September 2011

Table of Contents

Pro-Ag Outlook Workshop

2014 Farm Bill Information

Base Acreage Reallocation

ISU Extension Scheduling

Farm Bill Meetings

Fall Nitrogen Application

Can Nitrogen Applied in Fall

Break Down Corn Stover

Manure Applicator Certifica-

tion Requirements

EPA Extends Water Rule

Comment Period

4-H/FFA Beef Weigh-Ins Set

for 2015 County Fairs

Iowa Organic Conference

Cost of Drying Corn

Help Farmers Cope With

Stress

Tri-State Ag Lenders Seminar

Newsletter Covers Small Farm

Living

Garden Calendar Available

ISU Hosts AI School

Ventilation System Basics

Women, Land & Tools 101

2014 Farm Bill Tool

Commercial Pesticide Recerti-

fication

Visit Ag Decision Maker

"The fees for service will be used to off-set direct

expenses and to support the County Extension ANR

Program."

ISU Extension & Outreach

Washington County

2223 250th St. Washington, IA 52353

319-653-4811

… and justice for all The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimina-tion in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assis-tance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independ-ence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal oppor-tunity provider and employer. Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2014

PRO-AG OUTLOOK WORKSHOP COMES TO IOWA CITY-DISCUSS NEW 2014 FARM BILL

East Central Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and

Outreach will host an Ag Outlook and Management Semi-

nar in Iowa City at the extension office on Friday, Novem-

ber 7th starting at 12:00 p.m. The cost to attend the session

is $35 which includes lunch. The seminar is designed to

provide agribusiness professionals, and producers with an

evaluation of current and outlook market conditions as well

as expected trends in crop and livestock income potential.

The first speaker for the afternoon is Dr. Lee Schulz, ISU

Extension Economist, presenting on the outlook for beef

and pork. Lee will also be discussing how the livestock industry may respond to cur-

rent prices, margins, and future demand. What will improved margins and the cur-

rent global economy mean for the future of the meat industry? The second speaker

is Ryan Drollette, ISUEO Farm Management Field Specialist, who will address

2014 Farm Bill decisions. Drollette will discuss the farm program updates and ARC

versus PLC program election decisions.

The final speaker will be Dr. Chad Hart, ISU Extension Economist. Chad will dis-

cuss the market outlook for corn and soybeans. Crop commodities have experienced

price variability in the past three years due to many factors including weather varia-

bility and crop size. How big is the current crop and what will happen to demand in

the coming months? You won’t want to miss the information on the production and

demand for corn and soybeans in the coming months.

Meeting registration begins at 11:45 a.m. with the program starting at 12:00 p.m.

Program will conclude by 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration cost is $35 per person. Addi-

tional fee of $5 for late registrations. Advance registration is required by calling

the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Johnson County (Iowa City) at 319-337-

2145. For more information call your local county ISU Extension and Outreach

office or contact Ryan Drollette at the ISU Extension and Outreach of Johnson

County office at 319-337-2145 or email drollett@iastate.edu. Website: http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html

2014 FARM BILL INFORMATION http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html

BASE ACREAGE REALLOCATION/PAYMENT YIELD UPDATE http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/a1-35.html

Page 2 Ag Newsletter

ISU EXTENSION SCHEDULING FARM BILL - PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MEETINGS

AMES, Iowa – Iowa farmers and landowners will learn about the new

programs authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (commonly referred

to as the Farm Bill) at informational meetings conducted by Iowa State

University Extension and Outreach and local USDA Farm Service Agency

staff members. Meetings will be held across the state to explain options

available under the new Farm Bill. Farm Bill – Program Overview

meetings will focus on the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural

Risk Coverage (ARC) that will be administered by USDA Farm Service

Agency, and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) administered by

USDA Risk Management Agency through federal crop insurance providers.

