21 Sep 2015

Deputy Secretary Harden to Lead Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Mission

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden will lead a trade mission to Accra, Ghana, Nov. 17 to Nov. 20, to expand export opportunities for U.S. agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Two years ago, I led a mission to southern Africa to launch USDA's Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Initiative, which aims to expand U.S. agricultural and commercial ties in the region," Harden said. "I am excited to return to Africa with a new group of U.S. agricultural leaders to further explore market opportunities, especially for small, minority and women-owned businesses."

The delegation will meet with potential customers from more than a dozen countries across sub-Saharan Africa, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in the region. This first-hand intelligence will help them develop strategies to start or expand sales to these key markets.

Participants will include representatives from companies representing a wide array of U.S. food and agricultural products, as well as leaders from state departments of agriculture and U.S. agricultural organizations.

With a strong economic outlook, a growing middle class, and surging demand for consumer-oriented foods, sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions for U.S. agricultural exports. Over the past decade, U.S. agricultural exports to the region have grown by more than 50 percent, totaling $2.3 billion in 2014. Exports of consumer-oriented products have grown by nearly 90 percent in just five years, from $480 million in 2010 to a record $909 million in 2014.

Additional information about the mission, including application materials, is available at www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. Applications are due Oct. 2, 2015.

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21 Sep 2015

U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition Winners Revealed

By USDA Office of Communications

USDA and Softwood Lumber Board award $3 million to support tall wood demonstration projects in New York and Portland, Oregon

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2015 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, in partnership with the Softwood Lumber Board and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council, announced the winners of the U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. The two winning development teams were granted a combined $3 million in funding to support the development of tall wood demonstration projects in New York and Portland, Oregon.

At a press conference hosted in New York this morning, Secretary Vilsack congratulated the competition winners. "The U.S. wood products industry is vitally important as it employs more than 547,000 people in manufacturing and forestry, with another 2.4 million jobs supported by U.S. private-forest owners," said Vilsack. "By embracing the benefits of wood as a sustainable building material, these demonstration projects have the ability to help change the face of our communities, mitigate climate change and support jobs in rural America. I look forward to seeing how these two buildings help lead the way in furthering the industry."

Next-generation lumber and mass timber products are becoming the latest innovation in building. Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood spans, taller walls, and higher buildings, and continue to expand the possibilities for wood use in construction. Mass timber wood products are flexible, strong, and fire resistant, and can be used as a safe and sustainable alternative to concrete, masonry, and steel. Using wood helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon and simultaneously offsetting emissions from conventional building materials. Wood can also help struggling rural forest communities. During the Recession, the drop in new construction and decline in home remodeling had a deep impact on wood manufacturing. However, if next-generation wood products can penetrate just five to fifteen percent of the non-residential North American market, it would mean roughly 0.8 - 2.4 billion board feet of lumber consumed annually. To put that in real-world context, roughly 35 jobs are created for each million board feet of wood processed.

The two winning proposals - Framework and 475 West 18th - were selected by a panel of distinguished jurors in the architecture and engineering fields who are familiar with innovative wood building systems. While each took a unique approach, both projects met the Competition's criteria to showcase the safe application, practicality and sustainability of a minimum 80-foot structure that uses mass timber, composite wood technologies and innovative building techniques.

Framework, LLC and 130-134 Holdings LLC - on behalf of Framework and 475 West 18th, respectively - will each receive $1.5 million to embark on the exploratory phase of their projects, including the research and development necessary to utilize engineered wood products in high-rise construction in the U.S. As part of the Competition evaluation criteria, both of the winning teams have also obtained early support from their respective authorities having jurisdiction to proceed.

"Tall wood building systems have been embraced by developers and architects around the world for many years," said Marc Brinkmeyer, Softwood Lumber Board Chair. "Moving forward with these projects is a step in the right direction for the U.S. building industry in having the ability to take full advantage of the inherent benefits of wood from both an environmental and economic standpoint."

Additional background information on the Competition, including the Official Rules and contact details can be found on the prize competition website at: www.tallwoodbuildingcompetition.org.

WINNING PROJECT SUMMARIES

Framework: An Urban + Rural Ecology

Beneficial State Bancorp will provide site control to real estate developer project^, affordable housing investor Home Forward, and LEVER Architecture, for the proposed Framework as a redevelopment of their Pearl District property in Portland, Oregon. The 12-story urban + rural ecological project is to be constructed primarily of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and will support a distinct blend of functions including street-level retail, office, workforce housing and community space. The main community space is designed to include a public Tall Wood Exhibit, featuring resources related to the realization and design of the building.

"We consider Framework to be a totally transformative, mission-driven project that will promote social justice, environmental well-being and economic opportunity at the building, regional and national levels," said Kat Taylor, President, Beneficial State Bancorp, the landowner of the project site.

"The relationship of our cities to our rural communities, what we call 'forest to frame,' is strengthened by Framework," added Tom Cody, Principal, project^. "On a national scale this project will be catalytic, leading to more tall wood buildings, driving more wood products and wood product innovation, and boosting rural economic development."

475 West 18th: Setting the Stage For Innovation, Engineering and Architecture

130-134 Holdings LLC, in partnership with Spiritos Properties, SHoP Architects, Arup, Icor Associates, and environmental consultancy Atelier Ten, proposed 475 West 18th as a transformative and sustainable prototype for the design and construction industry, demonstrating an innovative approach to going beyond a limited palette of materials and systems for high-rise construction. Expanding the palette with wood, a locally sourced and renewable material, provides a low-carbon, more economically sound building solution.

475 West 18th's extensive use of wood structural elements and other wood products allows the team to set ambitious sustainability targets in the building's design, construction, and operation. By combining aggressive load reduction with energy efficient systems, the project team anticipates reducing overall energy consumption by at least 50 percent relative to current energy codes. It will also target LEED Platinum certification, as well as pursue higher levels of sustainability not captured in the LEED system.

"By choosing to develop a timber building, we hope to pave the way for a new method of urban construction that is ecologically conscious and supportive of rural economies," said Erica Spiritos of Spiritos Properties. "Rooted in the forests and erected in the city, this building is a celebration of habitats that are at once ancient and cutting edge, interconnected and individual, natural and technological."

"We are delighted to be developing this tall timber building in New York City, which has led the world in urban design and engineering throughout the last century," said Jonathan Ghassemi, on behalf of 130-134 Holdings LLC. "We are confident that this project will once again position New York to serve as a leader in a new generation of sustainable building methods during the 21st century and beyond."

For more information and resources on tall wood buildings, please visit www.rethinkwood.com.

Competition Media Contact:

Jeanine Takala

Edelman Public Relations

T. (206) 664-7805

E. Jeanine.Takala@edelman.com

For more information on the USDA or the Forest Products Laboratory:

Office of Communications

T. (202)720-4623

E. Press@oc.usda.gov

For more information on the Softwood Lumber Board:

www.softwoodlumberboard.org

For more information on the Binational Softwood Lumber Council:

www.softwoodlumber.org

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21 Sep 2015

ISU Scott County Extension office Calendar for Octiber 2015

By Amanda Heitz

October 2, 2015    Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10-2 pm

October 3, 2015     Growing Along the River Fall Master Gardener Conference, Scott Community College, 8 am-4 pm.

