Publications
 Stocking rates provide information on how many horses a pasture can carry (feed) in a month. The type of pasture will influence stocking rates. A pasture planted with orchardgrass and some alfalfa will produce 2 to 5 ton/acre/year of forage. Tonnage produced is dependent on rainfall, species of plants, soil type, fertilization, and management. |
 Estimated deductible costs for use in adjusting farm expenses to exclude the cost of producing home-consumed farm produce. |
 This two-page sheet lists values of farm commodities at the end of calendar year 2022 for use in tax reporting. |
 This annual survey includes information on the average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa by county and how the current year's numbers compare to years past.
Additional information can be found on the Land Value Survey web-portal: https://www.card.iastate.edu/farmland/ which offers visualization tools such as charts and interactive county maps, as well as links to surveys from prior years. |
 The importance of water in swine production cannot be overstated, as it is essential for normal metabolic function and is the nutrient consumed in the largest quantity by pigs. Water also is critical for regulating body temperature, excreting waste, and is required to maximize feed consumption. Therefore, insuring pigs have access to water adequate in both quality and quantity is paramount. |
 If concern arises about a possible nutritional deficiency or toxicity in a swine diet, a feed or biological sample can help identify the issue. Since neither feed nor biological tissues are fully homogenous in character, the source of the sample must be accurately portrayed. This means it is imperative to take a suitable and representative sample that accurately represents the parameter of interest and its source. |
 Collecting a blood sample is a minimally invasive procedure. However, a basic understanding of blood components and sampling equipment can help ensure accurate and appropriate sampling. Certain factors should be considered prior to submitting a blood sample for analysis. |
 When there is a nutritionally relevant issue on a farm and biological samples need to be sent to the diagnostic laboratory, it is common to send the samples in the mail overnight. |
 Details on selecting and managing soybean cyst nematode-resistant varieties. |
 Publication summarizes current demographic and population trends for Iowaâs metro, micropolitan, and rural areas. Easy to understand charts show trends between 2011 to 2021. Purpose is to quickly inform policymakers and the public about key issues facing Iowa. Indicators include: population, births and deaths, migration, age structure, and race and ethnicity. |
 The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll is an annual survey of Iowa farmers. The survey project collects and disseminates information on issues of importance to farmers and agricultural stakeholders across Iowa and the Midwest. The Farm Poll has been conducted since 1982, making it the longest-running survey of its kind in the nation. The survey is conducted by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Sociology in partnership with the ISU Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM) and supported by ISU Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station. |
 A two-page handout on boxwood dieback (this is not the same as boxwood blight) that includes color photos, host range, disease epidemiology and management. |
 The Integrated Crop Management Records Form for private pesticide applicators can be used to enter restricted-use pesticide information and crop management activities as they happen on your farm. |
 Today, iron is visible to us where it forms rusty-colored minerals in springs or small streams, stains soils, and forms metallic-looking rocks that are often mistaken for meteorites. These minerals often form when iron dissolved in water precipitates, like how seawater leaves salt behind when it evaporates. Have you found iron where you live? Why is it there? How do you know if it is naturally occurring or some type of contamination? |
 Improving water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat while remaining productive and profitable is the focus of many conservation efforts in Iowa. Confidence in practice selection and management is essential for implementing conservation practices. This publication provides best management recommendations for farmers and landowners getting started with conservation and water quality practices by helping select and incorporate in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices most appropriate to the decision maker's land and preferences. |
 This is a summary document for the report Carbon Science for Carbon Markets: Emerging Opportunities for Iowa (CROP 3175) . Researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) were asked by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to undertake an assessment of the science supporting agriculturally based carbon markets. This report includes the work of 51 faculty members, staff, postdoctoral associates, and graduate student scholars associated with four colleges, four institutes and centers, and 13 departments throughout ISU. |
This is a summary document for the report Carbon Science for Carbon Markets: Emerging Opportunities for Iowa (CROP 3175) . Researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) were asked by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to undertake an assessment of the science supporting agriculturally based carbon markets. This report includes the work of 51 faculty members, staff, postdoctoral associates, and graduate student scholars associated with four colleges, four institutes and centers, and 13 departments throughout ISU. |
 This publication discusses how soil organic carbon has a wide range of crucial roles in agriculture. It impacts crop productivity, soil health, the movement of water, and removal of contaminants. |
 Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a cool-season leafy green that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, along with Swiss chard and beets. Native to Asia, spinach has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Known for its nutritional benefits, popularized by the Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon in the United States, spinach is grown for both fresh market and processing. |
 Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a cool-season leafy green that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, along with Swiss chard and beets. Native to Asia, spinach has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Known for its nutritional benefits, popularized by the Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon in the United States, spinach is grown for both fresh market and processing. |
 Biochar is a black charcoal material produced from biomass with a process called pyrolysis. Biochar is manufactured for use as a soil amendment instead of a fuel for cooking.
