Acreage Living Newsletter

Tall fescue is slowly becoming a more popular choice in Iowa. It turns green in the mid-spring and maintains color into late fall. Tall fescue has the highest heat, traffic and drought tolerance of the cool-season grasses. It is well adapted to wet soils, partially shaded sites and is often used where low-maintenance lawn is desired. Tall fescue will form a deep root system that is tolerant of clay and alkaline soils. Tall fescue also has a moderate tolerance of cold temperatures, but is suitable for a majority of Iowa winters below U.S. Hwy. 20.

One fast growing trend among small farms is raising poultry. Typically, poultry offers a small-scale livestock enterprise without requiring large amounts of capital, land, time or equipment. Careful planning and preparation prior to your poultry's arrival will help ensure the establishment of a healthy flock for your family's enjoyment and food production.

More than 6 million young people across the country will celebrate National 4-H Week during the first full week of October. Are you or your children interested in 4-H?

Fall is the time of year when unwelcome pests look for shelter for the winter. It is a good time to check your home and outbuildings on your acreage to discourage pests from taking up residence.

For small farms that grow a diversity of fruit and vegetables, pollinators can be essential for crop production. Even though much of Iowa is committed to producing corn and soybeans, a remarkably diverse community of bees persists in the landscape. We describe several approaches to conserving bees so that small farms can get the most out of the service they provide.

Acreages in Iowa often include outbuildings where owners have no immediate plans for traditional agricultural use. Is there an opportunity to capture some revenue from renting those buildings to others? If so, what can be charged?

Winter brings food scarcity, which makes the home landscape a target for rabbits. Rabbits can severely damage trees and shrubs unless homeowners are proactive, which makes protecting them before winter arrives a major priority.

Winter is a great time for spring planning of pastures - both those that are new and those planned for production. This article summarizes a bulletin from ISU Extension and Outreach on the various costs of pasture improvements and pasture/forage management.

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.

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.

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.

MidWest Plan Service is a university-based cooperative designed to publish research-based publications immediately applicable to rural life in the Midwest.

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.

A very small, metallic green beetle is moving/being moved across Iowa and is destroying ash trees in its wake. More than twenty counties are now considered infested by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and this count is expected to increase in the coming year. This article helps acreage owners identify ash trees and signs to look for in an infestation.

By definition, a riparian buffer is a vegetated “buffer-strip” near a stream, which helps to shade and partially protect the stream from the impact of adjacent urban, industrial or agricultural land use. Learn how they can be used effectively on an acreage or small farm.

Conditions have been especially favorable this year for wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), a common roadside weed in Iowa. Wild parsnip plant parts contain a substance called psoralen, which can cause a condition known as “phytophotodermatitis”. This reaction occurs when plant juice gets on the skin and then the skin is exposed to sunlight. Learn how to identify and control this weed.

Fencing costs are one of the most expensive aspects of livestock grazing. The type of fence constructed greatly impacts the cost per foot, total cost, and annual ownership cost. This publication compares the costs of building a quarter-mile (1,320 feet) straight perimeter fence with four different types of permanent fencing plus temporary interior fencing.

Many rural residences and farmsteads use yard lights to provide night security and to illuminate driveways and buildings after dark. Selecting the right light will produce the results you want while saving energy.

With winter just around the corner, snow fences are going up in anticipation of the snows that will surely come. Snow fences are just one of the ways to control drifting snow. To make sure they do the job right without creating more problems, they must be properly placed.

Iowa 4-H focuses on four domains: science, technology, engineering and math - referred to as STEM - citizenship and leadership; communications and the arts; and healthy living. Youth are encouraged to get involved in all of these domains to access a variety of areas to increase curiosity and gain valuable experiences.

We often receive questions at CALT about Iowa fence law and the obligations it imposes on landowners. This article provides a brief overview of Iowa Code § 359A. Although fences located fully within the boundaries of a city are subject to municipal law, it is important to note that Iowa fence law applies whether or not farming is conducted on the land.

Chestnuts are an agroforestry option for small acreages. Learn how one Iowa producer got started in chestnuts and what production practices worked well for him.

In most beef operations, regardless of size, the single largest cost is feed. Proper planning and implementation of winter grazing can dramatically reduce annual cow costs without sacrificing productivity and profit. So how do you go about developing a winter grazing system, and what do you need to be wary of? 

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.

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.

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!

