25 Aug 2011

Yard and Garden: Peonies

By Joy Venhorst

The garden peony is a popular, long-lived perennial that provides abundant flowers in spring and attractive foliage throughout the growing season. If given a good site and proper care, an established peony will flower for many years. To have additional questions answered, contact the horticulturists at hortline@iastate.edu or call 515-294-3108.

 

When is the best time to transplant peonies?

September is the best time to transplant peonies. Begin by cutting the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible.  Promptly replant the peony in a sunny, well-drained site.

 

What would be a good planting site for peonies?

Peonies perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. When selecting a planting site, choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by working in large amounts of compost, peat moss or leaf mold.

 

What is the proper way to divide peonies?

September is the best time to divide peonies. The first step is to cut off the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig up the plant. Gently shake the clump to remove loose soil from the root system. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into sections. Each division should have at least three to five buds (eyes) and a good root system. Smaller divisions will require several years to develop into attractive plants.

 

When planting a peony, dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate its entire root system. Position the peony plant in the hole so the buds are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface (peonies often fail to bloom satisfactorily if the buds are more than 2 inches deep). Fill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant as you backfill. Then water thoroughly. Space peonies 3 to 4 feet apart.

 

Is it necessary to periodically divide peonies?

Peonies do not need to be divided on a regular basis. Peonies can be left undisturbed in the garden for 50 or more years. However, large, vigorous peonies can be divided if you want additional plants.

 

When should I cut back the peony foliage?

Peony foliage should not be cut back until it is destroyed by a hard freeze in fall. The foliage manufactures food for the plant. Some of the food is stored in the plant's root system. The more food the peony plant can store in its roots, the better the flower display next spring. Cut off the peony stems at ground level in late October or November. Remove the peony foliage from the garden and destroy it. The removal and destruction of the peony debris helps to control leaf blotch and other fungal diseases.

 

 

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25 Aug 2011

CRP Native Grass Field Day Set - September 13 Field Day Will Focus on Establishing Native Grasses

By Joy Venhorst

Many of the bids in the 41st Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup included putting native grasses or native pollinator habitat on a portion of the CRP acres. To help landowners learn more about getting good establishment of the native grasses, a field day has been set for Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Iowa State University (ISU) Southeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville.

Native grasses are slower to establish than many of the cool season forages farmers normally use for haying and grazing. The seed is also fluffier and may require some different seeding techniques. With proper planning, seeding, and weed control, excellent stands can be established in the first year.

Field day topics will include species selection, seeding mixes, seeding methods, weed control and maximizing wildlife benefits. Special focus will be on establishing native grasses on existing CRP where presently there is brome grass cover. Participants will also have the chance to compare native grass stands that were done as a dormant seeding in the late fall, an early spring frost seeding, and a late spring seeding.

To get to the SE Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm, go 1¾ miles south of Crawfordsville on Hwy 218, then 2 miles east on G-62, then ¾ mile north on the Louisa - Washington Rd. Watch for signs.

The field day is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For more information, call 319-337-2145.

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19 Aug 2011

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS SET POLICY COURSE FOR 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

By Iowa Farm Bureau News

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 19, 2011 - Media is invited to attend the 2011 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Summer Policy Conference Aug. 30-31 at the Farm Bureau office in West Des Moines. The conference kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Aug. 30.

Voting delegates from each 100 county Farm Bureaus will gather to discuss and debate topics ranging from the Food Security Act of 2012 and flood control to renewable energy and fiscal responsibility for state and federal government.

Leaders of all 100 county Farm Bureaus have gathered the opinions of their members on issues impacting agriculture and rural Iowa over the past several months.  The Summer Policy Conference aggregates those ideas to form statewide policy for the 2012 legislative session.

Lunch will be provided for attending media both days.  Please RSVP to Laurie Johns (515-225-5414) for lunch by Aug. 24.

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18 Aug 2011

New Publication Helps Farmers Save Energy in the Shop

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa - Constructing or upgrading a farm shop requires decisions about insulation and heating systems. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach addresses energy efficiency for shop heating.