October 21, 2015    Roadside, Forest, and Aquatic Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 am

October 27, 2015    Extension Council Meeting, Scoot County Extension Office, 7 pm

October 29. 2015    Mosquito and Public Health Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 am

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

15 Sep 2015

USDA and Department of Defense Announce Agriculture Education Effort that will Reach 200,000 Transitioning Military Service Members Each Year

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2015 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and Dr. Susan Kelly, Director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office, today announced the integration of agriculture into the career training and counseling programs Service members receive as they transition out of the military. Information about USDA resources and programs will now reach 200,000 transitioning Service members every year.

"Rural America disproportionately sends its sons and daughters to serve in the military. When Service members return home, we want them to know that rural America has a place for them -- no matter where they're from," said Deputy Secretary Harden. "This expanded collaboration between USDA and DOD will help to ensure that returning Service members know that there are a wide variety of loans, grants, training and technical assistance for veterans who are passionate about a career in agriculture, no matter their experience level."

"Our transitioning Service members leave the military with a variety of essential skills - including leadership and discipline - that could be directly applied to a career in agriculture," said Dr. Susan S. Kelly, Director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office. "For those members who are considering farming or ranching as a post-service career, I encourage them to learn more about the opportunities, preferences, and incentives offered by the USDA."

Every year, approximately 200,000 Service members complete the Transition Assistance Program as they prepare for civilian life. This partnership will help to ensure that returning Service members know about the incentives for military veterans in USDA programs, and the many ways USDA can support military veterans and their families, from farm loans to conservation programs to nutrition assistance to rural rental housing and homeownership opportunities. Veterans can also visit www.usda.gov/veterans, a website designed specifically to educate them about USDA programs.

Since 2009, USDA has provided $438 million in farm loans to help more than 6,482 veterans purchase farmland, buy equipment and make repairs and upgrades. Our microloans, which offer smaller amounts of support to meet the needs of small- or niche-type farm operations, have also grown in popularity among veterans. Since it was launched in January 2013, USDA's microloan program has provided more than $22.6 million in support to help 1,083 veterans grow their farming businesses.

Today's announcement reflects USDA's continued commitment to assisting veterans as they start or expand farming and ranching operations, in order to strengthen the American economy and provide livelihoods to our returning veterans. Today, more than 5 million veterans live in rural areas, a higher concentration than in any other part of the country.

Our veterans have incredible stories to share, including:

Veteran Farmers, In Their Own Voice

Planting Seeds for New Careers for our Veterans

Virginia Farmer Balances Family, Farming and Flying with the Air National Guard

Read more stories about veterans in agriculture at http://blogs.usda.gov/tag/veterans/.

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11 Sep 2015

Farmers Meet with Hundreds of International Buyers

By United Soybean Board
Checkoff shows off U.S. soy's quality, sustainability at third annual Global Trade Exchange MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 10, 2015) - More than 300 international soy buyers visited the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" recently to learn about some of U.S. soy's bestselling points. The third annual U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange in Minneapolis drew representatives of major international companies in countries such as China, Korea, India and many others.

"As the world's population continues to grow, so does the preference for U.S. soybeans," says Bob Haselwood, soybean farmer from Kansas and United Soybean Board (USB) chairman. "This event gives U.S. soybean farmers and the U.S. soy industry a platform to prove that we are committed to providing our international customers with a sustainable, high-quality product. The importance of these relationships is immeasurable."

International representatives committed to buy more than $5 billion worth of U.S. soy combined during the first two U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchanges in 2013 in Davenport, Iowa, and in 2014 in Milwaukee.

In the most recent marketing year, U.S. soybean farmers exported over 2 billion bushels of U.S. soy, valued at more than $30 billion. They've exported more than 1.8 million bushels of U.S. soybeans so far this marketing year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

USB, the American Soybean Association (ASA), the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Midwest Shippers Association co-sponsored the event. Besides meeting with farmer-leaders, attendees also attended a variety of presentations to learn about the benefits of U.S. soybeans, including how the sustainability and quality separate them from the competition.

"This event gives international customers an inside look of how U.S. soybeans stack up against the competition," Haselwood says. "This experience shows them that we offer a product that not only has a consistent quality and is grown responsibly, but will also get to them in a timely manner. It's what sets us apart from the competition."

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

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

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04 Sep 2015

News from the Iowa State Fair 9/04/2015

By Mindy Williamson

Niehaus and Feldman Genetics Sweep Spotted Swine Show at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (09/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Niehaus and Feldman Genetics of Greene took top honors at the Spotted Swine Show at the 2015 Iowa State Fair by taking home the Grand Champion Boar and Champion Gilt banners along with Premier Exhibitor.

Both Reserve Gilt and Reserve Boar were presented to M&N Show Pigs of Center Point.

Animals are divided according to farrowing date based on the other animals entered in the competition.

Additional results below:

Gilts

1) M&N Show Pigs, Center Point, 2/22/2015

2) M&N Show Pigs, Center Point, 1/25/2015

3) Olson Spot Farm, Newhall, 2/20/2015, 157960006

Gilts

1) M&N Show Pigs, Center Point, 2/6/2015

2) M&N Show Pigs, Center Point, 2/6/2015

3) Natalie Feldman, Ionia, 2/3/2015, 157868004

4) Albertson Brothers, Fremont, 2/16/2015, 158027003

5) Joel Olson, Atkins, 2/16/2015, 157885005

6) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove

Gilts

1) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene

2) Fee Farms, Ackworth

3) Schmitt Sisters, Nichols, 1/26/2015, 157243004

4) Grimm, Keosauqua, 2/1/2015, Xxxx

5) Fly "N" V Family Farms, Runnells, 1/30/2015, 158196003

6) Fly "N" V Family Farms, Runnells, 1/30/2015, 158196002

7) Fly "N" V Family Farms, Runnells, 1/30/2015, 158196001

Gilts

1) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene, 1/11/2015, 157267002

2) Ava Long, Cedar, 1/17/2015, 157360006

3) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene, 1/18/2015, 157268002

4) Ava Long, Cedar, 1/17/2015, 157360009

5) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove, 1/17/2015, 158578008

6) Pink Genetics, Keosauqua, 1/16/2015

Gilts

1) Triggs Show Pigs, Mount Ayr, 1/1/2015, 158081001

2) Roger Caltrider, Casey

3) Wedeking Stock Farm, Greene, 1/4/2015, 157265009

4) Pink Genetics, Keosauqua, 1/6/2015

5) Roger Caltrider, Casey

6) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene, 1/9/2015, 157266001

7) Roger Caltrider, Casey

8) Aaron Hoffman, Ida Grove, 1/4/2015, 157289007

Gilts

1) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene, 12/16/2014, 157260001

