Area4 15 2015 by Iowa Farm Bureau

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

SOUTH EAST IOWA

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

Lunch and Learn: housing for small poultry flocks webinars SUBMITTED BY DES MOINES, HENRY Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host two Lunch and Learn Webinars this April for those interested in starting a backyard poultry flock. The focus will be on housing for small flocks including issues, accessibility, cost, lighting and dimensions. The webinars are scheduled for April 15 at the Lee County Extension office in Donnellson and April 16 at the Henry County Extension office in Mt. Pleasant. Both sessions will start at noon

and last about an hour. Phil Clauer, with the Poultry Science Department for Penn State University, will lead the sessions. According to Clauer, housing is a key factor to consider prior to starting your flock. There are many complications that can be avoided by planning and designing a coop properly. The cost of the Lunch and Learn is $5 per person, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is required by April 14 to guarantee a meal. To reserve a spot or learn more, please call 319-835-5116.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Season pork with salt. Wrap bacon around the edges of the pork, and secure with a wooden toothpick. Mix together barbecue sauce and beer. Heat oil in ovenproof large skillet over medium-high heat. Stand chops bacon side down in skillet, leaning against the side of pan if needed. Using tongs, in sequence, turn and stand chops along bacon-wrapped edges to lightly brown bacon, about 3-1/2 minutes (allow about 45 seconds to brown each section). Place chops, wide flat side down, in skillet and cook until underside is lightly browned, about one minute. Turn chops over. Spread equal amount of barbecue sauce mixture over top of each chop, letting excess run into skillet. Place skillet with chops in oven, and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer each chop to a dinner plate, and let stand while making sauce. Drain fat from skillet, leaving browned bits in skillet. Heat skillet over high heat until hot. Add broth and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits with wooden spoon, and boil until reduced by half, about two minutes. Top each chop with a spoonful of sauce, and serve hot.

Grace’s Rice Krispies Bars Connie Plaht, Luana (Clayton County) 1 c. light corn syrup 2 c. peanut butter 1 c. brown sugar 4 c. Rice Krispies 4 Tbsp. instant vanilla pudding 6 Tbsp. milk 1/2 c. butter, softened 4 c. powdered sugar

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

Melt together corn syrup, peanut butter and brown sugar. Add rice cereal, and press into a greased jelly roll pan. Beat pudding, milk and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, and spread over cereal layer. Chill until firm. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter, and spread over bars. Keep refrigerated.

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Pancake breakfast for FFA Week

Members of the Central Lee FFA prepared a breakfast for more than 400 parents, staff and supporters during National FFA Week recently. From left: Jacob Boeck (vice president), Kimberly Bunnell (ambassador), Cole Peacher, Jarod Ridgway, Caleb Moore (chapter treasurer), Justin Wright (goodwill ambassador), Andrew Lambert (chapter president) and Josey Kirchner (third vice president). PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE COUNTY.

2015 FB Cookout Contest season starting to heat up The road to the 2015 Farm Bureau Cookout Contest has begun and several counties have already scheduled their contest to determine entries to the statewide grilling event. See list below. The 2015 Cookout Contest will be held August 18 on the Grand Concourse of the Iowa State Fair. The Farm Bureau Cookout Contest features participants of all ages and experience levels. All participants competing in the Cookout Contest qualified at one of the local Farm Bureau county cookout contests held in July and August. Contestants will compete in six categories: beef, pork, lamb, poultry, turkey, and combo/specialty. Dishes will be judged on taste, appearance, cost and originality. Special recognition will go to contestants in showmanship,

youth and team cooking categories. Youth grillers must be between the ages of 13 and 18 years, as of August 1, 2015. Farm Bureau or affiliated company employees are not eligible to compete. The local contests already scheduled are: Adair County July 19, Adair County Fairgrounds, judging time 2 p.m., contact Karen Stamper 515-418-1872 Benton County, July 25, Benton County Fairgrounds, judging time 4 p.m., contact Bill Newton 319-472-4710 Grundy County July, 25, Grundy County Fairgrounds, judging time noon, contact Karen

Richman 319-824-5212 Kossuth County Aug. 8, Kossuth County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m.. contact Tim Schneider 515-320-3431 Linn County June 28, Linn County Fairgrounds, judging time 2 p.m., contact Marilyn Platner 319-730-6111 Tama County July 17, Tama County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m., contact Cindy Broihier 641-484-3361 Pocahontas County, July 18, Pocahontas County Fairgrounds, judging time 1 p.m., contact Dawn Gathers, 712-335-3223 Webster County July 11, Webster County Fairgrounds judging time 3 p.m., contact Tammy Ireland 515-955-3898 Check www.iowafarmbureau. com periodically to find additional contests around Iowa.