“Extension farm management specialists are prepared to discuss decisions

farmers and landowners need to make in the coming months regarding Price

Loss Coverage, and Agricultural Risk Coverage Individual and County options,” said Chad Hart, ISU Extension and Out-

reach economist and program coordinator. "Local FSA staff members who administer the programs will be available to

answer questions." The timeline for when decisions need to be made along with information about online Farm Bill deci-

sion tools also will be shared at the meetings. Topics that will be covered during the meetings include:

Base reallocation

Yield updating

Price Loss Coverage (PLC)

Ag Risk Coverage (ARC)

Implications of PLC and ARC on participation in the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)

Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP)

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

Locate a Farm Bill - Program Overview Meeting Farm Bill meetings for upcoming months continue to be added to the ISU Extension and Outreach Statewide Calendar. For

the most current listing of meeting locations and dates visit the Ag Decision Maker Farm Bill website at

www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html or contact your county extension office. The Ag Decision Maker

Farm Bill website also contains useful links and resources related to Farm Bill decision making. Contact a county exten-

sion office for additional details about upcoming local meetings.

Local Farm Bill Meetings (2 meetings each day, meetings last 2 hours) November 17 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Johnson County Extension Office, 3109 Old HWY 218 S, Iowa City

November 20 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Keokuk County Extension Office, 400 220th Ave.-Suite A, Sigourney

November 24 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Washington County Extension Office, 223 250th St., Washington

December 4 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Williamsburg Rec Center, 939 South Highland, Williamsburg There is no charge to attend the meetings. Pre-registration is required. Call Washington County Extension at 319-653-

4811 or email nadrian@iastate.edu; Johnson County Extension 319-337-2145; Iowa County Extension319-668-1052;

Keokuk County Extension 641-622-2680 to pre-register.

2015 WHIMSICAL GARDEN CALENDAR AVAILABLE AMES, Iowa ̶ The 2015 Annual Garden Calendar, “Whimsy,” is now available for

purchase from the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Online Store at

https://store.extension.iastate.edu. This playful look at gardening was the idea of Richard

Jauron, ISU Extension and Outreach horticulture specialist. “Many individuals are serious

about their gardens,” Jauron said, “I wanted this calendar to show the fun side of

gardening.” Take a whimsical journey through the seasons in photography, verse and

quippy garden quotes. Each month includes timely garden tips like the best time to prune

fruit trees or deadhead geraniums to encourage additional blooms. In addition to helpful

hints and fun photographs, every month includes memorable quotes like “My favorite thing about winter? When it’s

over!” and “I love my garden. So do the bugs, birds and bunnies.” Whimsy is available for $6 from the Extension Online

Store or can be found at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/2015-whimsical-garden-calendar-available

Page 3 Ag Newsletter

MANURE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Manure applicators that haul or handle manure from a confinement site facility

with more than 500 animal units and all commercial manure applicators are

required by Iowa law to be certified to apply manure in Iowa. “My best

estimate based on historical numbers of certified applicators is somewhere

between 300-800 applicators still need to attend training this year to maintain

or renew their licenses to apply manure before the fall application season,” says

Angie Rieck-Hinz, Extension agronomist.

Confinement site applicators must attend two hours of annual training to

maintain their three-year license. Applicators must pay certification and

education fees. After March 1 of the current year, applicators that are renewing

their certificates must also pay a late fee. Commercial manure applicators must attend three hours of training or take and

pass an exam annually. Commercial applicators that need to renew their licenses after March 1 will need to pay a late fee

in addition to the certification fee and education fee. Commercial manure applicators are reminded they must be associated

with a commercial manure service. Commercial and confinement site applicators may meet certification requirements by

scheduling an appointment with their local ISU Extension county office to watch a videotape or by contacting their local

DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam. Confinement site sessions are as follows:

Commercial Manure Applicator Certification is scheduled for Tuesday Jan. 6, 2015, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the John-

son, Iowa, Keokuk and Washington County Extension Offices. For information about manure applicator requirements

contact Greg Brenneman, gregb@iastate.edu or 319/337-2145; Tom Miller, tmiller@iastate.edu 319-653-4811.