2) Joel Olson, Atkins, 1/22/2015, 157466005

3) Roger Caltrider, Casey

Boars

1) Bombei & Sons Showpigs, Delta, 3/30/2015, 158737005

Boars

1) M&N Show Pigs, Center Point, 1/13/2015

2) Bombei & Sons Showpigs, Delta

3) Joel Olson, Atkins, 2/12/2015, 157794006

4) Albertson Brothers, Fremont, 2/16/2015, 158028005

5) Joel Olson, Atkins, 2/16/2015, 157885004

6) Olson Spot Farm, Newhall, 2/20/2015, 157960001

7) Joy Genetics, Dunbar, Neb., 2/10/2015, 157614005

8) Joy Genetics, Dunbar, Neb., 2/2/2015, 157613001

Boars

1) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene, 1/11/2015, 157267007

2) M&N Show Pigs, Center Point, 2/6/2015

3) Pink Genetics, Keosauqua, 1/16/2015

4) Niehaus and Feldman Genetics, Greene, 1/9/2015, 157266007

5) Pink Genetics, Keosauqua, 1/6/2015

6) Olson Spot Farm, Newhall, 1/25/2015, 157959001

7) Olson Spot Farm, Newhall, 1/25/2015, 157959003

8) Olson Spot Farm, Newhall, 1/25/2015, 157959002

Boars

1) Triggs Show Pigs, Mount Ayr, 12/16/2014, 158050007

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Anamosa Farm Awarded Top Honors at Iowa State Fair Swine Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Tyler and Jessie Frasher of Anamosa were awarded the Grand Champion banner for the second year in a row at the Hawkeye Market Swine show at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Keppy Farms of Durant was awarded Reserve Grand Champion Hawkeye Market Swine.

Wulf Brothers of Donahue took the Grand Champion Truckload banner while Hauser Livestock of Grinnell was awarded Reserve Grand Champion Truckload honors.

Additional results below:

Purebred Truckload

1) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

2) Mike Ehlers, Denison

Crossbred Truckload

1) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

2) Mosher Family, Eldora, xxx

3) Bruce Rainboth, Marcus

Crossbred Truckload

1) Hauser Livestock, Grinnell

2) Dean Paustian, Eldridge

3) Ken Wiebbecke, St. Ansgar, xxx

4) Dead End Livestock, Colo

Purebred Market Swine- AOB

1) Ellensohn Show Pigs, Le Mars, 57161009

2) Peighton Ford, West Chester, 130776002

3) Macy Leonard, Newton

4) Smith Black Herefords, Newton

5) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove

Purebred Market Swine - AOB

1) Eggers & Sampson Show Pigs, Nevada

2) Engler Land & Livestock, Cambridge

3) Engler Land & Livestock, Cambridge

4) Engler Land & Livestock, Cambridge

Purebred Market Swine - Duroc

1) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

2) Mike Ehlers, Denison

3) Mike Ehlers, Denison

4) Mike Ehlers, Denison

5) Mike Ehlers, Denison

 

Purebred Market Swine - Duroc

1) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

2) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

3) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

4) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

Purebred Market Swine - Duroc

1) Tyler Frasher, Anamosa

2) Jack Blair Family, Elkhart

3) Cj Breja, Cedar Rapids

4) Ray Williamson, Eagle Grove, 364268007

5) Mike Ehlers, Denison

6) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

Crossbred Gilts

1) Beaver Creek Show Pigs, Eldora

2) Coppock Family Farms, Marshalltown

3) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

4) Dead End Livestock, Colo

5) Harman Farms, Hull

6) Peterson Family Farms, Knoxville

Crossbred Gilts

1) JEBS Pork Farm, Mediapolis

2) Stuart Swanson Farms, Galt

3) Hay Livestock Farms, Maxwell

4) Ken Wiebbecke, St. Ansgar

5) Bruce Rainboth, Marcus

6) Frascht Farms, Charles City

7) Mosher Family, Eldora

Crossbred Gilts

1) Kent Farms, Osceola

2) Frascht Farms, Charles City

3) Frascht Farms, Charles City

4) Bruce Rainboth, Marcus

5) Niemeyer Family, Zearing

6) Engler Land & Livestock, Cambridge

Crossbred Gilts

1) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

2) Dead End Livestock, Colo

3) Dean Paustian, Eldridge

4) Coppock Family Farms, Marshalltown

5) Cody Gilman, Chariton

6) Dean Paustian, Eldridge

7) Schroeder Farms, Chariton

8) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

9) Cody Gilman, Chariton

Crossbred Gilts

1) RH Family Showpigs, Lehigh

2) Stuart Swanson Farms, Galt

3) Fenner Farms, Grinnell

4) Ellensohn Show Pigs, Le Mars

5) Alyssa, Brayden & Raelee Warrick, Sully

6) Hauser Livestock, Grinnell

7) Kent Farms, Osceola

8) Dead End Livestock, Colo

Crossbred Gilts

1) RH Family Showpigs, Lehigh

2) Johnson Acres, Clarion

3) Stuart Swanson Farms, Galt

4) Charlie Fitzgerald, Iowa Falls

5) Charlie Fitzgerald, Iowa Falls

6) Heeren Farms, Jewell

7) Sanny Farms, Bondurant

Crossbred Barrows

1) Jack Blair Family, Elkhart

2) JEBS Pork Farm, Mediapolis

3) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

4) Harman Farms, Hull

5) Bruce Rainboth, Marcus

6) Peterson Family Farms, Knoxville

7) Schroeder Farms, Chariton

Crossbred Barrows

1) Clayden Clymer, Newton

2) Eggers & Sampson Show Pigs, Nevada

3) Frascht Farms, Charles City

4) RH Family Showpigs, Lehigh

5) Bruce Rainboth, Marcus

6) Schroeder Farms, Chariton

7) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

8) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

9) Dean Paustian, Eldridge

10) Kent Farms, Osceola

11) Greenslade Farms, Adel

12) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

Crossbred Barrows

1) Beaver Creek Show Pigs, Eldora

2) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

3) Wulf Brothers, Donahue

4) Cody Gilman, Chariton

5) Gannon Farms, Delmar

6) Scanlon Farms, Oskaloosa

7) Dean Paustian, Eldridge

8) Mosher Family, Eldora

9) Mosher Family, Eldora

10) Mosher Family, Eldora

Crossbred Barrows

1) Charlie Fitzgerald, Iowa Falls

2) RH Family Showpigs, Lehigh

3) Brad Oeltjenbruns, Dayton

4) Paityn, Landrey & Presley Peterson, Rhodes

5) Smith Black Herefords, Newton

6) Johnson Acres, Clarion

7) RH Family Showpigs, Lehigh

8) Macy Leonard, Newton

9) Sanny Farms, Bondurant

10) Dean Paustian, Eldridge

11) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

Crossbred Barrows

1) Jack Opheim, Eagle Grove

2) Paityn, Landrey & Presley Peterson, Rhodes

3) Stuart Swanson Farms, Galt

4) JEBS Pork Farm, Mediapolis

5) Mosher Family, Eldora

6) Macy Leonard, Newton

7) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

8) Heeren Farms, Jewell

9) Bad Habbit Show Pigs, New Hartford

# # #

04 Sep 2015

More News from the Iowa State Fair 9/04/2015

By Mindy Williamson

Top Honors Awarded at Iowa State Fair Yorkshire Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Kari Boyum of Wanamingo, Minn. won Grand Champion Boar honors at the Yorkshire Swine show judged Friday, August 21 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Ryan Morningstar of Tiffin received the Reserve Grand Champion Boar title.

