13 Feb 2014

ISU Extension and Outreach Events and Calendar

By Amanda Heitz

Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Area hay and forage producers are invited to attend the 31st Association (EIHPA) Annual Meeting and Conference on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Buzzy's in Welton. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

This year's conference features two ISU speakers, plus regional updates from Virgil Schmitt, ISU Extension Field Agronomist, and Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Specialist. Ryan Drollette, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will kick off the event with an overview of the cattle industry and market outlook, and its impact on forage demand. Following lunch and a brief annual meeting to elect officers and directors, Dr. John Sawyer, ISU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist and Professor in Agronomy, will speak on Nutrient Considerations with Corn Stover Harvest. Sawyer has focused his research on efficient fertilizer use and nutrient, manure, and limestone management.

Registration for the conference is $30 and includes a membership to EIHPA and meal. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Certified crop advisor credits have been applied for. This conference is sponsored by EIHPA, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Center.

The Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association provides educational workshops and field days for forage producers in Jackson, Jones, Clinton, Cedar, Scott and Muscatine counties. However, forage producers from other counties are also welcome to participate. For more information contact Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu or Kevin Brown at brofarm@windstream.net or 563-872-4475.

ISU Offers New Horse Program 24/7

Want to learn the science of horse management on your time schedule? Begin by visiting the Master Equine Manager website at www.extension.iastate.edu/masterequine/. You will find a complete program description and registration information for easy access to begin learning The Master Equine Manager program is designed to enhance Iowa's broad-based horse industry.

Dr. Peggy Miller-Auwerda, ISU Extension and Outreach Horse Specialist, says "we designed the new Master Equine Manager Program to inform and educate people on quality horse care and responsible horse ownership."

Horse owners, enthusiasts, boarding facility managers and industry employees benefit from increased knowledge and networking with others in the horse industry. The program combines focused learning opportunities with a hands-on practical evaluation.

The learning modules and topics include : Welfare of Horses: Understanding Horse Behavior, Facilities and Equipment, Equine Quality Assurance; Horse Nutrition: Forages for Horses, Feeds and Feeding; Horse Health: Equine Emergency Treatment, Vaccinations for Horses, Understanding Horse Parasites, and Hoof Care; Selection of Horses: Conformation and Evaluation, Unsoundness's and Blemishes.

Registrations are accepted from junior and senior high school students and adults with an interest in horses. Graduates of the program will become a certified Master Equine Manager and are encouraged to share their skills and knowledge with others. Continuing Education Units are available upon request.

For more information, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/masterequine/, contact Dale Miller, State Coordinator Master Equine Manager Program, at dmill@iastate.edu, (641) 842-2014.

Calendar

March 5, 2014 Ornamental and Turf Applicators, Scott County Extension Office, 1:30-4:00 pm

March 21, 2014 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00-2:00 pm

March 25, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

March 26, 2014 Certified Handlers, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00-11:30 am

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/


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13 Feb 2014

Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Utilize and Expand Renewable Fuel Infrastructure

By Joe Hand

Re-FUEL Act establishes grant program to promote domestic fuel sources, provide choices at the pump

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he introduced legislation that would establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure. The Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and Leadership (Re-FUEL) Act (HR 4051) will help create new and retrofit existing infrastructure, including pumps for biofuels and hydrogen, tanks, piping and electric vehicle chargers. The legislation is paid for and does not add to the deficit.

"I believe in making things in America and there is no reason our fuel sources shouldn't be made here as well. It's also important that consumers are able to choose where their fuel source comes from when they go to fill up. Too often, infrastructure constraints are cited as the reason for not giving consumers the choices they deserve. This holds back the development of our renewable and alternative energy sources that create jobs in Iowa and across the country.

"The Re-FUEL Act will help bridge that divide by making important investments in the infrastructure needed to provide consumers with choices at the pump. We must do more to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, expand our use of renewable energy sources that boost economic development in our rural areas, and promote homegrown fuel sources such as biofuels and wind power."

For additional details about the Re-FUEL Act, click here for the one-pager.

For the text of the legislation, click here.