This publication discusses research and the benefits of using biochar in soil. |
 We all have PERSONALITY. Each person is born with personality tendencies that can somewhat predict behaviors and tend to become more refined as aging and maturity occurs. Knowing your personality tendencies and that of others, has reportedly benefited many farm couple and family relationships by helping identify and manage personality differences. People can learn to gravitate more toward personality strengths and positive thoughts, attributes, and emotions, as well as to mitigate personality weaknesses and negative thoughts, attributes, and emotions. |
 An enterprise budget is an estimate of the costs and returns to produce a product (enterprise). For example, an Iowa corn and soybean producer would be interested in developing both a corn and soybean enterprise budget. Vegetable growers who may have 35-40 different products may wish to develop budgets on their key products. These would be products that contribute the most to the attainment of producer goals. |
An enterprise budget is an estimate of the costs and returns to produce a product (enterprise). For example, an Iowa corn and soybean producer would be interested in developing both a corn and soybean enterprise budget. Vegetable growers who may have 35-40 different products may wish to develop budgets on their key products. These would be products that contribute the most to the attainment of producer goals. |
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An enterprise budget is an estimate of the costs and returns to produce a product (enterprise). For example, an Iowa corn and soybean producer would be interested in developing both a corn and soybean enterprise budget. Vegetable growers who may have 35-40 different products may wish to develop budgets on their key products. These would be products that contribute the most to the attainment of producer goals. |
An enterprise budget is an estimate of the costs and returns to produce a product (enterprise). For example, an Iowa corn and soybean producer would be interested in developing both a corn and soybean enterprise budget. Vegetable growers who may have 35-40 different products may wish to develop budgets on their key products. These would be products that contribute the most to the attainment of producer goals. |
The flash of a colorful butterfly and the buzz of a bumble bee traveling between flowers bring extra beauty and enjoyment to our gardens. Planning your garden or landscape to include plants that attract and sustain butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects can increase the populations of these desired insects and increase the diversity you can observe and enjoy. You will also be doing your part to help preserve butterflies, honey bees and pollinators that are threatened and in decline.
Previously known as RG 0601. |
 Forages as hay or pasture make up the significant share of the daily intake of a horse. Horses are natural grass eaters with front teeth suited for biting off the grass. The molars chew and grind bulky feed, such as hay and coarse grains. A mature horse that is not working hard will eat 1.5 to 2 pounds of air-dry feed per 100 pounds of body weight. That would be 15 to 20 pounds of hay daily for a 1,000-pound horse. In Iowa, horses will require about 2 tons of hay per head per year, plus summer pasture. When meeting nutrient requirements, carefully consider forage quality and nutrient content. |
 Annual vines grow quickly and bloom profusely in one growing season. They can camouflage unsightly fences or walls, accent pleasing architecture, or soften harsh structural linesâand at the same time add color, texture, and height. Vines are ideal for creating a temporary, natural screen for privacy or against sun, wind, or unattractive views. They also can create a welcoming habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies.
Replaces RG 0317 - Annual Vines - Reiman Gardens |
 Tens of thousands of old wells have been abandoned throughout Iowa, which can lead to personal injury, equipment damage, and unsafe drinking water. Read about plugging schedules, who can safely plug wells, recommended plugging materials, plugging procedures, and other information. |
 One of the best ways to learn about and appreciate the landforms and geology of Iowa is to get outside and visit the rocks, sediments, and landscapes in person. While some of Iowaâs most interesting geological features canât be seen at the surface, many interesting features can be explored up close in Iowaâs state and county parks, refuges, and recreation areas. |
 The forests of a prairie state like Iowa are unique refugia of biological diversity and important ecological and economical function. This article explores Iowa's forest ecosystems and the critical roles they play in our environment, economy, and quality of life.
The Iowaâs Nature series was a collaborative project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Association of Naturalists, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. |
 From ocean-front property to spruce forest to today's rich organic prairie soils, Iowa's geological past is a fascinating story that can be told through careful inspection of the land beneath our feet. This article explores the long-view history of Iowa's landscapes and explains how the hills and valleys we call home were formed over millennia. |
 This document reports a subset of results of a survey project that is focused on measuring changes in the human domain, mainly Iowa farmersâ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to reduction of nutrient losses from farmland. The results presented in this document are specific to the Des Moines hydrologic unit code-6 (HUC6) watershed. |
 Private pesticide applicators are required to keep and maintain records for all restricted use pesticides for two years. The federal regulations also require private pesticide applicators to record the below information within 14 days of the restricted use pesticide application. Use this form to fill out the required information for a restricted use pesticide application, however, there is no official form for application records. Descriptions of required items can be found on page two.
