ANR News
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Vol. 10, #10
This electronic newsletter from Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources will be sent on an occasional basis to ag field specialists and all CEEDs. It is intended to provide current information to its readers. Let us know of topics you would like addressed.
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IN THIS EDITION:
Jerry's Comments
Tech Transfer/Economic Development Report
Board of Regents Annual Distance Education Report - FY05
Tree Steward Program Set for August 7
"Growing the Bioeconomy" Theme for 2006 Biobased Industry Conference
ISU Air Quality Work Summary Updated and Online
New 2007 Pork Industry Handbook
Avian Influenza Web Site
Cargill Commits $600,000 to Prepare ISU Students for Bioeconomy
CARD Initiates Biorenewables Policy Division
Crowds Show Strong Interest in Alternative Feedlot Technologies
Leopold Center Seeks New Research Proposals for 2007
Funding Opportunities
Selected Calendar of Events
ANR Field & State Staff Directory Update
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JERRY's COMMENTS
Will High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) be detected in North America within the coming months? If so, when? Of course ISU Extension nor the federal government or industry can answer these questions. However, agency staff at both federal and state government are preparing for HPAI through the development of plans that address surveillance, prevention and response efforts. If HPAI becomes present in North America a likely carrier is migratory water fowl. However, there are other avenues for HPAI to occur. Legally imported birds as well as illegal smuggled birds are potential HPAI carriers. If HPAI does arrive in North America not only are other migratory water fowl at risk, but other birds are at risk as well. Other birds include upland game birds such as pheasants, quail, and partridges; small flocks of chickens and turkeys that are free to roam outdoors; and commercial layers, broilers and turkeys that are maintained in facilities with high levels of surveillance and bio-security.
During April 2006 ANR Extension formed an Avian Influenza issue team. Team members include representatives for Extension ANR, Communities, Family and Youth programs, County Extension Education Directors, Extension Communications as well as faculty and staff representing both the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Also, representatives from partner associations are members. An initial effort of the issue team was the development of a web page and distribution of information to county Extension offices that addressed precautions for poultry exhibits at county fairs. The web page is posted at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/birdflu/ This web page provides links to federal and state sites, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), relevant ISU information and other appropriate sites. If you have questions or comments regarding the ISU Extension Avian Influenza issue team efforts please contact Paul Brown or me.
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TECH TRANSFER/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT
On July 5, 2006, campus and field specialists received an email message from Dr. Joe Colletti requesting input for a Tech Transfer/Economic Development Report due to the Iowa Board of Regents. The reporting form is posted at http://www.ag.iastate.edu/TTEDReport.php and covers the time period of July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. All individual reports are due Wednesday, August 14, 2006.
A few questions have been received regarding the technology transfer and economic development data submission. Perhaps the best place to start is with examples of our work not needed for this particular report.
What we need are those substantive successes that standout where clientele have experienced significant change or taken significant action due to our work of technology transfer and economic development. We are looking for examples where faculty and staff worked with clientele to solve a major problem or as stated in question 3 on the reporting form - "such as engineering and science-oriented assistance, system design work, quality control, application of new technologies." Also, information about commercial businesses that have participated in professional and workforce development training are needed. Examples include financial institutions represented at Pro-Ag Outlook seminars, companies represented at train-the-trainer programs, company employees trained in best management practices, etc. Most campus and field specialists will likely have 6-12 examples to submit. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Paul Brown at 294-7801or pwbrown@iastate.edu.
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BOARD OF REGENTS ANNUAL DISTANCE EDUCATION REPORT - FY05
It’s time once again to collect data for the annual Board of Regents report on distance education. This report covers July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
The terms ‘distance education’ and ‘non-credit courses’ are used interchangeably when this report is discussed which can cause confusion about what to report. For ISU Extension, these terms encompass all people who participate in Iowa-based educational programs where extension personnel are involved or present – e.g. meetings, workshops, field days, conferences, quest speaker, etc. All delivery alternatives are included – e.g. face-to-face, ICN, breeze, web-based, etc. In other words, all Iowa-based educational program contacts are to be counted (except for newsletter subscriptions and web hits) whether we sponsor the program or not.
How do campus and field extension personnel report? It’s easy. Just be sure your educational program contacts are current on the ISU Extension Calendar by July 31. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Paul Brown at 294-7801 or pwbrown@iastate.edu.
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"GROWING THE BIOECONOMY" THEME FOR 2006 BIOBASED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Registration is open for ISU's 2006 Biobased Industry Outlook Conference, August 28-29. The theme is "Growing the Bioeconomy: Reimagining Agriculture for National Energy Security." Last year the conference attracted more than 420 industry and community leaders, academicians and government-agency officials from around the Midwest to learn and share information about manufacturing, distributing and marketing biobased products. This year's conference will feature sessions focusing on the financial, scientific, equipment and educational investments needed in order for U.S. agriculture to supply a significant portion of the nation's energy needs, while maintaining production of food, feed and fiber. Speakers include James Woolsey, former director of the CIA; Lee Lynd, professor of engineering, Dartmouth College; Vinod Khosla, founding CEO of Sun Microsystems; and Bob Egerton, commercial agribusiness division manager, Co-Bank. The conference is organized by the Office of Biorenewables Programs and ISU Extension's Center for Industrial Research and Service. For more information and to register: http://www.bioeconomyconference.org.