Morganne & Melea Farmer of Trenton, Mo. exhibited the Grand Champion Gilt while Rowdy Campfield of Runnells exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Gilt.

Hauser Livestock of Grinnel was awarded the Premier Exhibitor title. The Premier Exhibitor award is presented to the exhibitor earning the highest point total in individual breeding classes for competition.

Animals are divided according to farrowing date based on the other animals entered in the competition.

Additional results follow:

Gilts

1) Ron Meister Family, Kingsley, 2/3/2015, 575244002

2) Ron Meister Family, Kingsley, 2/3/2015, 575244003

3) Hauser Livestock, Grinnell, 2/11/2015, 571581006

4) Hauser Livestock, Grinnell, 2/6/2015, 571580010

Gilts

1) Rowdy Campfield, Runnells, 1/21/2015, PENDING

2) Freimuth Family, Pomeroy, 1/14/2015, 572100004

3) Ellensohn Show Pigs, Le Mars, 1/22/2015, 571616001

4) Engler Land & Livestock, Cambridge, 1/15/2015

5) Wedeking Stock Farm, Greene, 1/15/2015, 573615002

6) Ellensohn Show Pigs, Le Mars, 1/22/2015, 571616003

Gilts

1) Morganne & Melea Farmer, Trenton, Mo., 1/1/2015, 572248005

2) Matt Rohrig, Orient, 12/1/2014, TBD

3) The Clark Families, Runnells, 12/23/2014, 573157003

4) McCulloh Family, Camanche, 12/20/2014, 573578011

5) The Clark Families, Runnells, 12/23/2014, 573157008

6) Larry Kastler, Woolstock, 12/24/2014, 572463003

7) Morganne & Melea Farmer, Trenton, Mo., 1/1/2015, 572248006

Gilts

1) Cj Breja, Cedar Rapids, 12/12/2014, 573296001

2) Matt Rohrig, Orient, 1/1/2015, TBD

3) Matt Rohrig, Orient, 12/1/2014, TBD

4) Ryan Iverson, Grinnell, 12/18/2014, 574432006

5) Ryan Iverson, Grinnell, 12/18/2014, 574432009

Boars

1) Hauser Livestock, Grinnell, 2/6/2015, 571580003

2) Hauser Livestock, Grinnell, 2/11/2015, 571581001

3) Colin Corey, Rockwell City

Boars

1) Ryan Morningstar, Tiffin, 1/14/2015, 42ZAD5130

2) RAR Genetics, Aplington, 2/16/2015, 572500002

3) Engler Family, Nevada

Boars

1) Kari Boyum, Wanamingo, Minn., 1/3/2015, 571904004

2) Brett Henningsen, Dewitt, 1/1/2015, 576304007

Boars

1) The Clark Families, Runnells, 12/23/2014, 573157009

2) RAR Genetics, Aplington, 1/15/2015, 572507005

3) Hughson Family Farm, Sumner

# # #

West Union Farm Sweeps Iowa State Fair Oxford Down Sheep Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Double O Acres of West Union took top honors in the Oxford Down Sheep show judged August 23 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. The farm was awarded the Reserve Champion Ram, Champion Ewe and Reserve Champion Ewe banners. They also placed first in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

Rocky Hill Farm of Elizabeth, Ill. earned Champion Ram honors and took second place in the Premier Exhibitor contest while Tim Roberts of Washington, Okla. took third.

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

Yearling Ram

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 14-048, 3/12/2014, 299113

2) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 14-07, 3/1/2014, 298976

Fall Ram Lamb

1) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill., Lobdell 1501 RR, 9/24/2014, 299236

January Ram Lamb

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-007, 1/16/2015, 299905

2) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, Misty Meadows 0748 "Hercules", 1/20/2015, 299358

February Ram Lamb

1) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill., Rocky Hill 1505, 2/22/2015, 300088

2) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 7-15, 2/14/2015, 299848

3) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant, To Be Determend, 2/5/2015, Pending

March & After Ram Lamb

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-033, 3/2/2015, 299902

2) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill., Lobdell 1516 RR, 3/20/2015, Pending

Shorn Ram Lamb -- All Ages

1) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 16-15, 3/6/2015, 299849

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) Double O Acres, West Union

2) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill.

3) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla.

Yearling Ewe

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 14-032, 2/10/2014, 299110

2) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill., Rocky Hill 1402, 1/22/2014, 300085

3) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill., Lobdell 1410 RR, 2/28/2014, 278357

4) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 14-034, 2/8/2014, 299118

5) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill., Lobdell 1411 RR, 3/1/2014, 298358

6) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Nichols 14-15, 2/17/2014, 298530

7) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 14-04, 3/2/2014, 298979

8) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant, Double "O" Acres 14-013, 2/20/2014, 298773

9) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant, Double "O" Acres 14-037, 3/15/2014, 298774

Shorn Yearling Ewe

1) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 14-1, 1/2/2014, 299209

2) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 14-043, 3/5/2014, 299120

3) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 14-041, 3/2/2014, 299119

4) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill., Rocky Hill 1423, 2/24/2015, 300086

5) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, VR 1421 RR-NN, 1/25/2014, 298597

6) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, VR 1435 QR-NN, 3/2/2014, 298604

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Double O Acres, West Union

2) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla.

3) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill.

4) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant, Smicker0696, 3/14/2015, BB356

5) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill.

6) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, VR 1502, 1/22/2015, 299288

Fall Ewe Lamb

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-003, 9/10/2014, 299925

2) Double O Acres, West Union, Everett 1483, 9/5/2014, 299332

January Ewe Lamb

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-008, 1/25/2015, 299908

2) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Double O Acres 15-005, 1/20/2015, 299707

3) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-010, 1/26/2015, 299909

4) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman

5) Tweed Croft Oxfords, Indianola, 501, 1/20/2015, 299397

February Ewe Lamb

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-018, 2/14/2015, 299918

2) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill., Rocky Hill 1511, 2/24/2015, 300089

3) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill., Lobdell 1512 RR, 2/18/2015, 299886

4) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-026, 2/25/2015, 299919

5) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 4-15, 2/14/2015, 299847

6) Tweed Croft Oxfords, Indianola, Misty Meadows 0757, 2/20/2015, 299359

March & After Ewe Lamb

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-039, 3/4/2015, 299921

2) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill., Rocky Hill 1516, 3/20/2015, 300090

3) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-036, 3/3/2015, 299923

4) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant, To Be Determend, 3/1/2015, Pending

5) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 14-15, 3/5/2015, 299845

6) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant, To Be Dtermend, 3/15/2015, Pending

Shorn Ewe Lamb -- All Ages

1) Double O Acres, West Union, DOA 15-022, 2/18/2015, 299912

2) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, VR 1505 QRNN, 2/3/2015, 299291

3) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, VR 1502 RRNN, 1/22/2015, 299288

4) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla., Roberts Farm 10-15, 3/3/2015, 299846

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Double O Acres, West Union

2) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill.

3) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman, VR 1505, 2/3/2015, 299291

4) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant

5) Tweed Croft Oxfords, Indianola

6) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla.

Pair of Lambs

1) Double O Acres, West Union

2) Lobdell Oxfords, Freeport, Ill.

3) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill.

4) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman

5) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla.

6) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant

Young Flock

1) Double O Acres, West Union

2) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill.

3) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman

4) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla.

5) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant

Flock

1) Double O Acres, West Union

2) Rocky Hill Farm, Elizabeth, Ill.

3) Van Roekel Family Livestock, Wellman

4) Tim Roberts, Washington, Okla.

5) Hamilton Sheep, Bryant

# # #

Top Honors Awarded in Iowa State Fair Red Angus Cattle Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Solution Genetics of Cushing earned the Grand Champion Bull and Iowa Champion Bull titles in the Red Angus Cattle show judged August 21 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Cowtraks Ranch of Tipton exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Bull.

Grand Champion Female honors were awarded to Wright Farms of New London along with the Iowa Champion Female title. TC Reds of Ringle, Wis. exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Female.

Complete results below (names, hometowns, animal identification):

April Heifer Calf -- April 1-30, 2015

1) Camiel Blomme, Brooklyn, CBCB Adella 3710C, 4/10/2015, 1735528

2) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN SHEBA'S CHARLI 587C, 4/2/2015, 1747919

3) Graystone Cattle Company, Stockport, GCC FAYETTE 1514, 4/2/2015, 1744045

4) CR Cattle, Douds, CR Dinaberrys Lyric, 4/16/2015, 1741594

5) Kevin Tlach, Britt, TLA Miss Tenna 509C, 4/9/2015, 1747461

6) Glew Performance Cattle, Manchester, Glew Bella 1251, 4/2/2015, 1744036

March Heifer Calf -- March 1-31, 2015

1) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, CTRH CALIFORNIA GURL 520C, 3/18/2015, 1742345

2) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, CTRH COLORADO COWGIRL 519C, 3/16/2015, 1742347

3) Travis Barnes, Lamoni, BARN Chandra, 3/22/2015, 1745682

4) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Nolin's Anna 827, 3/26/2015, 1740405

5) CR Cattle, Douds

March Heifer Calf -- March 1-31, 2015

1) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis., Damar Mimi C237, 3/6/2015, 1748311

2) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, CTRH CARIBBEAN QUEEN 518C, 3/16/2015, 1742346

3) Solution Genetics, Cushing, MU FLAME'S CRISTYNA 537C, 3/1/2015, 1739451

4) Chase Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, CSPF Connies Code, 3/13/2015, 1742625

5) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, TJC 127Y'S CANDICE 548C, 3/12/2015, 1749211

6) Wood Cattle Company, Cottage Grove, Wis., WOOD MIA, 3/10/2015, 1749215

7) Garth Griffin, New Hampton, GNRA MISS XO CROWFOOT 551, 3/14/2015, 1745009

February Heifer Calf -- Feb. 1-28, 2015

1) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, MNS Makita 5441, 2/24/2015, 174888

2) Luke Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, Kassie, 7/1/2015, 1746880

3) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, TJC ROBIN'S CAMILLE 536C, 2/18/2015, 1749210

4) CR Cattle, Douds, CR Stoneys Noteable Pebble, 2/16/2015, 1741591

5) Garth Griffin, New Hampton, GNRA MISS XO CROWFOOT 527, 2/17/2015, 1745002

6) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN 403P CINNAMON 523C, 2/25/2015, 1747926

7) Christian Atkinson, Blairstown, B4 Miss Sophie 505, 2/16/2015, 1746015

8) Alex Bishop, Manchester, Glew Xena 6421, 2/18/2015, 1741767

9) Hansen Farms, Dallas Center, JBHF MISS MAGENTA, 2/20/2015, 1745145

10) Glew Performance Cattle, Manchester, Glew Xena 6421, 2/28/2015, 1741767

February Heifer Calf -- Feb. 1-28, 2015

1) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR BALLET 101W C167, 2/2/2015, 1749312

2) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN 403P CHARLIE'S ANGEL 519C, 2/2/2015, 1747914

3) Ulrich Red Angus, Good Thunder, Minn., ULRA 1528, 2/1/2015, PENDING

4) Wright Farms, New London, WRIGHT'S Amber 25C, 2/14/2015, 1745979

5) J Bar B Farm, Dike, 26C JBF, 2/13/2015, 1736692

6) Rocking R Ranch, Douds, SAR Miss Amaretto 104C, 2/11/2015, 1742124

7) Luke Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, CSPF Candy 03C, 2/1/2015, 1735883

8) Wood Cattle Company, Cottage Grove, Wis., Wood Sprinkle, 2/2/2015, 1748353

9) Wood Cattle Company, Cottage Grove, Wis., Lewis's Whitney, 2/10/2015, 1735375

10) J Bar B Farm, Dike, 23C JBF, 2/11/2015, 1736696

January Heifer Calf -- Jan. 1-31, 2015

1) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, TJC LYNN'S CHARLIZE 507C, 1/7/2015, 1749209

2) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN PERSUASION'S COOKIE 505C, 1/9/2015, 1747913

3) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, TJC LYNN'S CAMBRIE 506C, 1/6/2015, 1749208

4) Ulrich Red Angus, Good Thunder, Minn., ULRA Jazz, 1/28/2015, 1746383

5) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN 0300X CLEOPATRA 513C, 1/25/2015, 1747837

6) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR BoNNIEBELL C065, 1/1/2015, 1748309

7) Ulrich Red Angus, Good Thunder, Minn., ULRA 1502, 1/3/2015, PENDING

8) Sauer's Valley View Farms, Winona, Minn., SVVF GOLDIE C503, 1/23/2015, 1745187

9) Kurt Rich, Vinton, RRA Melody 7008 554, 1/10/2015, 1743266

Winter Heifer Calf -- Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2014

1) Kurt Rich, Vinton, Rra Rachel 746 517, 12/21/2014, 1743258

2) Jenel Wenndt, Lowden, KML RUBY SUE B646, 11/8/2014, 1740657

3) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC BETHSHEBA 466B, 12/29/2014, 1744960

