Area7 22 15 by Iowa Farm Bureau

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

SOUTH EAST IOWA

MAHASKA . KEOKUK . WASHINGTON . LOUISA . MUSCATINE . MONROE . WAPELLO JEFFERSON . HENRY . DES MOINES . APPANOOSE . DAVIS . VAN BUREN . LEE

Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters introduces new menu items SUBMITTED BY DES MOINES, LOUISA, MUSCATINE, WAPELLO The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces two new menu items for 2015 - Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap and Breakfast Burrito. “We’re excited to introduce two new beef items to our menu,” says John Mortimer, manager of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “We have always looked for new ways to expand our menu in order to meet the needs of our customers. Nonetheless, one thing always remains the same – we’re all about the beef.” The Breakfast Burrito features smoked brisket, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a Tortilleria Sonora tortilla, made in Des Moines. “In addition to the new breakfast item this year, we will be extending our breakfast hours,” says Mortimer. “Breakfast will be served daily from 6–10 a.m.” The second new item this year is the Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap. This wrap is made exclusively with Cer-

tified Angus Beef® steak, lettuce, cheese, a blend of peppers and onions, with a chipotle mayo spread, wrapped in the Tortilleria Sonora tortilla. “The new items at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters not only provide customers with another delicious beef option during their visit to the Iowa State Fair, but also showcases the high quality and wholesome beef that Iowa’s farmers are dedicated to raising,” says Brooke Young, director of marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The Breakfast Burrito will be available daily from 6-10 a.m. for the price of $6 each. The Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap will be available for $7 daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 2015 Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 13–23 in Des Moines. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, a beef advocate, boasts an exclusively all beef menu including prime rib dinners, roast beef sandwiches, ribeye steak sandwiches, taco salads, third pound hamburgers and is the home of the original Hot Beef Sundae.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Creamy Pear Pie Audrey Waller, Epworth (Dubuque County) 4 c. pears, sliced and peeled 1/2 c. sugar 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 (8-oz.) sour cream 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

In bowl, toss pears with sugar and flour. In another bowl, combine sour cream, vanilla and almond extract. Mix well. Add to pear mixture, and pour into pie shell. Prepare topping by mixing all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over pears. Bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 45 minutes. Cool, and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Guacamole Wanda Ross, Dubuque (Dubuque County) 1 medium ripe avocado, halved, seeded and scooped out 1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno 4-1/2 tsp. lemon or lime juice 1 small tomato, seeded and finely pepper, seeded and finely chopped chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp. salt, optional 1/4 c. onion, finely chopped Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

Place roast in a small crockpot on low temperature, and pour root beer over the top. Cook overnight. In the morning, place well-drained roast in a pan or dish, and rake with a serving fork. Serve on buns with barbecue sauce to taste.

Lower commodity prices mean farmers are looking to increase yield. FARMserver’s Crop Health Imaging™, powered by GeoVantage, is an easy way to improve efficiency when scouting multiple acres to find areas that need additional nitrogen.

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

will be in: Henry County on July 30, 11 a.m.

vantage of the new estate tax bill Retirement & Social Security Planning • Best ways to fund your retirement, including Social Security analysis – how to calculate your benefits, how they’re taxed, and strategies to optimize benefits • Eliminate unnecessary taxes – tax reform updates • Techniques that take advantage of the new estate tax bill – Portability, Joint Trust, Protective Inheritance Trust for children This is a no-cost, no-obligation event. If your schedule permits attendance at our workshop, we welcome your attendance. Meetings in northwest Iowa

Washington County on Aug. 3, 11 a.m. Van Buren County Aug. 11, 11 a.m. For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-onone, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

Farmers encouraged to apply for cost share for cover crops, no-till/strip-till and nitrification inhibitor SUBMITTED BY KEOKUK, MAHASKA Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminds Iowa farmers that funds are available to help install practices focused on protecting water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer. The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a Nitra pyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. First-time users that apply by July 24 will be the first applications funded. First-time users that apply after July 24 will still receive priority consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre. “We already have $1.6 million in applications from more than 700 farmers interested in doing more on their farm to protect water quality. This includes first-time uses of cover crops as well as farmers who have tried them before and are willing to do even more,” Northey said. “Fortunately, as a result of the significant increase in funding for water quality, we have additional funds available. I hope interested farmers will contact their local Soil and Water

