ANR News
 
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                                       Vol. 11, #5
 
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
Pirog Named Leopold Center Associate Director
Extension Turfgrass Specialist Honored
College of Agriculture Awards to Extension Faculty
Iowa Pork Congress Honors IPIC Director
ANR Professional Development and Program Summit
Upcoming ANR Lunch and Learn Dates and Topics
Emerald Ash Borer Webcast March 15
College Name Change Presentation on Web
Agriculture's Impact on Iowa's Counties in Reports ISU
ISU Part of Online Community Development Masters Degree
Leopold Center Joins Forces With Iowa Learning Farm
Climate Change and Agriculture Topic of Pesek Colloquium
Swine Specialist Directory Updated
Tool Available to Help Producers Calculate the Iowa P-Index
Reporting Contact Numbers
Using Rating Scales for Surveys
Summit on Agricultural Education to Discuss Teacher Shortage
Renewable Energy Conference
Funding Opportunities
Selected Calendar of Events
ANR Field & State Staff Directory Update

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JERRY'S COMMENTS

A daily challenge for each of us is to be aware of pertinent and relevant information that is necessary for us to be informed as we share knowledge with clients. This is a difficult and demanding task.

One resource that is helpful to accomplish this task is access to current newsletters produced by Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension faculty and staff and by the College of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, there are more than 20 newsletters as well as a link to newsletters prepared by several field specialists posted at <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/newslet.html>  A few of these posted newsletter have links to other sites and/or home pages.

Examples of current questions that are addressed in newsletter include:  1) How will higher grain prices impact cash rents?  Check the latest guidance in the February issue of Ag Decision Maker posted at <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/whatsnew.html> or 2) is it reasonable to expect Iowa producers to record corn yields of 300 bushel per acre?  The February issue of the ICM Newsletter provides an insight to the barriers as well as the potential at <http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/>  The preceding examples provide samples of the wealth of knowledge shared via these many ANR Extension newsletters. If you are aware of electronic newsletters that are not posted on the ANR web site and are relevant to ANR Extension programs let me know. Happy reading!

February 2 marked the start date for Dr. Jesse A. Randall, Assistant Professor of Forestry and Extension Forester, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.  To learn about Dr. Randall's activities check the February issue of the Woodland Owners Newsletter posted at <http://www.ag.iastate.edu/departments/forestry/ext/nletter.html>

Join me in welcoming Dr. Randall to Iowa State University and ANR Extension.

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PIROG NAMED LEOPOLD CENTER ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture named a new associate director, Rich Pirog, who has been with the Center since 1990.  Rich has a partial extension appointment and contributes to ANR Extension through his work in niche markets, new agricultural enterprises, opportunities, and linkages.

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EXTENSION TURFGRASS SPECIALIST HONORED

The Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association has presented its Distinguished Service Award to David Minner, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, for his dedication to supporting superintendents through extension and research work. Minner travels extensively across Iowa supporting turfgrass managers at golf courses, sports fields and other properties.

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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AWARDS TO EXTENSION FACULTY

Matthew Helmers, extension agricultural and biosystems engineer, received the Early Achievement in Extension Award. Helmers came to Iowa State in 2003 and his research in natural resource engineering provides the basis for his expertise in water quality. Clients seek his advice and insight about drainage and water management problems. Last March, he conducted drainage workshops across Iowa with more than 200 participants.

Roger Ginder, extension economist, received the Outstanding Achievement in Extension Award. Ginder began his career at Iowa State in 1978 after receiving his doctorate from the University of Kentucky. Ginder is a leading expert in the financial and strategic management of cooperatives and has developed and conducted training seminars on an annual basis for executives, managers, board members and employees of cooperative business organizations.

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IOWA PORK CONGRESS HONORS IPIC DIRECTOR

John Mabry, director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, was named an Honorary Master Pork Producers for 2006 at the Iowa Pork Congress.  The award recognizes individuals who have worked tirelessly in their professions to make a positive impact on Iowa's pork producers.

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ANR EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM SUMMIT

On March 27 and 28, the first ANR Extension Professional Development and Program Summit will be held in Ames. We will meet at the Gateway, North Prairie Room, starting at 10:45 a.m. with an opening message from Vice President for Extension, Jack Payne.

The primary purpose of the event is to discuss new opportunities unfolding in Iowa agriculture that provide new opportunities for ANR Extension programming.  All ANR faculty, field specialists, and program staff are asked to participate.  All County Extension Education Directors are invited to participate. See agenda at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/staff/programplanning.html

We are requesting pre-registration to aid in arranging activities, meals, and refreshments.  To pre-register, please complete the following information and send to agdir@iastate.edu .