EPA EXTENDS WATER RULE COMMENT PERIOD The comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule on waters of the United States has been

extended to November 14, 10 days after the midterm congressional election. You can read a summary of the proposed

rule, see the documents associated with this proposed rule, read every single one of the comments posted there (more than

7,300 at this writing), and submit your own comments using a link on the Regulations.gov website here http://

www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880 More information on the proposed rule itself is availa-

ble on the EPA website here http://www2.epa.gov/uswaters

4-H/FFA BEEF WEIGH-INS SET FOR 2015 COUNTY FAIRS Iowa County: 12/6/14, Iowa Valley Vet Clinic in Marengo, use fairgrounds entrance, 9am-11am 319-668-1052 Mary

Veatch, County Youth Coordinator

Washington County: 12/13/14, Kalona Sale Barn, Kalona, 8:30 am– 11:30 am, Cancellation will be on KCII

106.1. Snow date is scheduled for 12/20/14. 319-653-4811 Amy Green, County Youth Coordinator

Keokuk County: 12/20/14, Keoco Sale Barn, 603 S Warren St., Sigourney, 8:00 am– 10:00 am, Cancellation will be on

KBOE 104.9 and KCRG 641-622-2680 Michele Sieren, County Youth Coordinator

Johnson County: 1/3/15, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Iowa City, 8:00 am– 11:00 am, snow date is 1/10/15 319-337-

2145 Camie Marshek, County Youth Coordinator

Be sure to read newsletters and emails or contact your Extension Office for complete guidelines on the nomination pro-

cesses and rules for your county’s beef project area.

Location Date Time

County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, Sigourney January 16, 2015 9:30 AM

County Extension Office, Mt. Pleasant January 16, 2015 1:30 PM

County Extension Office, Vinton January 27, 2015 1:30 PM

County Extension Office, Iowa City February 3, 2015 9:30 AM

SE Research Farm, Crawfordsville February 3, 2015 1:30 PM

County Extension Office, Tipton February 5, 2015 9:30 AM

County Extension Office, Muscatine February 5, 2015 1:30 PM

County Extension Office, Washington February 10, 2015 7:00 PM

County Extension Office, Fairfield February 12, 2015 9:30 AM

County Extension Office, Washington - Dry Manure February 17, 2015 1:00 PM

Page 4 Ag Newsletter

IOWA ORGANIC CONFERENCE TO HELP PRODUCERS MEET GROWING DEMAND FOR ORGANICS

AMES, Iowa -- The 14th Annual Iowa Organic Conference will be held Nov. 16-17

on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, as a joint effort between Iowa State

University and the UI Office of Sustainability. Producers and experts from across

the country will share tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to

enhance organic operations.

“The U.S. market for organic products reached $31.3 billion in 2012 and the

demand for organic grains and produce continues to exceed supply,” said Kathleen

Delate, ISU organic agriculture specialist. “Growers everywhere are encouraged to

consider the potential for organic production.” The conference keynote speaker is

Mary Berry, daughter of Wendell Berry, novelist, poet, environmental activist,

cultural critic, and farmer Ms. Berry speaks all over the country as a proponent

of agriculture of the middle, in defense of small farmers, and in the hope of

restoring a culture that has been lost in rural America. Her works promoting soil

conservation and an ecological agriculture are echoed in one of her sayings: “A society that is satisfied with short term

economics while destroying the source of its own survival [the soil] cannot last.”

A reception, featuring local and organic food and drinks will kick off the conference on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in the

UI Memorial Union, followed by the movie, “Fresh” at 7 p.m., which explores the growing influence of local and organic

markets in the U.S. The conference lunch on Monday afternoon highlights local and organic produce, meats and dairy

products assembled into a gourmet meal by UI award-winning Executive Chef, Barry Greenberg.