Conservation District soon to learn more about the assistance that is available.” Farmers are also encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to inquire about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other programs offered at their local SWCDs. The cost share assistance was announced May 12. Since then, the governor has signed into law $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, which is an increase of $5.2 million from the $4.4 million provided last year. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also received $6.75 million for conservation cost share, a portion of which can be used on management practices such as cover crops. In the last two years this program has been available, over 1,400 farmers put in new nutrient reduction practices on over 144,000 acres. The state provided about $3.4 million in cost share funding to help farmers try a water quality practice for the first time and Iowa farmers provided at least another $3.4 million to support these water quality practices. The Iowa Water Quality Initiative was established in 2013 to help implement the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which is a science and technology based approach to

achieving a 45 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus losses to our waters. The strategy brings together both point sources, such as municipal waste water treatment plants and industrial facilities and non point sources, including farm fields and urban storm water runoff, to address these issues. The initiative seeks to harness the collective ability of both private and public resources and organizations to deliver a clear and consistent message to stakeholders to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality. In addition to statewide cost share, 16 targeted Water Quality Initiative demonstration watershed projects have been funded to help implement and demonstrate water quality practices. The state has provided $7.4 million in funding to support these projects and has leveraged an additional $11.7 million in additional funding from partners and landowners. More than 95 organizations are participating in these projects. Nine Urban Conservation Water Quality Initiative Demonstration Projects have also been funded. The state has awarded $655,194 in funding and partners and landowners participating in the projects will provide $2.43 million to support urban conservation efforts. More information about the initiative can be found at www.CleanWaterIowa.org.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

NORTH WEST IOWA

LYON . OSCEOLA . DICKINSON . EMMET . SIOUX . O’BRIEN . CLAY . PALO ALTO . PLYMOUTH . CHEROKEE BUENA VISTA . POCAHONTAS . WOODBURY . IDA . SAC . CALHOUN . MONONA . CRAWFORD . CARROLL . GREENE

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters introduces new menu items SUBMITTED BY CALHOUN, CHEROKEE, CRAWFORD, LYON, O’BRIEN The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces two new menu items for 2015 - Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap and Breakfast Burrito. “We’re excited to introduce two new beef items to our menu,” says John Mortimer, manager of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “We have always looked for new ways to expand our menu in order to meet the needs of our customers. Nonetheless, one thing always remains the same – we’re all about the beef.” The Breakfast Burrito features smoked brisket, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a Tortilleria Sonora tortilla, made in Des Moines. “In addition to the new breakfast item this year, we will be extending our breakfast hours,”

says Mortimer. “Breakfast will be served daily from 6–10 a.m.” The second new item this year is the Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap. This wrap is made exclusively with Certified Angus Beef® steak, lettuce, cheese, a blend of peppers and onions, with a chipotle mayo spread, wrapped in the Tortilleria Sonora tortilla. “The new items at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters not only provide customers with another delicious beef option during their visit to the Iowa State Fair, but also showcases the high quality and wholesome beef that Iowa’s farmers are dedicated to raising,” says Brooke Young, director of marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The Breakfast Burrito will be available daily from 6-10 a.m. for the price of $6 each. The Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap will be available for $7 daily from 10

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Guacamole Wanda Ross, Dubuque (Dubuque County) 1 medium ripe avocado, halved, seeded and scooped out 4-1/2 tsp. lemon or lime juice 1 small tomato, seeded and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 c. onion, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 tsp. salt, optional Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

Place roast in a small crockpot on low temperature, and pour root beer over the top. Cook overnight. In the morning, place welldrained roast in a pan or dish, and rake with a serving fork. Serve on buns with barbecue sauce to taste.

Breakfast burrito

a.m. to 9 p.m. The 2015 Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 13–23 in Des Moines. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quar-

Steak wrap

ters, a beef advocate, boasts an exclusively all beef menu including prime rib dinners, roast beef sandwiches, ribeye steak

sandwiches, taco salads, third pound hamburgers and is the home of the original Hot Beef Sundae.

