ANR News
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Vol. 10, #8
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
ABE Extension Faculty Sweep Iowa Professional Society Awards
Value Added Ag Forum and Tour
Conference Will Spotlight Iowa Cattle Feeding Opportunities
ISU Extension Offers RUSLE2 and P Index Workshop for Manure Plan Writers
June 28 Conservation & Environmental Issues Conference Display Opportunity
Agronomy Distance Master's Program Receives Award
Iowa Beef Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Cast Releases Two Avian Flu Papers
New Weed Science Publication
Iowa Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage and Mulch Certification
Ag Decision Maker Website Features Expanded Law Section
New Tool Helps Producers Map Target Marketing Areas
New Web Site for MWPS
USDA Soybean Rust Web Site Expands Focus
Niche Pork Web Site: New Look, More Info
New On-Farm Research and Demonstration Projects
Preproposals Sought for Sustainable Agriculture Projects
Funding Opportunities
Selected Calendar of Events
ANR Field & State Staff Directory Update
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JERRY'S COMMENTS
The ISU Extension FY07 - 11 Plan of Work (POW) is complete and is now being reviewed by a peer institution. Work has started to enter the POW into the USDA CSREES database. Paul and I offer a sincere "thank you" to members of the POW executive committees and to all faculty and staff who helped with this important task. The FY07 - 11 POW provides a new direction and identifies multiple opportunities for Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension. The POW builds on our base programs and defines educational programs that address issues that are important to Iowans as they strive to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Earlier this month ANR Extension established an issue team to focus on avian influenza. The team conducted an initial meeting on May 18. The focus of the team is to partner with industry representatives and state and federal agency staff for a coordinated effort that addresses prevention and response preparedness. As a result of the initial meeting five priority outputs were identified. These include:
1 - Develop a "Toolbox" of materials for county Extension offices that provides resources, web links to include EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network) and access to available materials.
2 - Develop a web-site that includes a listing of materials and resources that are specific for Iowa.
3 - Prepare a powerpoint presentation and video segment for viewing on the web-site.
4 - Modify an existing one-page fact sheet developed for Iowa.
5 - Develop appropriate information and strategies for distribution to youth that exhibit poultry and livestock at fairs and other public events.
Members of the issue team include faculty and staff representing ANR, Families, Communities, Extension Communications Services, a county Extension director, College of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Iowa Poultry Association. Other unit and agency representatives will be added in the future.
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ABE EXTENSION FACULTY SWEEP IOWA PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY AWARDS
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering extension faculty swept all the awards presented by the Iowa Section of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). Matt Helmers, received the Newcomer Engineer of the Year Award; Robert Burns, received the Young Engineer of the Year Award; and Mark Hanna received the Engineer of the Year Award. The Iowa Section has more than 400 agricultural engineers. Dr. Ramesh Kanwar, department chair, stated that this is a "First" for ISU Extension faculty in winning all three awards.
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VALUE ADDED AG FORUM AND TOUR
The Valued Added Ag spring forum and tour will be held on Wednesday, May 24 in the Waterloo area. The tour will feature soy-based lubricant research and manufacturing as well as local foods and agri-tourism.
Once again, the Value Added Ag Program will cover costs of the tour including lunch and car pooling from Ames (for those wishing to do so.) The tour will be limited to 25 people on a first come basis, so please register early!
Please contact Madeline Schultz, schultz@iastate.edu or 515-294-0588 for more information and to RSVP for this event.
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CONFERENCE WILL SPOTLIGHT IOWA CATTLE FEEDING OPPORTUNITIES
An ISU Extension conference June 5 will help lenders, economic development leaders and producers explore ways to work together to expand Iowa's cattle feeding industry. The conference is sponsored by the Iowa Beef Center and the Value-Added Agriculture Program. Details: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/may/070303.htm
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ISU EXTENSION OFFERS RUSLE2 AND P INDEX WORKSHOP FOR MANURE PLAN WRITERS
Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG), in collaboration with the Iowa USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, have scheduled a workshop to train service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index for use in nutrient management and manure management plans.
The workshop will be June 6, at McNeill Hall, Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. The workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m.
The cost of the workshop is $100 if registered before May 31, and $125 after May 31. The workshop fee includes handout materials, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring a Microsoft Windows compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel software. Participants must have administrator password to the computer they bring in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.
The program brochure and registration form are available at: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/info/rusle2june06.pdf. Registration forms should be sent to ISU Extension Story County, 220 H Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201. Questions regarding the workshop should be directed to Kapil Arora at (515) 382-6551 or Angie Rieck-Hinz at (515) 294-9590.
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JUNE 28 CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONFERENCE DISPLAY OPPORTUNITY
Iowa Farm Bureau extends an invitation to have a tabletop or floor display at the third annual Conservation & Environmental Issues Conference on June 28 in the IFBF Auditorium, West Des Moines, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This meeting is targeted at Farm Bureau leaders and members only regarding a variety of conservation and environmental issues.
