Area4 22 2015 by Iowa Farm Bureau

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 2015

F IVE -Y EAR A VG . Y IELD A DVANTAGE *

6.7 Bu./A.

SOUTH EAST IOWA

At $9.60/Bu. soybeans, that is a $64/A. advantage over untreated seed.

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

Registration open for IFBF Young Farmer Trip to Chicago Young Farm Bureau members are invited to participate in an informative trip on July 21-22. The educational trip, organized by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), will allow young farmers to view trading activity at the Chicago Board of Trade building, hear a special presentation from a market participant, and tour Fair Oaks Farms – a farm specifically organized to tell the story of agriculture. The trip focuses on risk management and telling ag’s story. Unique opportunities like this to view open-outcry pit trading are evaporating. A chartered bus will leave the Iowa Farm Bureau building in West Des Moines on July 21 and return on July 22. A stop will be made for a group lunch and to pick up more participants in Coralville. The pre-paid fee for the trip is $110 per person. The participant fee and sponsors cover bus costs, any group lunches

CALL 800.937.2325 TO ORDER TODAY! Escalate is a registered trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. *Multi-year Practical Farm Reserach (PFR)® data comparing soybeans treated with Escalate to untreated seed.

Ag students help with beehives

and lodging expenses in Chicago. Participants will be responsible for meals during travel (except for group lunches in Coralville and at Fair Oaks Farms). The trip is designed to accommodate 50 young Farm Bureau members from 19 to 35 years of age. Members will participate in the trip on a first-come, first-served basis and the registration deadline is June 10. Preference will be given to first-time young member trip participants. The trip is supported by the IFBF Research & Commodity Services Division and the IFBF Young Farmer Committee. Registration for the trip is on-line. To register, go to www.iowafarmbureau.com and click on the 2015 Young Farmer Trip picture. Payment is by credit card or check, and registration is not final until payment is received in the Iowa Farm Bureau office.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos Iowa Turkey Federation recipe 2 onions, coarsely chopped 6 lbs. bone-in turkey breast skin and fat removed 1 (10-oz.) can enchilada sauce 8 hard taco shells 3 c. shredded romaine lettuce 1 small avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Place onions in the bottom of a slow cooker. Sprinkle turkey with salt and place in slow cooker, meat side up. Cover, and cook on low until internal temperature of turkey registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 4-6 hours. Remove turkey meat from bone, shred, then toss with enchilada sauce. Place turkey in taco shell, and top with lettuce, avocado, salsa and shredded cheese.

On Monday, April 6, more than 120 agriculture students participated in a bee release at the Ag Programs beehives. Through support from a number of community members, businesses and also the Kids First, 11 hives were set up in Muscatine. Pictured are a number of ag students who participated. Special thanks to all who make this day happen and the continued support. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.

Two Minute Pie Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook (Tama County) 1 9-inch shortbread pie crust 1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple 2 (3.4-oz.) boxes instant cheesecake pudding mix 1-1/2 c. sour cream Creamy whipped topping

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

In a large bowl, stir together pineapple and juice with dry pudding mix. When well blended, add sour cream. Stir until completely combined. Spoon mixture into shortbread crust. Decorate pie by putting small dabs of whipped topping around outside edge of pie. Place a maraschino cherry every 2-inches on the whipped topping dollops. Sprinkle lightly with coconut.

2015 Winner’s Circle scholarships SUBMITTED BY LOUISA College bound Iowa youth active in 4-H and/or FFA livestock and agricultural projects may apply for scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA). The scholarships are available to freshmen entering any Iowa two- or four-year, post-secondary institution this fall. Applicants

must major in animal science or a curriculum in agriculture or human sciences that is related to the agriculture industry. Incoming freshman scholarship applications are due Friday, May 1. Winners will be announced during the 2015 Iowa State Fair’s annual 4-H/FFA Sale of Champions on Saturday, Aug. 22, an

event sponsored by IFAA. IFAA scholarship funds come from a percentage of Sale of Champions proceeds as well as Winner’s Circle Club donations. Applications and scholarship requirements are available by visiting the following website, http://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/sale-of-champions/winners-circle-scholarships/.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 2015

NORTH WEST IOWA

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.

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

Data Worth Collecting Is Data Worth Using

For more planting tips, visit

www.FARMserver.com

State Fair volunteers needed SUBMITTED BY CALHOUN, CARROLL, CHEROKEE, CLAY, DICKINSON, EMMET, O’BRIEN, PLYMOUTH, SIOUX Nothing compares to the Iowa Farm Bureau State Fair volunteers! It takes hundreds of volunteers for Farm Bureau Park to be a fun, exciting place to visit during the fair – and we’re looking for your help. The 2015 Iowa State Fair is Aug. 13-23. We are looking for volunteers to work a four hour shift in Farm Bureau Park: 8 a.m.to noon, noon to 4 p.m. or 4-8 p.m. Spouses and teenage children are welcome to volunteer as well. Volunteers receive an Iowa Farm Bureau T-shirt, tickets for admission and parking and a food coupon to use at an Iowa commodity food