"Conserve Heat Energy in the Farm Shop" (PM 2089P) is available to download from the Extension Online Store, www.extension.iastate.edu/store.

"Seasonal and day-to-day use of the farm shop determines much of your energy consumption, but design features such as insulation and supplementary heating can be selected to conserve energy," said Greg Brenneman, ISU Extension agricultural engineer.

This publication explains recommended R-Values for shop insulation, as well as the placement of foundation insulation, windows and overhead doors when constructing a shop facility. It also addresses some of the features of different shop heating systems, including forced-air, infrared and in-floor heating.

For more tips on energy efficiency around the farmstead, visit http://farmenergy.exnet.iastate.edu or follow @ISU_Farm_Energy on Twitter.

The Farm Energy publications are part of a series of farm energy conservation and efficiency educational materials being developed through the ISU Farm Energy Initiative. The purpose is to increase farmers' awareness of opportunities for improving efficient use of farm energy. The initiative also will help farmers and utility providers to explore opportunities to reduce farm energy demand and to improve overall profitability in a rapidly changing energy environment.

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18 Aug 2011

Yard and Garden: Late Summer and Early Fall Plantings

By Joy Venhorst

Creating a beautiful, functioning landscape depends on putting the right plant in the right place at the right time. Iowa State University Extension horticulturists describe the correct plants and care to give late summer and early fall plantings. To have additional questions answered, contact the experts at hortline@iastate.edu or call 515-294-3108.

Is fall a good time to plant trees?

Late summer and fall is an excellent time to plant balled and burlapped and container-grown trees and shrubs. Evergreens should be planted by early October in Iowa. Evergreens retain their foliage (needles) through winter. Evegreens need adequate time to get established at their new site before the onset of winter to prevent desiccation injury. Deciduous trees and shrubs drop their leaves in fall and go dormant. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted up to mid- to late November.

Late summer and fall planted trees and shrubs should be watered on a regular basis during the remainder of the year. Periodically check the moisture status of the plant's root-ball. Water newly planted trees and shrubs when their root-balls begin to dry out. Continue watering until the ground freezes in winter.

When is the best time to sow grass seed?

Late summer (mid-August to mid-September) is the best time to seed new lawns and overseed existing lawns. Late summer planting has several advantages over spring seeding. The seeds of cool-season grasses germinate quickly in the warm soil of late summer. The warm days and cool nights of early fall promote rapid turfgrass growth. The growing grass also has less competition from weeds as few weed seeds germinate in the fall.

After seeding, keep the upper 1 inch of soil moist with frequent, light applications of water. Most turfgrasses should germinate in two to three weeks if the seedbed is kept uniformly moist. Gradually reduce the frequency of watering, but water more deeply, when the turfgrass reaches a height of 1 to 2 inches. Mow the grass when it reaches the height of 3 to 3 ½ inches.

Can perennials be planted in fall?

Late summer and early fall is an excellent time to plant many perennials. It also is a good time to move or divide perennials, such as peony, daylily, garden phlox and oriental poppy. Perennials planted in late summer or early fall should be mulched with 4 to 6 inches of straw, pine needles or other materials in late fall. Mulching helps prevent repeated freezing and thawing of the soil that can heave plants out of the ground. Plants heaved out of the soil may be severely damaged or destroyed due to the drying of the exposed plant crowns and roots.

Is fall a good time to plant chrysanthemums?

Unfortunately, fall planted garden mums usually don't survive the winter even when given winter protection. Flowering mums purchased in late summer or early fall should be regarded as temporary additions to the landscape. Spring is the best time to plant mums in Iowa. Spring planted mums have the entire growing season to get established and usually survive the winter much better than those planted in fall.

When is the best time to plant peonies?

Peonies are available as potted and bare root plants. Potted peonies are often available at garden centers and can be planted anytime during the growing season. Bare root peonies are best planted in late summer/early fall (September in Iowa). When planting bare root peonies, position the "eyes" (buds) 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.

