her Boots” workshop July 26 for women farmers

While the number of farms in the U.S. has been on the decline for many years, the number owned and operated by women is on the rise, according to the USDA Census of Agriculture. The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) supports these women farmers with on-farm “In Her Boots” workshops; the next workshop of the 2018 season is Thursday, July 26 at Humble Hands Harvest, an organic vegetable farm in Decorah, Iowa, run by Hannah Breckbill.

This day-long workshop, offered by MOSES in partnership with the Iowa Organic Association, offers an inspiring blend of practical information, skill-building, resource connections and networking to encourage this growing segment of women farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural leaders. This session in particular will also cover ergonomics and machinery use for women.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Agriculture