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11 Feb 2014

IOWA FARM BUREAU FOOD & FARM INDEX™ SHOWS IOWA GROCERY SHOPPERS ARE MEAT LOVERS

By Rick Martin

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - February 10, 2014 -As Valentine's Day approaches, perhaps Iowans who really want to show their love will skip the chocolates and give gifts of meat, instead.  According to the Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™, a study conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowans love their meat; in fact, among 502 Iowa grocery shoppers age 20-60, a large majority consume several types of meat and poultry weekly.   Overall, beef (84%) appears to be the meat most commonly consumed in their households.

The survey shows that 56% of Iowa grocery shoppers' households eat pork weekly, with 20% of them reporting they put pork on the table two or three times a week.  Beef is even more popular with Iowans; 84% of Iowa grocery shoppers' households eat beef weekly, with 35% of them reporting they eat beef two or three times per week.  Poultry is also a big hit with these Iowans, with 79% reporting their households eat chicken weekly and 33% reporting they do so two or three times per week.  Turkey is popular even past the Thanksgiving holiday, with 23% reporting their households eat it at least weekly and 6% eating it two or three times per week.

"Despite media coverage of 'Meatless Mondays,' Iowans like meat," says Craig Hill, president of IFBF.  "That makes sense because meat is a great source of protein and other nutrients to energize your body. From the results of the Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™, we know that Iowa grocery shoppers trust farmers most when it comes to information on food safety; they can also feel good about the quality of the meat raised in Iowa." Hill also noted that livestock farmers have responded to consumer demand for leaner protein, by providing more options than ever before.

The survey also showed that for those grocery shoppers who read labels, 50% are looking for meat 'raised in the U.S.' and 43% are looking for 'raised locally'. "We know that consumers care about how their food is grown and raised, and this survey shows that Iowa grocery shoppers trust farmers," noted Hill.

Family love at the dinner table

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™ also showed that a majority of Iowa grocery shoppers who live with others eat together at home (99%), with 98% saying they do this on at least a weekly basis. Over half (51%) say they eat together on a daily basis.

Methodology

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™ surveyed Iowa residents between 20 and 60 years old who have primary or shared responsibility for household grocery shopping; 502 such respondents were interviewed online for this wave of research between November 21 and December 2 of 2013 by Harris Poll on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. It is the first in a semi-annual survey of Iowans to study the factors driving their food purchases. Data from the survey released early in the year show Iowa grocery shoppers are most interested in price and taste when they buy meat, poultry and dairy.

For more information on the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index™, please visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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10 Feb 2014

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2014 IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state.  Nominations are due by June 15, 2014 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

"We have seen great participation by farmers in the Iowa water quality initiative and these awards are an opportunity to recognize farmers that are taking steps to protect the soil and improve water quality here in Iowa," Branstad said.

"Iowa is leading the way in working with farmers to encourage the use of voluntary, science-based practices that can improve our water quality while ensuring our farmers can continue to feed the world and power our state's economy," Reynolds said.

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopted best management practices throughout their farming operation.  As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

"Recognizing farmers who are taking the lead in conservation is a way to encourage others to consider adopting some of the same practices on their land," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

The award was created in 2012 and last year 63 Iowa farm families were recognized.  Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsored a recognition luncheon following the ceremony.  Last year EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy spoke at the luncheon and recognized the efforts of the winners.

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10 Feb 2014

Lt. Gov. Simon applauds farm bill being signed into law

By Ted Nelson

CARBONDALE - Feb. 7, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama signing a new farm bill into law.

"I applaud Congress for its efforts to work together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a farm bill. After much debate, a comprehensive piece of legislation has now been signed by the President.

"As chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC), I know the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and firmly believe cuts in the farm bill to SNAP are too drastic. While this is not a perfect bill, it takes important steps to assist farmers and support programs to increase access to fresh and local foods.

"I am pleased to see support for a Hunger-Free Communities Incentives Grant that provides incentives for SNAP recipients to buy local food. The grant provision is a win for consumers, who will be able to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a win for farmers, who should enjoy increased revenues. Illinois should follow this lead and seek these matching funds."