ICA names young producers taking part in 2015 leadership program SUBMITTED BY LOUISA Seventeen young Iowa cattle producers from around the state are participating in the 2015 Young C a t t l e m e n ’s Leadership Program (YCLP). The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association program is designed to develop person- DUSTIN HOWELL al, organizational and community-focused leadership qualities in young producers. As the group kicked off the year,

they have participated in sessions where they learned more about each other, leadership strategies, the Iowa Beef Industry Headquarters and meeting and talking with state agency leaders and Iowa legislators. In June, the group will receive communications training and participate in the ICA policy development process. Participants, listed by county, are: Cedar – Andrew Sauer, Wilton; Clarke – Jeff Jamison, Weldon; Clayton – Matt Winters, Volga; Dallas – Joe Brewer, Dallas Center; and Delaware – Nick Knepper, Hopkinton.

Also, Fayette – Josh Zuck, Oelwein; Fremont – Ethon Smith, Thurman; Jasper – Greg Bartelma, Runnells; Lee – Brandon Ledger, West Point; Louisa – Dustin Howell, Columbus Junction; and Lucas – Brad Evans, Chariton. Finally, Madison – Skylar Speer, Prole, and Justin Sullivan, Winterset; Sioux – Jeff Van Voorst, Sioux Center; Story – Nate and Carrie Horman, Roland; and Woodbury – Cassie Johnson, Cushing. After the June session, the YCLP members will also get together for training and meetings in August and December.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

NORTH WEST IOWA

Data Worth Collecting Is Data Worth Using Planting Tip: Clean monitors are happy monitors. Be sure to upload your data into FARMserver every night after planting to keep it safe all season long. For more planting tips, visit

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

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

www.FARMserver.com

judging time noon, contact Karen Richman 319-824-5212 Kossuth County Aug. 8, Kossuth County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m.. contact Tim Schneider 515-320-3431 Linn County June 28, Linn County Fairgrounds, judging time 2 p.m., contact Marilyn Platner 319-730-6111 Tama County July 17, Tama County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m., contact Cindy Broihier 641-484-3361 Pocahontas County, July 18, Pocahontas County Fairgrounds, judging time 1 p.m., contact Dawn Gathers, 712-335-3223 Webster County July 11, Webster County Fairgrounds judging time 3 p.m., contact Tammy Ireland 515-955-3898 Check www.iowafarmbureau. com periodically to find additional contests around Iowa.

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

ICA names young producers taking part in 2015 leadership program SUBMITTED BY CALHOUN, CHEROKEE, SIOUX Seventeen young Iowa cattle producers from around the state are participating in the 2015 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association program is designed to develop personal, organizational and community-focused leadership qualities in young producers. As the group kicked off the year, they have participated in sessions where they learned more about each other, leadership strategies, the Iowa Beef Industry Headquarters and meeting and talking with state agency leaders and Iowa legislators. In June, the group will receive communications training and participate in the ICA policy development process. Participants, listed by county,

are: Cedar – Andrew Sauer, Wilton; Clarke – Jeff Jamison, Weldon; Clayton – Matt Winters, Volga; Dallas – Joe Brewer, Dallas Center; and Delaware – Nick Knepper, Hopkinton. Also, Fayette – Josh Zuck, Oelwein; Fremont – Ethon Smith, Thurman; Jasper – Greg Bartelma, Runnells; Lee – Brandon Ledger, West Point; Louisa – Dustin Howell, Columbus Junction; and Lucas – Brad Evans, Chariton. Finally, Madison – Skylar Speer, Prole, and Justin Sullivan, Winterset; Sioux – Jeff Van Voorst, Sioux Center; Story – Nate and Carrie Horman, Roland; and Woodbury – Cassie Johnson, Cushing. After the June session, the YCLP members will also get together for training and meetings in August and December.

