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July 2012

July 17, 2012 10:03 AM
17 Young Iowans Receive Hills Bank and Trust Leadership Grants
Mitchell Hoyer

Seventeen young Iowans have received Hills Bank and Trust Leadership Grants. The scholarship is administered by the Iowa 4-H Foundation and can be used at any Iowa accredited university, college or community college beginning in fall 2012. Recipients are from Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Linn, Muscatine and Washington counties.

July 16, 2012 05:11 PM
Drought Management Information Meeting July 19 in Le Mars
Carol Schneider

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Plymouth County will be hosting a meeting Thursday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss drought related issues at the Plymouth County Extension Office in the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center. Meeting topics include those covered by extension specialists — crop growth and development under drought conditions, feeding drought damaged crops, and crop insurance considerations; and Jeff Davis, county executive director with Farm Service Agency will discuss government crop programs.

July 16, 2012 10:40 AM
Young Farmer Experience Is Feature of Iowa Learning Farms July Webinar
John Lundvall

The Iowa Learning Farms’ July 18 webinar will feature young farmer Nathan Anderson. Anderson, from Cherokee, farms with his wife, Sarah, and family and serves as a Cherokee County Soil and Water District commissioner, involved in Practical Farmers of Iowa and other community and agricultural organizations.

July 16, 2012 10:30 AM
Apply Now for PQA Plus Advisor Training Program
James McKean

Veterinarians and others in Iowa’s pork industry have the opportunity to become Pork Quality Assurance Plus® advisors during a training session Aug. 23 on the Iowa State University campus.

July 16, 2012 09:58 AM
PQA Plus Advisor Recertification Session Is Aug. 23
James McKean

People who need to be recertified as Pork Quality Assurance Plus® advisors are invited to attend a session set for Aug. 23 at Kildee Hall on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

July 13, 2012 02:53 PM
Strategies to Manage Cows in Dry Conditions
Denise Schwab

As dry conditions continue, cattle producers need to look at numerous management practices to help stretch their feed supply and maintain performance and reproduction in the cow herd. Iowa State University Extension beef specialist Denise Schwab offers a few strategies that may help.

July 13, 2012 02:47 PM
Stretch Pastures in Drought Conditions
Denise Schwab

As the drought continues, cattle producers are asking how to stretch their pastures. There are two major techniques that may be pursued, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Denise Schwab.

July 13, 2012 02:19 PM
Iowa Learning Farms Offers Tour of Emmet County CREP Wetlands
John Lundvall

A tour of Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program wetlands in Emmet County will be held on Tuesday, July 24, beginning at 1:30 p.m. CREP specialists with IDALS, will lead the tour and talk about the benefits, installation and financial incentives for these structures.

July 13, 2012 12:02 PM
Drought Adds to Plant and Fish Problems in Ponds
Allen Pattillo

Due to this summer's extreme heat and dry weather, many pond owners are having issues with submerged plants, floating plants and filamentous algae, which are leading them to using aquatic herbicides that may be problematic for fish. Pond owners have a couple of aeration options according to Allen Pattillo, extension aquaculture and fisheries specialist.

July 13, 2012 10:34 AM
Blue-green Algae a Concern for Livestock
Sherry Hoyer

Blue-green algae blooms are already being reported in Iowa lakes, ponds, rivers and streams this summer and creating a risk to livestock. During blue-green algae blooms, toxin concentrations can reach very high levels and can produce severe adverse reactions, including human and livestock fatalities, if that water is consumed.