Sessions for those interested in learning about the latest techniques for transitioning into organic farming, or improving

organic operation, will include lessons on weed management, nutrient management, pest management and livestock inte-

gration. The conference also includes information on how to begin farming, soil and water quality initiatives and govern-

ment programs, crop insurance, compliance with food safety regulations, alternative energy projects, and markets for or-

ganic grain, vegetable and fruit crops. Organic farmers, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists, govern-

ment agency staff and others with unique experience related to organic agriculture and sustainable living also will be

speaking at the conference.

“The Iowa Organic Conference is the largest University-sponsored organic conference in the country,” said Delate. Last

year’s conference brought 50 exhibitors, ranging from organic seed sales, to local food system nonprofits, to government

offices working with transitioning and certified organic farmers. Despite the challenges of extreme weather this year, or-

ganic farmers are anticipating successful organic yields with organic soybean prices currently averaging $17 per bushel.

The cost of the conference is $95 on or before Nov. 7 and $115 after Nov. 7. Conference information is available online at

http://sustainability.uiowa.edu/2014-iowa-organic-conference/ with the link to registration at https://www.signmeup.com/

site/online-event-registration/102901 For additional conference information and directions to the conference, visit the

webpage or contact Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu. Conference partners include Iowa State University Extension and

Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, New Pioneer Co-op, Organic Valley and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

ESTIMATING THE COST OF DRYING CORN Climate conditions in the upper Midwest states make it necessary for most of the corn harvested

for grain there to be dried artificially, to some extent. The cost of drying corn grain will depend

on the type and size of drying system utilized, the amount of moisture to be removed, the

weather conditions during the drying period, and the current per unit costs for electricity and

drying fuel. A publication and decision tool spreadsheet available at:

www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/a2-31.html

Page 5 Ag Newsletter

TRI-STATE AG LENDERS SEMINAR

The 28th Annual Tri-State Agriculture Lenders Seminar will be held on Wednesday, October 29th at the Midway Best West-

ern Hotel in Dubuque, Iowa from 9:45 am – 3:00 pm. This year’s focus is on market outlooks for livestock, grains and dairy

in addition along with the issues of crop budgeting, crop insurance and the farm bill.

“Price risk management is getting to be the major variable for profitability in many commodity enterprises. Understanding

the markets is a necessary part of farm management assistance for agricultural lenders as well”, says Larry Tranel, ISU Ex-

tension Dairy Field Specialist. ” This seminar has proven itself in assisting lenders and farm financial advisors in helping

farmers manage that risk.” The cost of the program is $90 per person by October 17th. To register, contact Larry Tranel at

ISU Extension in Dubuque County at 563-583-6496 or e-mail tranel@iastate.edu for registration information.

NEWSLETTER COVERS ALL THINGS RELATED TO SMALL FARM LIVING AMES, Iowa—Many Iowans are choosing to live on small farms or acreages and they have a

variety of reasons. According to the Census of Agriculture, one-third of Iowa farms are small

farms with 50 acres or less. Iowans say small farms offer a quiet place to retire and open spaces

to raise young families. Some are drawn to the rural lifestyle by memories of growing up on a

farm or visiting a grandparent’s farm. Others want to raise their own food, make a positive contri-

bution to the environment or contribute to the local food system.

Christa Hartsook knows about the opportunities and the challenges of small farm living. She has

been involved with small farm sustainability the past 12 years as a value added agriculture pro-

gram specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She is a natural fit as the small

farm sustainability program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the

position she began in June.