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07 Feb 2014

USDA to Release New Long Term Agricultural Projections

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2014 -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release new 10-year agricultural projections on Feb. 13, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. EST. USDA's Agricultural Projections to 2023 will be posted to the Office of the Chief Economist's (OCE) website at www.usda.gov/oce and available in MS Word and PDF formats. Projections data will be available as Excel spreadsheets here.

USDA publishes the projections each year in February. The projections are developed by interagency committees in USDA, with the Economic Research Service (ERS) having the lead role in the preparation of the report. The new projections cover crop and livestock commodities, agricultural trade and aggregate indicators, such as farm income, through 2023. The projections do not represent a USDA forecast, but a conditional, long-run scenario based on specific assumptions about farm policy, weather, the economy and international developments. Normal weather is assumed throughout the projection period. The projections were prepared during October through December 2013, with the 2008 Farm Act assumed to be extended and remain in effect through the projection period. Therefore, the projections do not reflect the Agricultural Act of 2014.

Background on USDA's long-term projections and past issues of the report are available on the ERS website at www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/agricultural-baseline-projections.aspx.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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07 Feb 2014

KELDERMAN MANUFACTURING WINS IOWA FARM BUREAU 'RENEW RURAL IOWA ENTREPRENEUR AWARD'

By Rick Martin

Solutions-Oriented Manufacturer Renowned for Many Inventions, Contributions to Rural Life

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - February 6, 2014 - Those who know him best in Oskaloosa, say Gary Kelderman has a reputation of being able to tinker and fix almost anything, and make it better.  Kelderman's start as an ambitious teenager, eager to work on cars and machinery, has grown over time into a successful Oskaloosa-based manufacturing business, with more than 25 patents and 45 employees.  In recognition of its numerous contributions to the community, Kelderman Manufacturing has been named the latest Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Renew Rural Iowa Award winner.

Founded in 1970 in Kelderman's one-stall hot rod shop, the problem-solving operation has grown to a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility and is a leading supplier of innovative products for the agricultural industry.  Perhaps Kelderman's best-known product is the Kelderman fold kit designed for the 7000 and 7200 Series John Deere planters.  "If you're a farmer, you probably have one, and if you don't, your neighbor probably does," said Jeff Kelderman, who joined the family business and now runs it together with his father.  "Our products are on almost every farm," says Kelderman, proudly.

The key to success for Kelderman Manufacturing has been the ability to innovate as needs arise.  Whether designing a way for farmers to move their heavy equipment from field to field more efficiently, inventing a reel for combines to pick up spilled corn in the field, or creating a smoother ride for large trucks, Kelderman Manufacturing continues to bring innovation to the agriculture community.  "If someone needed something made or built to make a job easier, Gary Kelderman could do it," said Pete Fynaardt, Mahaska County Farm Bureau president.  "Kelderman Manufacturing is a real asset to the community."

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring, and financial resources.  The next Renew Rural Iowa Business Success Seminar takes place Tuesday March 11, 2014, at Iowa Farm Bureau's Auditorium in West Des Moines.  For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com

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06 Feb 2014

ISU Extension and Outreach Calendar

By Amanda Heitz
February 25, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

February 26, 2014 Seed Treatment, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00 am-11:30 am

March 5, 2014 Ornamental and Turf Applicators, Scott County Extension Office, 1:30-4:00 pm

March 21, 2014 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00-2:00 pm

March 25, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

March 26, 2014 Certified Handlers, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00-11:30 am

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/
05 Feb 2014

Secretary Vilsack Announces Regional Hubs to Help Agriculture, Forestry Mitigate the Impacts of a Changing Climate

By USDA Office of Communications
'Climate Hubs' will provide regional networks on climate science, forecasting impacts as part of President's Climate Action Plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2014–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the creation of the first ever Regional Hubs for Risk Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change at seven locations around the country. "Climate Hubs" will address increasing risks such as fires, invasive pests, devastating floods, and crippling droughts on a regional basis, aiming to translate science and research into information to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners on ways to adapt and adjust their resource management. In his State of the Union Address, President Obama pledged that his Administration will continue to do everything in its power to act on climate change. Today's announcement is part of the President's Climate Action Plan to responsibly cut carbon pollution, slow the effects of climate change and put America on track to a cleaner environment.

