ANR News
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Vol. 11, #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
Hot Topics in Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension
Note Date Changes For: Upcoming ANR Lunch and Learn Dates and Topics
ANR Extension Professional Development and Program Summit Materials
Making Sense of Survey Results
You Have Soybean Questions, ISU Extension Has Answers
College Website Helps Celebrate 150th
Alternatives to Sow Gestation Stalls Researched
The Economics of Moving from Conventional to Organic
Pest Management and the Environment Program Offers Poster on Loan
Cash Rental Rates Jump in 2007
ISU Extension Wine-Grower-News #1
CropWatch Blog
Funding Opportunities
Selected Calendar of Events
ANR Field & State Staff Directory Update
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JERRY'S COMMENTS
In spite of all of the rain that Iowa has experienced during the last several weeks producers are progressing with planting and crops are emerging. Of course, one of the several initial issues will be questions about diseases and insects. The College of Agriculture and ANR Extension have identified additional human resources to help with field crop insect topics during this growing season. Dr. Patricia Prasifica, a post-doctoral employee with Dr. Jon Tollefson, Chair and Extension Entomologist, Department of Entomology, will take the lead for corn insects, especially during this initial period while Dr. Tollefson recovers from his successful surgery that he experienced last week. Dr. Prasifica can be reached via email at <anderpl@iastate.edu> or at 515-294-1101. Additional assistance for soybean insects is being provided by Jeff Bradshaw, a graduate research assistant. Jeff is assisting Dr. Marlin Rice, Professor and Extension Entomologist. Jeff Bradshaw can be contacted via email at <bradshaw@iastate.edu> or at 515-294-1101. As always, clients are encouraged to make an initial contact with the respective Extension Field Agronomist for their area of the state, see the area map at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/fscrops/fscrops.html
A question that colleagues ask is how does Extension faculty and staff assess the scholarship of publications printed by ISUE. Our view is that ISUE Pamphlets (Pm's) are those publications that synthesize current research based knowledge on the topic being addressed and, therefore, set the standard for publications published by Extension. Last summer a discussion was initiated among several faculty and staff for the purpose of establishing a set of protocols for peer review Extension publications. As a result of these discussions ANR Extension, working with the ISU Extension Communications and Marketing staff, has established a peer reviewed publication series with a PMR reference number and a set of protocol. The purpose of this procedure is to provide Extension faculty and Professional and Scientific staff an opportunity to document scholarship via peer-reviewed Extension publications. Also, non-Extension faculty and P & S staff may use the protocol to produce peer-reviewed Extension publications in conjunction with their outreach responsibilities. Detailed information about the peer-review protocol and publication series (PMR) is posted at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/staff/ptmateirals.html
Spring has arrived, enjoy the season!
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HOT TOPICS IN AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES EXTENSION
The Farm and Business Management Development and Delivery team is providing initial leadership to provide broader client access to ANR Extension programming. The project temporarily titled ‘Hot Topics in Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension’ is intended to address timely topics through archived web-cast presentations and downloadable supplemental resources. By mid-summer, four 15 to 20 minute topics related to farmland leasing will be introduced and marketed. The convenience of accessing ANR Extension program resources via the home computer is expected to reach an audience in addition to those who prefer traditional delivery methods. After the initial pilot this summer, plans are to continue with other timely ‘hot’ topics involving other development and delivery teams. More information will be available as the project progresses.
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NOTE DATE CHANGES FOR: UPCOMING ANR LUNCH AND LEARN DATES AND TOPICS
The following ANR Lunch and Learn session dates and topics have been scheduled:
June 1 – Overview of Proposed 2007 Farm Bill Titles (Chad Hart)
June 8 -- Iowa Grain Storage: Planning and Options (Charles Hurburgh)
The sessions are offered via Breeze from noon to 12:45 pmand are 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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ANR EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM SUMMIT MATERIALS
The planning committee has posted the introductory powerpoint presentations and priority templates developed during the March 27 and 28 ANR Extension Professional Development and Program Summit at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/staff/programplanning.html.
The priority templates represent a rich interdisciplinary outline of ANR Extension’s capability to provide educational leadership to six identified priorities (see bulleted list). The templates represent ANR Extension’s overarching plan to develop a programmatic response. And development and delivery teams are using them to update 2008 plans of work.
Also posted are the hub and spoke diagrams that represent internal and external linkages to each development and delivery team plan-of-work. These linkages are expected to result in more robust programming and impact.
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MAKING SENSE OF SURVEY RESULTS by Sorrel Brown
Numbers vs Percentages — Which one tells a better story?