Participants and ISU Extension and Outreach staff in the 2015 Akron Annie’s Project class were (first row, left to right), Rhonda Ruhland, Rose Schlesser, Nicole Seible, Jolayne Witt, Lynette Kiger, LeAnne Philips, Melissa O’Rourke, (back row) Adrienne Jansen, Erica DeJong, Nancy Nystrup, Jennifer Fink, Kathleen Osterman, Kaylene Hawkins, Jeanne Hanson, Dana Hannahs, Sue DeWeerd, Katie Carter, Rebecca Hawley, Dani Oetken, Janelle Johnson and Ann Schoenrock (not pictured).

Successful Annie’s Project held in Akron BY CINDY GANNON SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE, O’BRIEN, SIOUX Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Plymouth and Woodbury counties offered Annie’s Project in Akron this past February and March. Annie’s Project is a six-week course designed especially for farm women to help them develop their management and decision making skills for their farms. The mission of the program is to empower women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical

information. Lynette Hanson, class participant, believes that the class was a wonderful “for ladies” learning experience and would recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of the business aspects of farming. Participants and ISU Extension and Outreach staff in the 2015 Akron Annie’s Project class were Rhonda Ruhland, Rose Schlesser, Nicole Seible, Jolayne Witt, Lynette Kiger, LeAnne Philips, Melissa O’Rourke, Adrienne Jansen, Erica DeJong, Nancy Nystrup, Jennifer Fink, Kathleen Osterman,

Kaylene Hawkins, Jeanne Hanson, Dana Hannahs, Sue DeWeerd, Katie Carter, Rebecca Hawley, Dani Oetken, Janelle Johnson and Ann Schoenrock. ISU Extension and Outreach Plymouth and Woodbury counties would like to thank the Akron Public Library for hosting this event for six Tuesdays in February and March. Also, thank you to our gracious meal sponsors, Tyson Foods, Inc., Ag Partners, Winter Feedlot and the Plymouth County Pork Producers. Annie’s Project is being funded by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

Data Worth Collecting Is Data Worth Using Planting Tip: Clean monitors are happy monitors. Be sure to upload your data into FARMserver every night after planting to keep it safe all season long.

NORTH EAST IOWA

For more planting tips, visit

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

www.FARMserver.com

Are you cooking ICA names young producers taking part in 2015 food safely? Leadership Program

SUBMITTED BY FAYETTE Do you reach for a quick microwave meal when you’re hungry? Do you read and follow the cooking instructions on the package? Not following package cooking instructions can result in undercooked food, which can lead to foodborne illness. Follow these steps to keep food safe. Read and follow cooking directions on packaged and convenience foods. Not following package instructions can lead to undercooked foods, which means the temperature may not

be high enough to kill harmful bacteria. Know when to use a microwave or conventional oven. Cooking instructions are calibrated for a specific type of appliance and may not be applicable to all appliances. Know your microwave wattage before microwaving food. The higher the microwave wattage, the quicker the food cooks. Compare your own microwave wattage (found on the inside of the microwave door or in the owner’s manual) with that mentioned in the cooking instructions.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

SUBMITTED BY CLAYTON, DELAWARE Seventeen young Iowa cattle producers from around the state are participating in the 2015 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association program is designed to develop personal, organizational MATT WINTERS and community-focused leadership qualities in young produc-

ers. As the group kicked off the year, they have participated in sessions where they learned more about each other, leadership strategies, the Iowa Beef Industry Headquarters and meeting and talking with state agency leaders and Iowa legislators. In June, the group will receive communications training and participate in the ICA policy development process. Participants, listed by county, are: Cedar – Andrew Sauer, Wilton; and Clarke – Jeff Jamison, Weldon; Clayton – Matt Winters, Volga; Dallas – Joe Brewer, Dallas Center; and Delaware – Nick

Knepper, Hopkinton. Also, Fayette – Josh Zuck, Oelwein; Fremont – Ethon Smith, Thurman; Jasper – Greg Bartelma, Runnells; Lee – Brandon Ledger, West Point; Louisa – Dustin Howell, Columbus Junction; and Lucas – Brad Evans, Chariton. Finally, Madison – Skylar Speer, Prole, and Justin Sullivan, Winterset; Sioux – Jeff Van Voorst, Sioux Center; Story – Nate and Carrie Horman, Roland; and Woodbury – Cassie Johnson, Cushing. After the June session, the YCLP members will also get together for training and meetings in August and December.