"For generations, America's farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have innovated and adapted to challenges. Today, they face a new and more complex threat in the form of a changing and shifting climate, which impacts both our nation's forests and our farmers' bottom lines," said Vilsack. "USDA's Climate Hubs are part of our broad commitment to developing the next generation of climate solutions, so that our agricultural leaders have the modern technologies and tools they need to adapt and succeed in the face of a changing climate."

The Secretary first announced his intention to create the Hubs last summer. The Hubs will provide outreach and information to producers on ways to mitigate risks; public education about the risks climate change poses to agriculture, ranchlands and forests; regional climate risk and vulnerability assessments; and centers of climate forecast data and information. They will also link a broad network of partners participating in climate risk adaptation and mitigation, including universities; non-governmental organizations; federal agencies such as the Department of Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Native Nations and organizations; state departments of environment and agriculture; research centers; farm groups and more.

Across the country, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are seeing an increase in risks to their operations due to fires, increases in invasive pests, droughts, and floods. For example, in the Midwest, growing seasons have lengthened by almost two weeks since 1950. The fire season is now 60 days longer than it was 30 years ago, and forests will become increasingly threatened by insect outbreaks, fire, drought and storms over the next 50 years. These events threaten our food supply and are costly for producers and rural economies. Drought alone was estimated to cost the U.S. $50 billion from 2011 to 2013. Such risks have implications not only for agricultural producers, but for all Americans.

The Hubs were chosen through a competitive process among USDA facilities. In addition to the seven Hubs, USDA is designating three Subsidiary Hubs ("Sub Hubs") that will function within the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest. The Sub Hubs will support the Hub within their region and focus on a narrow and unique set of issues relative to what will be going on in the rest of the Hub. The Southwest Sub Hub, located in Davis, California, will focus on specialty crops and Southwest forests, the Southeast Sub Hub will address issues important to the Caribbean, and the Midwest Sub Hub will address climate change and Lake State forests.

The following locations have been selected to serve as their region's center of climate change information and outreach to mitigate risks to the agricultural sector:

  • Midwest: National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, Iowa
    • Sub-Hub in Houghton, Mich.
  • Northeast: Northern Research Station, Forest Service, Durham, N.H.
  • Southeast: Southern Research Station, Forest Service, Raleigh, N.C.
    • Sub-Hub in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
  • Northern Plains: National Resources Center, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colo.
  • Southern Plains: Grazinglands Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, El Reno, Okla.
  • Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forest Service, Corvallis, Ore.
  • Southwest: Rangeland Management Unit/Jornada Experimental Range, Agricultural Research Service, Las Cruces, N.M.
    • Sub-hub in Davis, Calif.

"This is the next step in USDA's decades of work alongside farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to keep up production in the face of challenges," Vilsack said. "If we are to be effective in managing the risks from a shifting climate, we'll need to ensure that our managers in the field and our stakeholders have the information they need to succeed. That's why we're bringing all of that information together on a regionally-appropriate basis."

The Climate Hubs will build on the capacity within USDA to deliver science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to support decision-making related to climate change across the country.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov/climatechange.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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05 Feb 2014

Farm and Nutrition Bill Clears the Senate

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Senator Chuck Grassley released the following statement after the Senate passed the Agricultural Act of 2014 by a vote of 68-32.  Grassley voted against the measure.

"I'm extremely disappointed that my provisions to place a hard cap on farm payments and better define who can receive those payments were stripped down to such a great extent that they likely won't have much effect.  Unfortunately, a few members of the House and Senate placed parochial interests above the broader good for the agricultural community.

"Currently 10 percent of the wealthiest farmers receive 70 percent of the benefit from the farm program.  This puts small- and medium-sized farms and young and beginning farmers at a disadvantage.  These are the very people the farm program is supposed to help.  The committee leaders negotiating the final bill struck my simple, common-sense and enforceable provisions from the final bill.

"As a farmer myself, I understand how a five-year farm bill helps with long-term planning, and there are some good things in the bill.  But, I can't turn a blind eye to a select few members dismantling a provision that was passed by wide, bipartisan majorities in both the House and the Senate."

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