10 Jun 2011

Crop Management Clinic Features More Than 20 Management Topics

By Joy Venhorst
AMES, Iowa -- Registration is now under way for the 2011 Crop Management Clinic to be held July 13-14 at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) near Ames. The Crop Management Clinic is an intensive two-day training program that focuses on the latest developments in crop production and protection.

Attendees can select from 20 different topics to develop a course agenda that fits their specific interests and needs. ISU Extension specialists will be discussing the impacts of common crop problems, how to avoid them and methods to improve productivity. The curriculum is divided into four primary areas: crop management, pest management, nutrient management, and soil, water and tillage. A detailed listing of scheduled topics is available at the clinic web page http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/cmc.html.

Sessions are taught by faculty and staff from the departments of agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, and agricultural and biosystems engineering, in addition to guest instructors from surrounding states. Each small-group session includes hands-on training in FEEL demonstration plots to provide instructor-student interaction.

The Crop Management Clinic is approved for up to 12 Certified Crop Adviser CEUs. Credits in each CEU category are dependent on sessions selected by the student.
Registration is required for this program and space is limited. Registration is $250 and includes lunches, breaks and course references. To register for this program, or for more details on the course, visit the FEEL website. For program questions please contact the Field Extension Education Laboratory at (515) 432-9548 or aep@iastate.edu.

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10 Jun 2011

Field Diagnostic Clinic Is a Return to the Basics

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- The 2011 Field Diagnostic Clinic will be held July 11-12 at the Field Extension EducationLaboratory (FEEL) near Ames. This program focuses on the fundamentals of crop plant diagnostics. Sessions focus on insect, weed and crop disease identification, herbicide injury, nutrient deficiency symptoms, and understanding crop growth and development.

For those new to field diagnostics, the clinic offers fundamental training to making accurate diagnosis of crop and pest problems. The program will also challenge experienced agronomists to identify new pests and crop problems and refresh skills needed on a daily basis to provide sound agronomic advice.

Sessions are taught by ISU Extension faculty from the departments of agronomy, entomology and plant pathology. Each small-group session includes intensive hands-on training in FEEL demonstration plots, providing a setting for instructor-student interaction.

The Field Diagnostic Clinic is approved for Certified Crop Adviser CEUs: 5.0 crop management, 6.5 pest management and 1.5 nutrient management.
Registration is required for this program and space is limited. Registration is $250 and includes all meals, breaks and course references. To register for this program, or for more details on the course, visit the FEEL website at www.aep.iastate.edu/feel. For program questions please contact the Field Extension Education Laboratory at (515) 432-9548 or aep@iastate.edu.

The Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) is a 43-acre teaching and demonstration facility that has been training crop production professionals since 1987. FEEL is coordinated by the Iowa State University Cornand Soybean Initiative. For a full listing of educational programs available, visit www.aep.iastate.edu.

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10 Jun 2011

Grassley, Johnson Keep Focus on Setting Hard Caps for Farm Payments, Closing Loopholes

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Tim Johnson of South Dakota today introduced legislation to cap total farm payments at $250,000, close loopholes that are being used to game the farm payment system, and target payments to actively engaged farmers who need assistance getting over the bumps that come with ensuring a safe and abundant food supply.

"This bill helps ensure that our farmers are able to provide a safe, abundant and inexpensive food supply for consumers at home and around the world, while maintaining the farm safety net that allows the small and medium sized farmers to get through the tough times," Grassley said.  "Current policies allow 10 percent of the biggest farmers to receive 70 percent of the benefits of the farm program.  This puts our safety net at risk by reducing urban support for the farm bill and creating upward pressure on land prices."

"Farm programs are going to be in for tough scrutiny as budget negotiators scour spending programs.  One certainly deserves to be and that is payments of more than $250,000 to a farming operation.  This bill caps payments at $250,000,"  said Johnson.  "Farm payments need to be targeted to those who need it, the small and mid-size family farmers in South Dakota and across the nation."

The legislation would set a limit of $250,000 for married couples for farm payments in an attempt to better target farm program payments to family farmers.  Specifically, the bill caps direct payments at $40,000; counter-cyclical payments at $60,000; and marketing loan gains (including forfeitures), loan deficiency payments, and commodity certificates at $150,000.  It also closes loopholes that people are using to maximize their take from the federal government.  The bill also improves the standard which the Department of Agriculture uses to determine farmers who are actively engaged in their operations.

In addition, the legislation would save the federal treasury more than $1 billion over 10 years.

A copy of Grassley's prepared floor statement is below, followed by a summary of the bill.  The bill text can be found by clicking here.

 

Prepared Floor Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Introduction of the Rural America Preservation Act of 2011

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Mr. President, today Senator Johnson of South Dakota and I have introduced the Rural America Preservation Act.  America's farmers produce the food that feeds our families. This bill helps ensure that our farmers are able to provide a safe, abundant and inexpensive food supply for consumers around the world, while maintaining the farm safety net that allows the small and medium sized farmers to get through the tough times.

Everybody sees tough times that are out of their control, but the importance of the farm safety net can be seen no further than the dinner we had last night.  Stop to think if you were unable to feed your children for three days.  You would do just about anything, stealing, rioting, whatever it takes, to give those kids a meal.  That's why it's vitally important that we maintain a readily available food supply.

To ensure the family farmer remains able to produce a food supply for a cohesive and stable society, we need to get the farm safety net back to its original intent-to help small and medium sized farm operators get over the ups and downs of farming that are out of their control.

The original intent of the federal farm programs was not to help the big get bigger.  But, the safety net has veered sharply off course.  We're now seeing only 10 percent of the largest farmers getting nearly 70 percent of the total farm payments.

There's no problem with a farmer growing his operation, but the taxpayer should not have to subsidize it.  There comes a point where some farms reach levels that allow them to weather the tough financial times on their own. Smaller farms do not have the same luxury, but they play a pivotal role in producing this nation's food.

I have been approached time and time again by farmers concerned about the next generation of farmers.  It is important that we keep young people on the farm, so they can take the lead in producing our food when the older generation of farmers is ready to turn over the reins.

But the current policies that allow 10 percent of the largest farmers to receive nearly 70 percent of the total farm program payments create a real barrier for beginning farmers.  The current system puts upward pressure on land prices making it more difficult for small and beginning farmers to buy ground.

This allows the big farms to get even bigger.  This is not unique to Iowa.  This upward pressure on land prices is occurring in many other states.

It is simply good policy to have a hard cap on the amount a farmer can receive in farm program payments.  We will keep in place a much needed safety net for the farmers who need it most.  And it will help reduce the negative impact farm payments have on land prices.

Our bill sets the overall cap at $250,000 for a married couple.  In my state, many people would say this is still too high.  But I recognize that agriculture can look different around the country, and so this is a compromise.

Just as important as setting the payment limits, is tightening the meaning of "actively engaged," a legal term in the farming business.  Basically, people have to be actively engaged in the farming operation in order to qualify for farm payments.

This is common sense.  A person should be a farmer in order to receive farm payments.  But too often people exploit current loopholes, and people wrongfully receive farm payments.

This bill will further refine the standard the Department of Agriculture uses to determine if a person is actively engaged in farming.  This will help make sure that farm payments only go to those who deserve them.

In light of the current budget discussions, everyone should agree that we don't want money going to those who fail to meet the criteria set for the program. This bill will help do that.

I hope my colleagues will agree this bill takes a common sense approach to improve our farm safety net, and a help to make sure the dollars spent go to those who need it most.