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TREE STEWARD PROGRAM SET FOR AUGUST 7
ISU's third annual Community Tree Steward Workshop will be held August 7. The program is open to the public and will be held at Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. in Johnston. Details: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/jun/072901.htm
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ISU AIR QUALITY WORK SUMMARY UPDATED AND ONLINE
A new summary of ISU research and extension in air quality has been posted online and can be downloaded here: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/aqsummary.pdf
It's also available on request from Susan Thompson, (515) 294-0705, sander@iastate.edu. For additional information on any of the projects in the summary, contact the resource person or persons listed at the end of each item.
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NEW 2007 PORK INDUSTRY HANDBOOK
The New 2007 Pork Industry Handbook is soon to be released. This updated and revised reference, brought to you by Purdue Extension and the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence at ISU, will be available in both hardcover book and DVD formats. It contains over 180 proven and useful fact sheets that cover everything about modern pork production, from the best housing options and nutrition practices to waste management, pork quality, and marketing.
The book and the DVD are going to be available on October 15, 2006. For a limited time, however, you can pre-order a copy of the book, DVD, or both at a discounted rate. If you pre-order before August 1, 2006, you will receive a 20 percent discount.
For more information and to obtain an order form visit the PIH Web page at www.ces.purdue.edu/porkindustryhandbook2 or call (888) 398-4636.
Please note that pre-orders can only be received by phone, fax, email, or standard mail. They can not be submitted online.
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AVIAN INFLUENZA WEB SITE
The ISU Extension Avian Influenza Web Site is now active. See http://www.extension.iastate.edu/birdflu/
Please share this information with others as appropriate.
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CARGILL COMMITS $600,000 TO PREPARE ISU STUDENTS FOR BIOECONOMY
Cargill has invested $600,000 in ISU's Bioeconomy Initiative to help prepare ISU students to enter the rapidly growing biorenewable industry. With the support from Cargill, the Bioeconomy Initiative will offer four new areas for students: freshmen experiences in biorenewables; common laboratory in biobased technologies; course work in biobased technologies; and international experiences in biorenewables. More: http://www.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2006/jul/cargill.shtml
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CARD INITIATES BIORENEWABLES POLICY DIVISION
The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development has launched a new Biorenewables Policy Division. The new research division will focus on policy questions surrounding expansion of biorenewables in the United States and the shifting playing field this creates for Midwestern producers. Learn more: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/card.html
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CROWDS SHOW STRONG INTEREST IN ALTERNATIVE FEEDLOT TECHNOLOGIES
A recent field day at a Story County feedlot drew a crowd of more than 300. The field day, sponsored by ISU Extension and ISU's Iowa Beef Center, showcased alternative technologies for runoff management, and included attendees from all parts of Iowa and several other states. Details: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/jul/070401.htm
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LEOPOLD CENTER SEEKS NEW RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR 2007
Iowans with research and demonstration ideas for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture are invited to submit their pre-proposals by Aug. 14. Leopold Center director Jerry DeWitt says, "We are especially interested in pre-proposals across our three initiative areas that will help enhance Iowa's water quality and protect the state's water resources. The center places a high value on research that will help us move toward these goals." Investigators representing Iowa nonprofit organizations, agencies and educational institutions may submit pre-proposals. Learn more: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2006/rfp_062606.htm
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Before and After School Programs, Iowa Department of Education
PURPOSE: to expand the availability of before and after school programs in Iowa.
Grant funds are available for use by school districts and other non-for-profit public and private organizations. The total state appropriation is $150,000. The Department expects to make three (3) awards. The project period will be September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. For more information, contact Keli Tallman, ISU 4-H Youth Development Specialist at ktallman@iastate.edu.
Guidelines are available at: http://www.state.ia.us/educate/grants.html
DEADLINE: July 31, 2006
Fate and Effects of Hormones in Waste From Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
PURPOSE: to study the impact of CAFOs on the environment and human health and study the impact of current CAFO waste management strategies.
Results of the research will contribute to improving estimates of the occurrence and risks of steroid hormones associated with animal waste and developing new or improved animal waste handling systems and risk management options for steroid hormones in animal waste. This is part of the EPAs program called Science to Achieve Results (STAR). Approximately three (3) awards will be made. Up to a total of $700,000 is available over a three year period.
Guidelines are available at:
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2006/2006_star_cafos.html
DEADLINE: August 9, 2006
Summer 2006 Pre-proposals for Sustainable Agriculture, ISU Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
PURPOSE: Reduce negative environmental impacts, particularly those related to Iowas water quality, and encourage the adoption of alternative sustainable agricultural practices.