Reconsidering the egg BY JILL WEBER, NUTRITION AND WELLNESS SPECIALIST SUBMITTED BY FAYETTE Experts have warned against diets high in cholesterol for years and have suggested, for example, limiting egg yolk intake. The previous Dietary Guidelines for Americans stated that Americans eat too much cholesterol and that high-cholesterol foods like eggs should be limited. Preliminary reports, however, indicate that the 2015 guidelines may no longer consider cholesterol as a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.

New research suggests that dietary cholesterol intake may not significantly increase blood cholesterol levels or increase the risk of heart disease in healthy adults. Saturated fat and trans fat in the diet are of greater concern for keeping blood cholesterol levels down than the actual cholesterol content of food. However, it is still recommended that we consume limited amounts of foods high in saturated fat or trans fat (e.g., butter, margarine, fats in meat and high-fat dairy). Eggs are an inexpensive protein food that is relatively low in total

fat and saturated fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. Therefore, eggs can be part of a healthy diet. It is still recommended to eat them in moderation and prepare them with low-fat cooking methods like boiling or poaching. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. They provide dietary and physical activity recommendations for Americans ages two years and over to reduce risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Data Worth Collecting Is Data Worth Using Planting Tip: Clean monitors are happy monitors. Be sure to upload your data into FARMserver every night after planting to keep it safe all season long.

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

For more planting tips, visit

www.FARMserver.com

Horticulture hints BY YVONNE MCCORMICK, ISU EXTENSION HORTICULTURIST SUBMITTED BY HUMBOLDT

Clues on clematis

id you know that there are three different types of clematis? Whether you pronounce this plant’s name as (cli-MAT-is) or (CLEM-atis); this popular plant has special pruning needs depending on which group the plant belongs to. Clematis is a climbing woody vine with many varieties available in a wide array of colors, flower forms, and bloom times. There are three groups of clematis, which are determined by flowering time of the plant. Pruning of each group must be performed at the proper time, or you may cut off all your blooms for the season. Group 1 of clematis flower on

old wood, usually before July, do not need to be pruned, except to remove dead or damaged stems. The term “old wood” in horticulture terms, is used when a plant forms its flower buds on the previous season’s growth. If pruning is necessary to control growth, cut stems back after flowering. Group 1 types include ‘Clematis montana’ and ‘C. alpine,’ with double flowering

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

blooms. Group 2 types of clematis, such as ‘Nellie Moser’ and ‘C. henryi,’ flower in late in the spring on old wood. These types also will have a flush of bloom later in the summer on the new season’s growth. In early spring, prune out dead and weak stems; cut back to a pair of buds. The lower down the stems you cut, the more flowering will

be delayed. Cutting stems by half is good rule on this type of clematis. Group 3 is the type of clematis most popular in our northern Iowa gardens. This group includes the purple flowering ‘Jackmanii,’ a standard in the clematis world and recommended for beginning clematis growers. Group 3 types of clematis flower late in the summer (after July) and again early autumn. Flowers are produced on new stems each year, so vines can be cut down to a pair of buds near the ground. Prune plants in March before the plant starts to grow, to promote strong new growth. Growing a mix of clematis with different bloom times from the three group types will provide masses of bloom from spring to fall. A sturdy trellis is recommend-

ed for the clematis to climb, rather than leaving plants to wander on the ground. Clematis generally prefer full sun locations to grow best and roots prefer a cool, moist environment. Be sure to provide a layer of mulch to help keep roots cool and the soil moist. Clematis may also planted in partial shade locations, as some plants, as ‘Nellie Moser’ and those with dark-colored blooms will fade in color if planted in full sun. Did you know? There is an old saying about clematis, “The first year they sleep, the second year they creep and the third year they leap.” Clematis plants can seem slow to grow while building up their root system, but once established, clematis are vigorous growers. Gardening questions? Contact McCormick at yvonne@iastate. edu for information or advice.