Senior Heifer Calf -- Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2014

1) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR T701 DEXTRA 4Z B414, 9/5/2014, 1735294

2) Batterson Red Angus, Bloomfield, Batterson Ms Duette 722B, 10/7/2014, 1738549

3) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, TJC 19T'S BEYONCE, 9/8/2014, 1738486

4) Hansen Farms, Dallas Center, Nolin's Jemma 782, 9/15/2014, 1705189

5) Kevin Tlach, Britt, TLA Miss Dr. Victoria 482B, 10/4/2014, 1747462

6) Rogers Ranch, Princeton, Mo., RGRS JUSTINA BY28, 9/3/2014, 1738473

7) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Nolin Dianna 783, 9/20/2014, 175190

8) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC SIERRA 449B, 9/4/2014, 1729069

9) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, RMS Frost 4708, 10/2/2014, 1716264

Late Summer Yearling Heifer -- July 1 - Aug. 31, 2014

1) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC Stormy 43413, 8/5/2014, 1729070

2) Kevin Tlach, Britt, TLA Miss Excel Tank 480B, 8/12/2014, 1717498

3) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC SELMA 437B, 8/10/2014, 1729072

4) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC MISS WIX 436B, 8/10/2014, 1729076

Summer Yearling Heifer -- May 1 - June 30, 2014

1) TC Reds, Ringle, Wis., HPHR Savana's Breeze, 5/2/2014, 1707804

2) Ethan Dickerson, Paradise, Kan., TC Miss Kibby116B, 5/5/2014, 1688937

3) Wood Cattle Company, Cottage Grove, Wis.

4) Graystone Cattle Company, Stockport, GCC MISS MAY WEST 1441, 5/20/2014, 1688985

5) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Tlf Miss Storm 637, 5/1/2014, 1703190

6) Nicole Burgardt, Britt, TLA Miss DR. Olive 437B, 5/2/2014, 1717492

April Spring Yearling Heifer -- April 1-30, 2014

1) TC Reds, Ringle, Wis., OBAR Topeka RB 25, 4/10/2014, 1721955

2) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, RRA CEDAR 119 4100, 4/1/2014, 1683128

3) Nolan Rentschler, Dawson, Ill., RFRA Mis Power Girl 435B, 4/5/2014, 1735753

5) CODY BUTLER, State Center, MEADO-WEST BETSY 425, 4/21/2014, 1704929

6) Allison Steininger, Sugar Grove, Ill., ANS SHOWY CHOLE, 4/9/2014, 1703597

March Yearling Heifer -- March 1-31, 2014

1) Wright Farms, New London, Wright's Thunderstorm 44B, 3/12/2014, 1671531

2) Camiel Blomme, Brooklyn, CRSL Jesse's Girl, 3/8/2014, 1686493

3) Jarrin Goecke, State Center, Mimi 101w B220, 3/18/2014, 1680147

4) Batterson Red Angus, Bloomfield, Meado West Bristol, 3/25/2014, 1704924

5) Ethan Dickerson, Paradise, Kan., TC Satin 40B, 3/17/2014, 1679896

6) Kaisland Cattle Farm, Bussey, Silverias Daorv 4398, 3/10/2014, 1683891

7) Christian Atkinson, Blairstown, B4 Miss Gem 400, 3/13/2014, 1702399

8) Linquist Farms, Fonda, RL Lady Luck ET, 3/2/2014, 1676507

February Yearling Heifer -- Feb. 1-28, 2014

1) J&A Charolais, Sparta, Wis., SBCC Miss Patience 405, 2/26/2014, 1674486

2) Batterson Red Angus, Bloomfield, Batterson Blackcap 404B, 2/26/2014, 1703929

3) Kevin Tlach, Britt, MGLS Katy 4742, 2/27/2014, 1694870

4) Tayler Luzum, Fort Atkinson, MFIN MISS B45, 2/28/2014, 1710819

5) Wood Cattle Company, Cottage Grove, Wis., HUFA TAFFY 4027B, 2/18/2014, 1709353

6) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, MNS Mariah 4735, 2/26/2014, 1694868

7) Linquist Farms, Fonda, RL Gloria ET, 2/6/2014, 1672566

8) Linsie Barnes, Tingley

9) Alex Bishop, Manchester, SLGN Blockanas Baby Girl, 2/14/2014, 1678664

10) Trenton Collett, Ottumwa

11) CODY BUTLER, State Center, DW MISS ANTICIPATION 405, 2/24/2014, 1687939

January Yearling Heifer -- Jan. 1-31, 2014

1) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR MIMI 26U B119, 1/11/2014, 1674923

2) Zehnder Cattle, Stanchfield, Minn., WDZ CF JEWEL 404, 1/29/2014, 1677655

3) Le Doux Ranch, Agenda, Kan.

4) Edge Livestock, West Branch, TC Annie 04B, 1/29/2014, 1688882

5) HOPE BRUBAKER, Reinbeck, ADPH CASSIE 589 B405, 1/7/2014, 1707509

6) J Bar B Farm, Dike, JBF 7B, 1/25/2014, 1678707

7) J Bar B Farm, Dike, Nolin's Peyton 769, 1/15/2014, 1691942

Senior Yearling Heifer -- Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2013

1) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Nolin's Aprodite, 10/20/2013, 1668938

Two Year Old Female with Calf

1) Bar S Ranch, Paradise, Kan., WEBR Caroline 314, 2/3/2013, 1612780

2) Austin Sorensen, Villisca, MNS Kesha 3750(WITH CALF 03/04/2015), 6/3/2013, 1640554

Mature Cow with Calf

1) Carson Finch, Kelley, wcat Floress 009Z/ CALF DOB: 3/4/15, 1/2/2012, 1507678

2) Kevin Tlach, Britt, Batterson Tenna 880U(WITH CALF 04/09/15), 3/8/2008, 1262800

3) Graystone Cattle Company, Stockport, WSF GEORGIANA NRT174 41W(WITH CALF 04/02/2015), 3/17/2009, 1309789

4) Schramm Red Angus, Moville, JRA MONTANA CREEK LINDI(WITH CALF 04/06/2015), 1/16/2008, 1228448

April Bull Calf -- April 1-30, 2015

1) Jess Schlitter, Waukon, Copper 01C, 4/2/2015, 1741298

2) Glew Performance Cattle, Manchester, Glew Cut 1250, 4/2/2015, 1741773

3) Jess Schlitter, Waukon, Copenhagen 02C, 4/5/2015, 1741299

March Bull Calf -- March 1-31, 2015

1) CR Cattle, Douds, CR Sakicette Mission, 3/28/2015, 1741601

2) Wright Farms, New London, WRIGHT'S CHEYENNE STORM 54C, 3/4/2015, 1742945

3) LeDoux Ranch, Agenda, Kan., Jady ID Superman 5079C, 3/20/2015, 1735355

4) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Nolin's Fireball 826, 3/20/2015, 1740406

