Acreage Living Newsletter
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Beginning Farmer Programs Available through the Iowa Agricultural Development Division |
Obtaining enough capital to pursue a career in production agriculture can be challenging, but the Iowa Agricultural Development Division (IADD) has programs designed to assist Iowa beginning farmers in overcoming these obstacles. |
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Acquiring Farm Machinery Services |
Today farmers can easily invest over $200,000 in a single tractor or combine. Are there any alternatives? Although most farmers own their own machinery, options such as custom hiring, renting and leasing are also popular. |
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Agroforestry on the Farm: Elderberry |
Elderberry grows wild throughout the eastern United States, as well as the Midwest, and can be seen along roadsides and rivers. It thrives in moist areas and can be grown in riparian situations. Elderberry is also referred to as a "superfruit' due to its high level of antioxidants and associated health benefits.
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The Observer’s Eye: Phenology and Our Changing Seasons |
All of us note the seasonal events that to some extent chronicle each passing year. It can actually be a fun family and personally fulfilling exercise to chronicle our passage by composing a formal naturalist’s journal and outdoor calendar. You may even want to scrapbook it with photos, notes and collected items. |
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Proper Transplant Production is Key to Healthy and High Yielding Crops |
Benefits of starting your vegetables from transplants are many and include: early start, uniform crop growth, and healthy root system. |
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Utilizing Goats for Brush Control |
Even the smallest timber stands or neglected pasture on an acreage can include unwanted brush. Management of the brush can be time-consuming, expensive and include chemicals which include restrictions, environmental concerns, etc. Some rural residents are utilizing a biological control method for brush – goats! |