Retirement & Social Security Planning • Best ways to fund your retirement, including Social Security analysis – how to calculate your benefits, how they’re taxed, and strategies to optimize benefits • Eliminate unnecessary taxes – tax reform updates • Techniques that take advantage of the new estate tax bill – Portability, Joint Trust, Protective Inheritance Trust for children This is a no-cost, no-obligation event. If your schedule permits attendance at our workshop, we welcome your attendance. Meetings in northwest Iowa will be in:

Sioux County on July 27, 11 a.m. Crawford County on Aug. 6, 11 a.m. Greene County Aug. 7, 11 a.m. Sac County Aug. 13 11 a.m. For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-onone, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

Farmers encouraged to apply now for cost-share for cover crops, no-till/strip-till and nitrification inhibitor SUBMITTED BY CALHOUN, IDA Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminds Iowa farmers that funds are available to help install practices focused on protecting water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer. The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. First-time users that apply by July 24 will be the first applications funded. First-time users that apply after July 24 will still receive priority consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have

used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre. “We already have $1.6 million in applications from more than 700 farmers interested in doing more on their farm to protect water quality. This includes first-time uses of cover crops as well as farmers who have tried them before and are willing to do even more,” Northey said. “Fortunately, as a result of the significant increase in funding for water quality, we have addition funds available. I hope interested farmers will contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District soon to learn more about the assistance that is available.” Farmers are also encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to inquire about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other programs offered at their local SWCDs.

The cost share assistance was announced on May 12. Since then, the Governor has signed into law $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, which is an increase of $5.2 million from the $4.4 million provided last year. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also received $6.75 million for conservation cost share, a portion of which can be used on management practices such as cover crops. In the last two years this program has been available, over 1,400 farmers put in new nutrient reduction practices on over 144,000 acres. The state provided about $3.4 million in cost share funding to help farmers try a water quality practice for the first time and Iowa farmers provided at least another $3.4 million to support these water quality practices.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

NORTH EAST IOWA

WINNESHIEK . ALLAMAKEE . FAYETTE . CLAYTON . BUCHANAN . DELAWARE . DUBUQUE

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Iowa Food Hub start-up strategy is basis for new publication SUBMITTED BY CLAYTON, WINNESHIEK A new publication describes how emerging food hubs can grow successfully under money constraints if cash flow is managed strategically. It is produced by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Iowa Food Hub. Managing Cash Flow for a Low-Capital Food Hub Start-Up is part of the “Iowa Food Hub: Local Food System Toolkit” series designed to share knowledge gleaned from local foods work and research in Northeast Iowa. The series describes and suggests proven ways to further develop systems of local food distribution and sales. “People think that starting a food hub requires large investments in things like infrastructure and transportation at the outset,” said Nick McCann, food systems value chain coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. The publication was written

by McCann and Savanna Lyons, graduate research assistant in local food systems with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. While grants or loans can provide start-up funds for a new food hub distributing fresh local produce, they can be hard to obtain. Most financial institutions are not willing to lend to start-up operations, especially those that sell perishable food items. The Iowa Food Hub experience gave us insight on how managers, who pay close attention to cash flow, can start a food hub with little capital. The Iowa Food Hub, located in West Union, is operated as a nonprofit organization and was founded as a “research hub” by the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative to seek solutions to common challenges facing food hubs. ISU Extension and Outreach experts work closely with the food hub staff and board to document best practices and make the information available for other organi-

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 tsp. salt, optional Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

zations. Although the Iowa Food Hub has received some grant support to aid its growth, it initially started in 2013 with $500 in its bank account. With this limited capital, the food hub made ends meet by collecting pre-payment for its products and keeping little inventory on hand. The publication explains these strategies. It also provides an example cash flow budget, as well as other illustrations to assist hub managers. Lyons points out food hubs are gaining in popularity, both in the United States and in Iowa. “Food hubs help bridge the gap between smaller farms and customers. They help farms

meet the requirements of schools or hospitals, who want things like reliable delivery, a streamlined ordering system and assurances of food safety,” said Lyons. “Or, they can pack and deliver farmers’ products to people living in urban areas. Every food hub is different, but they all provide a missing link that some farmers are looking for.” A recent study by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture suggested there are at least 16 food hubs in Iowa, and a total of 31 “centers of food hub-related activities.” In addition to Iowa Food Hub, others include Iowa Valley Food Co-op

in Cedar Rapids, GROWN Locally in Clermont and Quad Cities Food Hub in Davenport. The publications in the Iowa Food Hub toolkit series function as case studies and explore models that could be applied in other communities. Upcoming publication tools will focus on other topics related to food hub, including farm to school and food hub accounting. The publication is available on the Leopold Center website at http:// www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs-andpapers. Learn more about Iowa Food Hub at www.iowafoodhub.com.