One question all homeowners wrestle with is whether to grow vegetable in soil or in raised beds. It is an important question that has direct implications on how well your plants will grow. Below we discuss situations where raised-beds significantly enhance plant growth and yield, simple ways to construct them, and growing medium in raised beds.

A comprehensive testing of soils for soil fertility and nutrient management planning for your crop, garden, or turf area is desirable to use as a basis for adjusting fertilizer, manure and limestone applications. Over or under application may reduce profits.

This article provides tips for making a house unattractive to snakes.

If you live on acreage, there is a pretty good chance that you also love to feed birds and other wildlife.  Most bird enthusiasts feed suet in the fall, but having it out all year will attract woodpeckers, nuthatches and the occasional brown creeper at your feeder. Making your own suet cakes for birds is easy, affordable and customizable.

Spring is officially here which means everyone is out and about enjoying the warmer weather. While we all love being outdoors more, we need to keep in mind some general safety guidelines when working around the farm.

Spring is here and the grass looks as good as it is going to look all summer.  Since you want to keep it that way you have probably been considering treating for white grubs.

Home and business owners have way to cut their cooling costs in the summer.

In Iowa we have several resident and migrant species of wrens that include house, Carolina, winter, sedge, marsh, and the occasional rare sighting of Beewick’s, rock, cactus or canyon wren.

Nearly half of Iowa farmers say in a recent Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll that they are willing to plant monarch breeding habitat but are unsure how much land or money they would invest in the effort.

Are you looking to save money on your heating and cooling needs? Geothermal may be an answer.

Three straight years of favorable weather conditions slows long-term population declines of some favorite Iowa critters.

If you have trees on your acreage and are thinking of some selective harvest, this article has information on the process, including how harvesters value trees.

One of the challenges of surviving an Iowa winter is keeping the water you use from freezing. Let's look at some advice regarding winter protection for water pipes, tanks, and dishes.

Corn stalks hold value in Iowa, not only as bedding and food for livestock throughout the winter months, but also as a fuel source for renewable energy companies producing biofuels. In rental agreements, it is important to specify who holds ownership of the corn stalks in any lease agreement.

Popcorn is currently one of America's favorite snack foods. It has been cultivated for several thousand years. Have you ever wondered how to grow popcorn?

The Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) microloan program was developed to serve the unique lending needs of small to mid-sized family farms. How could the program be of help to your small farm?

Horse health and care is a year-round process. Good nutrition, vaccination schedules, parasite control and other care should be continued throughout the winter.

With spring coming in a few months, it is refreshing to plan to create or improve water resources for wildlife.  A clean water source is a key element in creating a wildlife-friendly acreage. A bird bath or pond, also creates and aesthetically pleasing element that is a great place to sit back and enjoy life.

The term “soil health” has been generating a lot of buzz as we explore options to develop sustainable vegetable production systems. From the standpoint of soil, there are three main categories of soil health indicators: chemical, physical and biological. All three indicators are critical for optimum soil health and influence various functions.

Students from Iowa State University's CyBIZ Lab, an experiential student program which allows cross functional student teams to consult on client based projects, are currently researching the market's perception of a specific soil amendment and would appreciate your participation in the brief survey below.

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. 

Early success in the growing season are timing of a preemergence application, and staying on top of the mowing. If these two steps are met, your yard will have a great start to this upcoming growing season.

As Iowa's agricultural economy becomes increasingly focused on local products, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Local Foods team has resources for both producers and consumers who are looking to get involved in local markets.

Pruning trees and shrubs is important for safety and overall appearance and health. Late winter is the optimal time to prune trees and shrubs since the plant is dormant and there is less chance for disease and pest damage. Late winter is December-mid March; it is not quite too late as long as pruning is completed as soon as possible.

We can learn about our land in a variety of ways. An alternative, simple, and reliable method remains perhaps underutilized and is accessible to anyone with trained eyes: reading the stories plainly displayed on the face of the land and trees. Understanding the stories hidden in the elements of our landscapes can transform a walk in the woods or a country drive into a history lesson on the land and the stories hidden in its plants and soils. 

Don't miss the opportunity to represent agriculture in your community and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture! Done every five years, the Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation. If you are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 you still have time to sign up to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form by visiting www.agcensus.usda.gov and clicking on the ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ button through June.

To ensure your mower is in good shape and limit downtime, it’s wise to review basic maintenance procedures.