Reporting that 5 people out of 28 indicated they would adopt a practice during a baseline survey, and that 9 people out of 33 did adopt the practice two years later, doesn’t really make the impact very clear. By changing the numbers to percentages, it makes it easy to show the difference your educational efforts made.
5/28 x 100 = 500/28 = 17.85 (round up to 18%)
9/33 x 100 = 900/33 = 27.27 (round down to 27%)
Always remember that you need the total number of people in the pool you are measuring to figure out a meaningful percentage.
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YOU HAVE SOYBEAN QUESTIONS, ISU EXTENSION HAS ANSWERS
Palle Pedersen, extension soybean agronomist, and his team are ready to answer questions about soybean production. Questions can be submitted through the Web. The service is available to farmers and crop consultants with questions about in any topic related to soybean management. Learn more: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2007/apr/071901.htm
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE WEBSITE HELPS CELEBRATE 150TH
The College of Agriculture began celebrating its 150th birthday with the University at Veishea 2007. The celebration includes a look at the past through a web site dedicated to the College's history. It includes memories of alumni, former faculty and administrators with more to be added throughout the sesquicentennial year celebration. Related events and pride points also will be updated. More: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/coa150/index.php
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ALTERNATIVES TO SOW GESTATION STALLS RESEARCHED
Keeping sows in individual stalls during pregnancy is coming under increasing scrutiny. Researchers at Iowa State have been studying group housing in hoop structures as an alternative and say the results are encouraging. Learn more:
http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news_detail.php?var1=319
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THE ECONOMICS OF MOVING FROM CONVENTIONAL TO ORGANIC
Does it pay locally to help farmers convert their operations from conventional to organic crop production? An Iowa State economics study funded by the Leopold Center shows the potential regional economic impact of organic crop production exceeds that of conventional crop production. Learn more: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/newsreleases/2007/organic_041807.htm
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PEST MANAGEMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM OFFERS POSTER ON LOAN
The Pest Management and the Environment (PME) Program has four different posters and one display available for loan. These posters are perfect for office displays, open houses, field days, workshops, fairs, training sessions and many other activities and events. The posters (7ft. x 3ft.) are made out of plasticized vinyl and are waterproof and UV resistant. Along with posters there are a variety of additional resources, materials, and information available from the ISU Extension Online Store at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store.
The following is the title and a brief description of each poster and the supplemental resources available:
1. Emerald Ash Borer - Understanding the Threat
This poster contains information on the larval and adult stage of the Emerald ash borer (EAB), symptoms of an EAB-infested ash tree, as well as additional information.
Two publications - a brochure and an 8.5” x 11” fact sheet - about the EAB are available free of charge through our office. Both contain general information on the EAB, symptoms, etc. These can be requested at the time of the poster request (please limit 100 each). More information about the EAB can be found through our web site at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pme/home/pests/EAB.php. Extension employees can also view a webcast (recorded 03-15-07) on the EAB that can be accessed through the “Extension Staff Only” section of the PME website under “Archived Webcasts.”
2. The Emerald Ash Borer Dilemma- Knowing Your Insects and Trees
This poster contains information on native borers of ash trees, insects often mistaken for emerald ash borers, ash tree characteristics and tree species resembling ash. It is a good “partner” with the previous poster.
3. Soybean Aphids- Know Your Competition
This poster contains information on the identification and biology of soybean aphids, the damage they cause, scouting for them and management options. “Soybean Aphids in Iowa – 2006” (SP 0247 2006) is an excellent resource to accompany this poster.
4. “European Corn Borer- The Billion Dollar Insect”
This poster contains information on Western corn rootworms, Northern corn rootworms and a summary of their behaviors. Publications that can be ordered on the Extension On-line Store are:
· “Bt Corn and European Corn Borer: Long-Term Success Through Resistance Management” (NCR 0602)
· “European Corn Borer- Ecology and Management” (NCR 0327)
· “IPM of First Generation European Corn borer- Economic Threshold (Estimator)” (IPM 0037)
An excellent glove safety display also is available. This display consists of 11 laminated panels with Velcro® backing. It contains an EPA chemical resistance category chart, precautionary statements, information on choosing the correct gloves and what to do after wearing, along a picture and graphics. The following publications are excellent resources to accompany this display.
· “Guard Your Hands with Gloves! -- For Pesticide Work” (PM 1878)
· “Pesticide Safety: Keep Gloves Handy for Pesticide Work – Safe Farm” (PM 1518E)
· “Protect your Hands With Gloves – Family Pesticide Safety” (PM 1663C)
Please reserve the poster or display at least 2 weeks prior to the date that it is needed. They are loaned on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you send your request through email we ask that you include the dates you would like the poster/display, a phone number where you can be reached at and a shipping address for the posters. The maximum loan time is 3 weeks. Outbound shipping is free, but the return postage is the responsibility of the borrower. Return instructions will be included with the poster.