The conference is an opportunity to inform Farm Bureau leaders and members of the programs, research, and resources available to them from ANR Extension. Also, it will provide resource organizations with a one-on-one opportunity for discussion on a variety of important water quality issues.
There will be no charge for this space, but if you are not already on the program agenda, you will need to register and pay the $25 conference fee. You can tentatively reserve display space now via email or phone by contacting staff assistant Nicci Preston at 515-225-5490 or npreston@ifbf.org . Registration and payment are due by Friday, June 9.
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AGRONOMY DISTANCE MASTER'S PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD
The Master of Science in Agronomy distance education program has received the 2006 Innovator's Award from the Iowa Distance Learning Association. Details: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/deaward.html
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IOWA BEEF CENTER MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
ISU's Iowa Beef Center is celebrating its 10th year of service to Iowa's cattle industry. The center was formed to enhance the vitality, profitability and growth of the Iowa beef industry. Learn more: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/apr/072701.htm
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CAST RELEASES TWO AVIAN FLU PAPERS
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology recently published two papers on the impacts of an avian influenza pandemic. "Avian Influenza: Human Pandemic Concerns" and "Avian Influenza: Trade Issues" were written for a general audience. Jeffrey Wolt, Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products, was one of the authors of the "Avian Influenza: Human Pandemic Concerns" commentary. They are available to view and download without charge from the CAST website (http://www.cast-science.org).
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NEW WEED SCIENCE PUBLICATION
A new publication titled "Controlling Eastern Red Cedars in CRP, Pastures and Other Areas" is now available on the web at http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/mgmt/2006/redcedars.pdf
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IOWA NOXIOUS WEED SEED FREE FORAGE AND MULCH CERTIFICATION
Iowa Crop Improvement Association will begin offering a certification program in 2006 to assure that forage and mulch is free of noxious weed seed. The program will comply with the Weed Free Forage Standards developed by the North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA).
In other Midwestern states this program has been used as an additional marketing opportunity for hay and straw producers. Potential markets include: customers seeking clean hay, people needing certified hay for their horses on visits to national parks, and contractors using straw for road construction erosion-control projects.
For more information about the Iowa Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage and Mulch Certification Program, contact Elaine Wuebker, Iowa Crop Improvement, eileen@iastate.edu, 515-294-0546 or 515-290-1439.
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AG DECISION MAKER WEBSITE FEATURES EXPANDED LAW SECTION
The latest issues in agricultural law appear regularly on a frequently updated ISU Extension website. The Iowa State Agricultural Law Program has developed an expanded section as part of the Ag Decision Maker website. Learn more:
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/aglaw.html
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NEW TOOL HELPS PRODUCERS MAP TARGET MARKETING AREAS
Locating businesses and markets for agricultural products can be a challenge for producers. A new Web site offers an interactive mapping tool to help producers find target market areas for products. Learn more: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2006/apr/071201.htm
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NEW WEB SITE FOR MWPS
The Midwest Plan Service now has a new web-site with on-line ordering at: www.mwps.org A news release is available on the web-site for use with local media.
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USDA SOYBEAN RUST WEB SITE EXPANDS FOCUS
The USDA has changed the name and coverage of its public soybean rust Web site. The USDA Public PIPE Mapping Web site also is tracking soybean aphids. More: http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/viewStory.asp?StoryID=800
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NICHE PORK WEB SITE: NEW LOOK, MORE INFO
The National Pork Board's Niche Pork Web site http://www.nichepork.org/ recently underwent the beginning of a transformation. Not only does the site boast a new color scheme and look, but a new logo as well.
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NEW ON-FARM RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Addressing opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in Iowa while stimulating on-farm research is the goal of a new collaborative program involving ISU and Practical Farmers of Iowa. Ten projects were chosen for the 2006 ISU On-Farm Research and Demonstration grant program, funded by the College of Agriculture. Learn more: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news/2006releases/pfi.html
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PREPROPOSALS SOUGHT FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECTS
The North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program announces its 2007 call for preproposals for the Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program. The R&E Grant Program provides funds to collaborative teams of scientists, farmers, institutions, organizations and educators who are exploring sustainable agriculture through in-depth research projects or education/demonstration projects. Preproposals are due June 20. More: http://sare.org/ncrsare/
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
New Technologies for Ag Extension, CSREES, USDA
PURPOSES: to increase the capacity of each state to contribute expertise and content to the development of eXtension, a national web-based information and education delivery system.
Through a cooperative agreement, CSREES plans to support partial deployment of eXtension and enable a technology-conscious national to make use of the valuable information and education that the CES has to offer. Priorities include acquiring and maintaining state-of-the art technology and software applications, recruiting innovative leaders, staff training and others. See the guidelines for program objectives:
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1560
Applications may be submitted by the Extension Directors of eligible institutions. Each institution may submit a maximum of one application for a 3-year period. Matching resources are not required.