Farmers learn science of interpreting soil and manure tests SUBMITTED BY FAYETTE, WINNESHIEK August workshops on nutrient testing and manure application may help improve farmer income. Summer is the best time to apply livestock manure for crop fertilization, but getting the right level is a science. To aid farmers in nutrient management, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy specialists are offering a workshop to fine-tune manure applications with soil management practices and testing. The two-hour workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the first hour training on manure management ‘how-to’ with examples and a step-bystep guide. The second hour will be question and answer time with Extension specialists. Leading the sessions are Brian Lang and Joel DeJong, both field agronomists with ISU Extension

and Outreach. Participants may bring along recent soil and manure tests from their farm operations for interpretation. There are nine workshop dates and locations available in August: * Wednesday, Aug. 12 – Winneshiek County ISU Extension office, Decorah, 563-382-2949 * Thursday, Aug. 13 – Fayette County ISU Extension office, Fayette, 563-425-3331 * Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Allamakee County ISU Extension office, Waukon, 563-568-6345 * Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Sac County ISU Extension Office, Sac City, 712-737-4230 * Thursday, Aug. 20 – Howard County ISU Extension office, Cresco, 563-547-3001 * Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sioux County at Northwest Iowa Community

College, Campus Building A, Room 119, Sheldon, 712-737-4230 * Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Delaware County ISU Extension office, Manchester, 563-927-4201 * Wednesday, August 26 – Dubuque County ISU Extension office, Dubuque, 563-583-6496 * Thursday, August 27 – Clayton County ISU Extension office, Elkader, 563-245-1451 The program is free, but seating is limited so please call ahead to make your reservation. For more information or to make reservations, contact the local Extension County office or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/content/county-offices. This informational meeting is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and North Central Risk Management Education Center.

Planning • Best ways to fund your retirement, including Social Security analysis – how to calculate your benefits, how they’re taxed, and strategies to optimize benefits • Eliminate unnecessary taxes – tax reform updates • Techniques that take advantage of the new estate tax bill – Portability, Joint Trust, Protective Inheritance Trust for children This is a no-cost, no-obligation event. If your schedule permits attendance at our workshop, we welcome your attendance. Meetings in northwest Iowa will be in:

Winneshiek County on July 27, 11 a.m. Delaware County on Aug. 6, 6 p.m.. Dubuque County Aug. 10, 6 p.m For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-onone, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

KOSSUTH . WINNEBAGO . WORTH . HANCOCK . CERRO GORDO . HUMBOLDT WRIGHT . FRANKLIN . WEBSTER . HAMILTON . HARDIN

Reminder: Farmers encouraged to apply now for cost-share for cover crops, no-till/ strip-till and nitrification inhibitor SUBMITTED BY HAMILTON, HUMBOLDT, WINNEBAGO, WRIGHT

Assistance available through Iowa Water Quality Initiative Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminds Iowa farmers that funds are available to help install practices focused on protecting water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer. The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor

when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. First-time users that apply by July 24 will be the first applications funded. First-time users that apply after July 24 will still receive priority consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre. “We already have $1.6 million in applications from more than 700 farmers interested in doing more on their farm to protect water quality. This includes first-time uses of cover crops as well as farmers who have tried them before and are willing to do even more,” Northey said.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 tsp. salt, optional Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

“Fortunately, as a result of the significant increase in funding for water quality, we have addition funds available. I hope interested farmers will contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District soon to learn more about the assistance that is available.” Farmers are also encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to inquire about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other programs offered at their local SWCDs. The cost share assistance was announced on May 12. Since then, the Governor has signed into law $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, which is an increase of $5.2 million from the $4.4 million provided last year. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also received $6.75 million for conservation cost share, a portion of which can be used on management practices such as cover crops. In the last two years this program has been available, over 1,400 farmers put in new nutrient reduction practices on over 144,000 acres. The state provided about $3.4 million in cost share funding to help farmers try a water quality practice for the first time and Iowa farmers provided at least another $3.4 million to support these water quality practices.

