02 Jul 2012

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds release statements on farm inspections

By Iowa Governor's Office

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, today, issued statements commending Department of Public Safety Commissioner Larry Noble for stopping illegal farm inspections.

Commissioner Noble issued an order on June 22, 2012 making it clear that his department would not conduct farm inspections, except as required by Iowa law. Inspections of farm homes and farm buildings open to the public will continue as required by law.

On January 23rd of this year, Gov. Branstad formally objected to an overbearing rule by the Electrical Examining Board mandating farm inspections by regulation, even though Iowa law does not require them.

Governor Branstad released the following statement:

"The Electrical Examining Board went beyond their statutory authority. Their overreaching rule required a state inspection for any electrical work on farm buildings or structures, even though the legislature provided a common sense exception for farmers in the law. This rule is unnecessary and costly, and it was created by a board that did not have the authority to create it. This power-grab by the Electrical Examining Board hurts hard-working Iowa farmers and the Iowa economy," said Branstad.

"I am glad that that DPS has taken this action to stop this regulatory overreach that hurts hard-working Iowa farmers.  Iowa farmers have safely conducted electrical work on their barns, grain bins and outbuildings for years.  They've hired experienced electrical contractors and licensed professionals who don't need the state looking over their shoulders. Overreaching regulation by the Electrical Examining Board hasn't changed that.  Farmers still have qualified people do their electrical work.  But, the rule added another significant expense to farmers' projects and caused delays lasting days or weeks that are especially costly when livestock are involved?or during busy times of the crop year. Now, with the action by Commissioner Noble, it is clear that these overreaching inspections will no longer be forced on farmers."

Lt. Gov. Reynolds released the following statement:

"Over-reaching rules hurt economic opportunities in agriculture and job growth in Iowa. Our administration is committed to regulatory reform. We know that small businesses, including farmers, are the greatest generators of job growth and are also disproportionately burdened by regulations. I applaud today's action by Commissioner Noble."

The full text of the Governor's Objection can be found below:

January 23, 2012

Commissioner Larry Noble

Iowa Department of Public Safety

Department of Public Safety Headquarters Building

215 E . 7th Street

Des Moines, IA 50319

Dear Commissioner Noble:

I object to the portions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-551.2 and 661-552.1 which regulate electrical installations on farms as defined in Iowa Code §103.1.  These filings were adopted by the Electrical Examining Board and published as part of ARC 7346B in XXXI IAB 11 (11-19-2008) and ARC 8396B in XXXII IAB 13 (12-16-2009), respectively.

The Electrical Examining Board has gone beyond their statutory authority.  Iowa Code chapter 103 does not grant authority to the Electrical Examining Board to adopt rules to regulate electrical installations on farms by requiring a request for an inspection, a permit and/or an inspection. I find that the Electrical Examining Board went beyond the authority delegated to the agency when it included farm electrical installations within the definition of a "commercial installation" in Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-551.2.  I further object to that portion of the second sentence of exception 1 to Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-552.1(1) which requires a state electrical permit and/or an electrical inspection for a farm electrical installation as it is beyond the delegated authority of the agency.

The permit and inspection requirements for electrical installations on farms are unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for several reasons.  These rules increase the regulatory burden on farms and farmers.   This power-grab by the Electrical Examining Board hurts hard-working Iowa farmers.  It leads to unwanted government intrusion.  It imposes the very costs on farmers that the legislature intended to protect them from when it created common-sense exemption for farmers.  (2007 Iowa Acts, chapter 197).  This rule hurts the opportunity of hard-working Iowa farmers to earn a living, free from undue bureaucratic interference.  These over-reaching rules harm economic opportunities in agriculture and job growth in Iowa.

The portions of the Iowa Administrative Code r. 661-551.2 and 661-552.1 as described herein, are deemed to be unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise beyond the authority delegated to the agency.  This letter constitutes notification of my objection to the above referenced rules as required by Iowa Code §17A.4(6).

Certified as a true and correct copy of my objection this 23rd day of January 2012, by:


Terry E. Branstad, Governor
28 Jun 2012

Six Iowa Farm Families to be Recognized at the Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/28/2012)(readMedia)-- Six Iowa farm families will be honored as recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Each family will be recognized for their love of the land and the product they produce in an individual award ceremony during the Fair. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set for August 9-19.

The Way We Live Award recognizes industrious Iowa families who demonstrate a daily dedication to animal agriculture and exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming. Entrants were asked to submit a short essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped their family's life. Six recipients of the award were chosen from a pool of 75 entries representing a variety of commodities and locations throughout Iowa.