If you are interested in reserving any of these posters or the glove display or if you have any questions, please contact Alexis Bryant at Abryant@iastate.edu or call 515-294-8946.
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CASH RENTAL RATES JUMP IN 2007
Results from the ISU Extension ‘Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2007 Survey’ have been released. This year’s survey results estimated that the average cash rent for corn and soybean land in the state for 2007 was $150 per acre, compared to $137 in the 2006 survey. This is the largest increase in a single year since the statewide survey was initiated in 1994. All of the 12 areas in Iowa that were surveyed showed increases, ranging from $11 to $22 per acre. The intent of the survey is to report average rents in force for 2007, not the highest or lowest values heard through informal sources or expected rental rates for next year. Rental values were estimated by asking over 1,000 tenants, landowners, farm managers, lenders and other people familiar with the land market what they thought were typical rates in their county for high, medium and low quality row crop land, as well as for hay and pasture acres. Opinions about rental rates varied widely, even within counties, indicating a great deal of uncertainty this year. The full report can be viewed on the Ag Decision Maker web page at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/pdf/c2-10.pdf
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ISU EXTENSION WINE-GROWER-NEWS #1
Mike White, ISU Extension Viticulture Specialist, recently introduced a weekly electronic newsletter targeting grape growers and wine producers across the state. The purpose of ‘ISU Extension Wine-Grower-News’ is to address educational and informational topics related to both viticulture and enology. Plans are to send the newsletter via e-mail directly to the target audience during the growing season (May -August) and bi-weekly during the remainder of the year. ISU personnel can access the newsletter at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/newslet.html
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CROPWATCH BLOG
Iowa State University and Iowa Farmer Today have teamed up to launch CropWatch Blog. The new website features 13 agronomy specialists from Iowa State and industry partners of ISU’s Corn and Soybean Initiative. They will post reports of crop conditions, weed problems, and disease and pest threats as they arise in fields across Iowa.
CropWatch Blog is accessible from the home page of Iowa Farmer Today, http://www.iowafarmertoday.com, or directly at http://www.iowafarmertoday.com/blog. The blog will be continuously updated throughout the growing season, as the crop experts become aware of changing conditions important to Iowa farmers. Visitors to the site can pose questions to bloggers or report conditions in their areas.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Non-insurance Risk Management Program Partnerships Risk Management Agency, USDA
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.
The objective is to develop risk management tools designed to increase knowledge of and participation in existing insurance programs available to producers of agricultural products. The tools should not be part of the insurance policy, and should not be exclusively educational in nature. See the guidelines for priorities and examples of tools. Projects may be for up to 3 years in duration. Application information is available at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/
DEADLINE: May 17, 2007
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA
PURPOSE: to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection.
All CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (ie. market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals or guides or to the private sector. The program does not fund research. All agricultural producers receiving direct or indirect payments through participation in a CIG project must meet the EQIP eligibility requirements. The role of the grantee is to provide the technical assistance required to successfully implement and complete the project. Requirements and priorities are given in the guidelines. Individual project grants are limited to $75,000. Matching funds are required; one-half of the required match must be cash. Program guidelines are available at:
http://www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CIG.html
DEADLINE: May 31, 2007
Strategic Agricultural Initiative Program, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
PURPOSE: to support efforts by the agricultural community to "transition" away from high risk pesticides to the use of less and reduced risk pesticides, alternative methods of agricultural pest control, and sustainable practices in food production.
Priority will be given to projects that use a "whole systems" approach, address an array of commodities, focus on sustainable agriculture, incorporate conservation planning, are submitted by applicants with a proven track record of grower participating and adoption, and have an outreach and extension component to their project. Matching funds are not required. Applicants are encouraged to leverage funds from other sources as much as possible. Awards will be made through assistance agreements ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for up to 5 projects.
Application information is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/region07/economics/r7_grant_opportunities.htm
DEADLINE: June 5, 2007
Rural Cooperative Development Grant, USDA Rural Development
PURPOSE: to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development.
Grant funds are provided for the establishment and operation of Centers that have the expertise or who can contract out for the expertise to assist individuals or entities in the startup, expansion or operational improvement of cooperative businesses. The maximum grant award is $200,000. Matching funds (25% of the total project cost) are required.
Applicant eligibility is limited to nonprofit corporations and institutions or higher education. For guidelines, see: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm
DEADLINE: June 8, 2007
Pollution Prevention Information Network Environmental Protection Agency
PURPOSE: to assist businesses and industries in identifying better environmental strategies and solutions for reducing or eliminating waste at the source.
