Ag News Information amp Resources May 2017

Fayette County

ISU Extension amp Outreach

218 South Main Street

Fayette IA 52142

Phone (563-425-3331)

Fax (563)425-3339

httpwwwextensioniastateedufayette

Extension Links

Ag Decision Maker

httpwwwextensioniastateeduagdm

Beef Center

httpwwwiowabeefcenterorg

Dairy Team

httpwwwextensioniastateedu

dairyteam

ISU Nutrient Reduction Strategies

httpwwwnutrientstrategyiastateedu

Iowa State Research Farms

httpfarmsagiastateedufarms

Iowa Water Quality Initiative

httpwwwcleanwateriowaorg

Manure Management

httpwwwagronextiastateeduimmag

Pesticide Management

httpwwwextensioniastateedupsep

Pork Center httpwwwipiciastateedu

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Fayette CountyNow What

The emerald ash borer can now be linked to 45 coun-ties in Iowa as Fayette and Madison counties are the most recent to be added to that growing list EAB is a destructive wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills all ash tree species This exotic pest was first discov-ered in Iowa in 2010 In Fayette County the insect was discovered in a city-

owned ash tree in Oelwein For Madison County the finding took place in a rural area south of Winterset Insect specimens taken from these sites were confirmed as EAB by a federal identifier The adult beetle is metallic green in color and measures approximately one-half inch long and can be noticed during the summer months The larvae burrow through the inner layer of bark eating away at the vascular tissue which supplies nutrients to the tree Starved trees usually die within two to four years EAB-infested ash trees display canopy dieback beginning at the top of the tree and progressing downwards S-shaped feeding galleries under dead or splitting bark D-shaped exit holes water sprouts (along the trunk and main branches) and increased bark damage by woodpeckers Fayette County Extension and Outreach will be hosting a free informational public meeting concerning the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on

Wednesday May 3 2017 630-800 pm

Oelwein Public Library located at 201 East Charles Street Topics will include

How to identify EAB

How to identify an ash tree

Signs of EAB infestation

Is the tree safe Is it a candidate for treatment

EAB treatment options

How the spread of EAB is being restricted

Ash tree replacement options

Dr Donald Lewis Iowa State University Professor of Entomology Mike Kintner Iowa Department of Agricultural amp Land Stewardship (IDALS) EAB Coordinator and Emma Hanigan Iowa DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator will be presenting the program The meeting is free and no registration is required If you have questions call ISU Extension and Outreach Fayette County at 563-425-3331 or email Deb Kahler at dkahleriastateedu

Iowa Climate Outlook for Spring

Contact Iowa Learning Farms E-News httpsiowalearningfarmswordpresscom20170412iowa-climate-outlook-spring-2017 By Dr Dennis Todey USDA Midwest Climate Hub Director

Planting season is quickly approaching and initial season concerns include the early spring progression from late winter warmth and its impact on alfalfa and soil N levels The warm and wet conditions allow soil nitrogen to convert to nitrate which can be easily lost A late spring nitrate test would help determine if additional nitrogen is needed to meet crop demands As crop year 2017 begins key factors to consider include

Current Soil ConditionsmdashBackground precipitation issues for Iowa differ for northern versus southern Iowa Heavier rain fell across northern Iowa last fall producing wetter harvest conditions Some soil wetness issues are likely to carry over into the spring In contrast chunks of southern Iowa were much drier ndash not only in the fall but through the summer National soil moisture models currently support this difference in soil con-ditions indicating overall wetter north and drier in the far southeast

Precipitation OutlookmdashWhile several current storms have produced more rain in southern Iowa the focus on precipitation should again switch to northern Iowa The current 30 day April outlook and spring (April-June) outlook from NOAArsquos Climate Prediction Center httpwwwcpcncepnoaagov has better chances for above average precipitation in northern Iowa Combining this rainfall potential with the carry-over wetness from the fall creates the highest risk for wetter planting conditions across the north

Growing Season OutlookmdashLooking ahead to the rest of the growing season utilizes a few tools including the status of El Nintildeo con-ditions and computer-based outlooks The current El Nintildeo situation is neutral but hinting toward El Nintildeo conditions by late summer The switch to El Nintildeo would reduce the risk of a poor growing season but seems unlikely to start in time to affect the growing sea-son The progress will be monitored through the season

Drought RiskmdashComputer outlooks lean toward less chance of dry conditions across most of the state Thus the overall drought risk seems fairly small at this point It should be noted that longer range precipitation outlooks are more difficult to assess

Temperature OutlookmdashTemperature outlooks in Iowa and the whole Midwest are likely warmer than average This is based mostly on recent trends of warmth in the summer which has been driven by warmer overnight temperatures The risk of excessively high day temperatures seems lower at this point