Each family will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair admission tickets, parking, Fair food tickets, and recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair. The Way We Live Award is sponsored by NewsRadio 1040 WHO and Tractor Supply Company.

Benning Family

Ackley

Keith and Dar Benning live on the same farm now that they bought when they got married. Instead of attending college, Keith followed in his father's footsteps and pursued the farm life. Keith and Dar's three children did the same, and each of them were involved in 4-H and FFA in high school and showed at the Fair. Their two sons, Brad and Darin, have married and started families of their own, with both of their young sons already eager to join the farming operation.

Brad moved into his grandparent's house near Keith and Dar. Darin bought land close by and built a house. Between the three farms, they own 1400 acres, with four hog confinement barns, cattle and chickens. Keith, Brad and Darin work in the fields, keep up with maintenance and tend to the livestock. Dar and her two daughters-in-law help out with yard work, cooking and raising their young families. To the Bennings, farming is life and there is no other career they would rather be doing.

Henry Family

Indianola

Keith and Marie Henry not only share their love of farming with their own family, but they also open their home to share that love and understanding with others in their community. After over 25 years of marriage, they have established a farrowing operation and a several hundred acre farm. Keith has worked hard to establish a working relationship between his children and his father, Edwin Henry, and his uncle, Dale Henry. The multigenerational knowledge that flows between these three generations benefits all. The farrowing is done in conjunction with a family farm operation that includes cattle, hogs and crops. Keith and his children provide all the labor hours that are necessary to maintain the farm. As one of the few farrowing operations in Warren County, Keith has done all he can to promote this practice with other county youth.

Keith and Marie also spend their time teaching children who don't live on farms about agriculture. They volunteer to lead 4-H clubs and help with the Warren County Fair, and their four children (Lexie, Allison, Megan and Jordan) are all award winning members of 4-H and FFA and are working toward degrees in farming careers. The children are an intricate part of this operation and have serious responsibilities on the farm. Keith and Marie took their love for the farming community to a new level when their church, Farmers Chapel, burned down. They led the effort to rebuild the church and dedicated their time to those around them. The Henrys believe it is important to help involve the community in understanding what it means to farm and how important it is to our country.

Olthoff Family

Stanhope

Several years ago Bart Olthoff worked as a lab technician at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames and Katie, his wife, worked as a teacher. They had a desire to raise their children in the country but had no set plan. The opportunity to buy a turkey farm came up in 2009 and the couple couldn't pass it up. Bart's dad and grandfather had raised turkeys but timing did not allow Bart to continue in the turkey business. Since 2009, they have been living in the country raising their two children, Adam (3) and Isaac (1).

Although they are new to the farm world, Bart and Katie are fully embracing their new country life. Bart built tunnel ventilated turkey barns, using the latest energy efficiency and technology to keep his turkeys comfortable and well cared for. Bart and Katie hosted an open house with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers to celebrate the third generation of the family turkey farm. Katie has a blog (www.onthebanksofsquawcreek.com), Facebook page and Twitter account to connect with people and educate them about her farm life, family and home. "There are lots of risks involved, but we feel that the financial benefits are nothing compared to raising our kids on a farm in this lifestyle," says Katie. Katie is also participating in a volunteer program called Common Ground, a social media effort sponsored by the United Soybean Board and the National Corn Growers Association, where she connects with other moms through social media and to answer questions about how farmers grow our food.

Ronnebaum Family

Earlville

For more than 30 years, Delbert and Darlene Ronnebaum farmed land that's been in their family since 1941. It's where they raised their five children, taught them about agriculture and dairy farming and built such close bonds with neighbors that they're considered family. Today all of their children live within five miles of the two family farms and are passing down the farming knowledge to their own kids.

Delbert has been a long-time member of the American Legion Post 136 in Dyersville and was awarded the Delaware County Distinguished Dairy Farmer Award in 2009. In addition to helping Delbert with both farms, Darlene also has worked at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester for 23 years as a nurse.

The Ronnebaums were nominated by their neighbor, Jill Lantermans. "Having grown up on a dairy farm next to one of Delbert's farms, I've known his family my entire life," she says. "He's the first one to come pulling into your field if the rain is coming and you are frantically trying to finish your fieldwork. If there's something you need and he has it - it's yours. No questions asked. If someone has a fire, storm damage, is suffering with an illness or death in the family, he's there right away offering his help."

