News Center newsletter

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

Mid-Contract Management (MCM) on CRP Acres
As we start to see warmer temps and melting snow, please start thinking about your MCM, if you are scheduled for this year.  Those that are scheduled for this year would have received a packet from our office this past fall detailing what needs to be done.  You do have until May 14, 2018 to complete the work, but now is a good time to start lining up contractors if you haven’t already done so, buy seed if needed, and get equipment ready.  If you have technical questions, need a seeding plan, or contractor list please contact the NRCS office.  Any other questions can be directed to FSA.

Once you complete your MCM, please notify the FSA office, sign the FSA-848B form, and provide acceptable evidence of practice completion to determine proper cost share payment.

A three-year on-farm research project by Practical Farmers of Iowa is putting a price tag on the forage produced by cover crops. Two years of data from an on-going study show that the practice of grazing cover crops, combined with cost-share funding, provides positive returns within the same year cover crops are planted.

This finding is significant because some of the benefits of cover crops may take a few years to manifest – and the costs can be hard for farmers to justify in the short-term, when profit margins are shrinking.

The PFI data, however, shows that with proper management, grazing cover crops is a prime means by which farmers can realize sizeable profits within the first year.

Despite farmers’ positive perceptions about cover crops and the availability of cost-share programs to incentivize their use, an Iowa State University study shows the return on investment may be the biggest hurdle to overcome for widespread adoption of the practice.

In 2017, Iowa fields planted to cover crops grew to 760,000 acres, with less than half receiving federal or state cost share. But with millions of acres of crops, Iowa - and other Midwestern states - has yet to see widespread adoption of cover crops to reduce nitrates in water from crop fields and to conserve and build healthy soils.

The Iowa State Fair, along with DuPont Pioneer with media sponsors Iowa Farmer Today, WHO Radio and The BIG SHOW are seeking nominations for 2018 Way We Live Awards. The Way We Live Award, celebrating 10 years, will recognize 10 outstanding Iowa families who exemplify hard working farm values and a love for the occupation of farming. Over the past 9 years, Way We Live Awards have been given to 53 well-deserving Iowa families.

To enter or nominate someone you know, submit an entry form along with a 500-1500 word essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped the family’s life. All entries must include a family picture that illustrates the family’s commitment to their farming operation. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/way-we-live-award/. All entries must be postmarked or emailed by May 15.

By Jill Fleming, MS, RD/LD, Veterans Memorial Hospital

There is no one perfect diet that fits everyone. Over the past decade, the diet industry has pushed consumers to choose a diet theory camp. You should be paleo, keto, vegan, raw, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein or whatever diet happens to be trending.

It is hard not to get swept up with the hype of before and after photos or testimonials of those following the latest fad diet. You see their success story and think that if only you could follow the same eating style, you could lose weight or get healthy.  The truth is that some fad diets work for some people, but most do not.

Veterans Memorial Hospital and the Veterans Memorial Hospital Nursing Council are welcoming Joan C. Becker at a public presentation at the Waukon High School auditorium Friday, April 6. Joan is the author of the book, Sentenced to Life. It was Joan’s son, Mark, who was responsible for the tragedy in Parkersburg, when Coach Ed Thomas was shot and killed. Joan’s presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:45 p.m., and is open to the entire community, free of charge.

In her book, Sentenced to Life, Joan explains how her personal family experience served as the catalyst for her to become an advocate and public speaker for individuals with mental illness. Her focus is to open the doors and promote change in our mental health system. Joan speaks regularly to colleges, churches, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) groups, high schools, communities and mental health service providers.

Ask most people and they’ll tell you they hate the idea of having a colonoscopy. Whether they are worried about the discomfort, embarrassment or fear of what might be found, no one looks forward to the procedure.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States behind lung cancer. Fortunately, it is one of the most preventable and curable cancers.

“A colonoscopy is an exam that could save your life,” explains Phillip Yee, MD, Gundersen Health System general surgeon in Decorah and Waukon. “It offers the best opportunity for doctors to detect colon cancer or polyps, which are precancerous growths, at an early, more treatable stage.”

During a colonoscopy a lighted scope is used to inspect the entire colon for abnormal growths. If anything suspicious is found during the procedure, it can remove it or a tissue sample can be taken. According to Dr. Yee, people with the greatest risk of developing colon cancer include those:

Veterans Memorial Hospital will sponsor a Babysitting Seminar Saturday, April 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The class will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of Veterans Memorial Hospital. 

Intended participants are individuals 10 years of age and older who are responsible for their own care after school until their parents come home from work, and individuals who care for other children in or outside of their own home. Girls are not the sole baby-sitters in this society. Boys are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

Topics to be covered include fire and personal safety, accident prevention and emergency actions, nutritious snacks and basic care of children.

“Welcome to Medicare” is a free, two-hour seminar offered by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors. This program will be held Thursday, March 29 from 5-7 p.m. in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

“We’re excited to offer this free seminar to the community,” says Russ Hagen, SHIIP volunteer. “Medicare is such an important program and understanding what it offers helps assure that anyone eligible gets the health benefits they deserve.”

“Welcome to Medicare” will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit (Part D), Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement insurance.

Veterans Memorial Hospital will begin the next Prepared Childbirth Education classes (formerly called Lamaze) Monday, April 9, and will continue the class for two more consecutive Monday evenings beginning at 6 p.m. in the Large Conference Room.

The Prepared Childbirth Education classes at Veterans Memorial Hospital are offered in three sessions that allow the expectant parents to choose which topics they wish to learn more on. They may choose to attend one, two or all three sessions.  Session 1 covers labor, delivery and the postpartum period following delivery; Session 2 includes relaxation, breathing and pain management; and Session 3 covers infant care. Tours of the OB Department are available with each session as well.

These Prepared Childbirth Education classes are free to any expectant parents delivering at Veterans Memorial Hospital. These classes will be offered every three months at Veterans Memorial Hospital.