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Farm Bureau sets estate planning and business succession meetings Your local Farm Bureau Agents and Advanced Markets Attorneys would like to invite you to one of a series of free workshops in your area. Workshop topics include: farm succession planning, business succession planning, or retirement and Social Security planning. The seminars will focus on the following: Farm Succession Planning • Keeping your farm in the family for the next generation • Distribute farm assets to your children active in the farm, while maintaining fairness for all children • Eliminate unnecessary taxes – tax reform update Business Succession Planning • Keeping your business in the family for the next generation • Distributing business assets to your child active in the business. Maintain fairness for all children • Use techniques that take advantage of the new estate tax bill Retirement & Social Security Planning • Best ways to fund your retirement, including Social Security analysis – how to calculate your benefits, how they’re taxed, and strategies to optimize benefits • Eliminate unnecessary taxes – tax reform updates • Techniques that take advantage of the new estate tax bill – Portability, Joint Trust, Protective Inheritance Trust for children This is a no-cost, no-obligation event. If your schedule permits

attendance at our workshop, we welcome your attendance. Meetings in northwest Iowa will be in: Humboldt County on July 28, 11 a.m. Hardin County on Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Hancock County on Aug. 13, 11 a.m. For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-onone, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters introduces new menu items for 2015 SUBMITTED BY HUMBOLDT, WINNEBAGO, WRIGHT The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces two new menu items for 2015 - Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap and Breakfast Burrito. “We’re excited to introduce two new beef items to our menu,” says John Mortimer, manager of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “We have always looked for new ways to expand our menu in order to meet the needs of our customers. Nonetheless, one thing always remains the same – we’re all about the beef.” The Breakfast Burrito features smoked brisket, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a Tortilleria Sonora

tortilla, made in Des Moines. “In addition to the new breakfast item this year, we will be extending our breakfast hours,” says Mortimer. “Breakfast will be served daily from 6–10 a.m.” The second new item this year is the Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap. This wrap is made exclusively with Certified Angus Beef® steak, lettuce, cheese, a blend of peppers and onions, with a chipotle mayo spread, wrapped in the Tortilleria Sonora tortilla. “The new items at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters not only provide customers with another delicious beef option during their visit to the Iowa State Fair, but also showcases the high quality and

wholesome beef that Iowa’s farmers are dedicated to raising,” says Brooke Young, director of marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The Breakfast Burrito will be available daily from 6-10 a.m. for the price of $6 each. The Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap will be available for $7 daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 2015 Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 13–23 in Des Moines. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, a beef advocate, boasts an exclusively all beef menu including prime rib dinners, roast beef sandwiches, ribeye steak sandwiches, taco salads, third pound hamburgers and is the home of the original Hot Beef Sundae.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

EAST IOWA

TAMA . BENTON . LINN . JONES . JACKSON . POWESHIEK IOWA . JOHNSON . CEDAR . CLINTON . SCOTT

Farm Bureau supports grain bin rescue

Jackson County Farm Bureau has given donations to county fire and rescue departments to help with the purchase of grain bin rescue equipment. Grain bin rescue equipment includes a rescue tube, ropes and harnesses and a portable hand-held auger which decreases the amount of time it takes to rescue someone who is trapped/stuck in a bin. Vice President Jody Martens (middle), along with his daughter Mckenna, presents a check from Jackson County Farm Bureau to Joe Kilburg (right) of the LaMotte Fire Department to help purchase grain bin rescue equipment. PHOTO COURTESY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Jones County on July 28, 6 p.m. Johnson County on Aug. 4, 11 a.m. Scott County Aug. 5, 11 a.m. Linn County Aug. 11, 11 a.m. For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-onone, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters introduces new menu items for 2015

Breakfast burrito

1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 tsp. salt, optional Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

SUBMITTED BY TAMA The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces two new menu items for 2015 – Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap and Breakfast Burrito. “We’re excited to introduce two new beef items to our menu,” says John Mortimer, manager of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “We have always looked for new ways to expand our menu in order to meet the needs of our customers. Nonetheless, one thing always remains the same – we’re all about the beef.” The Breakfast Burrito features smoked brisket, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a Tortilleria Sonora

