02 Aug 2013

Farm Progress Show Expands

By Farm Progress Show

Farm Progress Show on the Grow

Growth for the Farm Progress Show continues to exceed the initial projections for exhibit space when the event's permanent facilities were designed. Agriculture's boom years continue to increase demand for exhibit space at the nation's largest outdoor farm event, and the Decatur, Ill., exhibit area will be expanded for its 2013 event. This follows the trend that started with the 2011 show and was continued at last year's Boone, Iowa, show facility.

 
DECATUR, ILL. (08/01/2013) - The 2013 Farm Progress Show once again introduces an expanded show site for its Decatur, Ill., permanent facility. A new street has been added as well as an annex to accommodate exhibitors' requests for exhibit space. This year's Farm Progress Show is scheduled for August 27, 28 and 29.
In 2012, the Farm Progress Show needed to expand the Boone, Iowa, site, also due to the increased demand for exhibit space at this prime show. Demand for space has once again spurred show organizers to expand exhibit space, this time at the Decatur, Ill. site.
Growth projections exceeded
"When the Farm Progress Show sites were built in Decatur and Boone, they were built to accommodate the largest show usage in recent times," says Matt Jungmann, national events manager. "Before the 2011 show, we added Eleventh Street to meet the demand for space. This year, it became clear that extra space was needed to accommodate all the requests by exhibitors, and the investment would need to be made to accommodate those requests."
Largest outdoor farm show
The Farm Progress Show grounds have grown from 10 streets to 12 over the last eight years the show has been in Decatur. This year's demand for exhibit space results in the creation of an annex exhibit area in the west parking lot, as well as adding the Twelfth Progress Street within the exhibit field. The new street will be paved for visitor comfort. This expansion equates to 3.647 million square feet of exhibit space, a 6% increase since 2011.
More for visitors
The extra expansion area referred to as the "Annex," located outside of Gate 1 in the west parking lot, has an excess of 60 new companies exhibiting. There will be a mix of outside lots and a tent with booths inside. These exhibitors span the ag spectrum and include companies like Polaris, Roto-Mix, Merschmann Seeds, Husqvarna and many more.
This year's show has even more for visitors to see. With the completion of Twelfth Progress Street and the addition of the Annex, the Farm Progress Show will host more than 600 companies, almost 100 more exhibitors than in previous years.
Don't miss this year's events
Mark your calendar for the 60th annual Farm Progress Show and, after you learn about the latest in ag technology, make your way to the fairgrounds for the third annual Great Lakes Hybrids Farm Progress Show Shootout Tractor Pull or take in the country music concert headlined by Chris Cagle.
The 2013 Farm Progress Show takes place in Decatur, Ill., Aug. 27, 28 and 29. The exhibit field is open to visitors 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for ages 13-17 and free for ages 12 and under. Discounted advance adult admission tickets are available now on the show's website. For a full schedule of events and more detailed information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com.
There's a handy Farm Progress Show app for iPhones and Android mobile phones, available in the respective devices' app markets.
Additional events
The third annual Great Lakes Hybrids Farm Progress Show Shootout Tractor Pull will be held Aug. 26 and 27 at the Macon County Fairgrounds. Full ticket information and additional details about the pull are available online at Facebook.com/FPSShootout, eTix.com or www.FarmProgressShow.com. This is a separate event and a separate admission ticket is needed.
Or after the show on Wednesday, Aug. 28, take in the country music concert headlined by Chris Cagle. Full ticket information and additional details about the concert are available online at eTix.com and www.FarmProgressShow.com. The concert is a separate event and a separate admission ticket is needed.
The public is welcome at the show, tractor pull and concert events.
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About the Farm Progress Show
Farm Progress Show, www.FarmProgressShow.com, the nation's largest outdoor farm event, annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services.
Producers from the U.S. and around the world attend this industry-leading annual agricultural event.
Ag manufacturers and suppliers from across the country and around the world are exhibitors. Field demonstrations are a show mainstay. Each show day, field demos include side-by-side tillage techniques, GPS and precision equipment, and tractor and combine performance comparisons on hundreds of corn acres available for harvesting. Live cattle-handling demonstrations include the newest cattle chutes, equipment, animal health products and work techniques. Additionally, the show features restored antique machinery, arts and crafts displays, horse training demonstrations and entertainment.
The show is an excellent learning opportunity for producers and includes a wide variety of marketing, management and production seminars.
The Farm Progress Show is a Penton business.
01 Aug 2013

SCOTT COUNTY EXTENSION CALENDAR.

By Amanda Heitz

August 13, 2013 Summer Gardening Webinar, Scott County Extension Office, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

August 27, 2013 ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

September 3, 2013 Summer Gardening Webinar, Scott County Extension Office, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

September 6, 2013 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

September 24, 2013 ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

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

01 Aug 2013

Forest2Market Reports 2Q-2013 Delivered Wood Fiber Prices for the Midwest

By LeAndra Spicer

Aspen prices remained steady before ending the quarter on an upswing. Hardwood and softwood prices saw significant increases before tapering off to typical levels. Average fuelwood prices steadily increased over the past three quarters.

Forest2Market's latest Midwest Delivered Price Benchmark shows average prices for aspen remained relatively steady throughout the second quarter of 2013. Hardwood and softwood prices were more volatile, displaying steep increases between the close of the first and the start of the second quarter. Residual chip pricing, both hardwood and softwood, has shown little volatility over the last nine months.

Aspen pulpwood prices remained relatively constant throughout the quarter, starting at $41.03 per ton in April before dropping to $40.91 per ton in May. Aspen closed the quarter at a high of $41.57 per ton in June.

Average hardwood pulpwood prices increased $4.68 per ton from March ($44.29 per ton) to April ($48.97 per ton). The spike was largely due to increased woodyard transfers and hauling from piledown areas as spring breakup came into full swing.  Hardwood pulpwood prices fell to $46.70 per ton in May, and were back in line with winter price levels by June ($45.06 per ton).

Softwood pulpwood prices also increased at the start of the spring season, coming in at a quarterly high of $49.03 in April (prices averaged $47.84 per ton in March). Prices then fell five percent over the quarter to $47.65 in May and $46.48 in June. The end of seasonal road restrictions and increased supply are expected to help moderate prices throughout the summer months.

Peter Coutu, Forest2Market's Business Lead for the Midwest and Northeast regions, noted the delivered price reports have added a degree of transparency previously absent in the Midwest market. "At Forest2Market, we strive to provide our customers with the information they need to make better-informed decisions and improve business performance. Since its introduction to the Midwest in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Delivered Price Benchmark has helped subscribers identify significant opportunities for adding value to their wood fiber supply chain."

In addition to aspen, hardwood and softwood delivered prices, the benchmark reports fuelwood pricing. Average prices for biomass have displayed a slow but steady increase since 4Q2012, the first quarter Forest2Market introduced its delivered price benchmark to the Midwest. Overall, the per ton average price for biomass increased $1.16, from $26.34 in Q4 2012 to $27.50 in Q2 2013. The increase is attributed to rising competition for raw material and seasonal factors.

Forest2Market Delivered Price Benchmarks

Forest2Market launched its Delivered Price Benchmark service for the Midwest in 2012. The report provides quarterly price information based on transaction-level data for aspen, hardwood, softwood and fuelwood. Forest2Market has provided its delivered price benchmark service in the US South since 2006 and the Pacific Northwest since 2007.

About Forest2Market

Forest2Market provides market pricing data as well as wood and fiber supply chain expertise to customers in the forest, wood and paper products, recovered fiber and bioenergy industries. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company also has offices in Eugene, Oregon and Appleton, Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.forest2market.com.

26 Jul 2013

State of Iowa Leaders Encourage Bipartisan Congressional Movement on Farm Bill

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp today called upon congressional leaders to swiftly reconcile farm bill differences to seize the opportunity to provide long-term certainty to agricultural producers, enact program reforms and achieve cost savings.

"A long-term farm bill is overdue and congressional leaders have the opportunity to provide certainty in the farm economy. I am hopeful that congressional leaders can find a way forward in the very near future," said Branstad.

"The farm bill provides vital certainty to Iowa farmers," said Northey. "It is important that the House and Senate work together on a bipartisan basis to keep the bill moving."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

 

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26 Jul 2013

Dairy Beef Feeding for Profit

By Amanda Heitz

Feeding dairy steers has been common on northeast and east central Iowa farms and others are looking at dairy steers with supplies of feeder cattle being low.

An educational conference on feeding dairy steers will be the focus of two Extension programs in NE Iowa, August 6 at Monticello and August 7 at Cresco.

Dr. Lee Schultz, ISU Extension Livestock Economist will discuss the current feeder calf availability including both beef and dairy calves, as well as share his outlook on the fed cattle market and profitability in the feedlot industry. Dr. Dan Loy, ISU Beef Specialist, will discuss the use of growth promoting technologies such as implants, ionophores and beta-agonists in dairy beef steers and their impacts on marketing options.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Steven Rust from Michigan State University, speaking on their research and experience in feeding Holstein steers for the beef market. His research includes feeding systems, rations, and housing for Holstein beef steers. Another featured speaker will be Shawn Walter from Professional Cattle Consultants (PCC) at Hydro, Oklahoma. Shawn will share some of their closeout and performance data comparing Holstein to beef cattle. PCC has over 35 years of feedlot data with over 120 million head of cattle in their database, and they currently represent over 2.5 million head of feeding capacity from more than 100 feedyards. Dr. Darren Katzung, DVM, with Southwest Vet Services in Wisconsin, specializing in dairy calf health and will share his experiences with calf health and its impact on feedyard performance. A panel on marketing fed dairy beef will discuss the options and preferences of packers.

Both programs will begin at 9:15 am and conclude at 3 pm. The August 6 session will be at the Jones County Extension office in Monticello, and the August 7 session will be at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco. Registration for the event is $20 to cover the lunch and materials. Sponsors helping defer speaker expenses include Merck Animal Health, Big Gain Feed, Iowa Beef Center, Innovative Ag Services, Silver Edge Coop, Cargill Feeds, C US Bank and Cresco Bank & Trust. To register for the program in Monticello contact Denise Schwab at the Benton County Extension office 319-472-4739 or dschwab@iastate.edu or for the Cresco meeting contact Sue Barnes at the Howard County office 563-547-3001 or skbarnes@iastate.edu. Please call by August 2 to ensure adequate meals.

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24 Jul 2013

HUNDREDS CONVERGE IN AMES TO HEAR NATIONAL AG LAND PRICE, MARKET AND POLICY EXPERTS LEAD DISCUSSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE, WATER QUALITY, FARMLAND VALUES

By Laurie Johns

Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit Brings Hundreds of Farmers to Ames

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA -- July 24, 2013 -- Impacts of the wild weather, market and commodity swings led expert panel discussions during the Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit this week in Ames.  Nearly 300 Iowa farmers and agribusiness industry leaders came to Scheman Auditorium July 22-23 for perspectives from national experts in market, fiscal policy, commodity marketing, land use trends and climate change.

Many panelists at the IFBF-sponsored event agreed the agricultural sector can expect changes in the months to come and only good planning will protect their sustainability.

"The consistent message was make long-term plans, and make sure you're grounded in reality," said IFBF Director of Research and Commodity Services David Miller.  "The reality is there are no guarantees what our yields will be until we're in the fields for harvest."

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Plan was also on the docket, leading to lively discussion.  One of the presenters, Dean Lemke, a Natural Resources Engineer for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), said media reports critical of the Nutrient Strategy's voluntary implementation have been premature.  "Thirteen of 22 nonpoint source action items are underway now through the Water Resources Coordinating Council (WRCC) and various agencies to begin implementation efforts to support the Nutrient Strategy conservation practices.   Some of the early steps we're doing looks at nine high-priority watersheds; we're holding field days to educate and encourage adoptions of these new science-based practices, so everyone can see how implementation can impact water quality."  Lemke said Iowa farmers aren't going to solve all the problems in those watersheds overnight, but the progress being made is measureable over the last 30 years and must be encouraged to continue.

Other presentations that encouraged much discussion came from state climatologist Elwynn Taylor.  Despite last year's drought and this year's wet, flooded spring, Taylor told Iowa farmers they can expect continued wild swings in the weather, thanks to La Nina and El Nino effects.

Farmers also took interest in results of an intensive Multi-State Land Use study, which examined two USDA databases which report on land use.  According to the USDA Crop Reporting database which relies on on-farm visits, land-use grid surveys and farmer surveys, Iowa had a net conversion of 3,500 acres of grassy habitat to cropland from 2007 through 2012. Acres planted to corn in Iowa were the same in 2012 as in 2007; soybeans gained 800,000 acres, but alfalfa acres declined by 440,000 acres and oat acres declined by 80,000 acres, highlighting that much of the shift in land use is among crops, rather than a shift in land use.   The study, conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions, showed farmers in 40 of Iowa's counties developed new wildlife habitat with more land being converted to grassy habitat from cropland than grassy habitat conversions to corn and soybeans.

Select presentations from the 2013 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit can soon be accessed online at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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23 Jul 2013

USDA Announces Results for 45th Conservation Reserve Program General Sign-Up

By Robert Jackson Jr.
Offers Received for 1.9 Million Acres

AMES, IOWA, July 22, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept 1.7 million acres offered under the 45th Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up. The Department received nearly 28,000 offers on more than 1.9 million acres of land, demonstrating CRP's continuing appeal as one of our nation's most successful voluntary programs for soil, water, and wildlife conservation. Under Vilsack's leadership, USDA has enrolled nearly 12 million acres in new CRP contracts since 2009. Currently, there are more than 26.9 million acres enrolled on 700,000 contracts.

"For 27 years, lands in CRP have helped to conserve our nation's resources and played a part in mitigating climate change," said Vilsack. "American farmers and ranchers continue to recognize the importance of protecting our nation's most environmentally sensitive land by enrolling in CRP. As the commodities produced by our farmers and ranchers continue to perform strongly in the marketplace - supporting one out of every twelve jobs here in the United States - it is no surprise that American producers continue to recognize the importance of protecting our nation's most environmentally sensitive land by enrolling in CRP."

In addition to today's announcement, over the last four years, USDA has set aside significant acreage under CRP's Continuous enrollment programs to target habitat conservation on especially important lands. For example, in March, 2012, President Obama dedicated 1 million acres of CRP to Continuous Enrollment Programs to conserve wetlands, grasslands and wildlife. This year, farmers and ranchers have already offered more than 370,000 acres under Continuous CRP signup, a figure that is impressive given that the lack of a Farm Bill extension last fall meant that CRP enrollment only reopened this spring in May. Lack of a comprehensive Farm Bill this year has resulted in uncertainty for achieving further enrollment objectives under continuous CRP.

CRP is a voluntary program that allows eligible landowners to receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland throughout the duration of their 10 to 15 year contracts.

Under CRP, farmers and ranchers plant grasses and trees in fields and along streams or rivers. The plantings prevent soil and nutrients from washing into waterways, reduce soil erosion that may otherwise contribute to poor air and water quality, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. In 2012, CRP helped to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous losses from farm fields by 605 million pounds and 121 million pounds respectively. CRP has restored more than two million acres of wetlands and associated buffers and reduces soil erosion by more than 300 million tons per year. CRP also provides $2.0 billion annually to landowners-dollars that make their way into local economies, supporting small businesses and creating jobs.

In addition, CRP sequesters more carbon dioxide than any other conservation program in the country, and also reduces both fuel and fertilizer use. Yearly, CRP results in carbon sequestration equal to taking almost 10 million cars off the road.

USDA selected offers for enrollment based on an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) comprised of five environmental factors plus cost. The five environmental factors are: (1) wildlife enhancement, (2) water quality, (3) soil erosion, (4) enduring benefits, and (5) air quality.

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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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22 Jul 2013

Secretary Vilsack to Address Iowa Farm Bureau's 2013 Economic Summit, Highlight Need for Food, Farm, and Jobs Bill

By Rick Martin

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2013? TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will address the Iowa Farm Bureau's 2013 Economic Summit where he will discuss the need for a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill.

 

The Obama Administration has prioritized that a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill should promote rural development, preserve a strong farm safety net, maintain nutrition programs, encourage the development of local and regional markets, honor our international trade commitments, and advance agricultural research.

 

Monday, July 22, 2013

12:45 p.m. CDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will address the Iowa Farm Bureau's 2013 Economic Summit.

Media availability to immediately follow.

WHERE: Iowa State University

Scheman Building

400 Beach Avenue

Ames, IA

 

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22 Jul 2013

Loebsack to Boehner: Take the Commonsense Step and Move the Farm Bill to Conference

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on House Speaker John Boehner to immediately go to Conference Committee on the farm bill to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.  Loebsack has consistently fought to move a farm bill forward that can be signed into law.  Last month, he joined the Iowa delegation, and was one of only 24 Democrats, to support the House version of the farm bill that contained both agriculture and nutrition policy and was subsequently voted down.  He also introduced in the House the bipartisan farm bill legislation that recently passed the Senate with the support of both Senators Harkin and Grassley.

"It is critical to Iowa's economy, farmers, families, and our rural communities that the farm bill process continues moving forward to get a bill signed into law as quickly as possible," wrote Loebsack.  "While Members like me have promoted compromise throughout the farm bill process, it is now time that you take the commonsense step forward by moving a complete farm bill to conference. I urge you to recognize the opportunity for compromise by moving quickly to conference with both our agricultural programs and nutrition programs."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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22 Jul 2013

'Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning' course to begin in August

By Rick Martin

Creating a transition plan to make sure a farm continues as a productive business can be challenging. Farm women can learn how to plan a successful farm transition in a five-session course offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The "Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning" program, a new Annie's Project course, has been scheduled in Iowa City on Tuesday evenings, August, 20th through September, 17th.

Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning meets from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August, 20th through September, 17th, at the Johnson County Farm Bureau office in Iowa City, Iowa.

The cost is $75 per person, which includes a 300-page workbook with fact sheets, hands-on activities, and presentations. A light supper will be served before each class at 5:45 p.m. Course size is limited, so please register soon.

Farm women will learn about business, estate, retirement and succession planning from ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and area professionals. In addition to brief presentations, there will be discussions based on participant questions and follow-up activities for family members to complete at home.

"We're happy to be a partner in bringing this valuable program to Johnson County," said Gene Mohling, Regional Extension Education Director, "This farm transition course is an opportunity for farm women to meet with others who share similar issues and concerns. A small class size makes it comfortable for everyone to speak up and get questions answered."

Annie's Project, an agricultural risk management education program for women, has successfully reached more than 8,000 farmers and ranchers in 30 states. "This new Farm Transition program emphasizes the role women play in helping transfer farms from one generation to the next," said Ryan Drollette, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist. "Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Farm Transition Planning will empower women to take ownership of the future of their farms," said Ryan. Farm Credit Services of America is a statewide sponsor of Annie's Project courses.

For more information contact Ryan Drollette, ISU Farm Management Specialist at 319-337-2145 or  drollett@iastate.edu; or Shannon Bielicke, at the Johnson County Extension office at 319-337-2145 or  Bielicke@iastate.edu.

Managing for Today and Tomorrow is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant # 2011-49400-30584. More information can be found on the Annie's Project website at www.extension.iastate.edu/annie.

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