Acreage Living Newsletter
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Rainwater Catchment and Reuse |
Harvesting rainwater has gained attention in recent years, especially after the Midwest experienced a couple seasons of wet springs followed by several dry weeks during the growing season. Rainwater catchment systems are not difficult or expensive to install on a home or other buildings.
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Manure Management on Acreages and Small Farms |
Many acreage owners may have a small chicken flock, a few goats or maybe even a few beef or swine. One of the challenges to this practice is what to do with the accumulated manure produced by the animals. Manure accumulated in coops or pens needs to be removed and appropriately handled at some point in time.
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Spatial Design in Landscaping Plans |
The idea of creating a landscape plan can often seem overwhelming, especially for larger properties. The placement of trees, planting beds and lawns can feel like an unachievable puzzle. To begin it’s important to define spatial design vs. planting design. |
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Thoughts on Colostrum and Colostrum Substitutes |
Spring signals the arrival of new life, including lambs. Spring lambing may also bring challenges, including how to get colostrum to a lamb in trouble because of mother mortality, multiples at birth or no colostrum from the mother. This article describes possible solutions for colostrum substitutes. |
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Protecting Ponds from Too Much "Moss" |
The warm, early spring weather has prompted the growth of vegetation across Iowa’s nutrient rich soils – and soon it will encourage growth in the nutrient-rich waters of Iowa ponds. During this time of year, known as the spring turnover, oxygen and nutrients get distributed throughout pond water, the sun gets stronger and the first algae begin to grow. |
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Biennial Thistles of Iowa |
Biennial thistles are commonly found in Iowa's pastures, roadsides, CRP and other un-tilled areas. Musk (Carduus nutans ) and bull (Cirsium vulgare) thistle are exotic species (originate from outside of North America) and are responsible for the majority of problems caused by this group of plants. Read more about identification, characteristics and removal methods. |
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What is the Midwest Plan Service? |
MidWest Plan Service is a university-based cooperative designed to publish research-based publications immediately applicable to rural life in the Midwest. |
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Aquaculture Publications on Raising and Caring for Fish Available |
Fish producers can stay current on the areas of fish health, feeding practices, water quality and water treatment by referring to the standard operating procedures for aquaculture outlined in new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publications. |
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Profitable Farms and Woodlands: A Practical Guide |
If you are interested in some interesting ways to make your acreage pay a few bills and perhaps have a little fun along the way, the free publication, Profitable Farms and Woodlands: A Practical Guide in Agroforestry for Landowners, Farmers and Ranchers is available as a download. |