She has her sights set on making sure other Iowans know of the opportunities and available re-

sources for managing challenges of small farm living. The first newsletter issue included infor-

mation about backyard poultry, fall turf grass management, well maintenance and inspection, promoting pollinators and ver-

min management. The newsletter will be emailed directly to subscribers and county extension offices across the state, and be

available on the ISU Extension and Outreach small farm website www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms The small farm sus-

tainability website organizes resources under the headings of planning and management, marketing and food systems, alter-

native and specialty crops, and niche livestock. It also encourages visitors to send a note if they have a question about small

farming. A team of trained ISU Extension and Outreach specialists are ready to respond to small farmers and those living on

acreages, and connect Iowans with the Iowa State resources. Hartsook said the small farm sustainability program brings re-

sources from across the university and the Extension system to Iowans. Publications, people and agencies that serve as re-

sources will be highlighted on the website, in the e-newsletter and through online learning opportunities that will be available

early in 2015.

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY HOSTING AI SCHOOL Genex Cooperative, Inc., will be conducting an AI school at Iowa State University on November 24-26. The cost is $350

per person. This is the week of Thanksgiving break at ISU. Monday and Tuesday will be from 9 am-4 pm and Wednesday

will be 8 am-Noon. This class is for anyone interested in learning how to AI cows. Please bring work clothes/boots as the

participants will be spending a majority of the time in barns working on live cows. After successful completion of the class

participants will receive a certificate of completion Please contact Jeff Hoeger, Regional Account Specialist-Genex Cooper-

ative Inc., jhoeger@crinet.com, 563-543-5813 with questions. Please share this information to those who may be interested.

WOMEN, LAND AND TOOLS 101 November 8th, 3261 500th St SW Iowa City, 1-4PM Located 4 miles west of Hills

Bur Oak Land Trust and Johnson Women, Land and Legacy are inviting women to a dynamic autumn event on tool mainte-

nance for land management. Learn from local experts on safety, cleaning, and maintenance of some of your most important

tools including hand tools, chainsaws, tractors, and 4 wheelers. The event is from 1-4PM but will be an "open house" format,

with participants free to come and go. Bring your hand tools, chainsaws, we'll have larger equipment on site. This event is

free and open to the public. RSVP through our website or call Tammy Richardson with Bur Oak Land Trust at 319-338-

7030 or Wren Almitra with Johnson Co. SWCD at 319-337-2322 x3. If you need accommodations, please contact Wren at

the number above. For more information on Johnson County WLL, please contact Wren Almitra, 319-337-2322 x3.

Page 6 Ag Newsletter

MANAGING YOUR UNSEEN EMPLOYEE: THE VENTILATION SYSTEM Iowa State University Extension & Outreach in cooperation with IPPA, Phibro Animal Health,

Iowa Pork Industry Center and JBS United are sponsoring a Ventilation 101: Basics for live-

stock producers on November 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.

The program will be held at the National Guard Armory, 501 HWY 1 South, Washington (NE

of the fairgrounds). Topics covered include fans, inlets, controllers, trouble shooting, fan mo-

tor curves, data logger, emergency issues and more. The training is free, lunch included. Call

Tom Miller at 319-653-4811 or email tmiller@iastate.edu with questions or to register. Limited to 26 attendees.

HELP FARMERS COPE WITH STRESS AMES, Iowa — Farm life with its country setting often is idealized, but as the

complications and pace of agriculture have increased, so have the physical and

mental demands on farmers. Safety and stress during harvest season cannot be ig-

nored, says Margaret Van Ginkel, an Iowa State University Extension and Out-

reach human sciences program specialist and Iowa Concern Hotline coordinator.

“Farmers deal with everyday tasks of money management, decision-making and

equipment maintenance,” Van Ginkel said. “Worry over large debt loads, govern-

ment regulations, pest outbreaks, animal disease, negative publicity, rapid change

within the industry and lack of control over the weather add stress and safety risks.”

Van Ginkel says there are physical signs of stress to look for in yourself or a co-worker. The Ag Decision Maker publica-

tion Managing Farm Business & Family Stress (www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/pdf/c6-51.pdf) points out

physical signs of stress that may include an increase in headaches, lingering fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns and more

frequent illness; emotional signs include frequent anger and irritability.