Name: ___________________________________

Tuesday, March 27 attendance ___ Yes ___ No

Wednesday, March 28 attendance ___ Yes ___ No

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UPCOMING ANR LUNCH AND LEARN DATES AND TOPICS

The following ANR Lunch and Learn session dates and topics have been scheduled:

     March 23, Iowa Meat Goat Industry: Opportunities and Challenges (Dan Morrical)

     April 13, Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship -- Practice-based Survey
                     Results (Lois Wright-Morton)

Each session is offered via Breeze from noon to 12:45 pm and is designed to address the following points:

1. An outline of the opportunities, potential economic impacts, and/or challenges associated with the topic.
2. A review of new or available resources.
3. A discussion of programming implications.

Previous ANR Lunch and Learn sessions are archived at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/staff/lunchandlearn.html

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EMERALD ASH BORER WEBCAST MARCH 15

Iowa State University Extension will be presenting “Preparation for the Emerald Ash Borer” as a live Webcast on Thursday March 15, 2007 from 9:00 to 11:30am. “This exotic insect borer of ash trees is not known to be in Iowa at this time, but its destructive activity in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio warrant this program to better prepare for its arrival in Iowa,” said Mark Shour, extension program specialist with the Pest Management & Environment program. Because of the nature of the topic, this will be offered as a free program at participating ISU extension offices.

Area and county extension offices are encouraged to access the Webcast at www.extension.iastate.edu/webcast/ .  If an event has already been scheduled for this time/date, the program will be archived at this same address after March 23, 2007, for future use.

If you have questions about this Webcast, please contact Mark Shour: (515) 294-1101; mshour@iastate.edu.

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COLLEGE NAME CHANGE PRESENTATION ON WEB

About 20 faculty, staff and students participated in a discussion on the College's proposed name change to "College of Agriculture and Life Sciences" at an open forum on Feb. 14. Dean Wendy Wintersteen made brief remarks followed by questions and comments. Her presentation is available on the College web site:  http://www.ag.iastate.edu/news/OpenForum-web.pdf

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AGRICULTURE'S IMPACT ON IOWA'S COUNTIES IN REPORTS ISU

County-specific fact-sheets have been prepared that report numbers on the role agriculture plays in the economy of Iowa and each of the state's counties. The publications offer statistics on the agriculture industry in each of the state's 99 counties along with specific economic analysis of livestock, corn and soybean production in comparison to the non-agriculture industry. The analysis for these publications was taken from a more detailed report prepared by economics faculty and staff Dan Otto and Mark Imerman with assistance from Dave Swenson and Liesl Eathington. More:  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/.

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ISU PART OF ONLINE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MASTERS DEGREE

The Community Development masters degree is part of an interdisciplinary graduate program through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance and facilitated by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. This program is entirely online, and there are six participating universities offering courses, including Iowa State. More:
http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/distancedegree/index.htm#about

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LEOPOLD CENTER JOINS FORCES WITH IOWA LEARNING FARM

The Iowa Learning Farm, a project involving more than 30 Iowa farmers with an active interest in conservation, has joined forces with the Leopold Center. Leopold Center Director Jerry DeWitt is the new coordinator for the project. More:
http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2007/ilf_020607.htm

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRICULTURE TOPIC OF PESEK COLLOQUIUM

The seventh John Pesek Colloquium on Sustainable Agriculture will explore the potential for the agricultural sector to respond to climate change. More:
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news_detail.php?var1=301

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SWINE SPECIALIST DIRECTORY UPDATED

An updated listing of swine research and extension faculty members at Iowa State is available on the Iowa Pork Industry Center web site. It is current as of January 2007, and includes photos, contact info and main research areas for approximately 60 faculty and staff members based either on campus or at county ISU Extension offices. More: http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/

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TOOL AVAILABLE TO HELP PRODUCERS CALCULATE THE IOWA P-INDEX

A publication that can be used as a tool for gathering field information needed for calculating the Iowa Phosphorus Index has been developed by Iowa State University Extension and two governmental agencies. The Iowa Phosphorus Index is a risk assessment tool for measuring the potential of phosphorus delivery from fields to surface waters. Details:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2007/jan/071902.htm

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REPORTING CONTACT NUMBERS
County directors, field specialists, campus program staff, and faculty are asked to utilize the Extension Calendar for reporting program contact numbers.  Instructions on how to add events and record attendance are available on the Extension Calendar home page at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/. Click on "Instructions" and enter your Username and Password.
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USING RATING SCALES FOR SURVEYS

It is recommended that you use an even number (4 or 6) of levels on your rating scale. When there is an odd number of levels, the middle level tends to become a catch-all category for most respondents. With an even number of levels, respondents have to make a more precise judgment about a rating when its quality is not at the top or bottom of the scale.  Some researchers suggest that a 4-point scale is ideal, and that more than 4 points makes a scale cumbersome and difficult to use.

Examples:

Use a high to low scale from left to right. That way the highest level of performance is described at the left, thus respondents read first the description of an exemplary performance of whatever you are asking them to rate.