 

Grassley-Johnson (S.D.) Rural America Preservation Act of 2011

-- Summary -

Limit annual per farm commodity subsidy payments to $250,000. The bill would establish caps of $20,000 on direct (fixed) payments, $30,000 on counter cyclical payments, and $75,000 on loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains.  The combined limit for married couples would be $250,000.[i] These limits would be reduced by varying amounts depending on the farmer's participation in ACRE, essentially setting the payment limitations at the effective caps, less the reductions in direct payments and marketing loan gains.

Ensure that payments flow to working farmers. Current law attempts to target payments to working farmers.  However, as explained in the final report of the USDA Payment Limitation Commission and as demonstrated by the 2004 Government Accountability Office Report, the lack of a defined active management test in law and regulation is a major loophole facilitating huge payments.  The amendment improves the "measurable standard" by which USDA determines who should and should not receive farm payments.  It requires that management be personally provided on a regular, substantial, and continuous basis through direct supervision and direction of farming activities and labor and on-site services.  The combined labor and management standard is 1,000 hours annually or 50 percent of the commensurate share of the required labor and management.  Landowners who share rent land to an actively-engaged producer remain exempt from the "actively engaged" rules provided their payments are commensurate to their risk in the crop produced.[ii] It also requires that the spouse be actively-engaged as was the current standard before 2008.

[i] In comparison, under current law the cap on direct payments and counter cyclical payments is $80,000 and $130,000, respectively, and there is no effective cap on loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains, and hence no effective total limitation.

[ii] Under current law and regulation, to qualify as actively engaged with respect to labor, an individual must perform at least 1,000 hours of work on the farm.  Alternatively, an individual may contribute management rather than labor, and management is not defined in any quantifiable, measurable way in existing law or regulation.  This "management" loophole has been used creatively by many of the largest farming entities in the country as the key to creating farm partnerships with multiple "paper" partners each qualifying as active farmers eligible to collect payments, allowing a single farming operation to collect in some cases millions of dollars.  GAO has documented  instances in which such partners have qualified as active farmers by doing no more than participating in twice annual conference calls.

The amendment combines labor and management into a single combined standard.  First, the amendment requires management contributions to bepersonally provided on a regular, substantial, and continuous basis through the direction supervision and direction of activities and labor involved in the farming operation, and on-site services that are directly related and necessary to the farming operation.  Second, the amendment requires the combined labor and management to equal or exceed 1,000 hours per year, or 50% of the commensurate share of the required labor and management.  The amendment also tightens the rules under which an entity may be considered to be actively engaged in farming, ensuring that, in order to receive payments, the majority of beneficial interests must be held by persons actively engaged in farming and their family members and that no individuals may use the creation of entities to collect more than the limitation.

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07 Jun 2011

Soybean Farmers to Get Firsthand Look at Checkoff in Action

By United Soybean

United Soybean Board's "See for Yourself" Program Announces 2011 Participants

ST. LOUIS (June 6, 2011) -The road from the typical U.S. soybean farm to a major poultry, pork and dairy operation in western Mexico may not seem clear at first, but, as 10 U.S. soybean farmers are about to find out in the United Soybean Board's (USB) "See for Yourself" program, it's more direct than they may think.

The soybean checkoff selected the 10 farmers, who raise soybeans and other crops on farms from the Dakotas to Ohio, to take part in the fourth annual "See for Yourself" program to see their checkoff dollars in action, says Rick Stern, USB Audit & Evaluation program chair and a soybean farmer from Cream Ridge, N.J. "There's no better way to show someone the value of their investment than to show them the results firsthand," Stern says. The program will be held from July 25-30.

Participants will learn about the use of soy biodiesel at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, travel on a barge that transports U.S. soy and visit a company that makes soy ink, before heading to the number one market for U.S. soybean meal - Mexico - to get a firsthand look at the massive PROAN farm in the western Mexican state of Jalisco. They will visit the state-of-the-art facility and hear why PROAN chooses to source soybean meal from the United States over other countries. They will also visit an aquaculture farm and a refinery that produces soy and palm oil.

These U.S. soybean farmers will participate in the 2011 "See for Yourself" program:

  • Britt Anderson - Nebraska
  • Gary Berg -  Illinois
  • Drew DeSutter - Illinois
  • Timothy Dunn - Michigan
  • Tim Even - South Dakota
  • Mark Huseth - Minnesota
  • Crystal Martodam - North Dakota
  • Trent Profit - Ohio
  • Fred Paul Robinson - North Carolina
  • Jeffrey Sorenson - Minnesota

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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06 Jun 2011

Braley, Boswell, and Loebsack Fight Cuts to Renewable Fuel Infrastructure, Protections for Farmers

By Alexandra Krasov

Iowa Members Support Capping Direct Payments to Farmers Making +$250K

Washington, DC - Today, Congressmen Bruce Braley, Leonard Boswell, and Dave Loebsack joined together to push back against cuts that would hurt Iowa farmers, the state's economy, and America's energy independence by slashing crop insurance and gutting renewable energy programs that encourage the harvesting of agriculture energy inputs and help rural gas stations to purchase ethanol blend pumps.

In a letter to leadership of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Federal Drug Administration, and related agencies, the Members urged the Senators to take a second look at the House's cuts to crop insurance, renewable energy programs, and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The House Members asked the Subcommittee to retain the $250,000 income cap leveled ondirect farm payments in the legislation.

"Gas prices are climbing and crippling family budgets all over this country, but Washington politicians are trying to undercut the alternative fuel industry that helps lower gas prices and creates thousands of jobs. It makes absolutely no sense," said Rep. Braley. "Hard working families and thousands of good-paying jobsdepend on this funding."

"With gas prices still high and concerns over what or who is exactly driving them up, it is outrageous to pull funding from renewable energy programs that have had an impact on reducing our country's dependence on foreign oil and created thousands of jobs, especially while still paying out subsidies to oil giants like BP and ExxonMobil," said Rep. Boswell, a senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee. "The House FY 2012 agriculture appropriations bill is short-sighted, and embodies what happens when appropriators legislate without talking to Members of the Agriculture Committee who come from agriculture states and understand what it requires to run a farm and get food to our tables."

"Renewable fuels have shown to be a critical component in our efforts to reduce our dependence onforeign oil," said Rep. Loebsack. "The House's proposed cuts to crop insurance and cuts to energy infrastructure hurt Iowa's economy and our nation's security."

A copy of the letter is available here: http://go.usa.gov/Dm7

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02 Jun 2011

Farming and Ranching for Another Generation

By Elisha Smith

By Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Beginning farmers and ranchers face significant challenges, including access to land and capital (thanks to rapidly increasing land values and cash rents). They also face barriers in accessing federal programs designed to assist them with getting started.

Despite these hurdles, there is no shortage of people who desire to farm or ranch. While there are challenges, there are also great opportunities -  the local food movement, alternative livestock production, and the growth in organics, to name a few.

If we want to encourage a new generation to pursue a career in agriculture, we must have a national strategy and commitment to design public policy that addresses the unique needs of beginning farmers and ranchers.

Beginning with the 1990 farm bill, Congress created programs for beginning farmers and ranchers, particularly in the area of farm credit. The 2008 farm bill went further by reworking existing provisions and crafting new initiatives and incentives.

In the 2012 farm bill, we will encourage Congress to expand and improve on this base, break down barriers to entry and give real support to ensure the effective start-up and success of new small and mid-scale producers across the country.

