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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11 Aug 2011

Yard and Garden: Onions and Garlic

By Joy Venhorst

Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity results in high quality, nutritious products. If properly harvested and stored, onions and garlic will keep most of their original flavor and food value for months. Iowa State University Extension specialists describe the correct harvesting and storage for these two vegetables. To have additional questions answered, contact the experts at hortline@iastate.edu or call 515-294-3108.

When should you harvest onions?
Onions should be harvested when most of the tops have fallen over and begun to dry. Carefully pull or dig the bulbs with the tops attached.

What is the proper way to store onions?
After harvesting the onions, dry or cure the onions in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location, such as a shed or garage. Spread out the onions in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Cure the onions for two to three weeks until the onion tops and necks are thoroughly dry and the outer bulb scales begin to rustle. After the onions are properly cured, cut off the tops about 1 inch above the bulbs. As the onions are topped, discard any that show signs of decay. Use the thick-necked bulbs as soon as possible as they don't store well. An alternate preparation method is to leave the onion tops untrimmed and braid the dry foliage together.

Place the cured onions in a mesh bag, old nylon stocking, wire basket or crate. It's important that the storage container allow air to circulate through the onions. Store the onions in a cool, moderately dry location. Storage temperatures should be 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity should be 65 to 70 percent. Possible storage locations include a basement, cellar or garage. Hang the braided onions from a rafter or ceiling. If storing the onions in an unheated garage, move the onions to an alternate storage site before temperatures drop below 32 F.

What is the storage life of onions?
The storage life of onions is determined by the variety and storage conditions. When properly stored, good keepers, such as 'Copra' and 'Stuttgarter,' can be successfully stored for several months. Poor keepers, such as 'Walla Walla' and 'Sweet Spanish,' can only be stored for a few weeks. If the storage temperatures are too warm, the onions may sprout. Rotting may be a problem in damp locations. Inspect the stored onions on a regular basis in fall and winter. Discard any that are starting to rot.

When should you harvest garlic?
Harvest garlic when the foliage begins to dry. In Iowa, garlic is usually harvested in August or September. Carefully dig the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel.

How do you store garlic?
After harvesting the garlic, dry the garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Place the garlic on an elevated wire screen or slotted tray to promote drying. When the tops have dried, cut off the dry foliage 1 inch above the bulbs. Also, trim off the roots and brush off any loose soil. Place the bulbs in a mesh bag or open crate and store in a cool (32 F to 40 F), dry (65 to 70 percent relative humidity) area. Garlic can be stored for three to six months if properly dried and stored. An alternate way to store garlic is to braid the foliage together immediately after harvest, dry and then hang the braided garlic in a cool, dry location.

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28 Jul 2011

Iowa State Fair Animal Learning Center to Awe Ag Audiences

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (07/28/2011)(readMedia)-- Celebrating five years at the Iowa State Fair, the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center continues to educate and delight Fairgoers of all ages. "Nothing Compares" to this hub of agricultural activity that will feature young farm animals and fresh educational programming August 11-21.

The state-of-the-art agricultural education exhibit features live births of various species including cattle, swine, goats and sheep, allowing young and old alike to learn about the animal birthing process. Fairgoers can also catch a glimpse of hatching chicks, ducks, ostriches and turkeys.

Animal lovers won't want to miss kid-friendly educational presentations on various agricultural topics, including honey bees, farm animal safety, llamas and making butter. Other favorites include such contests as Milk Chug-A-Lug, Egg Dance, and Minute to Win It - Farm Edition.

Also taking the stage, the Thank a Farmer Magic Show will enchant kids of all ages. This magical extravaganza educates kids about agriculture through storytelling, juggling and music. Shows are daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 & 4 p.m.

Fairgoers can learn about life on the farm by checking out The Way We Live Award display and award ceremonies. The award honors six Iowa farm families for their love of the land and the product they produce.

Visit iowastatefair.org for a complete schedule of events at the Animal Learning Center.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitiowastatefair.org.

28 Jul 2011

Hay Storage Cost Analyzer Available

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- Hay is the third most valuable crop produced in Iowa, yet some producers lose as much as a fourth of their crop from improperly storing it. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension economist William Edwards said a new decision aid for comparing the costs of different hay storage options is now available on ISU Extension's Ag Decision Maker (ADM) website.

"This free electronic spreadsheet can compare up to eight alternatives at a time," Edwards said. "The standard for comparison is storing bales on bare ground with no cover. This is the least cost method, but also results in the most storage loss. Other methods include outdoor uncovered storage on gravel or pallets, outdoor covered storage, storage under a roof, and storage in a new or existing building."

Several types of cost are considered in the analysis, he said. Initial investments in storage structure, tarps, gravel and pallets are amortized over their individual expected lives. Annual costs such as repairs, insurance and property taxes are part of the spreadsheet, as are estimated labor costs for storing and feeding the hay. And, the estimated value of spoilage losses under each system is considered.

"Users will need to enter the expected volume of hay to be produced or that's needed, current hay prices and the size of bales they use," Edwards said. "For each method, a total annual cost is calculated, which includes spoilage losses and the tons of hay available to feed or sell."

The Excel®-based spreadsheet "Hay Storage Cost Comparison" is available for viewing and download on the ADM website at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/xls/a1-15haystoragecost.xls.

IBC was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state's beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org or check out the IBC blog at http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/iowabeef/.

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