Ensure the scale you use reflects variation in quality, not a shift in importance of whatever you are asking them to rate.

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SUMMIT ON AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION TO DISCUSS TEACHER SHORTAGE

The Governor's Council on Agricultural Education will hold its Summit on Agricultural Education in Iowa on March 8 in part to discuss ways to counter a shortage of teachers in the state. Robert Martin, agricultural education and studies, is chair of the Governor's Council. More:
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news_detail.php?var1=302

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RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE

Colorado State University is sponsoring a two-day conference, Renewable Energy Options: The Role of Extension Agents in the 21st Century Energy Economy in Denver, March 19-20, 2007.  The conference will educate Cooperative Extension agents about the various types of renewable energies that are currently being developed.

To learn more and register for this informative event, go to: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/WR/energy.htm
 
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

2007 E-Commerce Grants Program -- Request for Pre-Proposals

The Southern Rural Development Center, in partnership with other Regional Rural Development Centers, announced another round of funding for its e-commerce competitive grants program. The intent of this program is to support the development or expansion of innovative educational resources focusing on key e-commerce topics.  Grants of up to $25,000 are available.  This is a national competitive grants program open to any Extension educator in the U.S.

A select number of persons submitting pre-proposals will be invited to complete a more detailed proposal for consideration by the National E-Commerce Extension Advisory Committee. These invitations will be made by April 1, 2007.  Full details are available online at http://srdc.msstate.edu/ecommerce/07rfp_pre.pdf

DEADLINE:  March 15, 2007 for required Pre-proposals

Pollution Prevention (P2), Environmental Protection Agency

PURPOSE:  Assist businesses and industries in identifying better environmental strategies and solutions for reducing or eliminating waste at the source.

The program is aimed as reducing harmful pollutants across all environmental media:  air, water, and land.  EPA is interesting in supporting projects that reflect comprehensive and coordinated pollution prevention planning and implementation efforts within the State of Tribe.  Applicants are required to describe outcome and output environmental measurement efforts in their proposals.  Examples of outcome measures expected to be achieved under the grants awarded through this program include but are not limited to:  pounds of hazardous materials reduced, BTUs of energy conserved, gallons of water saved, and dollars saved through P2 efforts.  Proposals must include information and discussion on four national requirements:  promote multimedia pollution prevention, commit to working towards state and national pollution prevention program goals, promote partnerships, and demonstrate measurable environmental results.  Grants will range from $20,000 to $180,000.  The maximum project period is 3 years.  One half of the project cost must be covered by non-federal matching funds.  See guidelines for more information.
http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/ppis/2007fpp2grant.htm

DEADLINE:  April 2, 2007

National Integrated Water Quality Program, CSREES, USDA

PURPOSE:  to contribute to the improvement of the quality of our nation's surface water and groundwater resources through research, education, and extension activities.

Project will address water quality issues in agricultural, rural and urbanizing watersheds.  Eight topical themes are identified in the RFA.  Extension education projects must create opportunities and incentives for behavioral change that lead to protection or improvement of water resources.  Integrated projects must present a full-integrated research, education and extension approach to solve water source problems at the whole watershed scale.  See the RFA for specific priorities. 
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1134

Projects may be multi-year. Matching funds are required of the projects provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity.  Extension field specialists with project ideas should collaborate with campus faculty.

DEADLINE:  April 4, 2007
                       Grants.gov application required

Water Quality Projects for Section 319 Funding, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

PURPOSE:  to protect or improve water quality in Iowa through the implementation of nonpoint source pollution control projects.

About half of the funding will be targeted to "impaired waters."  Eligible project activities include:  control of agricultural and non-agricultural sources of nonpoint source pollution, implementation of best management practices in the watersheds of priority surface and ground waters, public information and education programs on nonpoint source pollution and its control, programs providing technical assistance for control of nonpoint source pollution, and programs addressing water body restoration.  Project proposals selected will be included in the IDNR's application to EPA for Section 319 funding.  The approximate start date is January 1, 2008.  Guidelines and application materials are available at:
http://www.iowadnr.com/water/nonpoint/app2.html

DEADLINE:  April 16, 2007

FY 2007 Nutrients Benefits Valuation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

PURPOSE:  to improve the empirical methodologies to the economic valuation of the benefits from reducing nutrient levels in the nation’s water bodies.

Outcomes are intended to assist States in their attempts to estimate monetary benefits associated with nutrient reductions as they strive to adopt numeric nutrient criteria into State water quality standards.  Project proposals must include studies that estimate the economic value of ecological benefits associated with the reduction of nutrients to water.  Proposals that use a production function approach, where changes in stressors are linked to changes in ecological goods or services through an ecological production function, are preferred; such production functions contribute to the transferability of values from one context to another.