We will push for greater commitment to the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which provides beginning farmer and rancher training, more flexible credit provisions, increased access to conservation assistance and crop insurance that is relevant to diversified operations. We will also look for opportunities to include tax incentives to encourage leasing or selling land to beginners.

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28 May 2011

USDA Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservati​on for Its Work to Revitalize​, Strengthen America's Rural Main Streets

By Robert Jackson Jr.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 25, 2011 - Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today was presented with the 2011 Main Street Leadership Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in honor of USDA's support to revitalize rural commercial areas. He accepted the award on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
 
"USDA, and especially the Rural Development mission area, is honored to receive this prestigious award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation" said Tonsager. "Main street America drives the rural economy.  Our work with the Trust helps ensure that the nation's small town main streets are restored as vibrant and economic engines of their communities.  A healthy main street is a sign of a strong, growing local economy."
 
     The National Trust Main Street Leadership Award is presented annually and recognizes individuals or organizations that have provided strong leadership either locally or nationally in making significant, lasting contributions to commercial district revitalization; inspiring actions that can be duplicated in other communities; and making long-term contributions to a community's revitalization over time.
 
     USDA was recognized for its support through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) and the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program which seek to create jobs, strengthen business, offer training and financial assistance to local entrepreneurs in rural communities. The goal of the RCDI program is to develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, and low- income rural communities to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, community and economic development projects in rural areas. For more information visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html.
 
   The RBEG program provides grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses help fund distance learning networks, and help fund employment related adult education programs. To learn more about this program, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP-LoanAndGrants.html.
 
For example, in 2009, Main Street Momence (Momence, Ill.) received a $99,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) as seed capital to establish a revolving loan fund that businesses in the area could use to revitalize the Main Street. The local government of Kankakee County matched the federal funding with $50,000. Four neighborhood businesses used their loans to refurbish, expand, and maintain their businesses and helped create or save 27 full time jobs 20 part-time jobs.
 
   USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. 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. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $150 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov for additional information about the agency's programs or to locate the USDA Rural Development office nearest you.
 
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28 May 2011

More ISU Extension Office News and Notes

By Joy Venhorst

Five Iowa Horses Being Monitored for Equine Herpes Virus

Several horses recently competing in the National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championship in Ogden, Utah, on April 29 to May 8, have been diagnosed with Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), according to 2011 Incident Information. Reports of affected horses have been received from multiple states and western Canada, with several fatalities. At this time, Animal Health Monitoring and Surveillance (APHIS) understands the virus to be present in horses that attended the cutting horse event and horses that came into contact with those that attended the event.

Dr. David Schmitt, DVM, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship was notified about some horses that developed the neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) after attending a national cutting horse event in Utah. "Five of the horses that attended the event are located at stables in Iowa," Schmitt said. "The good news is that I have still not had any reports of clinical disease in any of these horses in Iowa."

Peggy Miller-Auwerda, Iowa State University Extension equine specialist, said the APHIS situation report also indicates that the Iowa horses are under voluntary or state quarantine and are being monitored. "The virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands," Miller-Auwerda said. "EHV-1 infection in horses can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal foal death and/or neurologic disease."

EHV-1 is endemic to the United States and is usually handled by the states involved; USDA becomes involved in cases involving multiple states or movement of horses across state lines. APHIS will continue to monitor the situation and work with the states to make decisions as needed to control the spread of the virus. USDA has posted links with information about EHV-1 and a copy of the situation report at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/.

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Two Science of Parenting Publications Now Available in Spanish

AMES, Iowa - Two popular publications from the Science of Parenting are now available in Spanish. "Video Games and Other Media: Pros and Cons" and "Obesity and Overuse of Electronic Media" are available online at the ISU Extension Online Store in both English and Spanish versions.

"ISU Extension is trying to expand its outreach efforts to Latino youth and families," said Kimberly Greder, associate professor of human development and family studies. "Translating more of our educational materials is one step."

Video Games and Other Media: Pros and Cons

"Video Games and Other Media" advises parents on the meanings behind video game ratings, warning signs of too much screen time, side effects of video game playing and what to look for when buying children games. It also lists a guideline for healthy and helpful videogames. Download the PDF for free from the ISU Extension Online Store.

Obesity and Overuse of Electronic Media

"Obesity and Overuse of Electronic Media," explains how much screen time children of various ages should have each day. It also lists the risks of obesity and the benefits of exercise. Download the PDF for free from the ISU Extension Online Store.

"Parents of all race/ethnicities and economic status are not fully aware of the effects of media on children," Greder said. "Many parents do not realize their children are learning through media, especially media use at home and outside of the school day. The publications are one way to share that information."

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Mono-slope Project Open House Features Air Quality and Cattle Performance

ORANGE CITY, Iowa ? Managing mono-slope barns to improve air quality and cattle performance will be featured at an open house on June 22. The open house will be at the Ron and Clayton Christensen barn near Royal, Iowa, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Beth Doran said the barn is one of four involved in the Tri-State Air Quality project.

"This project is being conducted cooperatively by ISU Extension, the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering  epartment at South Dakota State University and the USDA Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Neb.," Doran said. "It involves monitoring air emissions over a two-year period to determine baseline data for gases and dust produced in the facility. The study also will evaluate two manure-handling systems to determine which emits lower levels of gases."

In addition to beef producers, Doran said agribusiness staff and policy makers also will be interested in the project  pen house.

"Although water quality regulations have been quite visible recently, attention to results from studies and projects like  his is increasing," she said.

To provide topic-specific information, the open house will consist of seven 15-minute stations focusing on different  spects of managing the mono-slope barn. Stations will operate from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m. The stations topics are:

  • How the barn is managed
  • The air quality project and air quality regulations
  • Cost-sharing opportunities
  • Managing the pack for animal comfort and reduced emissions
  • Stockpiling manure
  • Value and nutrient management of mono-slope manure
  • Analyzing the gases and particulate matter (dust)

From noon to 1 p.m. lunch will be provided and the following open house sponsors will be recognized: Animal Medical  enters at Spencer, Clay County Cattlemen's Association, Clay County Farm Bureau, Coalition to Support Iowa's  Farmers, Farm Credit Services at Emmetsburg, Spencer Ag Center and the Spencer Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee.

There is no charge to attend, but preregistration is required by June 15 to have an accurate count for lunch and  aterials. To preregister, contact Doran by phone at 712-737-4230 or by email at doranb@iastate.edu. You can view and download a flyer describing the event, its location and preregistration requirements.

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Tick Publication Helps with Prevention, Identification

AMES, Iowa ? As Iowans head out into wooded areas this spring and summer in search of mushrooms, for a weekend hike or simply to enjoy nature, they should keep an eye out for some common, tiny pests ? ticks. This time of year is when all three tick species that commonly attack humans are becoming more active, and care should be taken to prevent and detect ticks.

Iowa State University Extension offers a publication, "Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases," that focuses on the three main species: blacklegged (deer) ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks. The publication discusses biology, habitat, detection, prevention and risks of all three species. The publication is free for download from the ISU Extension Online Store, www.extension.iastate.edu/store.

"Of the three species, blacklegged ticks are of greatest concern because they can transmit Lyme disease," said Jon Oliver, entomology graduate student and member of the Medical Entomology Laboratory. "Starting about now and lasting for the next two months, immature, nymphal blacklegged ticks will be active. Because of their small size ? smaller than a sesame seed ? the nymphs are hard to detect and often remain attached to people long enough to transmit the disease."