Sager Family

Atlantic

Mick and LaVon Sager both grew up on family farms in southwest Iowa, learning to care for beef, sheep and hogs, and maintaining the land for future generations. When it came time to raise a family of their own, they chose to raise their four children (Whitney, Heather, Jordan and Tucker) on the farm where Mick grew up. As a family, they care for their farm of 55 sheep, 38 feeder calves, 210 chickens, 20 turkeys and 2 llamas.

Sisters Whitney, Heather and Jordan have each begun raising their own sheep flock. They trade labor for feed from their dad to help lower their operation costs, and they have all earned the American FFA Degree for their sheep-raising efforts, the highest degree awarded by the FFA. Tucker began his own egg selling business. He sells more than 40 dozen eggs each week to local customers who are looking for farm fresh, free-range chicken eggs. Only when all the animals are fed and settled in for the night, does this farming family's day end.

Mick and LaVon, both former 4-H and FFA members, volunteer their time and leadership to the clubs their children are involved in. LaVon has served as a 4-H leader for the past 15 years and served as a fairgrounds committee member for 4 years. Together Mick and LaVon served as the county fair poultry superintendents for two consecutive years. The Sagers understand the important role today's youth play in the future of agriculture. The children are able to take the lessons they learned on the farm and apply those lessons in their everyday lives at school and work.

Kent Timmerman

Cherokee

Kent and Natasha Timmerman both grew up on farms, working alongside their dads when they were young. Natasha vowed she'd never marry a farmer but Kent changed her plans. Natasha met Kent in college and the two quickly immersed themselves in a farming life of their own. When Kent's dad died in a tragic ATV accident, Kent took over the whole farming operation and has managed it for the last 14 years. The couple bought Kent's grandfather's home and started a new generation of Timmerman cattlemen with their three children (Cole, Trey and Ally).

Kent's true passion is his cattle, and he takes every opportunity to share this love with his two boys. The boys have shown their bottle calves at the county fair for the past few years, and they help dad and ride along in the tractor. Kent is up at all hours checking calves, working the fields, baling hay or helping others in the community with their farms. Natasha is an elementary school teacher, and she makes sure her farm boys are well fed when she gets home. Kent Timmerman is dedicated to their herd of cattle and managing their crops.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

28 Jun 2012

Strategies to Manage Cows in Drought Conditions

By Amanda Heitz

As the drought continues, cattlemen need to look at numerous management practices to help stretch their feed supply and maintain performance and reproduction in the cow herd. Here are a few strategies that may help.

First, develop a plan before the drought conditions get any worse. How do you plan to provide emergency feed in the short-term, as well as winter feed in the longer term? This requires an inventory of feed currently available and an inventory of the cow herd. You can often purchase hay less expensively during the growing season than in the winter. You also have the option now to incorporate silage into your winter feed supply.

Second, give your pasture some rest. Consider splitting your pasture into smaller paddocks and sacrificing one to use with supplemental feed. Allowing the other paddocks to rest and regrow when rain occurs this fall will probably result in more fall forage available to the cow herd. Also rotational grazing reduces selectivity in a cow's grazing habit, enhances forage utilization rate, and can improve pasture carrying capacity by 10 to 30%.

Consider weaning calves early. This will reduce the demand on the pasture forage by 25-35% and will reduce the nutritional demands of the cow by 30-40%. Creep feeding calves can help reduce the demand on the pasture slightly and will help prepare the young calf for weaning.

Cull all free-loader cows. Any late-calving cows, open cows, cows with feet, leg, and eye or udder problems should be sold immediately. Why waste precious feed on cows that don't perform?

Finally, get your winter feeds lined up soon. Whether you need to locate a custom chopper or bagger to chop your silage, or you need to lay out fence for grazing standing corn, it is much easier to do now that at the last minute.

More information on cow management strategies during a drought, or forage planning, can be found on the Iowa Beef Center web site at www.iowabeefcenter.org/droughtresources.html or by calling the Benton County Extension office at 319-472-4739, or Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Program Specialist, at 319-721-9624.