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18 Aug 2011

Work Begins on Iowa's New Local Food and Farm Initiative

By Administrator

AMES, Iowa - Iowa has a new statewide program that aims to boost production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption of Iowa-grown food.

The Local Food and Farm Initiative's purpose is to increase profitability for farmers and the number of jobs in local foods. The program brings together the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and ISU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

"This initiative is designed to get more of the food we produce here in Iowa on the table while keeping more of the food dollar on the farm," Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said. "By utilizing the expertise of all three organizations it should help speed the development of this already growing part of Iowa agriculture."

Craig Chase, ISU Extension farm management specialist and interim marketing program leader at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will coordinate the new program.

John Lawrence, director of Extension to Agricultural and Natural Resources and associate dean in the college, said that Chase's 27 years of experience in extension programs as well as co-leading ISU Extension's new Regional /Local Food System Task Force makes him a good choice to be the Local Food and Farm Program Coordinator for Iowa.

"This initiative will help network the many activities already underway across Iowa and will leverage new investment in fruit and vegetable production expertise made by the college, ISU Extension and the Leopold Center," Lawrence said.

The new program was created by the Iowa Legislature, which outlined broad goals and membership of a Local Food and Farm Program Council within IDALS that will advise the coordinator. First-year operating funds of $75,000 were included in the agriculture and natural resources budget bill signed by Governor Terry Branstad in July.

The initiative's four goals are to:
• Promote the expansion of local food production, processing, distribution and marketing of Iowa food;
• Increase consumer and institutional spending on Iowa foods;
• Increase the profitability of farmers and businesses engaged in local food enterprises; and
• Increase the number of jobs associated with local foods.

The six-member Local Food and Farm program council will include representatives from IDALS, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Farmers Market Association and three people appointed by the governor to represent Iowa resource conservation and development; a food processor, wholesaler or retailer; and a regional food system working group participant or expert in local food.

The Local Food and Farm Initiative follows recommendations outlined in an Iowa Local Food and Farm Plan prepared by the Leopold Center at the request of the Iowa Legislature. The plan calls for more coordination of programs at the state level and assistance in the areas of business training, loans, food processing, food safety and programs for beginning, minority and transitioning farmers.

Since April, Chase has been leading the Marketing and Food Systems Initiative at the Leopold Center. One of Chase's duties is to work with 16 groups throughout the state that participate in the Regional Food Systems Working Group.

"Craig has been effectively coordinating these regional food system efforts to increase Iowa's local food supply and use and is a well-known leader," said Mark Honeyman, interim director at the Leopold Center. "These groups will be an important part of achieving some of the goals set out for the new state initiative."

New investment at Iowa State University to improve the economic viability of regional food systems in the state has included hiring an extension commercial horticulture specialist for central and western Iowa and a new faculty member in horticulture to conduct research and extension on vegetable production. Financial support for the new hires for the next three years was made possible by donor support to the Leopold Center. The two new hires join nine other ISU faculty and staff on campus and around the state who work in commercial fruit and vegetable production.

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18 Aug 2011

Iowa Learning Farms' August Webinar Focuses on 'Losing Ground'

By Administrator

AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa Learning Farms' (ILF) August webinar, to be held Wednesday, Aug. 17 at noon, will feature Rick Cruse. He will discuss the report "Losing Ground." The webinar is part of a series, hosted by ILF, held on the third Wednesday of each month. The webinars are held over the noon hour through Adobe Connect. All that is needed to participate is a computer with Internet access.

The "Losing Ground" report is based on research by Iowa State University (ISU) scientists and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The report shows that Iowa farms are losing topsoil up to 12 times faster than government estimates. But, aerial surveys conducted by EWG indicate that soil erosion and runoff are worse than the research numbers suggest. Many fields are scarred by gullies that channel soil and chemicals into streams, which is not accounted for in ISU's erosion estimates. Cruse is one of the ISU scientists who aided in the report, working with the Iowa Daily Erosion Project.