Oliver said blacklegged ticks require high humidity to survive, so are almost exclusively found in thickly forested areas, particularly areas with lots of oak trees.

Medical Entomology Laboratory

Oliver and other scientists at the Medical Entomology Laboratory at Iowa State University track ticks and mosquitoes, the two leading carriers of diseases to humans in the United States. They also track which counties in Iowa have had ticks infected with Lyme disease, information that is included in "Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases" and on their website, www.ent.iastate.edu/medent/ticks_IA.

Iowans can assist the lab with the Lyme Disease Surveillance Program by submitting ticks they find. The lab relies on submitted specimens to track tick distribution and infections status in the state. Information on how to submit can be found on the lab's website at www.ent.iastate.edu/medent/surveillance.

"If you find a tick on yourself, a friend, a family member or a pet, we will gladly take the tick and identify it for you," Oliver said. "When you find a tick of any sort, wrap it in tissue, add a blade of grass, seal it in a zip-top bag and mail it to us."

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12 Iowa High School Students Chosen for Trip to China

AMES, Iowa ? Visiting farmers' markets, exploring farming practices and interacting with other cultures are just some of the activities 12 Iowa high school students are looking forward to during their summer trip to China. The trip is part of a program designed to help Iowa youth gain the necessary international knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the new global economy.

"Today's youth increasingly have a need to understand the growing global economy, their place in it and how they can  meet its needs," said Kirk Leeds, CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association. "Students have a great opportunity to be exposed to new and different cultures and experiences during this trip, which will help equip them to analyze issues from a global perspective."

Twelve students from Iowa high schools were selected to take part in the Global Youth Excellence Program's China Leadership Experience. The Global Youth Excellence Program is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Iowa Soybean Association. Leaders from all three sponsors will accompany the students on the trip to China from July 31 to Aug. 9.

"Giving Iowa high school students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures will pay great dividends as Iowa continues to play a critical role in the fast growing global food system," said Jerry Miller, interim vice president of Iowa State University Extension. "The pool of applicants was impressive and I am confident we have selected a terrific group to represent Iowa agriculture and the state of Iowa."

A call for applications went out in March and ended April 29. Sixty-nine students applied for the opportunity and the 12 participants and two alternates were chosen by a group of four representatives of the sponsors. Eligible students are entering their sophomore and junior years in fall and each student had to complete an application and answer five essay questions.

"The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to be part of this important youth program. We are very hopeful that this group will greatly expand their knowledge of China and share what they learn with others," said Craig Lang, president of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

Students selected for the trip:

Carrie Adrian, a freshman from Knoxville, attends Knoxville High School and is active in band, choir, soccer, cross country, 4-H and her church youth group. She likes sharing what she has learned by making presentations to local communities and at the Iowa State Fair. She is excited to tell her stories to people when she returns. Adrian plays the tuba and is "not afraid to be noticed or to speak out and be heard - just like my tuba."

Nicholas Ahern, a freshman from Avoca, attends AHST Community High School and is an active Boy Scout and currently working on becoming an Eagle Scout. He has competed in the FCCLA at the national level and has also competed in the Iowa High School Battle of the Books at the state level. In addition, Ahern plays the saxophone and the piano, and is active in the community's swim team. This trip will help him "develop the skills to interact with people of other cultures" and help fulfill his dream of becoming a foreign ambassador one day.

Bradley Aronson, a freshman from Albert City, attends Sioux Central High School, is a member of the FFA and has received several awards including the Star Green Hand Award and the Ag Sales Proficiency Award for high fruit sales. Recently he has been selected to be part of the Iowa Youth Technology Team. Aronson enjoys volunteering and is currently raising funds to do community service work in New Orleans in the summer of 2012. In his free time he enjoys woodworking, welding, architectural designing and spending time with his dog. He attributes his communication and organizational skills to 4-H. Aronson hopes to visit the Chinese farmers' markets, learn how they market their produce and "bring back this knowledge to share with others."

Brandy Childers, a sophomore from Red Oak, attends Red Oak High School, is very involved in numerous school and community activities and is a secretary in the FCCLA. She also is an active volunteer in her community. She looks forward to sharing with her community what she will learn on this trip and "perhaps change any misconceptions people may have [of the Chinese culture]."

Izak Christensen, a freshman from Osage, attends Osage High School, is an active 4-H member and serves as the vice president of the club. He also serves on the Mitchell County Council where he helps plan and supervise community activities. In addition to the many community service projects he is involved in, Christensen helps out in his family farm and looks forward to seeing the Chinese farming techniques and "what their farms actually look like with my own eyes."

Kelsey Dennis, a sophomore from Ames, attends Ames High School, where she participates in sports and is very involved in music activities. Dennis also is involved in SHEPH: Students Helping to Eliminate Poverty and Hunger; a school-sponsored club at Ames High. She is passionate about working with children and teaching, and is currently a student teacher for a kindergarten class and a Hebrew teacher for a third grader. She hopes that this trip will give her a chance "to experience something [she is] not even capable of dreaming about."

Jared Gradeless, a sophomore from Melrose, attends Wayne Community High School and is currently the president of the Washington Willing Workers 4-H Club and involved in many activities in school. Gradeless "loves to help others by volunteering in the community" and helps out with the family farm when he is not in school. He believes that "one person can truly make a difference in this world", and he aspires to be that person. Gradeless hopes to share information about his town and "how we farm and protect the environment," with the Chinese students he will meet during the trip.

Sarah Rethwisch, a sophomore from Fort Dodge, attends Fort Dodge Senior High. She is currently the president of her 4-H club and has taken a number of presentations to the State Fair. She was involved in the People to People Student Ambassador Program that aims to get to know other cultures and promote world peace and earned her tuition by selling fleece blankets and scarves. She hopes to learn and understand the Chinese people better and share this knowledge through the Lion's Club, 4-H club, school, churches and people within the community.

Hannah Riensche, a sophomore from Jesup, attends Jesup High School. She has held and continues to hold several leadership appointments including president of the freshman class and is currently vice president of the sophomore class and the chapter vice president of the FFA. She contributes to the community through teaching Sunday school. The budding agriculturalist is "eager to learn more about the differences and similarities between agriculture in China and the U.S., and the ways we can work together."

Preston Schaaf, a freshman from Tabor, attends Fremont Mills High School where he serves on the student council and has been a class officer. He competes in high school policy debate at the national level, and will be attending a six-week debate camp in Atlanta in the summer. Schaaf is currently the secretary of the Riverside Rockets 4-H club, and has served as the reporter, historian and photographer and is involved in regular volunteer activities. Schccaaf also is one of the 16 students selected to serve on the 2011 Iowa Youth Technology Team. Having lived in the "relatively non-diverse Midwest," he hopes to "break down the walls of our small community ... and be able to share" these experiences with the others in his community through this "tremendous opportunity."

Mandy Thompson, a freshman from Pleasantville, attends Pleasantville High School. She has been a Girl Scout for the last eight years and has been volunteering at Toys for Tots the last five years. Thompson attributes her leadership development to agriculture classes and FFA, and continues to broaden her leadership skills by attending conferences. Involvement in school and community are very important to Thompson and she hopes to gain "global travel experience and relate to others with the same aspirations and commonalities" with this trip to China.