Spring is a great time to plant new trees on an acreage. Do you know the differences between planting bare-root trees and container-grown trees? When should each be planted and what applications work well for each type?

With the declining number of Monarch butterflies migrating north through the central United States, USDA is offering a new incentive program to Iowa farmers to help increase Monarch breeding habitat.

Summer garden projects often include plans for future expansion or modifications. If you are thinking of constructing or transitioning to raised garden beds, learn more about safe construction materials to use.

As of February 2017, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) had been found in 49 of Iowa’s 99 counties.  This is the perfect time to be on the lookout for Palmer amaranth while doing regular scouting in corn and soybean fields.

When designing beneficial habitat that houses as well as providing a valuable foraging area for wildlife, brush piles are an often neglected and overlooked aspect of any acreage-improvement habitat design, yet the easiest and least expensive to construct.

The State Revolving Loan Fund is a new source of low-cost financing available to landowners. This opportunity is available specifically to assist and encourage landowners to address non-point source pollution of Iowa streams and lakes. Do you have a project in mind in your area?

The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is the most serious pest of honey bee colonies worldwide. Virtually all feral (or “wild”) honey bee colonies have all but been wiped out by these mites, and beekeepers continue to struggle with varroa infestations in their hives. It is vital to understand the varroa mite and the options available for its control.

hereLet there be no mistaking it, bats are important. And, in light of a long history of changes to forest habitats, new emerging pressures associated with energy development and an exotic disease-causing fungus that’s been wreaking unprecedented havoc on eastern populations in the last decade, many of Iowa’s bats are in trouble.

Manure can cause odor and water quality concerns if it is not properly managed. Learn about an alternative to daily manure hauling and how it can improve your livestock operation.

It is this time of year that our native trees and shrubs downshift into dormancy during cold fall days, first trading the greens of photosynthesis for the brilliant colors of fall and then, in a synchronous ritual formed through millennia of adaptation to Iowa’s climate, drop their leaves and settle in for winter. 

Complete and return your Census of Agriculture form today! Forms can be completed online and are due February 5, 2018.

High-traffic areas around fences, gates, and barns are a common problem facing horse owners. A sacrifice lot is used to protect pastures and improve grass growth during poor weather with excessively wet or dry conditions.

The Our Farms, Our Future Conference, hosted by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and the National Center for Appropriate Technology ATTRA program will be held on April 3-5, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Tomatoes are found in nearly every high tunnel and for good reason.  The demand for fresh market tomatoes is incredibly high nearly all year, creating high prices during off-season production for locally grown fruit. 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act preserved like-kind exchange treatment for real property, but eliminated it for personal property. Today, we take an initial look at what that means for farmers or other taxpayers looking to trade equipment or livestock in 2018.

Acreage Living has featured articles on compost in prior issues. Still looking for help in establishing a compost pile for your small farm or acreage? The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has a new publication that can help!

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal regulation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced, in Iowa, by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

Did you know that Iowa’s smallest mammal weighs less than a tablespoon of butter? Or that 9 species of bats call Iowa’s forest home during the summer? Or that river otters have been documented in every county in Iowa? These facts, and many more, are the subject of a new, freely available book from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach titled, “Mammals of Iowa.”

On April 2, 2018, Governor Reynolds signed SF 2349, into law. The new law is designed to address the mounting difficulties faced by many Iowans seeking to purchase health insurance on the individual market. Specifically, the law will provide two new healthcare benefit options for small employers and sole proprietors, the groups most impacted by Iowa’s healthcare crisis.

This presentation offers a few simple strategies that you can consider using on your sheep operation to limit infections from parasites, such as the Barber Pole Worm.

The local foods industry in Iowa is maturing and as expected, farmers have many new marketing opportunities.  There are now many options in addition to farmers markets for selling produce. 

One major investment for a horse farm are installation and upkeep of fences. The fence should be safe and keep horses on the property. Fencing decisions should be based on the age of the animal, breed and temperament of the animal, production system, and situation.

What is the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation? IALF serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers who want to teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. The mission is to educate Iowans, with a focus on youth, regarding the breadth and global significance of agriculture.

Treasury and the IRS released IRC § 199A proposed regulations, REG-107892-18, on August 8, 2018. These are proposed regulations, but taxpayers can rely on them until final rules are adopted.

After a relatively warm and dry mid-summer, rainfall returned to the state during the last weeks of August into early September. Warmer than normal conditions are expected to continue across the state during September.