I will serve as the point of contact for faculty with project ideas. Please send a brief description of the concept and budget requirement to me no later than May 1, 2006. If multiple ideas are submitted, Michael Ouart and Jack Payne will determine which idea(s) should be developed into the proposal for Iowa.
DEADLINE: May 23, 2006
Corn and Soybean Biotechnology and Socio-economic Issues, Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance (IMBA)
The Executive Committee of the Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance has $962,000 to fund subcontracts on corn and soybean biotechnology and related socio-economic issues. IMBA funds research that is ultimately aimed at expanding the volume of profitable businesses in the United States food and agriculture sector. IMBA exists to provide sound science and socio-economic assessment in the commercialization of corn and soybean biotechnology in production, processing, marketing and acceptance.
The RFP for this years grant competition can be found at: www.imba.missouri.edu
DEADLINE: June 1, 2006
Commodity Partnerships for Risk Management Education, Risk Management Agency, USDA
PURPOSE: to deliver training and information in the management of production, marketing, and financial risk to U.S. agricultural producers.
The program gives priority to educating producers of crops currently not insured under Federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities, including livestock and forage. Grant awards are limited to $150,000 for a one-year project period. Applications will be submitted to the RMA regional office. St. Paul, MN Regional Office covers MN, WI and IA. Priority will be given to public/private partnerships with strategies to reach producers of priority commodities as defined in the guidance. Cost share is encouraged but not required. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a partnership agreement. Indirect costs are limited to 10%. Review criteria are detailed in the guidance.
Extension field specialists are encouraged to collaborate with campus faculty.
Guidelines are available at:
http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/2006/04/rfaeducation.html
DEADLINE: June 2, 2006
Risk Management Research Partnerships, USDA, Risk Management Agency
PURPOSE: to develop non-insurance risk management tools that will be utilized by agricultural producers to assist them in mitigating the risks inherent in agricultural production.
Proposals addressing multiple risks and development of tools that provide an integrated or holistic approach to risk mitigation are encouraged. Projects may be up to three years in length; cost share or matching funds are not required. Details on program priorities are given in the guidelines. See: http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/2006/04/rfard.html
DEADLINE: June 8, 2006
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (pre-proposals invited), North Central Region SARE
PURPOSE: Explore sustainable agriculture through in-depth research projects or education/demonstration projects.
Multi-disciplinary and multi-state projects are encouraged. Successful projects should contribute to two or more of the following outcomes:
1) Improving the profitability of farmers and associated agricultural businesses,
2) Sustaining and improving the environmental quality and natural resource base on which agriculture depends, and
3) Enhancing the quality of life for farmers/ranchers, rural communities, and society as a whole.
Guidelines are available at: http://www.sare.org/ncrsare/resedu.htm
DEADLINE: June 20, 2006 (pre-proposals)
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
May 25: ISUE Sensory Detection of Wine Faults Workshop, 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton. Pre-registration required. Contact Amy Edgington, Warren County Extension Office, 515-961-6237 or edging@iastate.edu.
June 5-8: Workshop on Agricultural Air Quality: State of the Science, Potomac, Maryland. http://esa.org/AirWorkshop/
June 5-9: 61st Annual Agricultural Credit School, Scheman Bldg., Ames. http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/iowaacs/home.html
June 6: RUSLE2 and P Index Workshop for Manure Plan Writers, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., McNeill Hall, Simpson College, Indianola. http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/info/rusle2june06.pdf
June 15-17: 2006 Upper Midwest Master Gardeners Conference, Cedar Rapids Marriott. http://www.mastergardener.iastate.edu/info/06uppermidwestmgconf.html
June 16: Feedlot Expansion Field Day, Noon – 3:30 p.m., Couser Cattle Company, Nevada. http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/2006/CouserFieldDayBroch.pdf
June 16: Ag Professional Tour, 9:30 a.m. – Noon, Northeast Research Farm, Nashua.
June 19: Horticulture Station Research and Demonstration Farm Fruits & Vegetables Field Day, Noon, Hort Station, Gilbert. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
June 21: Horticulture Production in High Tunnels Workshop II, 4:30 – 8:00 p.m., Armstrong Research & Demonstration Farm, Lewis. For more information go to: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/PME/ipm/index.php
June 21-22: Farm Progress Hay Expo, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Strawberry Point. http://www.hayexpo.com/ME2/Audiences/Default.asp
June 22: Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:00 p.m., Crawfordsville. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
June 28: Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:00 a.m., Sutherland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
June 28: Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:30 p.m., Nashua. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
June 29: Northern Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:30 a.m., Kanawha. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.html
July 10-11: 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 12: Southeast Iowa Tiling Demonstration Field Day, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Southeast Research Farm, Crawfordsville. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/louisa/
July 14: Ag Professional Tour, 9:30 a.m. – Noon, Northeast Research Farm, Nashua.
July 14: Northeast Iowa Nutrient Management/Water Quality Update, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Northeast Research Farm, Nashua.
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 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
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 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 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 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