Michael Tupper, a freshman from Ionia, attends New Hampton High School. He is involved in numerous activities  including 4-H, FFA, student senate and church youth group. He believes that these activities have helped him become a "strong team player and a strong individual leader." His achievements include winning the junior and intermediate swine showman, and he placed econd in the northeast district livestock judging contest. Tupper hopes to "step out of [his] box and try to gain a new experience" to reach his "full potential of making an impact on the world" through this trip to China.

For more information or questions, please contact Sok Leng Tan at 515-231-3670 or sokleng@iastate.edu.

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4-H'ers Use GIS on iPhones to Map Trees at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

AMES, Iowa - Teenage 4-H scientists say they are "restoring something old with something new." The something old is a bur oak savannah in the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The something new is geographic information systems (GIS) mapping using mobile phones.

The Iowa 4-H'ers are one of four teams of 4-H members in four states that are carrying out GIS mapping with national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries or other ecological services offices, said Jay Staker, director of Iowa State University Extension Science, Engineering and Technology (E-SET). ISU Extension is leading the effort with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Kansas, Minnesota and New York also are involved in the project. The four states are sharing the $73,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant that funds the effort.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has stated that GIS soon will become so prevalent in natural resources management that organizations without some GIS capability will be at a severe disadvantage.

Karen Viste-Sparkman, a wildlife biologist at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, was glad to receive the call from Staker. "He was working with 4-H groups and they had a grant to work on a national wildlife refuge. We got excited about it because they wanted to do GIS work ... and that's one of the things we really need more of here," Viste-Sparkman said.

The Iowa 4-H'ers are using GIS on iPhones to map the locations of remnant bur oak and shagbark hickory trees that have been invaded by exotic non-fire tolerant trees in the wildlife refuge.

4-H Works with GIS Technology at Wildlife Refuge from Iowa State University Extension.

"We have an iPhone app that talks with the ISU GIS department server, so we get real-time interaction," said 4-H Tech Team member David Runneals. "What's cool about this project is we actually get to use technology and that we also get out in the field to get experience."

Volunteer 4-H leader Debbie Stevens noted the need for GIS, "but a lot of folks, especially nonprofits or governmental entities cannot afford to just hire someone. Our youth in 4-H are learning real world skills. This is a professional-level occupation now. ... So not only are they having fun, they're gaining knowledge, they're learning technology skills, information management and personal development for future careers."

The 4-H'ers will continue to do GIS mapping over the summer months to identify the locations of as many bur oaks, hickories and other species as possible, Stevens said. Then in the winter months when the ground is frozen, the refuge staff can do maintenance, removing dead or diseased trees as well as trees that don't belong in a bur oak savannah.

"This GIS mapping project engages 4-H youth as citizen scientists to conduct relevant research that will have an impact for both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the 4-H'ers," Staker said. "The Fish and Wildlife Service gets data for habitat protection, conservation, restoration and other uses. The youth get opportunities to serve their states with meaningful research. They also develop skills that could lead them to pursue degrees and careers such as wildlife biology, natural resource management, science, community planning, recreation or agriculture."

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Music and Child Development:  Music helps children with multiple areas of development:

Language Skills: New vocabulary words are introduced through songs.

Thinking Skills: Experimenting with instruments helps children understand that different objects make different sounds.

Social and Emotional Skills: Soft music can calm a child, while upbeat music can energize them. Music is used to transition children from on activity to another.

Movement: Coordination improves with clapping, marching, or dancing to the beat.

Rhyming Words:

Rhyming words in songs or poems helps children expand their vocabularies and introduces them to reading and writing. Reading stories with rhymes or making up your own song with rhyming words are good ways to engage children in these types of thought processes.

Tips for Parents:

  • Listen to a variety of music at home and in the car.
  • Sing with and to your child, use hand motions with songs such as "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider."
  • Help your child make his own instrument.
  • Dance together.
  • Attend free concerts in your area.

Contact Information:  Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, phone: 315-788-8450 email: info@nyspirc.org

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28 May 2011

ISU Extension Office News and Notes

By Joy Venhorst

Search New Website, Visit Iowa Farms

AMES, Iowa ? The Visit Iowa Farms website, www.visitiowafarms.org, has unveiled a new look.  "The new site features detailed descriptions of Iowa farms and the ability to map out locations of interest in your area," said Ray Hansen, director of Iowa State University Extension's Value Added Agriculture Program, which created the Visit Iowa Farms project.

"Our goal is to stimulate the agritourism industry in Iowa," Hansen said. "Having additional visitors to Iowa farms benefits local farmers, rural economies and promotes agriculture in general."

Interactively map farms by county or type of agritourism operation; Inform producers on legal requirements, regulations and business/marketing plans; and Display upcoming events related to agritourism for both producers and consumers.

A news feature allows consumers and producers alike to keep up to date on events, programs and what's new.

"The new site provides an updated, appealing look for producers and tourists," Hansen said. "Higher gas prices could cause Iowans to stay closer to home this summer. However, they can still enjoy fun, affordable family experiences at many Iowa farms in their region and can find those farms through this site."

Producers not registered on the site are encouraged to use the "contact us" feature of the site to register their agritourism operation. Registration is free.

"We encourage traffic to the site," Hansen said. "Teachers and summer youth program leaders can use this site in planning field trips, as well."

The Value Added Agriculture Program (VAAP) provides unbiased, science-based information to help establish or expand agricultural-related businesses in Iowa. Contact VAAP at 515-294-2136 for more information.

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Yard and Garden: Blueberries

This week Iowa State University Extension garden experts respond to common questions related to growing and caring for blueberries. Gardeners with additional questions can contact the experts by emailing or calling the ISU Extension horticulture hotline at hortline@iastate.edu or 515-294-3108.

Can blueberries be grown successfully in Iowa?

Blueberries can be grown successfully in Iowa. However, they do have special growing requirements.

Blueberry plants require a sunny location and a well-drained soil high in organic matter. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites. Blueberries are susceptible to root rots in poorly drained soils.

Soil pH also is important. Blueberries require acid soils with a pH of 4.0 to 5.5. Since the pH of most Iowa soils is above this range, the soil pH must be lowered to successfully grow blueberries.

Home gardeners can lower their soil pH by adding sphagnum peat moss to the soil. Sulfur also can be used to acidify the soil. Sulfur should be incorporated into the soil a year before planting, as it reacts slowly with the soil. Aluminum sulfate should not be used to acidify the soil, as large amounts of this material can be toxic to blueberry plants.

When using sphagnum peat moss to acidify the soil, dig a wide, shallow hole. Set the plant at the same depth it grew in the nursery, then backfill with a 50:50 mixture of soil and moist peat (moisten dry peat before mixing with soil).

Which blueberry varieties perform well in Iowa?

Highbush and half-high blueberries can be successfully grown in Iowa.

Highbush blueberries perform best in central and southern Iowa. Plants develop into 6- to 8-foot-tall shrubs. Suggested varieties for gardeners in central and southern Iowa include 'Patriot,' 'Blueray,' 'Bluejay,' 'Bluecrop,' 'Rubel,' 'Jersey' and 'Elliott.'

Half-high blueberries possess greater cold hardiness and are the best choice for gardeners in northern Iowa. Plants are relatively small (varieties commonly grow 2 to 3 feet tall) and produce small to medium-size berries. Suggested varieties are 'Northblue,' 'Northcountry,' 'Northsky' and 'St. Cloud.'

Plant two or three blueberry varieties to ensure good pollination and maximum fruit set.

I just planted some blueberries. When can I expect them to produce a crop?