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28 Jun 2012

ISU Extension and Outreach Calendar June 28

By Amanda Heitz
27 Jun 2012

*Harkin Column* In Iowa`s Interest: Iowans Will Benefit From the New Farm Bill

By Sen. Tom Harkin
By Senator Tom Harkin
On June 21st, the U.S. Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act, the 2012 farm bill.  This is an important piece of legislation for our nation, and for the state of Iowa, where agriculture generates about one of every five jobs and is about a fourth of our state's economic output.  This legislation is a balanced, and bipartisan bill crafted under budget conditions that have necessitated difficult compromises.
As a senior member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, and its chairman during the writing of the 2002 and 2008 farm bills, I am encouraged that this new farm bill continues vital food, agriculture, and rural programs and adopts important reforms.  A major change is ending the direct commodity payments and replacing them with a revenue protection program similar to the revenue program I worked to include in the current bill.  I have long advocated replacing the direct payments with a more effective and justifiable farm income protection system, and I am very pleased to see this change adopted in this bill.
The bill also continues a strong conservation title to assist farmers who adopt and maintain sound practices to protect soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources.  I succeeded in increasing conservation investments in previous farm bills and am especially proud of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  The new bill continues and funds highly effective conservation assistance, with reforms and streamlining.
The 2012 farm bill also continues the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related programs, including increased assistance to food banks that help low-income families put food on their tables.  Children, seniors, and people with disabilities make up more than 60 percent of the recipients of SNAP benefits, with some 400,000 Iowans currently being helped by SNAP.  Although there were changes that limited eligibility and SNAP benefits, these budget cuts were, fortunately, held to much lower levels than were proposed.
Building upon energy titles I worked successfully to craft, this new legislation continues funding to a number of initiatives in energy and biobased products.  Targeted grants and loans promote energy efficiency on farms and in rural businesses and spur expanded research, development, and marketing of renewable energy and biobased products.  I am especially pleased the bill extends and strengthens a requirement I authored requiring federal departments and agencies to give a preference to biobased products in procurement decisions.
The bill also continues and strengthens a number of initiatives begun in earlier farm bills to assist and promote opportunities for farmers and good nutrition for consumers through farmer's markets and increased local production and marketing of food.  These include, competitively awarded USDA grants to improve and expand farmer's markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture marketing and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing.  Grants are also included for community food projects and other efforts to improve nutrition and increase fruit and vegetable sales and consumption.
If you would like more information on the farm bill, please visit my website at harkin.senate.gov, view videos I have recorded on the bill, or contact any of my offices in Iowa or in Washington.
A PDF version of the column is available by clicking here
26 Jun 2012

Good, Bad and Ugly - Senate passes Farm Bill

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

The Farm Bill, which helps set the nation's food, farm and rural policy, passed the U.S. Senate on June 22nd.

Some eleventh hour victories were won for rural communities in the Senate debate. The Senate bill made modest but significant commitments to funding beginning farmer and rancher training, rural small business assistance, help for small town water and sewer systems and value-added enterprise grants for family farmers and ranchers, thanks to passage of an amendment offered by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). These are vitally important steps forward for rural America.

The bill's greatest weakness, however, is that there is no limit on crop insurance premium subsidies doled out to the nation's largest farms. More than 10,000 large farms received over $100,000 in premium subsidies just last year - a year of record income.

While the Senate bill does close loopholes in the cap on traditional farm program payments to large farms, requires recipients of crop insurance subsidies to practice some conservation and denies premium subsidies on native grasslands broken out for crops, it will continue over-subsidizing crop insurance premiums for mega-farms, helping them drive out small, mid-sized and beginning farmers.

As the debate moves to the House of Representatives, those of us who are concerned about the future of rural America must stand up for the modest, hard-fought victories won on the Senate floor. Likewise, we must join the call for a much-needed cap on crop insurance premium subsidies to the nation's largest farms.


For more information visit www.cfra.org.

26 Jun 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding for Projects to Boost Renewable Energy Production, Reduce Energy Consumption

By USDA Communications
Additional Assistance for Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies Awarded

HUNTERSVILLE, North Carolina, June 25, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has selected for funding 450 projects nationwide, including 31 in North Carolina, that are focused on helping agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption and costs; use renewable energy technologies in their operation; and/or conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. Funding is made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.

"The Obama Administration and USDA are helping agricultural producers and rural small business owners reduce their energy costs and consumption - and by doing so is helping to create jobs, preserve our natural resources, protect the environment and strengthen the bottom line for businesses." said Vilsack. "This is part of the Administration's "all of the above" energy strategy. Stable energy costs create an environment for sustainable job growth in rural America."

Secretary Vilsack made the announcement while touring Metrolina Greenhouses, a family-owned plant and services company in Huntersville, NC, that has received a REAP guaranteed loan and three grants totaling over $1 million since 2007. In 2009, Metrolina received a combined REAP guaranteed loan and grant to construct a wood boiler heating system to supplement and replace the natural gas and fuel it uses at the 120-acre facility. In addition to heating Metrolina's greenhouses, using wood chips in the boiler provides an additional market for local lumber mills and logging operations.