Severe Weather RiskmdashOverall storminess would likely be increased along with more precipitation but the chances of severe weath-er currently are similar to climatology at this point

Contact Iowa Learning Farms E-News httpsiowalearningfarmswordpresscom20170412iowa-climate-outlook-spring-2017 By Marty Adkins Assistant State Conservationist for Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service

Iowarsquos soils are globally precious and unique These soils are the cornerstone of a vibrant and

productive farming sector and make Iowarsquos overall economy strong Protecting and building the

productive capacity of Iowarsquos soils is essential to Iowarsquos future Happily many of the same

practices that help protect and build soils also have a positive impact on water quality This is

especially true of cover crops crop rotations that include small grains and forages and no-

tillage and strip-tillage planting

The widespread adoption of cover crops will require increased availability of seed and seeding equipment There are new business

opportunities related to the growing cleaning transportation sales and custom planting of cover crop seed Iowarsquos farm machinery

industry can continue to design build sell and service equipment needed for cover crop seeding and management and increased

adoption of no-till and strip-till

Go online to httpsiowalearningfarmswordpresscom20170413reducing-nutrient-losses-while-building-iowas-soils-and-economy

for Martyrsquos complete blog about the relationship between healthy soils and healthy economies

Reducing Nutrient Losses During While Building Iowarsquos Soil and Economy

Aquaponics Provides Sustainable Fresh Fish Produce

Contact Allen Pattillo Extension Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist 515-294-8616 pattilloiastateedu

Aquaponics a union of hydroponics and aquaculture provides a fast efficient method of producing both plant and fish crops Aquaponics systems use fish waste that is broken down by bacteria and turned into nutrients to grow plants These systems allow fresh pro-duce to be grown indoors throughout the year

How an aquaponics system works is the focus of a new publication titled ldquoAn Overview of Aquaponic Systems Hydroponic Componentsrdquo httpsstoreextensioniastateeduProduct15111 written by Allen Pattillo fisheries and aquaponics specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach The publication was commissioned by the North Central Region Aquaculture Center httpswwwncracorg

Advantages of aquaponics

ldquoAquaponics is scalable to whatever size is necessary from the hobbyist to commercial productionrdquo said Pattillo ldquoAquaponics pro-vides access to both animal protein and fresh produce throughout the year while also being environmentally sustainablerdquo ldquoThe fish waste that is generated is broken down by beneficial bacteria with all of those mineralized nutrients moving into the water column which then feed the growing producerdquo Pattillo said

The publication provides information on design of an aquaponics system using the system developed at Iowa State University as a guide Each component of the system is shown and explained providing information on its function and purpose ldquoThe system that was built at Iowa State was constructed with materials that were readily availablerdquo Pattillo said ldquoAn aquaponics system is something that can be customized to fit individual needs We are moving toward a point where we are figuring out the optimized conditions we want for a working system It has been a bit of trial and error as we look for exactly what makes the system run most efficientlyrdquo

There are also several different ways to grow plants They can be configured in rows like in a garden or can be grown vertically ldquoThe publication covers the five major methods of hydroponic production that can be incorporated into aquaponicsrdquo Pattillo said ldquoTwo of these seem to be more optimized deep water culture is probably the easiest to use and the flood and drain method also works very wellrdquo

Contact Extension Beef SpecialistsmdashJoe Sellers 641-203-1270 sellersiastateedu and Patrick Gunn 515-294-3020 pgunniastateedu

The lack of a futures market for forages can make it difficult for land owners and beef pro-ducers to establish a fair-market value particularly for standing forages Establishing that value however can make the difference between profit and loss for a beef operation in a given year

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialists Patrick Gunn and Joe Sellers have created a new fact sheet Pasture and Grazing Arrangements for Beef Cattle for no cost at the Extension Store httpsstoreextensioniastateeduProduct15110 for those who use pasture and grazing rentals in their operations

This new resource provides an overview of four common types of arrangements along with suggestions on how to structure agree-ments for the benefit of both parties Gunn said The two-page fact sheet includes information on establishing pasture rental price for each of the four types and links to online re-sources from ISU Extension and Outreach Ag Decision Maker at httpwwwextensioniastateeduagdm and Iowa Beef Center at httpwwwiowabeefcenterorg

New Iowa Beef Center Fact Sheet Provides Guidance for Grazing Contracts

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping Iowa farmers manage weeds insects and diseases in their fields Pest management is key to high yields and quality grain ISU Extension and Outreach specialists are working to provide the tools and resources farmers need to manage those pests And the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic can help farmers and homeowners alike identify diseases and insects that are impacting production Four extension specialists are highlighted in the video ldquoManaging Weeds Insects and Diseasesrdquo They show how they are working to keep pests from harming Iowa farmers This is the fourth in the ISU Extension and Outreach ndash Agriculture and Natural Resourcesrsquo video series available at httpswwwyoutubecomplaylistlist=PLyDHx-rmZpCl77f6WmYX3rMJWYGuyVNuL highlighting the impact being made by extension spe-cialists