Recognize signs of stress

Although adults involved in the agriculture industry may not come out and verbally share they are under financial or

emotional stress, there are signs they may be in need of help, Van Ginkel said. These signs can be observed by friends,

neighbors, veterinarians, physicians, clergy, teachers and other community members.

Suzanne Pish, a social-emotional health extension educator with Michigan State University Extension, encourages those

living in rural communities to look for the following signs of chronic, prolonged stress in farm families:

Change in routines. The farmer or family no longer participates in activities they once enjoyed such as church, 4-H

or visiting at the local diner.

Care of livestock declines. Animals might show signs of neglect or abuse.

Increase in illness. Stress puts people at higher risk for upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic condi-

tions (aches, pains, persistent cough).

Increase in farm accidents. Fatigue and the inability to concentrate can lead to greater risk of accidents.

Decline in farmstead appearance. The farm family no longer may take pride in the way farm buildings and grounds

appear, or no longer have time to do the maintenance work.

Children show signs of stress. Children from families under stress may act out, show a decline in academic perfor-

mance or be increasingly absent from school. They also may show signs of physical abuse or neglect.

“Many farmers who are used to working things out for themselves might be resistant to sharing their problems with oth-

ers. Although asking for help might go against the nature of a strong, self-reliant farmer, obtaining support for stress-

related problems usually provides the most effective and durable solutions,” Van Ginkel said. “It’s important to encour-

age and refer individuals and families under farm-related stress to needed resources.”

Call the Iowa Concern Hotline

Iowans can call the ISU Extension and Outreach Iowa Concern Hotline, 800-447-1985, for help and referrals for dealing

with stress. The Iowa Concern website at www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/ has a live chat feature as an additional

way to talk with stress counselors. Agencies and professionals serving individuals and families can contact local ISU Ex-

tension and Outreach offices about Iowa Concern hotline number business cards available for distribution.

The following publications can be accessed at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county offices or from the

Extension Online Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu/: 1) Stress: Taking Charge 2) Strengthen Your Relationship

in Stressful Times 3) Show You Care by Listening

Stay Informed - www.extension.iastate.edu/washington

Page 7 Ag Newsletter

WORKSHEET HELPS PRODUCERS IDENTIFY SELECTIONS FOR 2014 FARM BILL AMES, Iowa -- The Agricultural Act of 2014 is important legislation. It pro-

vides farmland owners and operators the opportunity to make a one-time

election of a commodity program for 2014 through 2018. The legislation

also allows the operator to enroll annually in a chosen program. Iowa State

University Extension and Outreach provides several resources to assist in

this decision-making process.

“While the Farm Bill of 2014 provides opportunities for farmers to update

their farm selections, it is important that they consider several factors before

making these decisions,” said Ann Johanns, extension program specialist.

Johanns coordinates Ag Decision Maker, an agricultural economics and

business website sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Out-

reach.

“We have developed several tools, including the Base Acreage Reallocation

and Payment Yield Update, to assist owners and operators as they determine

what is best for their business and family,” Johanns said. Alejandro Plastina,

economist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, developed

the Base Acreage Reallocation and Payment Yield Update.

www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/a1-35.html

“Opportunities to update base acres and payment yields for commodity pro-

grams are few and far between,” Plastina said. “So farmers should seriously

consider this opportunity provided by the 2014 Farm Bill.”

“The worksheet is a simple tool to evaluate the convenience of having the

payment formulas for some commodity programs updated to better reflect

current production patterns on a farm-by-farm basis,” Plastina added. He

noted that the decision tool includes multiple worksheets to allow infor-

mation for up to five farms. The Base Acreage Reallocation and Payment

Yield Update worksheet was designed to help Iowa farmland owners with

base acreage reallocation decisions for the Agricultural Risk Coverage-

County (ARC-CO) program and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program,

and with payment yield update decisions for the PLC program. To access

this and other online tools, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm.