Cold weather increases feed or energy intake so the horse can tolerate the weather. Many horses consume more hay. Water has a role in moving digesta through the intestine. Lack of fresh, unfrozen water is the number one cause of colic during the winter due to intestinal impaction.

For many of us, conservation is our way of life. Finding ways to connect with and improve the land, the soil, the water, and wildlife consumes our thoughts and free time. If you have someone in your life that shares that same passion, here’s a few ideas for brightening their holiday season.

Interpreting a soil report can seem like a daunting task to do yourself but it does not have to be. 

Minimizing the potential for barn fires is good risk management for small farms and acreages with livestock, hay, straw, etc., stored in a barn.

Are you interested in taking a beekeeping class this winter? The Iowa Honey Producers Association offers classes throughout the state.

There seem to be no limits to the creative capacity of nature lovers, so one can find design specifications for structures for anything from a turtle to an osprey. Many different shapes, sizes, and designs are available for ‘bird houses’. Boxes for secondary cavity nesters also come in all shapes and sizes to target dozens of species in Iowa.

The Small Farms program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a monthly podcast to those interested in all things small farm. Listen in!

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Iowa Master Conservationist Program starting May 21. The program will take place at different locations within Hamilton, Humboldt, Webster and Wright Counties, providing participants with hands-on interaction showing the diversity of the state's natural resources. The program teaches about Iowa's natural ecosystems and the diversity of conservation challenges and opportunities within the region. 

Connected devices are becoming the norm in households including everything from outlets and switches to light bulbs and sensors for water leaks. The horticulture industry has not been left out of the connected devices revolution. New irrigation and climate controllers offer remote management from your phone or tablet giving you the ability to irrigate a field or close up a high tunnel from anywhere with internet or cellular connection.

The 2018 farmland value survey results are in! The survey is intended to provide information on general land value trends, geographical land price relationships, and factors influencing the Iowa land market. The survey is conducted by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Flood waters are receding, but the challenges in recovery for farmers and livestock producers are just beginning. Beth Doran, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist, recommends producers get out in their fields as soon as possible. "Beef producers should assess the damage to pastures and hay ground, then check out possible disaster assistance," she said. Doran advised cattlemen to look for three things in their assessment - debris, silt on the forage, and thinned or dead forage plants.

The striped cucumber beetle is a common pest of cucurbit crops in the Midwest. The spotted cucumber beetle, also known as the southern corn rootworm, is also a pest of cucurbit crops, but the striped cucumber beetle has more economic impact due to its ability to transmit bacterial wilt.

Many rural residents in Iowa rely on private wells as their source of water for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, and watering livestock.  Even if your well and the area around it have remained unchanged, it is important to test water annually for indicators of contamination, including nitrate and bacteria, to ensure the water is safe to drink.  

The USDA announced on May 23, 2019, that there will be a second Market Facilitation Program in 2019. This comes on the heels of the $12 billion MFP program implemented in 2018. The USDA announcement states that the administration is allocating up to $16 billion for the 2019 program, with up to $14.5 billion of that money used for direct payments to producers.

There is an increase in farm vehicle traffic on Iowa roadways during harvest. So, it is not surprising that this is the time of year when there are also more agricultural collisions on highways and county roads. Because all Iowans share the same roads, it helps to know what to look for. 

In an effort to help Iowa beef producers remain profitable, Iowa Beef Center conducted several grazing and pasture management programs from 2013 to 2018. This six-page publication summarizes the findings of that evaluation to determine the changes in Iowa’s pasture management and to look at the effectiveness of IBC’s various pasture programs.

Every year we seem to get the same questions from the public on lawn care, specifically this time of year when people are disappointed in how their yard held up. While not all of these questions will fit your yard, some of them might. It is our goal that these points help address those questions, and give the knowledge to have a successful growing season. 

Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is a deciduous tree that produces edible nuts in September and October.  This is a different species from the American chestnut that was decimated last century by a fungal canker blight that essentially eliminated it from the eastern U.S. forests.  In Iowa Chinese chestnuts are grown more frequently in the southern half of the state.

You’ve done the cutting, raking, and baling, and now you have a field of round bales ready to be stored for future use. You’ve put in the time, money, and effort; why not do your best to preserve your investment?

Up to hundreds of tiny lead fragments can be left behind by a single bullet and when parts of the shot deer are left in the field (as is the case with gut piles or processed carcasses) other wildlife, including notably the bald eagle, can encounter the lead.