ISUs Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture invites proposals in three areas: marketing and food systems, ecology, and policy. The summer grant program features a unique, integrated project opportunity related to dairy enterprises. Budget requests can be for multiple years, depending on the initiative area. Projects may start in 2007. Collaborations with other organizations or businesses are encouraged.
The RFP is available at www.leopold.iastate.edu/research/rfp/2006.htm
DEADLINE: August 14, 2006 5:00 pm (pre-proposal)
Conferences, Workshops, and/or Meetings on Environmental Protection topics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
PURPOSE: to support conferences and workshops on EPA-related issues.
Applicants may request up to $25,000 for major support of small scale, focused meetings and workshops on a specific subject, or for partial support of a larger conference. Applicants may request up to $75,000 for major support of broader conferences that include a wide range of subjects relating to environmental research. Cost-sharing is not required. EPA will review applications and make decisions on a quarterly basis beginning approximately April 18, 2006. To be considered for funding, an application must be received a minimum of three (3) months prior to the start of the conference.
The program is offered by the EPA Office of the Science Advisor. The broad agency announcement is available at: http://www.epa.gov/ord/htm/grantopportunity.htm
DEADLINE: program expires January 18, 2007
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SELECTED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 17: Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm Horticulture Field Day, 5:00 p.m., Fruitland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
July 17-18: Crop Diagnostic Clinic, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Field Extension Education Laboratory. For more information contact Jerolyne Packer or Brent Pringnitz at 515-432-9548.
July 17-21: 2006 Sausage and Processed Meats Short Course, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Meat Laboratory, ISU Campus. http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/processedmeats/home.html
July 19-20: Crop Diagnostic Clinic, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Field Extension Education Laboratory. For more information contact Jerolyne Packer or Brent Pringnitz at 515-432-9548.
July 22: Farm Vineyard Field Day, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Richard Black Farm, Farnhamville. For more information, contact the Calhoun County Extension Office at 712-297-8611.
July 24: Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Sutherland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
July 25: Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Lyon County Fairgrounds, Rock Rapids. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
July 27: Wine Filtration Workshop, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton. For more information and to register, contact Mike White at Warren County Extension Office 515-961-6237 or mlwhite@iastate.edu
August 1: Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Fruitland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 2: Horticulture Station Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Ames. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 4: McNay Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:00 p.m., Chariton. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 5: Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 4:00 p.m., Nashua. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 6-8: National Farm Transition Network Annual Meeting, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Des Moines. http://www.farmtransition.org/
August 7: Third Annual Community Tree Steward Worskhop, 9:00 a.m .- 4:00 p.m., Pioneer Seed Company, Johnston. http://www.forestry.iastate.edu/ts_reunion/index.htm
August 8: Northern Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Kanawha. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 9: Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Home Garden Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Lewis. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 10-20: Iowa State Fair, Des Moines. http://www.iowastatefair.com/
August 14: Northwest Iowa Grape Growers' Workshop, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Richard Black Farm, Farnhamville. (Workshop will focus on grape pre-harvest and harvest issues.) For more information contact the Calhoun County Extension Office at 712-297-8611.
August 22-23: Manure Management Short Course, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Field Extension Education Laboratory. For more information contact Jerolyne Packer or Brent Pringnitz at 515-432-9548.
August 23: Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm Organic Crops Field Day, 4:00 p.m., Greenfield. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 24: Western Research and Demonstration Farm Livestock Field Day, 10:00 a.m., Castana. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 26: Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:00 a.m., Nashua. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 28-29: 2006 Biobased Industry Outlook Conference, Scheman Bldg., ISU, Ames. http://www.bioeconomyconference.org/default.html
August 29: Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:00 a.m., Doon. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
August 29-31: Farm Progress Show, Amana Colonies. http://www.farmprogressshow.com/media/mediamanager/2006FPSAnnouncement.pdf
August 30: Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, Lewis. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
September 6: Alfalfa Clinic, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Field Extension Education Laboratory. For more information contact Jerolyne Packer or Brent Pringnitz at 515-432-9548.
September 7: Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:30 p.m., Nashua. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
September 8: Northern Research and Demonstration Farm 75th Celebration, 10:30 a.m., Kanawha. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
September 11-12: 2006 Extension Annual Conference, Hilton Coliseum and Memorial Union, Ames
September 13: Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:00 p.m., Crawfordsville. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
September 14: McNay Research and Demonstration Farm 50th Celebration, 10:00 a.m., Chariton. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
September 18: Northwest Iowa Grape Growers' Workshop, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Richard Black Farm, Farnhamville. (Workshop will focus on vineyard fall clean-up and winter preparation.) For more information contact the Calhoun County Extension Office at 712-297-8611.
ISUE Calendar of Events website: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/
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ANR FIELD & STATE STAFF DIRECTORY UPDATE
The ANR Field & State Staff directory has been revised and is available at:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/contacts.html
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Publisher: Gerald Miller
Managing Editor: Paul Brown
Editor: Julie Honeick