Blueberry plants should not be allowed to bear fruit the first two years after planting. Any blossoms that form should be removed. Removal of the flowers maximizes vegetative growth and increases yields in later years. Blueberry plants should come into full production by the fifth or sixth year. Gardeners can expect to harvest five to 10 pounds of fruit per plant from mature highbush blueberries. Half-high blueberries generally produce two to three pounds per plant.

Established blueberry plants can be fertilized with an acid-producing fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate, in early spring. Apply one-half to one pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of garden area. Ammonium sulfate supplies nitrogen to the plants and also helps to maintain soil acidity.

Should blueberry plants be watered during dry weather?

Blueberries have shallow, fibrous root systems. Plants quickly become stressed during hot, dry weather. To help retain moisture and control weeds, apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch around blueberry plants. Sawdust, wood chips, pine needles and shredded leaves are excellent mulching materials. During dry weather, water plants every seven to 10 days.

Do blueberries have insect and disease problems?

Phytophthora root rot can be a serious problem in poorly drained sites. Phytophthora root rot can be avoided by planting blueberries in well-drained soils. Outside of root rots, blueberries generally have few insect and disease problems in Iowa.

Birds can be a problem as they may devour much of the crop. While scare devices may be helpful, netting is the most effective way to protect the fruit from birds. Netting should be placed over the plants when the fruit begin to turn color. Hang the netting over some type of support structure with the bottom edges of the netting buried or anchored to the ground.

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Three-Day Research, Information Trip Set for Iowa Beef Producers

CHARITON, Iowa - A three-day trip to southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska offers Iowa beef producers the opportunity to tour innovative beef operations and visit with successful producers and cutting edge researchers. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Joe Sellers said stops at the Armstrong Research Farm in Cass County, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the USDA's Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) near Clay Center, Neb., will provide current information on research being conducted at those locations.

"We'll leave Chariton at 8 a.m. on July 6 and return the evening of July 8, with tours at private ranches and operations, visits with UNL and ISU staff and discussions with other producers," Sellers said. "Those who attend will be able to see and ask questions about a number of timely topics pertinent to their own operations."

Registration fee for the tour is $100 per person, which includes bus travel from and to Chariton, and lunch each of the three days. Lodging and other meals are not included, and checks will be held until the minimum number of 40 paid attendees is reached. If interest is strong among producers along the route, other pick up locations will be arranged.

"We'll stay in Hastings, Neb., on both July 7 and 8, and a block of rooms at $77 per night plus tax is being held at the Holiday Inn Express for our group until June 8," Sellers said. "People are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, and should mention 'Iowa Beef Tour' when they call Holiday Inn at 402-463-8858."

Sellers said that while the agenda is a busy one, producers will learn a great deal at both the stops and through conversations with others.

"The first day we travel to the Armstrong Farm near Lewis for discussions on cattle age, source verification, hoop buildings and retained ownership," he said. "After lunch we head to UNL where we'll visit with staff about research efforts in Nebraska before heading to Hastings for the first overnight."

The next day features tour stops at TC Ranch near Franklin, Gotsch Feedyards at Red Cloud, S&S Herefords at Guide Rock and the Herz confined deep bedded beef barn at Lawrence. The final day includes a tour, discussion and lunch at MARC, located between Hastings and Clay Center, before heading back to Chariton. "Those wanting to attend must register by sending name, address and a check for $100 per attendee by June 4," Sellers said. "Make the check payable to Lucas County Extension, and send to 48293 HyVee Road, Chariton, IA, 50049."

For more information contact Sellers by email at sellers@iastate.edu or by phone at 641-203-1270.

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Games from ISU Extension Help Children Learn to Manage Money

In tough times and in good times, all family members should be involved in making decisions about money, say Iowa State University Extension experts.

Children grow in understanding and self-worth when they contribute to the resolution of financial problems. Studies by the Consumer Federation of America indicate that including children in decisions involving money both prepares them to become wise consumers and brings the family closer together.

"Including children in financial decisions can increase their appreciation for the financial challenges you face as their parent," according to Mary Beth Kaufman, ISU Extension family resource management program specialist based at the Shelby County Extension Office in Harlan.

Extension offers two games that families can use with children of all ages to help them make decisions about managing money and spending. The Allowance Game helps younger children make decisions about spending allowance money wisely, and The Spending Game assists older youth in making choices among spending categories. Both games would make good discussion starters for family talks on managing money and making financial decisions.

Each game is described in a four-page publication available from ISU Extension county offices or from Extension's online store at www.extension.iastate.edu/store/. The cost of the publication is $1 or a .pdf version can be downloaded at no cost.

The Spending Game, PM 1103, was developed for older youth as they think about heading off to college or living on their own Players are given 20 beans to spend in 13 categories including housing, communications, insurance, food, gifts and recreation. In round 2 of the game the budget is reduced to 13 beans. Follow-up discussion topics include talking about what to give up first and why, and how much money should be in an emergency fund.

The Allowance Game, PM 1776, targeted to younger youth, offers several choices at various cost levels. A 20-bean budget is spent in categories where children typically spend allowances, such as recreation, clothing, hobbies, music and movies, and savings. Players are asked to think about how spending changes when allowances are reduced, and what is easy or difficult about making choices on what to spend.

Lessons learned in using The Spending Game or The Allowance Game can be applied on the practical level as well. Extension experts suggest the following strategies, based on the ages of the children involved:

Preschool children. In the store, show the children two or three items, from which they are to choose one to buy. If after the purchase they are disappointed in their decision, do not give them more money?let them learn from their mistake. Help them understand the relationship between working to earn money and buying to satisfy their needs and wants.

Elementary and middle school children. Help them to understand about wise spending and savings. Let them help make some of the purchasing decisions when shopping for the family. Ask teens and older preteens to assist in bill payment by making out the checks, or by addressing the envelopes, or with your close supervision, by assisting you electronically.

High school youths. In nationwide financial literacy tests of high school seniors, teens received low scores in their understanding of financial management principles. Yet nationally, teens purchase billions of dollars of goods and services each year. They want and need opportunities for learning how to stretch and spend their money wisely. Give them experience in planning purchases, keeping records, and using credit sparingly. These experiences can go far to prepare them to be responsible consumers.

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  See Extreme Cabin Makeovers at 4-H Center Open House

AMES, Iowa - The results of an "Extreme Cabin Makeover" will be on display June 2 at the Iowa 4-H Center, 1991 Peach Ave., Madrid. The public is invited to an open house to see the cabins and the fun opportunities for campers this summer.

"The cabin makeovers are a result of citizenship and volunteerism, key outcomes of the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program," said Annette Brown, 4-H youth development specialist.

Eight 4-H clubs began the makeover challenge last October, Brown explained. Seven Hickory Cabins received major renovations over the last several months.

Several Boone County clubs worked on the cabins: Madrid Duets and Merry Makers, Shellbark Cabin; Green Clovers, Carolina Cabin; Montana Miners, Swamp Cabin; Bluff Creek Wranglers, Big Bud Cabin; Westside Hustlers, Mockernut Cabin; and Green County Young Leaders, Water Cabin. The Richland Royals from Chickasaw County renovated the Shagbark Cabin.

The projects began Oct. 23 and the clubs had until May 1 to complete their assignments. Each team was responsible for gathering resources and materials, developing a plan for their cabin and communicating with Iowa 4-H Center staff throughout the renovation.

4-H members, parents and partners spent hundreds of hours in planning, raising money, preparing for and carrying out the makeovers, Brown said. This resulted in cleaning, painting and staining walls; building new shelves; cleaning or replacing carpets; making curtains; adding wall decorations; new lighting and more.

Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development's Reach out Iowa program, funded by Learn and Serve American and the Iowa Commission on Volunteerism, provided partial funding for the makeovers. Additional funding varied based on clubs' fundraising efforts.

In addition to the club work, the cabins also had new electrical lines and breaker boxes installed to accommodate new heating and cooling units. A Boone County Community Endowment grant, Midland Power, other donors and volunteers provided funding.

To preview the makeovers, visit the 4-H Center Facebook page. The Iowa 4-H Center is hosting a public open house on June 2 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Youth groups across Iowa are engaging in service learning projects through ISU Extension's Reach Out Iowa program. Check out what's happening at http://iowa4hservicelearning.ning.com/. Any youth group (10-17 years old) may request orientation and funding for service learning projects through Reach Out Iowa by contacting Annette Brown at Boone County Office Extension office, 515-432-3882.

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Cover Crops Research Featured at Spring Field Day on June 15

The annual spring field day for the Iowa State University Southeast Iowa Research Farm near Crawfordsville will be on June 15, with tours beginning at 1:00 p.m. Iowa State University Extension provides research-based information and education to help people make better decisions, in their personal, community and professional lives.

One of the features on the tour will be Dr. Jeremy Singer's presentation on "Cover Crop Establishment and Management." Dr. Singer is an agronomist with the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment. "We are seeing more interest in the use of cover crops in Iowa, both for soil conservation and for improving the soil tilth," according to Jim Fawcett, ISU Extension Field Agronomist.

Also highlighted on the tour will be "Crop Season Review & Making Grain Marketing Decisions in Crazy Times" by Kevin Van Dee, farm superintendent, and Jim Jensen, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist; "Corn Nematode Management" by Greg Tylka, ISU Extension Plant Pathologist; and "Making Fungicide Application Decisions" by Mark Carlton, ISU Extension Field Agronomist.

Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits will be available. Those wishing to obtain additional CCA credits can come at 8:30 a.m. for a morning training session that will focus on cover crops and soil conservation. The credit fee for Certified Crop Advisors is $50 (or $25 for the afternoon only) and includes lunch. There is no fee for the afternoon tours. A lunch will be available at noon for $7.

Please register by June 13 for the morning CCA session and the noon lunch by calling the Johnson County Extension Office at 319-337-2145.

To reach the farm, follow U.S. Highway 218 one and three quarters miles south of Crawfordsville, then two miles east on county road G-62, then three quarters mile north. Signs will be posted to guide you to the event.

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New Extension Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist at Iowa State

AMES, Iowa--Allen Pattillo joined Iowa State University staff April 1 as an aquaculture and fisheries extension specialist and a North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) program specialist. Pattillo earned a Bachelor of Science in fisheries and aquaculture from University of Georgia and master's in aquaculture from University of Auburn before coming to Iowa.

At Iowa State, he will assume research responsibilities on several projects, work with the NCRAC program and provide outreach to Iowans wanting to better understand waterways, fish, aquatic invertebrates and aquaculture. During his first weeks in Iowa he has begun familiarizing himself with Iowa's diverse fishing waters and nearly 130 fish species within the state.

"After a weekend of catching fish below the damn at Lake Red Rock, that quickly became my favorite Iowa fishing spot," said Pattillo. "But I have plans to spend a weekend at Brushy Creek and haven't been to the Iowa Great Lakes yet, so my favorite spot may change a few times as I visit more Iowa waterways."

Pattillo grew up in Dawsonville, Ga., fishing the mountain lakes and streams in that region. His first memorable catch, at age five, was a seven and a half pound catfish that nearly pulled him and his sister into the water. He also tells of his grandfather using corn as trout bait. Listening to him talk of his family adventures, it hardly seems any wonder that he is now involved with aquatic animal studies and draws on his education and life experiences to answer questions for Iowans.

His research projects at Iowa State include a USDA funded bluegill feeding study in collaboration with Lincoln University, Mo., and Purdue University, and an Iowa DNR aquaculture study involving hybrid striped bass. Working with Joe Morris, Iowa State professor and NCRAC associate director, Pattillo hopes to get his feet on the ground with these established projects. "Allen's aquaculture degree from Auburn University will be crucial to his role here at Iowa State," said Morris. "His experiences as a fisheries technician will be useful as he addresses questions from Iowa clients on a wide variety of fisheries and pond issues."

Iowans with questions can reach Pattillo at pattillo@iastate.edu or by calling 515-294-8616. In his first month, Pattillo said he has gotten a feel for the type of questions that Iowans have. "I've received questions about ponds - weeds in ponds and how to get rid of them, muddy water and other erosion issues, and from people wondering where their fish have gone," he said. "People considering whether or not to get into the aquaculture business have contacted me and I'm excited to have the opportunity to expand aquaculture in the state."

Pattillo is very interested in hearing from Iowans, getting to know what issues they are facing and connecting them with university resources and agency personnel. "I learn a bit more about Iowa with every question I get," he said.

As a member of the Extension Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) team, Pattillo joins Jesse Randall, extension forester, and Rebecca Christoffel, extension wildlife specialist, to provide education on topics that are of increasing interest to Iowans. "The Extension programs in Natural Resource Ecology Management are important in the protection and enhancement of Iowa's natural resources for recreational and commercial purposes," said John Lawrence, ISU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources director. "In addition to the enjoyment and ecosystem services these lands provide, there is also a significant economic benefit from hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities."

The Extension NREM team provides education to Iowans interested in the various facets of the state's natural resources.

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19 May 2011

ISU Scott County Extension Office News

By Joy L Venhorst

ISU Extension Short Course will Increase Grazing Knowledge and Skills

Livestock producers with an interest in beginning or transitioning grazing practices can sharpen their skills by attending Greenhorn Grazing workshops offered by Iowa State University Extension. The Greenhorn Grazing short course consists of five different modules taught over the grazing season.

"Greenhorn Grazing is designed for graziers interested in a more controlled or management- intensive grazing system," said Denise Schwab, ISU Extension livestock specialist. "Producers who want to optimize forage and livestock production, increase market access and conserve natural resources will find the modules very informative."

The course will cover concepts relevant to all producers of grass-based livestock, whether it is beef, dairy, sheep or other animals, according to Schwab. Greenhorn Grazing will be held around the Maquoketa area, but is designed for any producers in eastern Iowa. Each workshop will have a classroom component with experienced instructors and a hands-on field component.

The workshops will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and will last through late afternoon. The sessions are scheduled for June 8, July 6, August 4, August 30 and early November.

"Workshop topics covered by the instructors and during the associated field experiences will teach producers how to improve the productivity and use of their land," said Schwab. "Training such as this removes some of the perceived barriers associated with entry into the grass-based livestock industry and supports perennial grassland agriculture."

Cost of the short course is being largely offset by grants from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and the Iowa Beef Center. The course fee is $75; participants are urged to attend all sessions, but fees for individual sessions are available. Fees include a resource notebook, speakers, and refreshments.

For more information on specific locations or to register, contact the Benton County Extension Office, at 319-472-4739. For more details contact Denise Schwab at (319) 721-9624 or dschwab@iastate.edu.

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Updated Prairie Restoration Handbook Now Available

AMES, Iowa?A handbook for establishing and managing prairies on farmland, Incorporating Prairies into Multifunctional Landscapes (PMR 1007), has gone into its second printing, and the updated version is now available from the Iowa State University Extension  online Store.