Steak wrap

tortilla, made in Des Moines. “In addition to the new breakfast item this year, we will be extending our breakfast hours,” says Mortimer. “Breakfast will be served daily from 6-10 a.m.” The second new item this year is the Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap. This wrap is made exclusively with Certified Angus Beef® steak, lettuce, cheese, a blend of peppers and onions, with a chipotle mayo spread, wrapped in the Tortilleria Sonora tortilla. “The new items at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters not only provide customers with another delicious beef option during their visit to the Iowa State Fair, but also showcases the high quality

and wholesome beef that Iowa’s farmers are dedicated to raising,” says Brooke Young, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The Breakfast Burrito will be available daily from 6-10 a.m. for the price of $6 each. The Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap will be available for $7 daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 2015 Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 13-23 in Des Moines. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, a beef advocate, boasts an exclusively all beef menu including prime rib dinners, roast beef sandwiches, rib eye steak sandwiches, taco salads, third pound hamburgers and is the home of the original Hot Beef Sundae.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

NORTH IOWA

FARMserver.com

MITCHELL . HOWARD . FLOYD . CHICKASAW . BUTLER . BREMER . GRUNDY . BLACK HAWK

Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Iowa Food Hub start-up strategy is basis for new publication SUBMITTED BY CHICKASAW, HOWARD A new publication describes how emerging food hubs can grow successfully under money constraints if cash flow is managed strategically. It is produced by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Iowa Food Hub. Managing Cash Flow for a Low-Capital Food Hub Start-Up is part of the “Iowa Food Hub: Local Food System Toolkit” series designed to share knowledge gleaned from local foods work and research in Northeast Iowa. The series describes and suggests proven ways to further develop systems of local food distribution and sales. “People think that starting a food hub requires large investments in things like infrastructure and transportation at the outset,” said Nick McCann, food systems value chain coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. The publication was

written by McCann and Savanna Lyons, graduate research assistant in local food systems with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. While grants or loans can provide start-up funds for a new food hub distributing fresh local produce, they can be hard to obtain. Most financial institutions are not willing to lend to start-up operations, especially those that sell perishable food items. The Iowa Food Hub experience gave us insight on how managers, who pay close attention to cash flow, can start a food hub with little capital. The Iowa Food Hub, located in West Union, is operated as a nonprofit organization and was founded as a “research hub” by the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative to seek solutions to common challenges facing food hubs. ISU Extension and Outreach experts work closely with the food hub staff and board to document best practices and make the information available for other

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Guacamole Wanda Ross, Dubuque (Dubuque County) 1 medium ripe avocado, halved, seeded and scooped out 4-1/2 tsp. lemon or lime juice 1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno 1 small tomato, seeded and finely pepper, seeded and finely chopped chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp. salt, optional 1/4 c. onion, finely chopped Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

organizations. Although the Iowa Food Hub has received some grant support to aid its growth, it initially started in 2013 with $500 in its bank account. With this limited capital, the food hub made ends meet by collecting pre-payment for its products and keeping little inventory on hand. The publication explains these strategies. It also provides an example cash flow budget, as well as other illustrations to assist hub managers. Lyons points out food hubs are gaining in popularity, both in the United States and in Iowa. “Food hubs help bridge the gap between

smaller farms and customers. They help farms meet the requirements of schools or hospitals, who want things like reliable delivery, a streamlined ordering system and assurances of food safety,” said Lyons. “Or, they can pack and deliver farmers’ products to people living in urban areas. Every food hub is different, but they all provide a missing link that some farmers are looking for.” A recent study by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture suggested there are at least 16 food hubs in Iowa, and a total of 31 “centers of food hub-related activities.” In addition to Iowa Food Hub, others

include Iowa Valley Food Co-op in Cedar Rapids, GROWN Locally in Clermont and Quad Cities Food Hub in Davenport. The publications in the Iowa Food Hub toolkit series function as case studies and explore models that could be applied in other communities. Upcoming publication tools will focus on other topics related to food hub, including farm to school and food hub accounting. The publication is available on the Leopold Center website at http:// www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs-andpapers. Learn more about Iowa Food Hub at www.iowafoodhub.com.

Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters introduces new menu items SUBMITTED BY CHICKASAW, HOWARD The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces two new menu items for 2015 - Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap and Breakfast Burrito. “We’re excited to introduce two new beef items to our menu,” says John Mortimer, manager of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “We have always looked for new ways to expand our menu in order to meet the needs of our customers. Nonetheless, one thing always remains the same – we’re all about the beef.” The Breakfast Burrito features smoked brisket, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a Tortilleria Sonora

Meetings in northwest Iowa will be in: Black Hawk Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. Grundy Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Mitchell Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-on-one, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/8602904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