‘Making the Ag Connection’ teachers workshop coming in June

SUBMITTED BY HARDIN s our society continues to move further away from its agricultural roots, it’s vital that students realize that the source of the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the fuels and energy they use and so much more is the Iowa farmer. Educators play a key role in helping youth make this important connection. The Marshall and Jasper County Farm Bureaus, in partnership with the Iowa Agricultural Foundation (IALF), will conduct a two-day Ag in the Classroom workshop that will

provide teachers with creative ways to instruct their students about agriculture and meet Iowa Core requirements. Register now to attend the “Making the Ag Connection” Teachers Workshop which will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at Newton DMACC, and Thursday, June 11, at Iowa Valley in Marshalltown. Classroom teachers, school administrators, home-school parents and others who want to know more about today’s agriculture are urged to attend and learn how to integrate aspects of ag into their curriculums through a series

of hands-on activities, presentations, technology demonstrations and on-site “field” trips. Lunch and light snacks are included. The workshop is free and qualifies for teacher licensure and graduate credit. To learn more or register, contact the Marshall County Farm Bureau office by calling 641-7536637 or via email at marshall. county@ifbf.org. Hardin County Farm Bureau will contribute money towards teachers’ credits for those teachers attending from Hardin County. Please call Hardin County FB at 641-939-5428 for more information.

319-824-5212 Kossuth County Aug. 8, Kossuth County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m.. contact Tim Schneider 515-320-3431 Linn County June 28, Linn County Fairgrounds, judging time 2 p.m., contact Marilyn Platner 319-730-6111 Tama County July 17, Tama County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m., contact Cindy Broihier 641-484-3361 Pocahontas County, July 18, Pocahontas County Fairgrounds, judging time 1 p.m., contact Dawn Gathers, 712-335-3223 Webster County July 11, Webster County Fairgrounds judging time 3 p.m., contact Tammy Ireland 515-955-3898 Check www.iowafarmbureau.com periodically to find additional contests around Iowa.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

Data Worth Collecting Is Data Worth Using Planting Tip: Clean monitors are happy monitors. Be sure to upload your data into FARMserver every night after planting to keep it safe all season long.

NORTH IOWA

For more planting tips, visit

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

www.FARMserver.com

Asparagus for the home garden SUBMITTED BY CHICKASAW, HOWARD Spring is a good time of year to plan, purchase and plant asparagus in the home garden. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach share some tips and best practices on how to properly plant and harvest a home patch of asparagus. To have additional questions answered, contact your county ISU Extension office.

Planting sites

Carefully consider possible planting sites, as asparagus is a perennial crop. A well-maintained asparagus planting may be productive for 15 to 20 years. Asparagus performs best in welldrained soils in full sun. Planting sites should receive at least six hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady sites near large trees and buildings. Raised beds are a good planting option for

gardeners with poorly drained soils.

Varieties

Asparagus is dioecious. Dioecious plants produce separate male and female plants. Male asparagus plants live longer and are more productive than female plants. Excellent all-male asparagus varieties (cultivars) for the home garden include “Jersey Giant,” “Jersey Knight,” “Jersey King,” and “Jersey Supreme.” “Mary Washington” and “Martha Washington” are good standard asparagus cultivars. (A planting of “Mary Washington” or “Martha Washington” will include both male and female plants.) “Purple Passion” is a distinctive cultivar with purple shears.

mail-order nurseries. Early spring (April to early May) is the best time to plant asparagus in Iowa. Asparagus crowns should be planted in shallow trenches or furrows. The planting depth depends on the soil type. Asparagus crowns should be planted 8-10 inches deep in light, sandy soils, but only 6 inches deep in heavier soils. Space crowns 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 4-5 feet apart. Place asparagus crowns in the

bottom of the furrow (buds pointing upward). Spread out the roots of the asparagus plants. After planting, completely fill the trench with soil. (For many years, it has been a common practice to cover the asparagus crowns with 2 inches of soil and gradually fill the trench as the asparagus grows. However, research has found the gradual filling of the furrow is unnecessary.) Asparagus plants should be al-

lowed to become well established before any spears are harvested. No spears should be harvested during the first growing season. Asparagus can be harvested over a three- to four-week period during its second growing season. In following years, asparagus plantings can be harvested until early to mid-June. Harvest asparagus by cutting or snapping the spears when they reach a height of 6-8 inches.