Rick Cruse is a professor of agronomy at Iowa State and director of the Iowa Water Center. His research focus is on soil management and soil erosion processes. He recently served on the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology, a bioenergy advisory council to the chief U.S. EPA administrator and has served on the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council. Cruse teaches two graduate level soil management classes at Iowa State.

To connect to the webinars, go to: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/. Cruse will be able to answer questions from webinar "attendees" via the Adobe Connect chat box. The ILF website homepage contains links for archived webinars from previous months: www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf.

Upcoming Iowa Learning Farms webinars

Drake University's Agricultural Law Center fellow Edward Cox will present information on the land tenure project with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture in September. ISU agricultural and biosystems engineer Mark Hanna will discuss farm energy saving measures in October. Please contact ILF with other topic ideas for future webinar sessions.

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17 Aug 2011

Governor Signs Legislation to Support Farmers and Home Producers on State Fair Agriculture Day

By Katelyn Tye

New Laws Promote Agriculture Tourism, Expand Homemade Food Sales and Ensure Consistent Regulation at Farmers' Markets

CHICAGO - August 16, 2011. In honor of Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Pat Quinn today signed three pieces of legislation to support Illinois' agriculture industry and increase access to farmers' markets for the growing cottage food industry. Senate Bill 840 allows certain homemade foods to be sold at Illinois farmers' markets, and Senate Bill 1852 creates a task force to recommend statewide farmers' market regulations. The Governor also signed House Bill 3244 requiring the state to develop a plan for increasing agriculture-related tourism opportunities in Illinois.

"The best way to celebrate Illinois' agricultural strength is by making it easier for Illinois residents to buy fresh foods and support farmers and local economies," Governor Quinn said. "Farmers' markets allow us to buy fresh, healthy produce and other homemade goods directly from the people who make them, and this legislation will enable those business owners to sell directly to consumers while making sure safety standards are consistent for all markets throughout the state."  

The popularity of farmers' markets has surged in recent years, and a lack of consistent regulation at the increasing number of markets has created confusion about how products may be sold. Senate Bill 1852, sponsored by Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) and Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), creates a task force to review the rules and laws defining what products can be sold at farmers' markets, as well as sanitation and food preparation requirements. The 24-member task force will then assist the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in developing and implementing administrative rules ensuring consistent statewide farmers' market regulations.

Senate Bill 840, sponsored by Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Lisa M. Dugan (D-Kankakee), allows homemade foods like jams, cookies and cakes to be sold at farmers' markets. Cottage food vendors must meet the following conditions for their products to be sold at Illinois' farmers' markets:

  • ·         Foods, such as baked goods, preserves, dry herbs or teas, must be safe for consumption;
  • ·         Food is sold only at a farmers' market;
  • ·         Seller does no more than $25,000 a year in sales;
  • ·         Follows specific labeling requirements;
  • ·         The cottage food operation is registered with the local health department;
  • ·         The person preparing and selling the food has a valid Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate; and
  • ·         A placard that states, "This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens" is located where the food is sold.

Under House Bill 3244, sponsored by Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville) and Sen. Kirk W. Dillard (R-Westmont), the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will develop and implement a statewide strategic plan to increase agricultural tourism. This builds upon existing efforts by the Quinn administration to strengthen Illinois' agri-tourism industry.

DCEO and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have a long-standing partnership with the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) to promote the Illinois wine industry. Through the state's tourism site, www.EnjoyIllinois.com, visitors can learn more about the dozens of wineries and other natural and agriculture-related attractions nestled throughout the state. DCEO also assists in marketing agri-tourism tours that have been created among its industry partners, both domestically and internationally, and promotes the use of locally grown foods in its marketing efforts.

Senate Bill 1852 and House Bill 3244 go into effect immediately and Senate Bill 840 takes effect Jan. 1.

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15 Aug 2011

Local Muscatine residents get sneak peek into the life of an American farmer with new America's Farmers Mobile Experience

By Administrator

What: Ever wonder what it's like to be a farmer today?  Curious about the men and women who care for the fields that you drive by?  Now people in Muscatine have the opportunity to take a look into the life of an American farmer and learn more about the vital role they play in the world of agriculture today through the America's Farmers Mobile Experience.  Local farmer, Drew Yotter played a large role in bringing the traveling display to the Muscatine 50th Anniversary and will serve as the host of the Mobile Experience while it is here.