To further support producers, a series of workshops will be held across Iowa

to provide information about the Farm Bill and the impact it has on produc-

ers. The meetings will be held once final regulations are set. A complete

schedule will be posted on the AgDM Farm Bill Web page at

www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html.

COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR RE-CERTIFICATION For details on each: www.extension.iastate.edu/PME/ComAp.html

Oct 23, Mosquito/Public Health Pest Mgmt. Course, Cat. 7D, 8 & 10.

Nov 5, Ornamental/Turfgrass Applicators Course, Cat. 3O, 3T, 3OT

& 10.

Nov 12, Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, Plant Disease Course, Cat. 1A,

1B, 1C & 10.

Nov. 18, Fumigation Course, Cat. 7C & 10.

Dec 3, Pest Control Operators Course, Cat. 7A, 7B, 8 & 10.

Late Nov program for Aerial Application, Cat. 11 to be determined.

Greenhouse & Ornamental, employers will be contacted.

PROGRAM SPECIALISTS/

COORDINATORS

Serving Region 15

Agriculture

Ag Engineering

Greg Brenneman 319-337-2145

gregb@iastate.edu

Beef Livestock

Denise Schwab 319-472-4739

dschwab@iastate.edu

Patrick Wall 641-842-2014

patwall@iastate.edu

Commercial Horticulture

Patrick O’Malley 319-337-2145

omall@iastate.edu

Agronomy

Lance Miller 319-337-2145

lrm@iastate.edu

Virgil Schmitt 563-263-5701 vschmitt@iastate.edu

Farm Management

Ryan Drollette 319-337-2145

drollett@iastate.edu

Swine

Tom Miller 319-653-4811

tmiller@iastate.edu

Terry Steinhart 641-622-2680 tsteinha@iastate.edu

Community Economic Dev. Himar Hernandez 641-682-5491 himarh@iastate.edu

Human Sciences

Family Life

Janet Smith 319-385-8126

jansmith@iastate.edu

Nutrition & Health

Rachel Wall 319-337-2145

wallr@iastate.edu

Family Finance

Mary Weinand 641-472-4166

mweinand@iastate.edu

Youth

Janet Martin 319-337-2145

jmmartin@iastate.edu Tricia Stouder 319-668-1052 trew@iastate.edu

County Youth Coordinators

Johnson Co.-Camie Marshek 319-337-2145

Iowa Co.-Mary Veatch 319-668-1052

Keokuk Co.-Michele Sieren 641-622-2680

Washington Co.-Amy Green 319-653-4811

Advancement Team

Karen Lathrop 319-930-9744

klathrop@iastate.edu

Washington County Extension 2223 250th St. Washington, IA 52353

PRESORTED

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PAID

PERMIT NO 264

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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FALL NITROGEN APPLICATION Why wait for 50 degree soil temperatures before fall N applications? A brief explanation is provided in the

following article: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/2005/9-19/fiftydegrees.html Ammonium-N in manure re-

acts similarly to anhydrous ammonia. If time constraints require that manure be applied earlier in the fall, realize

that available N estimates for next year’s crop could be affected for reasons stated in the article.

CAN NITROGEN APPLIED IN FALL BREAK DOWN CORN STOVER? As the growing season comes to an end and cornfields are harvested, farmers

may be exploring their options for corn stover. New hybrids produce stronger

stalks and relatively larger amounts of biomass, and as more corn-on-corn acres

are planted and less tillage is done, corn stover has become a greater management

concern over the years. The following is an article from the University of Illinois

and research from the University of Wisconsin on this popular issues:

http://bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1565

VISIT AG DECISION MAKER The Ag Decision Maker link at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ contains information on current topics and timely up-

dates. Corn drying, shrink and storage decisions will come into play with high yields and declining cash prices. Hot topics

such as the Farm Bill, 2014 Pro-Ag Management Seminars with dates and locations are available. Current outlook and profit-

ability and crop insurance policies are discussed. Visit Ag Decision maker today!