We love veggies!

Planting

The best way to establish an asparagus planting is to plant one-yearold crowns. Asparagus crowns can be purchased at garden centers and

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

Kindergarteners at Southeast Elementary in Waverly enjoyed a tasty veggie salad when Ag in the Classroom coordinator Sue Cook visited their classroom. They listened to the book “The Vegetables We Eat,” then tasted vegetables from eight different plants. Kindergarteners were surprised to learn that they eat so many plant parts. They were brave to try some new foods such as purple cauliflower, mini sweet peppers that were orange and yellow, red potatoes, romaine lettuce, radishes, spring onions, snow peas and celery. The veggies made a colorful salad that was enjoyed with ranch dressing. PHOTO COURTESY OF BREMER COOUNTY.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

EAST IOWA

CHASING THE CHALLENGE Ready to take the Beck 300 Challenge? Participants can receive a $250 Headline AMP® rebate. Deadline to register is April 24.

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

BecksHybrids.com/300-Challenge Headline AMP is a registered trademark of BASF.

DeWitt Central FFA receives donation BY DEWITT CENTRAL FFA SUBMITTED BY CLINTON n Monday, March 30, seven members of the DeWitt Central FFA chapter and their advisor traveled to Blains Farm and Fleet in Clinton. Blain’s Farm and Fleet presented the FFA chapter

with a donation of $120 and also a $70 gift certificate to use on ffa. org. The Farm and Fleet store of Clinton partners with one FFA chapter in each county. Money is donated to the chapter when people purchase Red Brand fence. Red Brand has a partnership with the National FFA Organization.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce 1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil

1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

Pictured (from left): advisor Amy Grantz, Andrew Block, Brett Henningsen, Derek Henningsen, Grace Adams, Nick Costello, Rebecca Martin, Mackenzie Goodale, and two representatives from Blains Farm and Fleet.

USDA to issue disaster assistance to help honeybee, livestock and farmraised fish producers SUBMITTED BY POWESHIEK The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency announced that nearly 2,700 applicants will begin receiving disaster assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses experienced from Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014. The program, re-authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides disaster relief to livestock, honeybee and farm-raised fish producers not covered by other agricultural disaster assistance programs. Eligible losses may include excessive heat or winds, flooding, blizzards, hail, wildfires, lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions and diseases, or in the case of honeybees, losses due to colony collapse disorder. Beekeepers, most

of whom suffered honeybee colony losses, represent more than half of ELAP recipients. The farm bill caps ELAP disaster funding at $20 million per federal fiscal year and the Budget Control Act of 2011, passed by Congress, requires USDA to reduce payments by 7.3 percent, beginning Oct. 1, 2014. To accommodate the number of requests for ELAP assistance, which exceeded 2014 funding, payments will be reduced to ensure that all eligible applicants receive a prorated share. Today’s announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made signif-

icant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit http://www. usda.gov/farmbill. To learn more about ELAP, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/elap. For more information about USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster assistance programs, visit disaster.usda. fsa.gov or contact your local FSA office at http://offices.usda.gov.

man 319-824-5212 Kossuth County Aug. 8, Kossuth County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m.. contact Tim Schneider 515-320-3431 Linn County June 28, Linn County Fairgrounds, judging time 2 p.m., contact Marilyn Platner 319-730-6111 Tama County July 17, Tama County Fairgrounds judging time 5 p.m., contact Cindy Broihier 641-484-3361 Pocahontas County, July 18, Pocahontas County Fairgrounds, judging time 1 p.m., contact Dawn Gathers, 712-335-3223 Webster County July 11, Webster County Fairgrounds judging time 3 p.m., contact Tammy Ireland 515-955-3898 Check www.iowafarmbureau.com periodically to find additional contests around Iowa.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

CHASING THE CHALLENGE Ready to take the Beck 300 Challenge? Participants can receive a $250 Headline AMP® rebate. Deadline to register is April 24.