Meghann Jarchow and Matt Liebman from the ISU Department of Agronomy developed the original publication in August 2010 and updated it for a second printing in February 2011. They conduct research on multi-year cropping systems as part of a team supported by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture's Ecology Initiative.

Less than 0.1 percent of Iowa's tallgrass prairies remain, largely because their rich soil makes the land desirable for agriculture. Yet prairies can reduce soil erosion and water pollution, provide wildlife habitat and mitigate flood events. The full-color, illustrated publication explains how farmers and landowners might incorporate prairies into their land to restore ecosystem services and potentially gain economic benefits from livestock grazing, hay production and carbon sequestration. "I have been delighted to hear how broadly the publication has been distributed and how well it has been received," Jarchow said. "I hoped that the publication could be useful to a wide range of audiences, and I have received positive feedback from numerous individuals including farmers, conservation organization workers, and university extension personnel."

At least 1,300 copies have been distributed to organizations in several states, such as Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Service. The content has been used in ISU classes and also will be part of an Iowa State University Extension program called "Homegrown Lifestyle," a 12-week course for people living on small acreages.

The updated version, which includes a new resource for Midwest prairie restoration, can be downloaded or print copies requested at no charge at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/.  The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) and Iowa State University Extension sponsored the printing.

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Yard and Garden: Rhubarb

Although it is classed as a vegetable, rhubarb is used as a fruit because its high acidity gives it a tart flavor. Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialists answer gardeners' questions about growing and using rhubarb. Whether questions come from gardeners planting their first rhubarb patch or maintaining an established planting, extension specialists answer questions using the most current research. Gardeners with additional questions can contact the experts by emailing or calling the ISU Extension horticulture  hotline at hortline@iastate.edu or 515-294-3108.

What would be a good planting site for rhubarb?

Rhubarb performs best in well-drained, fertile soils that are high in organic matter. Heavy, clay soils often can be improved by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the upper 12 to 15 inches of soil. The planting site should also receive at least six to eight hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady sites near trees and shrubs.

When can I start harvesting my newly planted rhubarb?

After planting rhubarb, it's best to wait two years (growing seasons) before harvesting any stalks. The two-year establishment period allows the plants to become strong and productive.

Rhubarb can be harvested over a four-week period in the third year. In the fourth and succeeding years, stalks can be harvested for eight to 10 weeks.

What is the correct way to harvest rhubarb?

Harvest rhubarb when the stalks are 10 to 15 inches long. Grasp the stalk near its base and pull up and slightly to one side. Immediately after harvesting the rhubarb, remove the leaf blades from the stalks with a sharp knife. Discard the foliage. The stalks can be placed in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator for two to four weeks.

When harvesting rhubarb, do not remove more than two-thirds of the fully developed stalks from any plant at any one time.

Are rhubarb leaves safe to put in the compost pile?

Although rhubarb leaves do contain poisonous oxalic acid, they can be placed in the compost pile. Oxalic acid, like other organic acids, is not readily absorbed by plant roots. Compost containing decomposed rhubarb leaves can be safely applied to the vegetable garden.

When should I stop harvesting rhubarb?

Gardeners should stop harvesting well established rhubarb plants in mid-June in Iowa. Continued harvest through the summer months weakens the rhubarb plants and reduces the yield and quality of next year's crop.  If the rhubarb plants are vigorous, pulling a few stalks and preparing a dish for a special occasion in summer shouldn't be a problem. Harvesting rhubarb in summer should be a one time event, not a frequent practice. Continued harvest through the summer months weakens the rhubarb plants and reduces the yield and quality of next year's crop. In general, it's best to stop harvesting rhubarb in mid-June in Iowa.

There is an erroneous belief that rhubarb stalks are poisonous in summer. The stalks will likely be a little tougher than those harvested in spring, but they are not poisonous. Plant vigor is the reason that rhubarb should not be harvested in summer.

Flower development is natural for rhubarb and most other plants. Drought, extreme heat and infertile soils may encourage flowering. Age is another factor. Old plants tend to flower more than young ones.

Regardless of the reason, flower stalks should be promptly pulled and discarded. Plants will be less productive if allowed to flower and set seeds.

Flower formation can be discouraged with good cultural practices. Water rhubarb plants every seven to 10 days during dry weather. Sprinkle ½ cup of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around each plant in early spring. Control weeds by shallow hoeing, hand pulling or mulching.

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Plan Ahead to Reduce the Impact of Natural Disasters

AMES, Iowa - Before natural disasters strike, families should develop emergency plans and create emergency supply kits. This message is one Iowa State University Extension hopes Iowans will take seriously. Planning before the storm clouds gather and rivers rise will save lives, fear and panic. "Create plans, write them down and share them with friends or family," said Linda Fischer, ISU Extension regional director. "Be sure to talk with children about emergency plans." Fischer is a member of the Iowa State disaster planning team and works in conjunction with the Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) to build awareness of steps for natural disaster preparedness. The team is making several publications available that outline how people living in areas prone to tornadoes and floods can create an emergency plan and pack emergency supply kits.

"Iowans depend on their county extension office for answers after storms and floods hit; we want them to also think of extension as a resource for emergency preparedness," Fischer said.

Tornado preparedness

Fischer said to start by designating safe areas to survive a tornado. "Determine the best place to seek shelter from an impending tornado in your home and workplace," she said. "Be aware of designated tornado shelters in public buildings and private businesses. Use this information to create a plan, and if you have children, practice the plan. Be sure to take time to think about where you can find shelter if you are in a vehicle or outside."

Know where to seek shelter in your home:

  • Go to lowest level available (basement or cellar).
  • Find an inside room with no windows and strong walls.
  • If the room has windows, keep them closed.
  • If in a mobile home, get out and go to the nearest sturdy building.
  • Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench, or heavy table or desk, and hold on to it.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck, or use a heavy blanket or pillow to help protect you and to cover
  • your head.


"If you are in a vehicle or outside, never try to outdrive a tornado because it can change direction quickly and lift and toss your vehicle through the air," Fischer said. "Leave the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no building, lie flat in a ditch or depressed area, cover your head and watch for flooding."

Flood preparedness

Written emergency plans are also recommended for families, schools and workplaces in areas with the potential for flooding. Practice your plan, and share it with others. Plans that include home evacuation during the flood should include the following:

  • Take your disaster supply kits with you when evacuating.
  • Turn off utilities, and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or in standing water.
  • Avoid walking through moving water.
  • Avoid driving into flooded areas.
  • Be cautious since floodwaters may be contaminated.
  • Create a Disaster Supply Kit


"Build disaster supply kits for all family members and pets for at least three days," Fischer said. "Make the kits so they
can be scaled down in case of evacuation. Preparing a kit for each child will add comfort and reassurance in a time of
stress and anxiety."

Basic kits should include :

  • Food and water
  • Medicines, copies of prescriptions, personal hygiene items, first aid supplies
  • Important documents, personal identification, copies of insurance
  • Cash or travelers checks
  • Other essential supplies that your family may need: flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, seasonal clothing, a
  • battery-operated or crank radio, a weather radio, cell phones and chargers
  • Additional items to include in a child's kit include : books and games, extra clothes and shoes, comfort food, whistle (to
  • blow to attract attention), paper with home address, parent's names and phone numbers, other emergency contact numbers,
  • current photo of the child and family, tooth brush and toothpaste.


For additional planning information and general information about tornadoes, flooding, helping children prepare for
emergencies and a list of first aid supplies contact your county extension office.

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