March Bull Calf -- March 1-31, 2015

1) Chase Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, CSPF Cash Money 11C, 3/2/2015, 1735885

2) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, CTRH CREEDENCE 512C, 3/3/2015, 1742336

3) Chase Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, CSPF Chubs 13C, 3/3/2015, 1735884

4) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, CTRH COWBOY COOL, 3/1/2015, 1742341

5) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Nolin's Timber 823, 3/1/2015, 1740408

February Bull Calf -- Feb. 1-28, 2015

1) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, MGLS Premier 5445, 2/25/2015, 1748386

2) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue, TJC LAKINYA'S 528C, 2/6/2015, 1749212

3) Garth Griffin, New Hampton, GNRA MSHINE 521, 2/12/2015, 174500

4) Hansen Farms, Dallas Center, KATE MR BIG IRON SHEP, 2/20/2015, 1731919

5) Alex Bishop, Manchester, Glew Master 1248, 2/17/2015, 1741769

6) Rocking R Ranch, Douds, SAR DOS Equis 111C, 2/18/2015, 1742123

January Bull Calf -- Jan. 1-31, 2015

1) Sauer's Valley View Farms, Winona, Minn., SVVF LASSIES STRONGHOLD, 1/29/2015, 1745186

2) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR Power Eye C501, 1/6/2015, 1748313

3) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN 415P Comander 518C, 1/22/2015, 1747956

4) Ulrich Red Angus, Good Thunder, Minn., URLA 1507, 1/12/2015, 1746380

5) Weber Show Cattle, Springville, AWEB Charlies Pride, 1/3/2015, 1742642

6) Chase Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, CSPF Clarence 02C, 1/8/2015, 1735886

7) Garth Griffin, New Hampton, GNRA XO CROWFOOT 507, 1/29/2015, 1744999

Winter Bull Calf -- Nov. 1- Dec. 31, 2014

1) Zehnder Cattle, Stanchfield, Minn., WDZ CF No Doubt 450, 12/21/2014, 1738050

2) Camiel Blomme, Brooklyn, CBCB Gold Show 8095C, 12/12/2014, 1745095

3) Kurt Rich, Vinton, Rra Soldier 505, 12/5/2014, 1743248

4) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC BROWNSTONE 463B, 12/22/2014, 1744965

5) Deer Run Ranch, Grand River, Deer Run's Briar, 11/12/2014, 1749213

6) Linquist Farms, Fonda, RL Fortress, 12/15/2014, 1748370

Senior Bull Calf -- Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2014

1) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, MNS Crimsen Red 44, 10/6/2014, 1737061

2) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis., KIP Max Power 01B, 9/27/2014, 1748402

3) Rogers Ranch, Princeton, Mo., RGRS PATRIOT BU100, 9/12/2014, 1738465

Late Summer Yearling Bull -- July 1 - Aug. 31, 2014

1) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC Backpat 442, 8/18/2014, 1729061

2) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC Blueprint 441, 8/14/2014, 1729061

3) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC Blockbuster, 8/15/2014, 1729060

March Yearling Bull -- March 1-31, 2014

1) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN BOJANGLES 479B, 3/1/2014, 1678665

January Junior Yearling Bull -- Jan. 1-31, 2014

1) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, JDD CTRH DREAM LOOK 26B, 1/30/2014, 1686152

2) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR MAPONOS 26P B552, 1/2/2014, 1674930

3) Allison Steininger, Sugar Grove, Ill., ANS SAKIC 106, 1/26/2014, 1669665

4) Nolan Rentschler, Dawson, Ill., RFRA Maken Bales 401B, 1/8/2014, 1673726

Two Year Old Bull -- Jan. 1 - April 30, 2013

1) Garth Griffin, New Hampton, GNRA MULBERRY 362, 3/20/2013, 1629400

2) Fair Acres Stock Farms, Waldorf, Minn., Silveiras Chateau 3389, 3/4/2013, 1612093

Senior Get of Sire

1) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe

Junior Get of Sire

1) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe

Produce of Dam

1) Solution Genetics, Cushing

2) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis.

3) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis.

4) Solution Genetics, Cushing

5) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton

Champion & Reserve Spring Heifer Calf

Champion) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, CTRH CALIFORNIA GURL 520C

Reserve) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis., Dama Mimi C237

Champion & Reserve Junior Heifer Calf

Champion) Tim Johnson Cattle, Bellevue

Reserve) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR BALLET 101W C167

Champion & Reserve Fall Heifer Calf

Champion) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis., DAMAR T701 DEXTRA 4Z B414

Reserve) Batterson Red Angus, Bloomfield, Batterson Ms Duette 722B

Champion & Reserve Intermediate Heifer

Champion) TC Reds, Ringle, Wis.

Reserve) Ethan Dickerson, Paradise, Kan., TC Miss Kibby116B

Champion & Reserve Junior Heifer

Champion) Wright Farms, New London

Reserve) TC Reds, Ringle, Wis., OBAR Topeka RB 25

Champion & Reserve Senior Yearling Heifer

Champion) Nolin Red Angus, Monroe, Nolins Aprodite

Champion & Reserve Cow/Calf

Champion) Carson Finch, Kelley, wcat Floress 009Z/ CALF DOB: 3/4/15

Reserve) Bar S Ranch, Paradise, Kan., WEBR Caroline 314

Grand Champion & Reserve Female

Grand) Wright Farms, New London

Res. Grand) TC Reds, Ringle, Wis., OBAR Topeka RB 25

Champion Iowa Female

Champion) Wright Farms, New London, Wrights Thunderstorm 44B

Champion & Reserve Spring Bull Calf

Champion) Chase Pladsen, Harpers Ferry, CSPF Cash Money 11C

Reserve) CR Cattle, Douds, CR Sakicette Mission

Champion & Reserve Junior Bull Calf

Champion) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, MGLS Premier 5445

Reserve) Sauers Valley View Farms, Winona, Minn., SVVF LASSIES STRONGHOLD

Champion & Reserve Fall Bull Calf

Champion) Shuey Stock Farms Inc., Corning, MNS Crimsen Red 44

Reserve) Zehnder Cattle, Stanchfield, Minn., WDZ CF No Doubt 450

Champion & Reserve Intermediate Bull

Champion) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC Backpat 442

Reserve) Hein Cattle Co., Osage, HCC Blueprint 441

Champion & Reserve Junior Bull

Champion) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN BOJANGLES 479B

Reserve) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, JDD CTRH DREAM LOOK 26B

Champion & Reserve Senior Bull

Champion) Garth Griffin, New Hampton, GNRA MULBERRY 362

Reserve) Fair Acres Stock Farms, Waldorf, Minn., Silveiras Chateau 3389

Grand Champion & Reserve Bull

Champion) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN BOJANGLES 479B

Reserve) Cowtraks Ranch, Tipton, JDD CTRH DREAM LOOK 26B

Champion Iowa Bull

Champion) Solution Genetics, Cushing, SLGN BOJANGLES 479B

Premier Breeder

1) Damar Farms, Emerald, Wis.,

Premier Exhibitor

1) Kip Wallace, Emerald, Wis.