CENTRAL IOWA

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

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Newton FFA members featured in IFBF video Iowa Farm Bureau is a proud sponsor of the Iowa State FFA Leadership Conference that will be held April 20-21 in Ames. FFA will air an IFBF video on the video screen in Hilton Coliseum during the sponsored general session. Several Newton (and SE Polk) FFA students are starring in the IFBF video; a high-energy two-minute video that celebrates Iowa agriculture and highlights Farm Bureau’s support of youth, FFA and young farmers. The Newton students featured are Jarret Horn, Ronny Clark, Derek Damman and Jacob Smith. IFBF will also have a booth in the Career Fair. Students should stop by, play a game to win a prize and learn about Iowa farmer conservation practices. When available, the video will be able to be viewed on the Farm Bureau website www.iowafarmbu-

reau.com and on the Jasper County Facebook page, “Jasper County Iowa Farm Bureau.”

Members of the Newton FFA Chapter are featured in an IFBF video which will be shown during the FFA Convention. Jarret Horn is pictured on his grandfather’s farm.

Jacob Smith stands in the school greenhouse.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

Jarret Horn, Ronny Clark and Derek Damman participate in the IFBF video shoot.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 15, 2015

CHASING THE CHALLENGE Ready to take the Beck 300 Challenge? Participants can receive a $250 Headline AMP® rebate. Deadline to register is April 24.

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

BecksHybrids.com/300-Challenge Headline AMP is a registered trademark of BASF.

Anhydrous ammonia safety tips SUBMITTED BY PAGE/TAYLOR As we move into the busy spring season, Page and Taylor County Farm Bureaus remind everyone to develop a “safety first” attitude as farmers head to the field. The business of food production is a dangerous one and everyone is urged to be aware of their safety and of those around them. There have been a lot of equipment and anhydrous tanks being pulled on the roadways so drivers need to watch for these and slow down. Accidents with anhydrous ammonia happen so quickly so the following information about anhydrous ammonia safety is supplied by the National Safety Council’s Agricultural Division, the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) – www.necasag.org or 888-844-6322.

Anhydrous ammonia is an important source of nitrogen fertilizer for crops. The improper handling of anhydrous ammonia can have catastrophic results on both plants and farm workers. Common injuries are severe burns to eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract. * Personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn. Standard PPE should be non-vented goggles, rubber gloves with thermal lining, face shield or an approved respirator. Wear a lightweight rubber suit, or (at the very least) a long sleeve shirt and coveralls. * Make sure anhydrous ammonia tanks are not filled beyond the recommended capacity. * Use care when handling the hose end valve so that it does not open accidentally. Do not move hose by handling valve handle.

* Be sure to bleed hose coupling before disconnecting. Use care when cleaning plugged knives as anhydrous ammonia could be builtup behind the plug. * Use emergency water supply for at least 15 minutes if exposed to anhydrous ammonia and then seek emergency medical attention.

Inspection: * Are hoses in good condition? * Are fittings clean and free from rust? * Do low-pressure tubes have any leaks? * Are knives plugged? * Is the tank secure with a lock-

ing hitch pin? * Is the pressure relief valve operating correctly? * Does the tank have five gallons of fresh water? * Is PPE available and being worn? Be safe!

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Bacon-Pork Chops with BBQ Glaze PorkBeInspired.com recipe 4 (6-oz.) New York (top loin) pork chops, 1-inch thick 1 tsp. coarse salt 4 slices bacon, preferably maple-flavored 4 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

1/2 c. lager beer, (or non-alcoholic beer) 1 tsp. canola oil 1/2 c. chicken broth, reduced-sodium

Topping: 12 oz. chocolate chips 6 Tbsp. peanut butter

A group of Red Oak and Stanton agriculture and industrial technology students toured Vermeer in Pella, a manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment. The company distributes more than 120 products globally.

Students tour Ag manufacturing companies

SUBMITTED BY MONTGOMERY According to agriculture education instructor Alan Spencer of the Red Oak High School, 34 agriculture and industrial technology students from Red Oak and Stanton recently toured Kinze

Manufacturing in Williamsburg and Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella. The purpose of the tour was to see the agricultural and manufacturing advancements by companies in Iowa. Future careers in

engineering, welding, manufacturing, sales and marketing were focused upon during the tours. The event was sponsored by Southwestern Community College through a grant received to assist with career exploration.