Landscape trees need proper care and management throughout their lives, and one of the most important tree management practices is pruning. When done properly, pruning can improve the health and structure of trees, and provide a safer environment for people, pets, and property. Pruning is more than just indiscriminately removing branches. Proper pruning includes knowing which branches to remove, when to do it, and how to minimize damage to the tree.

Produce growers may not grow the same quantity of product as row crop producers, but tracking the numbers is just as important, if not more so. This Ag Decision Maker article and its corresponding publication outline the importance of good record keeping and offer links to budget worksheets and decision tools.

Three new video resources were added to the Pork Information Gateway (PIG) to aid producers who focus on raising pigs using alternative methods of production. Two videos focus on biosecurity and one on sourcing feed.

The U.S. is confronting an outbreak of a novel coronavirus that causes serious respiratory disease and may be deadly for older people and those with weakened immune systems. The World Health Organization is now calling the outbreak a global pandemic because it is affecting countries all over the world. People and organizations can still fight coronavirus by taking steps to prevent transmission of the disease, the whole point of widespread cancellation of events is to create “social distancing” to lower the infection rate and prevent health care systems from being overwhelmed.

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.

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.

We've rounded up some COVID-19 related resources of note.

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.

Looking to understand agroforestry topics you may have heard about? A Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant helped develop these fact sheets.

Recent hot temperatures brings the reminder to prepare for some heat stress events in cattle this summer.

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association have partnered on a new paper, Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Food and Agricultural Markets. The publication contains insights from 29 experts, including Lee Schulz, economics, and is now available for download.

In the summer, the high temperatures can result in management issues for pond owners with excessive aquatic vegetation being the most problematic.  It is important to remember that some aquatic vegetation is important to a pond fishery.

A recurring challenge every winter in Iowa is keeping the water you use from freezing. Keeping water thawed requires adequate heat to keep the temperature of the water above freezing. The three most common approaches are adding heat with a heating device, insulating to conserve heat, and adding heat by bringing in warmer water.

Iowans can expect next year to be bright and colorful – at least according to the images found within the 2021 Garden Calendar produced by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Many commercial growers and home gardeners often confront the issue of Blossom End Rot (BER) in their tomato, pepper, and eggplant. The BER is a physiological disorder caused by a localized calcium deficiency in the blossom-end of the fruit. It is a physiological disorder and is not caused by fungi, bacteria, or any other living disease microorganisms. Also, BER could also be seen on non-solanaceous crops such as pumpkins, squash, and watermelons.

Caring for cow herds during the winter can be challenging when it becomes bitterly cold. In general cows are cold tolerant and are comfortable down to 20°F. What are management strategies when temperatures dip below that?

This article highlights key provisions from several important Acts within the 5,593 pages of the Consolidated Appropriations Act: the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, the Economic Aid to the Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofit, and Venues Act, and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020.  

The pandemic of 2020 provided opportunity for specialty producers in Iowa to expand production and sales. But managing risk for specialty production is critical to capitalizing on new market opportunities.

Significant presence of mud can increase energy requirements by as much as 30%. Wading through mud burns more calories, resulting in reduced gain for developing breeding stock and fed cattle as well as reduced milk production for cows. Confounding things further, cattle to tend eat less by simply avoiding putting in effort to get to feed.

In few weeks growers will be planting sweet corn in Iowa. Sweet corn is an important commercial crop in Iowa. Based on the 2017 Agriculture Census, sweet corn is planted across 329 farms in Iowa with a collective acreage of  2,739 acres. Of the total acres, 1,743 is harvested for fresh market and the remaining for processing. For the fresh markets, growers practice succession planting of sweet corn to have a continuous supply for their customers during the growing season.

The growth and development of alfalfa is affected by many factors, including temperature, soil moisture, stand age and even cultivar. Alfalfa growth has been slower than normal due to cool conditions in April. This is a good reminder that using a calendar date to determine when to harvest the first crop of alfalfa may not the best method. In order to accurately predict the optimal time for the first cutting, the University of Wisconsin developed the Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) method.

Explore Iowa's natural world through a series of new publications by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers online training in food safety, food preparation and Iowa regulations designed specifically for cottage food producers – people who prepare foods to be sold out of their home or at a farmers market.