Download options include Form 1 for use by a single applicator or Form 2 for multiple applicators. |
 The Pesticide Act of Iowa requires commercial, public, and noncommercial pesticide applicators to maintain records of each pesticide applied for three years after the date of application. Use this form to keep your pesticide application records, however, there is no official record keeping form. Fill out all sections of this form for your records, items in the âoptionalâ section are not required by Iowa Administrative Code.
Download options include Form 1 for use by a single applicator or Form 2 for multiple applicators. |
 The interest in indoor shrimp aquaculture as a means of producing high-quality, fresh, never-frozen marine shrimp in practically any location is growing. Indoor shrimp production allows farmers to tap into niche markets where consumers are willing to pay a higher price for top-quality, locally grown food products. This publication provides information about some specific techniques that can be used to produce shrimp indoors. |
 Agriculture and aquaculture share many common safety risks, some being specific to each sector. Aquaculture entails unique and risky chores that pose added danger, including working around water and working at night. This publication reviews some of the most common risks and ways to prevent injury or death while working in this environment. |
 A two-page handout on the invasive Asian longhorned tick that includes color photos, life cycle, basic information about potential impacts to humans and livestock. |
 The official textbook of the Iowa Master Gardener training: each chapter is written by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists, providing information and answers to questions about growing and tending plants. |
 As growers and those who advise them collect soil samples from fields to test for the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and compare results from various fields and soil testing laboratories over multiple years, there are several things to consider to help interpret the soil sample results. |
 Benchmarking is defined as a standard or point of reference against which things can be compared or assessed. Benchmarking feedlot performance is best done with the objective of monitoring performance and improvement within an operation over time. |
 Crabgrass, sometimes called watergrass, is a warm-season annual grassy weed that is prevalent in Iowa. Crabgrass germinates in the spring once soil temperatures hit 55°F for four straight days and nights, and will die with the cooler weather and frost in the fall. Iowa has both Digitaria ischaemum (smooth crabgrass, smooth hairless stems with hairs where the stem and leaf meet) as well as Digitaria sanguinalis (large crabgrass, the stems and leaves contain hairs). |
 Black medic (Medicago lupulina) is a summer-annual broadleaf weed commonly found in Iowa. Due to its similar appearance to members of the clover family (Trifolium ssp.), and yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta), this weed can be easily misidentified. In Iowa, black medic is known to be problematic on both high- and low-maintenance turf and is tolerant of a wide range of mowing heights. |
 There are times when lawns are damaged by heat, drought, disease, and other factors beyond one’s control to the extent that reseeding may become necessary. Situations also arise where the area was originally established to inferior species or cultivars, or where the area has become infested with perennial weeds, such as bromegrass, orchardgrass, and quackgrass that cannot be selectively controlled. If the slopes and contours on the area are satisfactory, it may be possible to reestablish the area without major tillage. |
 When deciding which turfgrass is best for a lawn, purchasing high quality seed is important. Garden center shelves contain a wide range of seed choices. Often a mixture or a blend of turfgrass seed is available. A blend is several cultivars or varieties of the same turfgrass species, while a mixture contains two or more turfgrass species.
Previously known as PM 1577 |
 Soil health or soil quality refers to the ability of soil to function and sustain productivity, enhance and maintain water and air quality, and support plant health. Soils provide many essential functions, such as regulating water, sustaining plant and animal life, reducing potential pollutants, cycling nutrients, and physical stability. Soil health involves physical, chemical, and biological processes and properties. |
 Warm-season grasses are best adapted to temperatures between 75 and 95°F. This calendar talks more in depth about warm season grasses and best practice to grow them. |
 Increased environmental concerns surrounding soluble nitrogen sources have forced many to reconsider organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers, as well as slow-release synthetic sources, release small amounts of nitrogen over long periods. University research from across the country has concluded that when applied correctly, organic and slow-release products will reduce environmental impact. |
 This article explores the evolution of financial liquidity among mid- and large-size Iowa farms in 2020 against a backdrop of growing net farm income. Some indicators point to a smaller share of farms with increasing needs for short-term financing with respect to 2020, and multiple indicators suggest an expanding share of farms with strengthened liquidity positions. Multi-year trends suggest that overall farm liquidity has improved in 2020, but the improvement could not offset the slow but persistent erosion of liquidity observed since 2014. |