SOUTH WEST IOWA

HARRISON . SHELBY . AUDUBON . GUTHRIE . ADAIR . CASS . WEST POTTAWATTAMIE . EAST POTTAWATTAMIE . MILLS MONTGOMERY . ADAMS . UNION . CLARKE . LUCAS . FREMONT . PAGE . TAYLOR . RINGGOLD . DECATUR . WAYNE

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Reminder: Farmers encouraged to apply now for cost-share for cover crops, no-till/strip-till and nitrification inhibitor SUBMITTED BY DECATUR, WEST POTTAWATTAMIE

Assistance available through Iowa Water Quality Initiative

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminded Iowa farmers that funds are available to help install practices focused on protecting water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer. The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. First-time users that apply by July 24 will be the first applications

funded. First-time users that apply after July 24 will still receive priority consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre. “We already have $1.6 million in applications from more than 700 farmers interested in doing more on their farm to protect water quality. This includes first-time uses of cover crops as well as farmers who have tried them before and are willing to do even more,” Northey said. “Fortunately, as a result of the significant increase in funding for water quality, we have addition funds available. I hope interested farmers will contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District soon to learn more about the assistance that is available.” Farmers are also encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to inquire

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other programs offered at their local SWCDs. The cost share assistance was announced on May 12. Since then, the Governor has signed into law $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, which is an increase of $5.2 million from the $4.4 million provided last year. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also received $6.75 million for conservation cost share, a portion of which can be used on management practices such as cover crops. In the last two years this program has been available, over 1,400 farmers put in new nutrient reduction practices on over 144,000 acres. The state provided about $3.4 million in cost share funding to help farmers try a water quality practice for the first time and Iowa farmers provided at

least another $3.4 million to support these water quality practices.

Background on Iowa Water Quality Initiative

The Iowa Water Quality Initiative was established in 2013 to help implement the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which is a science and technology based approach to achieving a 45 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus losses to our waters. The strategy brings together both point sources, such as municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities and nonpoint sources, including farm fields and urban stormwater runoff, to address these issues. The initiative seeks to harness the collective ability of both private and public resources and organizations to deliver a clear and consistent message to stakeholders to reduce nutri-

ent loss and improve water quality. In addition to statewide cost share, 16 targeted Water Quality Initiative demonstration watershed projects have been funded to help implement and demonstrate water quality practices. The state has provided $7.4 million in funding to support these projects and has leveraged an additional $11.7 million in additional funding from partners and landowners. More than 95 organizations are participating in these projects. Nine Urban Conservation Water Quality Initiative Demonstration Projects have also been funded. The state has awarded $655,194 in funding and partners and landowners participating in the projects will provide $2.43 million to support urban conservation efforts. More information about the initiative can be found at www.CleanWaterIowa.org.

we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/8602904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

Beef producer tour planned SUBMITTED BY LUCAS Joe Sellers and beef producers in south central Iowa have planned a ranch and feedlot bus tour to north central Nebraska set for Aug. 26-29. The bus will leave Chariton at 8 a.m. Aug. 26 and return by 7 p.m. on the 29th. Tentative stops include Kennedy Cattle Company, the ISU Armstrong Research Center, Jindra Angus, Wulf Cattle Company, Rolling Stone Feedyard, ranch stops planned by the Sandhills Cattle Association and other ranches and feed yards in western Iowa and Nebraska. A full itinerary is

under development. Overnight stays will be at O’Neill, Valentine and Kearney, Neb. Sponsors include Midwest Heritage Bank, Zoetis Animal Health and the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University. Participants are responsible for their own room reservations, a registration fee of $150 fee payable to Lucas County Extension and some meals during the trip. Room reservations and preregistration for the bus must be made by July 26 to assure access to lodging and a seat on the bus! A block of rooms are held under “Iowa Beef Tour/Iowa State Univer-

sity” at these motels – Holiday Inn Express, O’Neill ($120 room rate) – 402-336-4500; Econo Lodge Inn, Valentine ($89.99 room rate) – 402376-3131; and Fairfield inn, Kearney ($114.95 room rate) – 308-236-4200. (Rates listed are for two Queen or one King standard rooms, plus tax.) The room blocks will be released on July 26. To register for the bus send a check for $150 per person to Lucas County Extension, 48293 Hy-Vee Road, Chariton, IA 50049. For more details contact Joe Sellers at 641-203-1270, or email sellers@iastate.edu.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