With summer in full gear it is a good time to evaluate how your fly control program is working. When horn fly numbers are greater than 200 flies per animal we see significant production losses associated with blood loss and decreased feed consumption. Numbers of face flies and stable flies are harder to assess because they only spend a small amount of time feeding on cattle but are still significant pests.

The main focus of our three-state (Iowa, Kentucky, and New York), three-year (2020-2022) project is on finding better ways to manage diseases, insect pests, and weeds in organic systems, and getting that information to growers. Our funding comes from USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI).

Home-based food operators producing and selling their home-prepared foods are known as the cottage food industry. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers online training designed specifically for cottage food producers.

Educational opportunities for forest landowners, industry and enthusiasts abound at fall forestry field days.

Simple tactics to help prevent against cyber theft.

Programs to be held in 14 locations across Iowa.

The beef cow clinics will include a hands-on calving issues session featuring a life-size cow model.

Registration is open for educational gardening series.

Educational events planned to help Iowans protect their property from wind.

Native perennials can generate profit as material for livestock feed and bedding.

Good biosecurity practices and producer awareness are top issues.

The Iowa Master Woodland Steward Program launching this spring with a March 30 deadline.

As nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber, those looking to identify backyard Iowa trees can consult a new video resource from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach forestry specialist Billy Beck. This series of five videos can be found on YouTube, or through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach video website.

Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the Census of Agriculture. The goal is to get a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Information collected includes land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, and expenditures.

Alfalfa growth and development is affected by many factors, including temperature, soil moisture, stand age and even cultivar. Alfalfa growth has been slow this spring due to cooler than normal weather. This is a reminder that using the calendar date to determine when to harvest the first crop of alfalfa may not be the best method. In order to accurately predict the optimal time for the first cutting, the University of Wisconsin developed the Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) method.

The Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University is hosting the 2022 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames.

Iowa Learning Farms, along with Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips, Des Moines Water Works, and Landus, will host a prairie strips and cover crops field day on Thursday, Aug., 4 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Des Moines Water Works Park in Des Moines. The event is free and includes a complimentary meal.

Two new podcasts are out from the ISU Department of Plant Pathology.

Addressing winter stress and preventing cold damage is essential for strawberry production in the Midwest. This article will briefly cover some key information on how to successfully overwinter strawberries.

Looking to add some trees to your small farm or acreage? The State Forest Nursery is open!

Iowa 4-H is the premiere youth development program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. For more information about Extension and Outreach visit your county website. 

White-tailed deer are as synonymous with the ‘acreage living’ experience as fences and ragweed.  And today, new challenges like that posed by Chronic Wasting Disease are elevating those responsibilities and require wide engagement in ensuring deer continue to thrive in Iowa.

As harvest season is wrapping up, small food businesses in Iowa are busy baking pumpkin pies and canning fresh blackberry jam. Iowans who produce and sell food goods from their homes are known as home-based kitchen operators. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers online training in food safety, food preparation and Iowa rules and regulations designed specifically for Iowa's home-based kitchen operators.

This bootcamp provides training, one-on-one consulting and networking opportunities to build resilient and adaptable specialty crop businesses. Interested? Limited space - reserve your spot now.

Two offerings of MWSP will occur in spring 2023. The first offering will be led by the Cerro Gordo and Mitchell County offices of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO), and the second led by Lee County ISUEO. The programs will run from early-April to mid-May, 2023 (specific dates forthcoming), and will entail seven educational modules spread over a six-week period. You do not need to be a resident of host counties to participate. 

Crop and livestock farmers who are working on preparing their 2022 income tax returns can review two useful documents for end-of-year determinations.

Training will help mushroom handlers distinguish which ones are safe to eat.

Pasture seeding improvements may be necessary this spring after a prolonged dry fall grazing season.

Water quality expert shares common pond concerns that can be addressed this spring.

A new webpage on the Iowa State University Natural Resources Extension and Outreach website focuses on lawn alternatives. This webpage has a list of species to consider, an overview for each of the suggested species, and some direction on where you can purchase seeds or plants.

In early June, guidance goes into effect for the livestock industry, moving previously over-the-counter antibiotics to prescription status. What does this mean for your livestock operation?

A new extension publication explains how Iowans can support northern bobwhite quail.

An Iowa State University entomologist discusses strategies for avoiding ticks and the diseases they spread.

An upcoming field day highlights fruit and vegetable production research at Iowa State University's Horticulture Research Station.

Safety tips for grain handling equipment this fall. Remember to share the road safely.