Agriculture

Deadlines/Dates
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application
September 30: Office Fiscal Year Rollover

Deadlines/Dates
August 2: Primary Nesting Season Ends
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application
September 30: Office Fiscal Year Rollover

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team has released four new technical resources designed to facilitate partnership-based dairy operations that benefit both beginning and retiring farmers. The publications are available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store.

High capital requirements, land costs and volatile milk prices often create significant barriers for new producers attempting to enter the dairy industry. These resources advocate for moving beyond traditional “straight cash rent” agreements to Dairy Share Agreements, a model that allows individuals to share land, labor and capital to achieve economic goals that might be unattainable on their own.

Deadlines/Dates
August 2: Primary Nesting Season Ends
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

Grazing Cover Crops: A Practical Tool for Feed, Soil Health, and Nutrient Cycling
Cover crops are already a valuable tool for protecting soil, reducing erosion, and improving water quality. When managed well, grazing those cover crops with cattle, sheep, or other livestock can add another layer of benefit, turning a conservation practice into a source of feed and farm flexibility. When planned correctly, cover crops can provide fall or early spring forage, reduce stored feed needs, protect highly erodible soils, and recycle nutrients back into the field.

Deadlines/Dates
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 2: Primary Nesting Season Ends
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

Deadlines/Dates
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

Grazing Field Day to be hosted by Waukon NRCS 
Local livestock producers and landowners looking to enhance their pasture management and explore cutting-edge technologies are invited to a special Grazing Field Day hosted by the Waukon NRCS office and area staff. The event will take place Friday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1352 Hawes Rd, Harpers Ferry.

Effective grazing management is a cornerstone of successful livestock operations, optimizing forage utilization and promoting healthy pastures. Rotational grazing has proven benefits for both livestock and land, improving forage quantity and quality while building soil health. This field day aims to delve deeper into these established practices and introduce exciting new advancements.

Dairy producers are growing herd size while keeping cows productive longer, a financial strategy shaped by strong beef cattle markets, fewer replacement needs and rising value per animal, according to benchmark findings by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica). As the industry celebrates National Dairy Month, these insights highlight how producers are adapting and positioning their operations for long-term success. The insights are drawn from FCSAmerica’s proprietary dairy benchmarking program, which reflects detailed financial and production data across a broad portfolio of operations representing 144 dairy sites in a multi-state region from Minnesota to Texas and from Michigan to California.

Deadlines/Dates
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

FSA Ready for Your 2026 Acreage Report
With the planting season now behind us, we wanted to take this opportunity to send a friendly reminder about certifying your planted acres. Completing your certifications promptly is essential for keeping your records up to date and ensuring you remain eligible for future program benefits. By submitting your information in a timely manner, you help us support you more efficiently and avoid any potential issues down the road. If you have any questions about the certification process or need assistance at any stage, please feel free to reach out. 

Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

Livestock producers and land managers interested in learning more about pasture productivity and grazing management practices are invited to participate in the Iowa Grazing Academy this July and August. The Iowa Grazing Academy consists of online sessions and in-person field days that provide practical skills and strategies for improving grazing practices.

The online sessions will be held July 13–22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Participants can join all sessions or choose those that fit their schedule. All sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing.