28 Aug 2012

4-H Exhibitors Awarded in Iowa State Fair Meat Goat Show

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Lyn Claussen of Long Grove exhibited the Grand Champion Meat Goat in the 4-H Market Meat Goat show judged Thursday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. The goat was first named the Division Two Champion.

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Meat Goat banner went to Eric Taylor of Bouton and his Division One Champion.

Additional results below:

Champion Market Meat Goat Division 1: Eric Taylor, Bouton

Reserve Champion Market Meat Goat Division 1: Lakota Larson, Jefferson

Champion Market Meat Goat Division 2: Lyn Claussen, Long Grove

Reserve Champion Market Meat Goat Division 2: Frankie Mittag, Aplington

Champion Market Meat Goat Division 3: Frankie Mittag, Aplington

Reserve Champion Market Meat Goat Division 3: Eric Taylor, Bouton

"Nothing Compares" Iowa State Fair. The 2012 Fair ended August 19. The 2013 Iowa State Fair is set August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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24 Aug 2012

Ag Secretary Vilsack Announces Rural Economic Development Funding

By USDA Office of Communications
Support Will Create and Retain Employment in Rural America

WASHINGTON, August 22, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of recipients for grants and loans to help spur economic development and create or save jobs in six states.

"This funding will help rural businesses obtain the financing they need to thrive, grow and create jobs," Vilsack said. "These grants and loans are part of the Obama Administration's ongoing commitment to ensure that rural communities attract capital investments that lead to business development and job creation."

The announcement was made in North Carolina on the Secretary's behalf by Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager. USDA Rural Development is providing assistance through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program (REDLG), which provides zero-interest loans to local utilities that they, in turn, pass through to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas. For more information about the program, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_redlg.html.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation in Brunswick County, NC, has been selected to receive a $1 million loan to help the Rural Consumer Services Corporation complete energy efficiency improvements. The funding is expected to create nine, full-time direct jobs and save an additional three full-time jobs.

In Reno, Kan., Ark Valley Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. will use a $160,000 loan to purchase the Haven Foodliner Grocery Store in the city of Haven, Reno County. As a result of the purchase, nine jobs will be retained and the small city of Haven will retain its only grocery store.

The REDLG program continues to bring economic opportunity to rural communities. In South Carolina, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) needed funding to connect the McCormick County center to a unique fiber optic interactive network called the Piedmont Educational Network (PEN) and to relocate the PTC McCormick County Center to a larger facility. In 2010, RD provided a $500,000 Rural Economic Development Loan to West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc., which, in turn, made a loan to PTC to relocate and renovate its McCormick County Center. The PTC McCormick County Center moved from a 2,200-square-foot log cabin to a much-larger, newly renovated facility. The new classrooms allow students to participate in classes locally, rather than commuting. PTC is able to offer an expanded program with much-needed broadband access for students and the public.

In Napoleon, N.D., KEM Electric received a $450,000 REDLG loan in 2011 to assist Green Iron Equipment expand its service shop. The company services farm equipment and was able to add 15,000 square feet to its shop and create five new jobs.

With today's announcement, USDA is investing nearly $3.6 million to spur economic growth. The following is a list of rural utilities that will receive funding, which is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

Iowa

  • Hawkeye Tri-County Electric Cooperative - $500,000 loan. This project will help Lime Springs Beef, LLC, build a 13,000-head-per-year beef slaughtering plant in Lime Springs, Iowa. This project will create 41 new jobs.
  • Laurens Municipal Light & Power Plant - $300,000 grant. Laurens will add $60,000 to the funds to create a $360,000 revolving loan fund. The revolving loan fund will make a loan to Laurens Care Center to assist with the renovation of the facility. An estimated 35 jobs will be saved.

Kansas

  • Ark Valley Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. - $160,000 loan. This project will help purchase Haven, Kansas' only grocery store. As a result of the purchase, nine jobs will be retained.

Mississippi

  • South Mississippi Electric Power Association - $1,000,000 loan. These funds will be used to purchase machinery and equipment and to finance the construction of a 57,600-square-foot industrial peanut-buying facility in Clarksdale, Miss. The project will lead to 10 new jobs upon completion and 23 seasonal jobs.

North Carolina

  • Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation - $1,000,000 loan. This project will provide financing to Rural Consumer Services Corporation, which will then utilize the funds as working capital to complete energy efficiency improvements. The project will create nine full-time direct jobs and help save an additional three full-time jobs.

Oklahoma

  • Caddo Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $400,000 loan. These funds will be used to help Kimball and Company, LLC expand an existing veterinary clinic. This project will create or save a total of 18 jobs.

South Dakota

  • Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc. - $300,000 grant. Funds will be used to construct a 50,000-square-foot commercial building under the direction of the Greater Huron Development Corp. for Economic Development, in Huron, S.D. The building will attract businesses that will create new jobs in the area. The project is estimated to retain up to 10 jobs.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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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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24 Aug 2012

IOWA FARM BUREAU ANNOUNCES 2012 FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE

By Laurie Johns

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 22, 2012 - The Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC), guided by statewide grassroots input from 98 Iowa counties, has made their 'Friend of Agriculture' designations for the 2012 elections. Candidates seeking national offices this fall have been selected by the state's largest grassroots farm organization based on their support of Farm Bureau policy, voting record and support for Iowa's rural communities.

"Actions matter," said Dallas County farmer and IFBF PAC Chair, Rod Collins. "Our PAC carefully evaluates the candidates' track records to determine who has demonstrated support for our farmers and issues that directly impact their families, businesses and communities.  It's a process that emphasizes Farm Bureau policies over partisan politics.  The fact that 98 counties participated in the process shows our members are committed and focused on strengthening agriculture and rural Iowa."

Long-time Congressmen Steve King and Tom Latham were designated Friends of Agriculture in newly-drawn U.S. House Districts 4 and 3, respectively.  Newcomer Ben Lange from Quasequeton, Iowa, was designated for U. S. House District 1.

The grassroots effort to designate Friends of Agriculture is guided by members and begins in July when county committees start evaluating candidates. The nine-member, bipartisan PAC committee reviews evaluations and questionnaires, while also considering candidates' positions on issues of importance to members, leadership on Farm Bureau priorities and past voting records.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to helping farm families prosper and improve their quality of life.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve economic growth, educational improvement, and environmental quality in their communities.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

20 Aug 2012

Moore Claims Grand Champion Banner in State Fair's 4-H Market Beef Show

By Lori Chappell
DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- The crossbred steer shown by Trevor Moore of Lisbon captured the highly coveted Grand Champion banner in the 4-H Market Beef Show Wednesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Moore's steer was named Division 2 Champion Crossbred Market Steer in the drive to the Grand Championship.

James Gradert of Sibley showed the Champion Charolais Steer. His steer was also named the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer.

The Champion Market Heifer was shown by Macey Goretska of Corydon. Elizabeth Jones of Williamsburg exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Heifer. The Third Place Overall Market Heifer was shown by Kade Killmer of Perry.

Dustin Lund of Corning exhibited a Champion Chianina Steer which won the Third Place Overall banner. Fourth Place Overall went to the Reserve Champion Division 2 Crossbred steer of Danielle DeLange of Albia, while Fifth Place Overall was earned by the Champion Maine-Anjou Steer shown by Morgan McDermott of Atlantic.

Additional results below:

Market Steers:

Angus Champion - Taylor Duckett, New Liberty

Angus Reserve Champion - Olivia Johnson, Prole

Any Other Breed Champion - Ashley Iehl, Central City

Any Other Breed Reserve Champion - Jenel Wenndt, Lowden

Charolais Champion - James Gradert, Sibley

Charolais Reserve Champion - Jordan Reed, Lenox

Chianina Champion - Dustin Lund, Corning

Chianina Reserve Champion - Gracie Russell, Prescott

Hereford Champion - Tyler Krebs, Okoboji

Hereford Reserve Champion - Austin Deppe, Maquoketa

Limousin Champion - Mara Anderson, Garner

Limousin Reserve Champion - Bailey Walrod, Moorland

Maine-Anjou Champion - Morgan McDermott, Atlantic

Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion - Abby Staudt, Rockford

Shorthorn Champion - Jessica Kramer, Farmersburg

Shorthorn Reserve Champion - Jenna Rohret, Solon

Shorthorn Plus Champion - Alex Alliger, Gowrie

Shorthorn Plus Reserve Champion - Madison Snyder, Bloomfield

Simmental Champion - Sophie Hansen, Adel

Simmental Reserve Champion - Cale Smith, Indianola

Crossbred Division 1 Champion - Evan Friesth, Adel

Crossbred Division 1 Reserve Champion - Trace Ticknor, Bridgewater

Crossbred Division 2 Champion - Trevor Moore, Lisbon

Crossbred Division 2 Reserve Champion - Danielle DeLange, Albia

Crossbred Division 3 Champion - Jordyn Burco, Independence

Crossbred Division 3 Reserve Champion - Seth Plendl, Kingsley

The Grand and Reserve Champion Market Steers, as well as the Champion and Reserve Champion Market Heifers and 10 other livestock champions, will be auctioned in the prestigious Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 18, at 2 p.m. in the Penningroth Media Center of the Cattle Barn. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, a non-profit organization established to encourage the pursuit of agriculture-related careers by Iowa's youth.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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20 Aug 2012

Ribbons Awarded in Iowa State Fair Sheep Shearing Competition

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Contestants battled for top honors in the Iowa State Fair Sheep Shearing contest judged Saturday, August 11, at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Each contestant sheared four sheep in the preliminary round and an additional four in the finals.

Complete results follow:

AMATEUR

Shearing

1) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

2) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

3) Raelan Schweinefus, Mitchellville

4) Ben Daniels, Eldora

Best Pen

1) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

2) Raelan Schweinefus, Mitchellville

3) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

Fastest Time

1) Ben Daniels, Eldora

2) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

3) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

JUNIOR

Shearing

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

Best Pen

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

Fastest Time

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

SENIOR

Shearing

1) Kevin Hickman, Larchwood

2) Bruce Sellers, Chariton

3) Alex Moser, Larchwood

4) Dan Ackerman, Sac City

5) Nolan Abel, Royal

6) Mike Hagens, Mandan, N.D.

7) Rocky Anderson, Griswold

8) Mark Hoogendoorn, Rock Rapids

9) Mike Holdeman, Reasnor

10) Brandon Buelt, Elk Horn

11) Dave Tometich, Muscatine

12) Lee Buelt, Exira

13) Justin Schau, Donnellson

Best Pen

1) Bruce Sellers, Chariton

2) Alex Moser, Larchwood

3) Nolan Abel, Royal

Fastest Time

1) Mike Holdeman, Reasnor

2) Mark Hoogendoorn, Rock Rapids

3) Alex Moser, Larchwood

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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20 Aug 2012

Dunlap Exhibitor Wins 4-H Breeding Beef Show at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Luke Elder of Dunlap exhibited a Chianina Heifer to capture the Supreme Breeding Heifer in the 4-H Breeding Beef Show Tuesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Elder's Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer earned the Fourth Place Overall banner.

Madison Udell of Sioux City won the Reserve Supreme Breeding Heifer banner with her Champion Commercial Heifer. Udell's Champion Simmental Foundation Heifer earned Fifth Place Overall. Third Place Overall went to Jordan Crall of Albia and his Champion Mainetainer Heifer.

Additional results below:

Angus Champion - Riley Sieren, Washington

Angus Reserve Champion - Drew Norris, Corydon

All Other Breeds Champion - Mara Anderson, Garner

All Other Breeds Reserve Champion - Madi Nothwher, Clarinda

Charolais Champion - Olivia Lapke, Logan

Charolais Reserve Champion - Mallory Bakley, Osceola

Charolais Cross Champion - Kiley Elder, Pella

Charolais Cross Reserve Champion - James Gradert, Sibley

Chianina Champion - Luke Elder, Dunlap

Chianina Reserve Champion - Kaitlin Ihns, Wilton

Hereford Champion - Kennedy Core, Pleasantville

Hereford Reserve Champion - Payton Vogel, Hartley

Limousin Champion - Hallie Linhart, Weldon

Limousin Reserve Champion - Derek Anderson, Garner

Maine-Anjou Champion - Kailey Eskildsen, Northwood

Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion - Kori McLaughlin, Mediapolis

Mainetainer Champion - Jordan Crall, Albia

Mainetainer Reserve Champion - Kenton Lain, Corydon

Red Angus Champion - Addy Van Vliet, Pella

Red Angus Reserve Champion - Camiel Blomme, Brooklyn

Shorthorn Champion - Jacob Darbyshire, Morning Sun

Shorthorn Reserve Champion - Payton Vogel, Hartley

Shorthorn Plus Champion - Ben Weis, McIntire

Shorthorn Plus Reserve Champion - Morgan Muller, Whittemore

Simmental Champion - Kiersten Jass, Garner

Simmental Reserve Champion - Tyler Espenscheid, Monroe

Simmental Foundation Champion - Madison Udell, Sioux City

Simmental Foundation Reserve Champion - Kiley Elder, Pella

Commercial Heifer Champion - Madison Udell, Sioux City

Commercial Heifer Reserve Champion - Luke Elder, Dunlap

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

 

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20 Aug 2012

Sumner Farm Wins Champion Ewe at Iowa State Fair Shropshire Show

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Madison Kirchmann of Sumner showed the Champion Ewe in the Shropshire Sheep show judged Thursday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Chris Whittaker of Laura, Ill., exhibited the Champion Ram.

Dalton Hicks of Stillwater, Okla., showed both the Reserve Champion Ewe and the Reserve Champion Ram. Hicks also placed third in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

WEG Shropshires and I-80 Flocks of Geneva, Neb., placed first in the Premier Exhibitor contest, and SS Shrops of Davenport took second.

The Premier Exhibitor award is given to the exhibitor who scores the most points based upon class placings during the breed's show.

Additional results below (names, hometowns and animal identification):

Yearling Ram

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/5/2011, 443288

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 3/3/2011

Shorn Yearling Ram

1) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/16/2010

2) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 196, 2/1/2011, 444272

Fall Ram Lamb

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 9/21/2011, 445704

January Ram Lamb

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, RueberShrops1206 NNRR, 1/17/2012, M445997

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 1/27/2012

3) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/1/2012, 445705

February Ram Lamb

1) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1209, 2/1/2012, M445667

2) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445712

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., E Anderson 3, 2/13/2012, Pending

4) Jackson Musselman, Mabel, Minn., Sugar Ridge Cee Lo Rr Nn, 2/11/2012, M445899ram

5) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 209, 2/21/2012, Pending

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/1/2010

7) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/2/2012, 445710

March and After Ram Lamb

1) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Channel Cat Rrnn, 3/30/2012, M445902

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 3/1/2012

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., E Anderson 4, 3/13/2012, Pending

4) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, RueberShrops, 3/3/2012, pending

5) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 215, 3/7/2012, Pending

6) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/3/2012, 445713

Shorn Ram Lamb - All Ages

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 12-04, 3/25/2012, M 446454

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/17/2012

3) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

4) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445711

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

2) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

3) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

5) SS Shrops, Davenport

6) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Yearling Ewe

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1101 NNRR, 1/2/2011, M445990

2) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Rife 11-058, 1/11/2011, M443430

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/15/2010

4) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Avery's 11-29 Bell, 1/26/2011, M443948

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/13/2010

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Avery's 11-42 Alma, 3/1/2011, M443955

7) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1101, 1/2/2011, M443389

8) SS Shrops, Davenport, CLSF, 2/20/2011, 443527

Shorn Yearling Ewe

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1112 NNRR, 2/21/2011, M 445989

2) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1107, 3/2/2011, M443394

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/16/2011

4) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

5) SS Shrops, Davenport, Rolling Hills, 2/10/2011, 445474

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/16/2011

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

4) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) SS Shrops, Davenport

Fall Ewe Lamb

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 11-10, 10/14/2011, M446448

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/25/2011

January Ewe Lamb

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Mrozinski 12-07, 1/22/2012, M446057

2) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/19/2012, 445687

3) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Susan Rrnn, 1/11/2012, M445897

4) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1201 NNRR, 1/5/2012, M445987

5) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Rife 12-030, 1/3/2012, M445740

6) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1201, 1/3/2012, M445662

7) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/1/2012, 445687

8) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 1/26/2012

February Ewe Lamb

1) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1210, 2/1/2012, M445664

2) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 12-01, 2/23/2012, M446449

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 210, 2/21/2012, Pending

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 202, 2/14/2012, Pending

5) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1204 NNRR, 2/12/2012, M445988

6) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Avery's 12-53 Bellflower, 2/13/2012, M446093

7) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Brie Rrnn, 2/17/2012, M445896

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 203, 2/8/2012, Pending

9) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/2/2012, 445690

10) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/17/2012

11) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/3/2012, 445695

March and After Ewe Lamb

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1205, 3/10/2012

2) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Gabrielle Rrnn, 3/30/2012, M445898

3) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/5/2012, 445699

4) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/3/2012, 445698

5) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1212, 3/7/2012, M446275

6) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., 3/7/2012, 446089

7) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 214, 3/2/2012, Pending

Shorn Ewe Lamb - All Ages

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445697

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/18/2012

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Pair of Lambs

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Young Flock

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

3) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

4) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Flock

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) SS Shrops, Davenport

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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17 Aug 2012

Loebsack Tours Farms, Calls on Congress to Come Back from Vacation to Pass Farm Bill

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Loebsack toured farms affected by the drought to speak with farmers about how they have been impacted.  After viewing the conditions firsthand, Loebsack called on Speaker John Boehner to call Congress back into session to pass a long-term farm bill.  The current farm bill expires on September 30th and the House of Representatives has yet to take action on a measure to provide certainty to farmers and livestock/poultry producers.  Loebsack has called on Congress to stay in session multiple times to get critical work done.

"I call on you to immediately bring the House back into session and pass a reformed farm bill that reduces the deficit and also contains disaster relief for farmers and livestock/poultry producers," wrote Loebsack.  "I have been walking the rows with farmers since the heat wave and drought began to affect Iowa and now nearly all the counties I represent are experiencing extreme drought.

"Rural communities and small businesses throughout Iowa are heavily dependent on agriculture thriving - everything from coffee shops to manufacturers to equipment dealers.  A reformed farm bill that also addresses rural development is critical to the farm economy's prosperity and its contribution to economic recovery."

To view a copy of the letter click here.

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17 Aug 2012

ISU Extension Calendar Aug 28 - Sept 25, 2012

By Joy Venhorst
17 Aug 2012

Checkoff Farmer-Leaders Commit to Maintaining Sustainability of U.S. Soy

By United Soybean Board
Pledge states 'We are sustainable' on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers

ST. LOUIS (August 16, 2012) - When it comes to buzzwords, sustainability is one that U.S. soybean farmers believe has staying power. It's so important, in fact, that the United Soybean Board (USB) and soy checkoff recently joined other U.S. soybean organizations in supporting a pledge and set of data that demonstrate U.S. soybean farmers continue to improve their sustainability performance. These organizations will use this pledge and data to help increase sales of U.S. soy among customers that demand sustainably sourced ingredients.

"Instead of a certification process for individual U.S. soybean farmers, we are recommending an aggregate approach, in which the data show the environmental, economic and societal benefits of U.S. soybean production," says Jim Call, soybean farmer from Madison, Minn. and USB secretary. "This pledge will be the commitment by the entire U.S. soy industry that we, as farmers, are sustainable."

At their most recent meeting, the soy checkoff recently joined the American Soybean Association and state checkoff boards in further committing the U.S. soy industry to sustainability. The United Soybean Export Council Board is expected to take similar formal action in the next few weeks.

"Our customers, the end-users, want to use products that are sustainable, and it is our responsibility to provide them," adds Call. "Within the pledge, we share data that shows our decreasing use of inputs and the increasing use of conservation practices by U.S. soybean farmers."

Also during the meeting, checkoff farmer-leaders adopted a series of recommendations to finish implementing USB's new operating structure. As part of one of these recommendations, USB Chair Vanessa Kummer appointed a Strategic Management Committee, which will ensure all checkoff-funded projects contribute toward meeting the checkoff's long-range strategic plan.

Kummer appointed farmer-leaders Dwain Ford, Kinmundy, Ill.; Richard Fordyce, Bethany, Mo.; and Nancy Kavazanjian, Beaver Dam, Wis., to join USB Vice Chair Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg, Iowa; and immediate past chair Marc Curtis, Leland, Miss., to the committee.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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