Tennessee small business owner Rick Alexander is using a REAP grant and investing another $325,000 to create the first solar powered business in Maury County. Electricity is the largest expense for the climate controlled storage facility he built as a creative re-use of a former furniture building in the downtown business district. The 260 panel, 60 kW solar photovoltaic system is expected to generate more than 71,000 kWh, enough electricity to meet over half of the energy needs of his business for the next two decades. By also participating in the Tennessee Valley Authority's Generation Partners program through Columbia Power and Water, Alexander earns a premium on each clean kW produced, more than enough to cover the average monthly cost of electricity for his businesses.

In Mount Hope, Wis., located in the Southwest corner of the State, Maurice Nichols was selected to receive a grant to purchase efficient grain dryer for his farm, saving over 42 percent in annual energy usage. Whispering Pines Poultry in Centre, Ala., was selected to receive a grant to replace four propane heaters with renewable biomass wood pellet heaters to improve heating efficiency of the poultry houses. It is anticipated that the change will result in a yearly energy savings of over $3,000 per barn.

Today's announcement includes $412,304 in grant funding to 20 agricultural producers and rural businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems. For example, in Washington, the Port Angles Hardwood, LLC., has been selected to receive a grant to study the feasibility of installing a woody biomass co-generation system. If the project is feasible, all biomass mill residuals are estimated to be consumed, and no biomass will have to be sent to a landfill. In South Londonberry, Vermont Woodchips, Inc. has been selected to receive a grant to help determine feasibility of installing a 4 megawatt combined cycle biomass gasifier power plant.

REAP offers funds for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other funding sources for businesses. In all, USDA announced nearly $7.4 million in energy grants today.

Today's announcement is an example of investments the Obama Administration is making to help create jobs and grow the rural economy. For a complete listing of Rural Energy for America Program grant recipients announced today, please click here.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council, the President is committed to a smarter use of existing Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities. The Council is working to break down silos, find areas for better collaboration and improved flexibility in government programs, and work closely with local governments, non-profits and private companies to leverage federal support.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $170 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 to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

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25 Jun 2012

U.S. Senate passes Farm Bill

By Elisha Smith

Center for Rural Affairs voices mixed reaction to Senate Farm Bill

Lyons, NE - Today the United States Senate passed their version of the 2012 Farm Bill by a vote of 64-35.

"The farm bill that passed the Senate today funds beginning farmer and rancher training, small business loans and assistance, grants and loans for small town water and sewer systems and value-added enterprise grants for family farmers and ranchers," said Chuck Hassebrook of the Center for Rural Affairs. "These are vitally important steps forward for rural America."

But the Center for Rural Affairs also found real flaws in the Senate's Farm Bill. According to Hassebrook, the bill's greatest weakness is that there is no limit on crop insurance premium subsidies doled out to the nation's largest farms.

"More than 10,000 large farms received over $100,000 in premium subsidies last year - a year of record income. This bill will continue over-subsidizing crop insurance premiums for wealthy and powerful agribusiness interests, helping them drive out small, mid-sized and beginning farmers," explained Hassebrook.

"However, the bill does close loopholes in the cap on traditional farm program payments to large farms, requires recipients of crop insurance premium subsidies to practice some conservation and denies premium subsidies on native grasslands broken out for crops," concluded Hassebrook.

25 Jun 2012

Loebsack Urges House to Move on Farm Bill After Senate Passage

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the Senate passed a 5 year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. The bill was passed on a strong bipartisan vote and is now awaiting the House to move on its version of the legislation.

"Passing a long-term Farm Bill is one of the most important things Congress has to do for Iowa this year.  A new farm bill is critical for farmers to plan for the next planting season and know the lay of the land.  The legislation passed in the Senate goes a long way towards making important reforms and improving the safety net for Iowa farmers.  I urge the House to take action on this critical issue for farmers and communities who are working to feed the nation and boost economic development."

This spring, Loebsack joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in urging the House Agriculture Committee to move forward a long-term plan this year.

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25 Jun 2012

July 1 Marks Deadline for State Fair Competitions, Parade Entries

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/21/2012)(readMedia)-- July 1 is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair parade and many of the Fair's competitive events - late applications will be accepted with an additional late fee. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at www.iowastatefair.org/premiumbooks. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Many departments will accept late entries through July 8 with an additional late fee. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions, or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

The Iowa State Fair also invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair.

Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

The parade, set for Wednesday, August 8, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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