JULY 22, 2015

Crop Health Imaging™

CENTRAL IOWA

BOONE . STORY . MARSHALL . DALLAS . POLK . JASPER . MADISON . WARREN . MARION

FARMserver.com Crop Health Imaging™ is a trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters introduces new menu items SUBMITTED BY DALLAS, JASPER, MARION, MARSHALL, POLK, WARREN The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair announces two new menu items for 2015 - Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap and Breakfast Burrito. “We’re excited to introduce two new beef items to our menu,” says John Mortimer, manager of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. “We have always looked for new ways to expand our menu in order to meet the needs of our customers. Nonetheless, one thing always remains the same – we’re all about the beef.” The Breakfast Burrito features smoked brisket, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a Tortilleria Sonora tortilla, made in Des Moines. “In addition to the new breakfast item this year, we will be extending our breakfast hours,” says Mortimer. “Breakfast will

be served daily from 6–10 a.m.” The second new item this year is the Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap. This wrap is made exclusively with Certified Angus Beef® steak, lettuce, cheese, a blend of peppers and onions, with a chipotle mayo spread, wrapped in the Tortilleria Sonora tortilla. “The new items at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters not only provide customers with another delicious beef option during their visit to the Iowa State Fair, but also showcases the high quality and wholesome beef that Iowa’s farmers are dedicated to raising,” says Brooke Young, director of marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The Breakfast Burrito will be available daily from 6-10 a.m. for the price of $6 each. The Cattlemen’s Steak Wrap will be available for $7 daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 2015 Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 13–23

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Topping: 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. green chili or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 tsp. salt, optional Tortilla chips

In a bowl, mash avocado with a fork, leaving the mixture chunky. Stir in lemon or lime juice. Stir in tomato, onion, chili, garlic and salt, if desired. Cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Simple Pulled Pork Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast 1 can root beer Barbecue sauce of your choice

Breakfast burrito

in Des Moines. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, a beef advocate, boasts an

Steak wrap

exclusively all beef menu including prime rib dinners, roast beef sandwiches, ribeye steak sand-

wiches, taco salads, third pound hamburgers and is the home of the original Hot Beef Sundae.

• Best ways to fund your retirement, including Social Security analysis – how to calculate your benefits, how they’re taxed, and strategies to optimize benefits • Eliminate unnecessary taxes – tax reform updates • Techniques that take advantage of the new estate tax bill – Portability, Joint Trust, Protective Inheritance Trust for children This is a no-cost, no-obligation event. If your schedule permits attendance at our workshop, we welcome your attendance. Meetings in northwest Iowa will be in: Polk County on Aug. 3 11 a.m.

Madison County on Aug. 4, 11 a.m. Jasper County Aug. 10, 11 a.m. Dallas County Aug. 14 11 a.m. Marshall County Aug. 14 11 a.m For more information and the location of the meetings contact your Farm Bureau agent. If you prefer to meet one-on-one, we can schedule an individual meeting. We appreciate your consideration of this invitation. If you would like further information or to register to attend, please contact your local Farm Bureau Agent. Neither the Company nor its agents give tax, accounting or legal advice. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/8602904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*+, West Des Moines, Iowa +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services 12-026 (11-14)

Apply now for cost-share for cover crops, no-till/ strip-till and nitrification inhibitor SUBMITTED BY BOONE

Assistance available through Iowa Water Quality Initiative

consideration, but funds will also be made available to farmers that have used cover crops in the past for cost share assistance at $15 per acre. “We already have $1.6 million in applications from more than 700 farmers interested in doing more on their farm to protect water quality. This includes first-time uses of cover crops as well as farmers who have tried them before and are willing to do even more,” Northey said. “Fortunately, as a result of the significant increase in funding for water quality, we have addition funds available. I hope interested farmers will contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District soon to learn more about the assistance that is available.” Farmers are also encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to inquire about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other pro-

grams offered at their local SWCDs. The cost share assistance was announced on May 12. Since then, the Governor has signed into law $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, which is an increase of $5.2 million from the $4.4 million provided last year. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also received $6.75 million for conservation cost share, a portion of which can be used on management practices such as cover crops. In the last two years this program has been available, over 1,400 farmers put in new nutrient reduction practices on over 144,000 acres. The state provided about $3.4 million in cost share funding to help farmers try a water quality practice for the first time and Iowa farmers provided at least another $3.4 million to support these water quality practices.