The new Mobile Experience is a traveling 53-foot trailer that expands into 1,000-square feet of exhibit space that immerses visitors in the lives of America's farm families.  The tour is designed to educate consumers on modern agriculture and the challenges farmers face to meet the growing demands of the rapidly increasing world population.

Visitors will take a journey through three different focus areas with interactive tools and displays to better understand the life of an American farmer.

  • An interactive globe will allow visitors to see population growth and how many people one acre of farmland will need to feed to meet the demand of the growing population.
  • A 180-degree theater immerses visitors in a video experience that spotlights an American farm family and what they are currently doing to meet the world demand.  Hear three generations of farm women speak about what farm life means to them.
  • Ag educators serve as personal guides teaching guests about the tools and technologies, including breeding, biotechnology and agronomics, that help farmers meet current challenges.

When: Tours will run from:

8:00 am -4:00 pm on August 19

8:00am- 4:00pm on August 20  

Where: Muscatine 50th Anniversary

2500 Wiggins Road
Muscatine, IA 52761               

Who: Media and the general public are invited to tour the America's Farmers Mobile Experience and speak with local farmers and Monsanto Ag Educators.

Background:     The Mobile Experience will tour the U.S. stopping at a variety of urban and rural events to give people the opportunity to learn more about every aspect of the farmer's life, from food production to the challenges they face. For more information on Monsanto's America's Farmers' efforts or its Mobile Experience, please visit www.AmericasFarmers.com. 

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15 Aug 2011

USDA Announces 19 USB Farmer-Director Appointments

By United Soybean Board

Twelve Returning Directors, Seven New Directors Will Be Sworn In at Annual Meeting

ST. LOUIS (August 12, 2011) - Nineteen farmer-leaders will be sworn in as directors of the United Soybean Board (USB) in December, after receiving appointment recently by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The 19 soybean farmers from across the United States include seven new appointees and 12 returning directors. These volunteers work to invest checkoff funds on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers in the areas of domestic and international marketing, maintaining and increasing U.S. soybean yields, finding new uses for soy, ensuring market access for U.S. soy and other areas affecting the U.S. soy industry.

"It is our board's job to wisely invest checkoff dollars to increase the profit potential of all U.S. soybean farmers," said USB Chairman Marc Curtis, a soybean farmer from Leland, Miss. "Serving U.S. soybean farmers as part of USB takes a great commitment but is truly an honor as well."

Appointed farmer-leaders include : 

•    Angela M. Dee, Ala.
•    Robert L. Stobaugh, Ark.
•    James L. Stillman, Iowa*
•    Larry K. Marek, Iowa
•    Dwain L. Ford, Ill.*
•    Michael A. Beard, Ind. *
•    Craig M. Gigstad, Kan.
•    Keith N. Tapp, Ky.
•    Eugene L. Lowe III, Md.*
•    R. Alan Moore, Mich.*
•    Scott G. Singlestad, Minn.*
•    J. Willard Spargo, Mo.
•    James D. Sneed, Miss.*
•    Loyd L. Pointer, Neb.*
•    Daniel J. Corcoran, Ohio*
•    Ellie W. Green Jr., S.C.
•    Robert J. Metz, S.D.*
•    John R. Butler, Tenn.*
•    Tom P. Rotello Sr., Texas*
•    James P. Buck, Ala. (alternate director)
•    Scotty J. Herriman, Okla. (alternate director)
•    Fitzhugh L. Bethea III, S.C. (alternate director)

* Indicates returning director.

All appointees, who will serve three-year terms, will be sworn in on Dec. 6 at USB's annual meeting in St. Louis. Qualified State Soybean Boards nominated all of the soybean farmers selected by the agriculture secretary to serve on USB.

USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit us at 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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