# # #

04 Sep 2015

National Soy Checkoff Targets Soybean Innovation for Farmer Profit Opportunities

By Iowa Soybean Board

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 2, 2015) -Maximizing the profit potential of every U.S. soybean farmer means seeing beyond today; it means driving soybean innovation in products and services to meet customers' needs tomorrow.

That's why the farmer-leaders of the national soy checkoff made driving innovation the center of their new, groundbreaking 5-year strategic plan, which will guide all national soy checkoff investments from fiscal years 2017 to 2022.

"We American soybean farmers have had a good run these past few years, but being profitable in the future will mean something different than being profitable in the past," said United Soybean Board (USB) Chairman Bob Haselwood, who raises soybeans, corn and wheat on his farm in Berryton, Kansas. "We need to focus on meeting our customers' changing needs, and giving them a reason to keep choosing U.S. soy over increasing competition. That's what's going to help us ensure our children and grandchildren will have the same chance to maximize their profit opportunities that we have had."

The new plan sets its sights on a future in which the U.S. soy industry increases the value of soybean meal for various species, from poultry to pork to aquaculture, and is recognized by customers for its highly desirable attributes such as its superior amino-acid profile and sustainability. The new plan also prioritizes supporting soybean farmers' use of technological advances to maximize their on-farm profit opportunities, as well as the ongoing development of high oleic soybean oil to increase soy's share of the edible-oil market.

"We are intensifying our focus on the areas that matter most to farmer-profit potential," said USB Vice Chairman Jared Hagert, who led a panel of national- and state-checkoff farmer-leaders in drafting the new plan. "The nine central goals of the plan focus on the areas that stand to bring the most value to U.S. soybean farmers, and we worked with others throughout the U.S. soy value chain - state soybean boards, land-grant universities, extension, processors, buyers and customers - to ensure we're all aligned for the good of the industry," said Hagert, who raises soybeans, edible beans, corn and wheat on his farm in Emerado, North Dakota.

"USB has always been forward-thinking and strategic in how it invests farmer checkoff dollars," said Chairman Haselwood. "But the national soy checkoff has risen to a new level with this progressive framework, and the American soybean farmers we serve - our families, friends and neighbors among them - deserve nothing less."

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

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

###

01 Sep 2015

USDA Expands Farm Safety Net, Offers Greater Flexibility for Beginning, Organic and Fruit and Vegetable Growers

By USDA Office of Communications

Whole Farm Coverage Now Available in Every County Across the Nation

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2015 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance will be available in every county in the nation in 2016. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also making changes to the policy to help farmers and ranchers with diversified crops including beginning, organic, and fruit and vegetable growers, better access Whole-Farm Revenue Protection.

"Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance allows producers who have previously had limited access to a risk management safety net, to insure all of the commodities on their farm at once instead of one commodity at a time," said Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. "That gives them the option of embracing more crop diversity on their farm and helps support the production of a wider variety of foods."

USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) introduced the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection pilot program for a majority of counties in the 2015 insurance year. Starting with the 2016 insurance year, the new program will be available in all counties in the United States, a first for the federal crop insurance program.

USDA also provided additional flexibility to producers by making the following changes, including:

  • Beginning Farmers and Ranchers - RMA makes it easier for more beginning farmers and ranchers to participate in the program by reducing the required records from five to three historical years, plus farming records from the past year. Additionally, any beginning farmer and rancher may qualify by using the former farm operator's federal farm tax records if the beginning farmer or rancher assumes at least 90 percent of the farm operation
  • Livestock Producers - RMA removed the previous cap that limited participants to those who received 35 percent or less of their income from livestock production. Producers will now be able to insure up to $1 million worth of animals and animal products.
  • Expanding Operations - RMA increased the cap on historical revenue for expanding operations to 35 percent from its previous 10 percent to better allow growing farms the opportunity to cover their growth in the insurance guarantee.

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection includes a wide range of available coverage levels, provides coverage for replanting annual commodities, includes provisions that increase coverage for expanding operations, and allows the inclusion of market readiness costs in the coverage. The policy is tailored for most farms, including farms with specialty or organic commodities (both crops and livestock), or those marketing to local, regional, farm-identity preserved, specialty, or direct markets. The policy covers farms or ranches with up to $8.5 million in insured revenue.

For more information, including product availability, visit the RMA Whole-Farm Web page. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection is a provision of the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and saving billions of taxpayer dollars. To date, USDA has implemented many provisions of this crucial legislation, providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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01 Sep 2015

BRANSTAD, REYNOLDS, NORTHEY AND GIPP RECOGNIZE 95 IOWA FARM FAMILIES WITH IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARD

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Awards presented at Iowa State Fair to families that have lead the way on environmental stewardship

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp presented 95 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

"It is a pleasure to have the opportunity each year to recognize Iowans who go above and beyond to be good stewards of our land," said Branstad. "Farmers take pride in conservation efforts and preserving and protecting our natural resources. The Farm Environmental Leader award gives us all an opportunity to recognize their efforts as exceptional leaders."

"The passion and dedication exhibited by the farmers honored at this year's Farm Environmental Leader awards was inspiring. Many of the recipients remarked at how long they had been working to achieve such recognition," said Reynolds. "We know that across Iowa farmers are committed to protecting the land and we were pleased to be able to highlight the work of some farm families' exemplary work."

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.  It seeks to recognize the exemplary voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.

This is the fourth year for the award program and to date more than 300 families have received recognition.

"Iowa is a national leader in conservation and water quality efforts and it is important that we recognize the farmers who are making a significant investment in conservation efforts and serving as examples in how we can continue to better care for our air, soil and water," Northey said.

Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto and a commemorative program provided by the Iowa Ag Water Alliance.  Hagie Manufacturing sponsored a recognition luncheon following the ceremony.  Bob Quinn from WHO Radio served as the Master of Ceremony.

All winners were chosen by a selection group representing both conservation and agricultural groups.

The selection group that approved the 2015 winners included Jim Gillespie from the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, Bruce Trautman from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Jim Frederick from the Conservation Districts of Iowa, John Lawrence from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Sean McMahon from Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Jan Glendenning from The Nature Conservancy, Jeff Pape from the Iowa Farm Bureau, Jay Lynch from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Jim Andrew from the Iowa Soybean Association, Pat Daufeldt from the Iowa Turkey Federation, Dan Wetherell from the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Haley Stalcup from the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.

Please find spreadsheets that list all the 2015 winners of Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards here.  Photos were taken of families that came to the ceremony and the final column lists the families for which there is a picture available.  High resolution copies of the photos by the recipients' last names can be found here. Please email Dustin.VandeHoef@ if you have other questions.

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