Acreage Living Newsletter
 |
Farmers Market U-pick Guidance |
As COVID-19 changes so many things about our society, many produce farmers are currently seeing a surge in demand for their produce from local customers. Direct marketing techniques are rapidly shifting to low- and no-contact methods. It is critical that farmers markets institute immediate changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their staff, sellers and buyers. |
 |
Keeping Bees in CRP |
Over the past two decades, scientists and beekeepers alike observed drastic declines in bee populations. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offered through the USDA offers a promising mitigation strategy related to establishing more nesting and foraging habitat for bees. |
 |
New Opportunity for Iowa Prairie Pothole Region Farmers |
Row crop farmers in Iowa’s Prairie Pothole Region in northern Iowa have an opportunity through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to receive payments on cropped wetlands by protecting flood-prone areas. The NRCS is managing the new Prairie Pothole Water Quality and Wildlife Program. |
 |
The Buy Local Movement for Beef |
Regardless of the history, the recent closure of a number of large-scale meat processing facilities and the subsequent backlog of market-ready livestock caused virtually an immediate spike in the demand for locally processed beef. |
 |
Organic Agriculture Production Concerns Amid COVID-19 |
Organic producers see an increase in demand for local sales. |
 |
COVID-19 Resources |
We've rounded up some COVID-19 related resources of note. |
 |
Meat Processing |
Supply chain challenges from COVID-19 have generated additional interest from consumers in purchasing meat directly from producers and a realization that capacity for small-scale meat processing in Iowa is limited. |