EPA anticipates making 1 or 2 awards for project periods of up to two years.  Cost sharing is not required but encouraged.  Guidelines are available at:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/nutrient/grants/

DEADLINE:  May 1, 2007

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SELECTED CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 22-24:  Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse, WI. http://www.mosesorganic.org/umofc/intro06.htm

February 24:  From Boots to Heels Conference, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Cass County Community Center, Atlantic  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/news/boots+to+heels.htm

February 24:  36th Annual Cornbelt Cow/Calf Conference, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Bridgeview Center, Ottumwa. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/wapello/news/36th+Annual+Cornbelt+Cow-Calf+Conference.htm

February 27:  Value Added Agriculture Workshop - Opportunities in Agriculture - Focus on Fruits and Vegetables, 8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Henry County Extension Office, Mt. Pleasant.  For more information go to http://www.extension.iastate.edu/valueaddedag.html (Originally scheduled on February 13 but was postponed due to weather.)

February 27:  Animal Agriculture Tour and Meeting, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Iowa Beef Industry Headquarters, Ames. To RSVP, please contact the Iowa Soybean Association at 1-800-383-1423.

February 27-28:  Winter Crop School - Soybean Production, Gallery, Memorial Union, ISU Campus, Ames. http://www.aep.iastate.edu/winter/soy.html

February 28:  Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Polk County Convention Center, Des Moines. The Summit is free, however registration is required.  To register, go online to: http://www.iowarfa.org/summit.php or call Cheri at 515-252-6249.
 
February 28:  2007 Dairy Facilities Conference - Guidelines for Planning and Building Successful Dairies, 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon. Registration required. For more information contact Chris Mondak, 712-737-4230. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2007/feb/070601.htm

February 28:  7th Annual John Pesek Colloquium on Sustainable Agriculture, 7:00 p.m., Sun Room, Memorial Union, ISU Campus, Ames.

March 1:  2007 Dairy Facilities Conference - Guidelines for Planning and Building Successful Dairies, 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Northeast Iowa Community College Dairy Center, Calmar. Registration required. For more information contact Dale Thoreson, 319-267-2707. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2007/feb/070601.htm

March 2-3:  Women Around Agriculture: Cows, Curves, and CropsConference, Best Western Hotel, Clear Lake. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ISUENews/Templates/EventDetail.aspx?ProgramId=105498

March 3:  IPM Crop Scout School, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Agronomy, Bessey and Kildee Halls, ISU Campus, Ames. http://www.aep.iastate.edu/scout/homepage.html

March 6:  Iowa Water Conference (formerly named Ag & Environment Conference), Scheman Building, Iowa State Center, Ames. http://www.aep.iastate.edu/water/homepage.html

March 6-7:  Value Added Agriculture Workshop - Holistic Management Introduction, Gold Room, Memorial Union, ISU Campus, Ames. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/valueaddedag.html

March 8:  Kura Clover Workshop, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Seed Science Center Auditorium, ISU Campus, Ames. http://www.aep.iastate.edu/kura/homepage.html

March 13:  Value Added Agriculture Workshop - Bridging the Gap – Selling to Distributors and Forming Supply Networks, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., US Bank Community Room, Vinton. For more information go to http://www.extension.iastate.edu/valueaddedag.html

March 13-14:  51st Annual Iowa Shade Tree Short Course, Iowa State Center, Ames. http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/shadetree/home.html

March 15:  P&S Staff Professional Development Day, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Gateway Hotel, Ames. http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/profdevday/home.html

March 15:  Preparation for the Emerald Ash Borer Webcast, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.., participating county extension offices. The program will be archived at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/webcast/

March 16:  Value Added Agriculture Workshop - Bridging the Gap – Selling to Distributors and Forming Supply Networks, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Community Center, Coon Rapids. For more information go to http://www.extension.iastate.edu/valueaddedag.html

March 16-17:  Wine Business Conference, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Des Moines Area Community College, Building 7, Ankeny Campus. To register call Glenda Johnson at 515-964-6547. Pre-registration required.

March 19-20:  Renewable Energy Options: The Role of Extension Agents in the 21st Century Energy Economy Conference, Denver, Colorado.  http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/WR/energy.htm

March 21-22:  Central Plains Dairy Expo, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, S.D.
http://www.centralplainsdairyexpo.com/

March 24:  Blazing a New Trail with Organic Farming – Part 2, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., NICC Cresco Center. For more information contact the Henry County Extension Office at 563-547-3001.

March 27-30:  ANR Professional Development, Ames.

April 3:  Value Added Ag Forum and Tour - Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Processing and Marketing, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information contact Madeline Schulze at 515-294-0588 or schultz@iastate.edu.

May 7-10:  2007 Urban Extension Conference, Hyatt Regency, Kansas City, Missouri. (Early bird registration deadline March 30, 2007). http://extension.missouri.edu/urbanconf/

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