Managing Weeds Insects and Diseases Focus of ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age disability ethnicity gender identity genetic information marital status national origin pregnancy race religion sex sexual orientation socioeconomic status or status as a US veteran (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs) Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Ross Wilburn Diversity Officer 2150 Beardshear Hall 515 Morrill Road Ames Iowa 50011 515-294-1482 wilburniastateedu

ARTICLE BY Adam Janke Extension Wildlife Specialist In my first year in Iowa Irsquove found an engaged and motivated citizenry that values wildlife and their habitats No wonder ndash Iowa has produced a disproportionate number of 20th century leaders in wildlife conservation including William Hornaday Jay ldquoDingrdquo Darling John Lacey and Aldo Leopold Proof of this commitment lies in Iowanrsquos support for each of our 99 locally funded County Conservation Boards a model unique and perfectly suited for the state

Further proof lies in the outcome of a 2010 vote where 63 of Iowans voted in favor of a self-imposed tax and constitutional amendment at httpwwwiowaswaterandlandlegacyorg to provide permanent funding for natural resource conservation and education

Additionally a survey found at httpswwwcensusgovprod2013pubsfhw11-iapdf by the US Fish and Wildlife

Service estimates that 13 million people in Iowa participate in wildlife-associated recreation and spend $15 billion doing so annually Wildlife and wildlife habitats matter to Iowans our economy and our land

Plenty of challenges remain The meritorious work of public and non-governmental entities to preserve unique habitats in our state only amasses to about 3 of the land area Between one and two million acres are annually enrolled in federal conservation practices that provide wildlife habitat But even when combined with lands in public ownership these conservation lands are only a drop in the bucket of Iowarsquos 36 million acres Thus the challenge of preserving our rich wildlife heritage rides on the backs of the collective impact of small actions taken by all landowners in our state

Wildlife conservation challenges are driven by changes to natural ecosystems in our agricultural landscapes This is

where the opportunities lie because just as wildlife populations track changes in natural ecosystems so too do many other important ecosystem services

Wildlife are thus one additional beneficiary of sustainable land use practices and should therefore serve as one more bargaining chip in extolling the benefits and promise of conservation efforts that unite every sector and every resident in Iowa

Wersquove all got a stake in this and as we see improved soil health and water quality wersquoll see more pheasants and meadowlarks That sounds like a win-win to me and Irsquom excited to learn how I can collaborate with the Iowa Learning Farms in the years to come

Iowans Walk on the Wild Side

Upcoming Events

May 2 amp 9mdashSpend Smart Eat Smart Program 515-615 pm Fayette Library May 3 mdash Emerald Ash Borer Info Meeting 630-8 pm Oelwein Pub-lic Library May 4 amp 11mdashSpend Smart Eat Smart Program 6-7 pm Oelwein Library May 16mdashSpend Smart Eat Smart Program 6-7 pm West Union Li-brary May 20 mdash Master Gardener Plant Sale 8-11 am Fairgrounds West Union

Iowarsquos economy has relied on agriculture for most of its his-tory As demand for local food rises statewide an increasing number of Iowans are engaged in building and expanding the food systems that can meet that demand They are par-ticipating along the entire food-chain spectrum from begin-

ning farmers to established commodity farmers diversifying their production to the distrib-utors and aggregators helping farmers get their products to the ever-growing number of institutional buyers like grocery stores restaurants hospitals and schools Iowans spend more than $8 billion on food each year of which only about 14 percent is grown in the state Research by Iowa State University economist David Swenson indicates that increased production of fruits and vegetables could result in a corresponding increase in jobs and income for many Iowans The most recent figures on horticulture production in Iowa show that the industry in 2015 generated $483 million in direct sales and an addi-tional $321 million in value-added commerce (including labor income returns to farm owners and investors and tax payments) for a total of more than $80 million in economic activity And the demand for delicious healthy locally grown foods shows no sign of going anywhere but up Building robust local food systems can benefit Iowa communities in multiple ways Grow-ing for local markets can provide a lower-cost point of entry into agriculture for beginners than larger scale commodity-market farming Local food systems create other business opportunities for distributors and aggregators (ie food hubs) keep sales dollars circulat-ing in the community give commodity growers a means of diversifying their income streams and help children and their families connect to healthy local food products Go to httpwwwextensioniastateedufayettenode40611 for a few examples of how local food systems are providing new opportunities for Iowans

Local Foods in Iowa