The 2007 request for proposals emphasizes 1) providing pollution prevention information services in a more focused and efficient manner and 2) enhancing measurement and evaluation. EPA encourages proposals that seek new approaches to providing pollution prevention information services that will be more efficient. Grantees are expected to use performance measurement and program evaluation to determine whether projects are achieving their goals. Previous grants have ranged from $50,000 to $129,000. Projects are limited to one year in length. Cost sharing at the level of 50% of the total project costs must be provided by the applicant. Program requirements and application guidelines are available at:
http://epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/ppin/ppin07.htm
DEADLINE: June 11, 2007
Pollution Prevention, Source Reduction Assistance Grants Environmental Protection Agency
PURPOSE: to support pollution prevention/source reduction and/or resource conservation projects that help to eliminate pollution at the source.
Each EPA Region anticipates having up to $163,000 available to fund projects in fiscal years 2007-2008. Priorities for Region 7 (includes Iowa) are: agriculture; persistent, bioaccumative and toxic chemical reduction; toxicity reduction; waste reduction; energy conservation; and/or water conservation. Applicants are encouraged to contact their regional P2Rx center to determine the type of pollution prevention work that has already been accomplished. Guidelines are available at: http://epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/srap07.htm#IVD
DEADLINE: June 18, 2007
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grant Program, North Central Region SARE
PURPOSE: promote research and education projects on sustainable agriculture topics that strengthen rural communities, increase farmer/rancher profitability, and improve the environment.
Projects must benefit agriculture in the North Central Region and contribute to the following outcomes: improve the profitability of farmers and associated agricultural businesses, sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resource based on which agriculture depends, and enhance the quality of life for farmers/ranchers, rural communities and society as a whole. Examples of bio-energy projects that NCR-SARE might support are included in a position paper on the NCR SARE web site.
Guidelines for required pre-proposals are available at: http://ncr.sare.org/resedu.htm
DEADLINE: June 19, 2007
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SELECTED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 16: Adapting to Changing Beef Economics Workshop, Lucas County Extension Office, Chariton. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2007/apr/071304.htm
May 16: Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference 2007, Ames.
http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/soilmanagement/home.html
May 21-22: National Anaerobic Treatment of Agricultural Wastes Course, Hotel Fort Des Moines. http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/anaerobiccourse/home.html
May 24: Anaerobic Digestion: Economic Opportunities and Environmental Benefits for Dairy Producers, Noon – 2:30 p.m., Sioux County Extension Office, (Downstairs Meeting Room), Orange City. For more information, contact Chris Mondak, 712-737-4230; cmondak@iastate.edu
June 11-13: Hoof-Trimming School, Dutchland Dairy, Rolfe. Register by June 1 at the Sioux County Extension Office (712-737-4230). For more information about the School, contact Karl Burgi (608-356-3834); kburgi@comforthoofcare.com
June 13-14: Four State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference, Grand River Center, Dubuque. For more information contact Lee Kilmer at 515-294-6021.
June 14-16: Hoof-Trimming School, Atsma Dairy, Granville. Register by June 1 at the Sioux County Extension Office (712-737-4230). For more information about the School, contact Karl Burgi (608-356-3834); kburgi@comforthoofcare.com
June 21: Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:00 p.m., Crawfordsville. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
June 21-22: National Compost Dairy Barn Conference, Burnsville, MN. For more information go to: http://www.ansci.umn.edu/compostbarnconf.htm
June 27: Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:00 a.m., Sutherland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
June 27: Rhodes Research and Demonstration Farm Pasture Management Field Day, 5:30 p.m., Rhodes. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
June 28: Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:30 p.m., Nashua. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
July 7-8: Hands-on Wine Microbiology Course, Food Sciences Bldg, ISU Campus, Ames. For more information contact Jo Gregg at jagregg@iastate.edu
July 13: Northern Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:30 a.m., Kanawha. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
July ?: Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm Hort Field Day, 5:00 p.m., Fruitland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php (exact date not set yet)
August 13: Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm High Tunnel Field Day, 5:00 p.m., Lewis. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
August 22: Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm Crops-Grazing Field Day, 4:00 p.m., Greenfield. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
August 23: AEA Bruner Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 10:00 a.m., Ames. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
August 28: Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 6:30 p.m., Sutherland. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
August 29: Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 9:30 a.m., Lewis. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
September 6: Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:00 p.m., Crawfordsville. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
September 6: Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Crops Field Day, 1:30 p.m., Nashua. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
September 7: Western Research and Demonstration Farm Livestock-Forages Field Day, 10:00 a.m., Castana. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php
September ?: McNay Research and Demonstration Farm Crops-Livestock Field Day, 5:30 p.m., Chariton. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/fielddays.php (exact date not set yet)
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