stand/tent. Member volunteers are generally assigned to assist in the center desk or game tent. Volunteers working the center desk assist with distributing member gifts, signing members up for prize drawings, signing up new members and answering general questions about Farm Bureau. Those working in the game tent assist by asking ag questions and distributing prizes. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other activity areas in the park. Volunteers need to plan for adverse weather conditions. We provide shade and water, but unfortunately, Mother Nature can be challenging. Volunteers also need to anticipate standing for a majority of their shift. Volunteers are kind-

ly asked to make arrangements for their young children during their assigned work shift. Farm Bureau Park is often a busy location with thousands of fairgoers visiting each year. We hope you will consider volunteering – it is truly fun and rewarding to meet other Farm Bureau members and to visit with fair goers who may never have stepped on a farm. Time slots will be filled on a first-request, first-served basis. T-shirts, tickets, work schedules and more detailed information will be mailed in early August. Thank you for considering this important request. Please call your county office or the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation at 515-225-5532 if you have any questions.

Drive Your Tractor to School

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

The OABCIG FFA students drove their tractors to school for National Drive Your Tractor to School Day. The students met at the local Shopko parking lot and drove their tractors to the high school. PHOTOS COURTESY OF IDA COUNTY.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 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

www.FARMserver.com WINNESHIEK . ALLAMAKEE . FAYETTE . CLAYTON . BUCHANAN . DELAWARE . DUBUQUE

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

2015 Buchanan County Pheasants Forever Landowner Habitat Award BY DAN COHEN, DIRECTOR, BUCHANAN COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD SUBMITTED BY BUCHANAN Each year the Buchanan County Chapter of Pheasants Forever presents a Landowner Habitat Award to a worthy Buchanan County resident who has demonstrated great commitment to improving wildlife habitat on their property. During its April 4 membership banquet, the 2015 award was presented to Norm and Susan West of rural Jesup. In 1985, Norm and Susan West purchased 180 acres of land northeast of Jesup, where Buck Creek enters the Little Wapsipinicon River. About 90 acres were native timber and the other 90 acres were cropland. The Wests made the area their home. Norm and Susan appreciate the property for its outstanding wildlife habitat. The large timber area is along a stream and well back from roads or houses. There are comparable areas of adjacent timber both upstream and downstream. There is very limited human traffic to disturb wildlife. Among the wildlife the Wests enjoy seeing are deer, coyote, fox, badger, beaver, muskrat, mink, otter, eagle, sand hill crane, pheasant, heron, geese, ducks, lots of frogs and a wide variety of songbirds. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has stated at least 12 different Species of Greatest Conservation Need are known to use the property. In 1990, Norm and Susan enrolled 16 acres in CRP. They planted 10 acres of trees (6,000) on the steepest parts and six acres of tall grass prairie on the not-sosteep. The trees were alternate rows of conifers (six species)

Buchanan County Pheasants Forever Habitat Chair Greg Schmitt (left) presents the 2015 Landowner Habitat Award to Susan and Norm West during a ceremony at the Pheasants Forever Membership Banquet held at Heartland Acres in Independence.

and hardwoods (12 species). The tall grass was initially just switch grass, but later the Wests planted some Indian grass, and some big blue stem found its way in. Another 400 Scotch pine and Black Hills spruce were planted in 1994. In 2000, Norm and Sue enrolled five more acres into CRP. This included five grassed waterways and a field buffer strip along the lower edge of a field. Six more acres of native tall grass prairie were planted in 2007 and 2010, in three pieces. These plantings were more diverse, including big blue stem, little blue stem, Indian grass, Canada wild rye, sideoats gramma, purple cone flower, purple prairie clover, partridge pea and more. In 2011, the Wests enrolled the rest of their cropland into CRP. This included 54 acres of trees (39,000) and about seven acres of grass. The trees are mostly hardwoods, with 10 percent conifers and 10 percent shrubs. Native

species diversity is a key aspect of the planting, with about 42 species that provide the best food and shelter for wildlife. The rows meander, providing a somewhat more natural look. The Wests committed to an incredible effort of maintenance on the plantings. They mow between the rows of young trees and grass plantings to prevent weeds from choking them out. The stands are improving. Ragweed, cockle bur, thistles and others like them are decreasing. In 2013, the Wests put 145 acres (of the 180-acre total) into a conservation easement with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. It permanently prohibits roads, buildings, feedlots, development and most types of farming. Timber harvest is not prohibited, but is strictly regulated. The Wests hope to someday donate or bequeath the property for public use, education and protection.

Reconsidering the egg BY JILL WEBER, NUTRITION AND WELLNESS SPECIALIST SUBMITTED BY WINNESHIEK 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 2 years and over to reduce risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 2015

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

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

Data Worth Collecting Is Data Worth Using

For more planting tips, visit

www.FARMserver.com

AITC and Farm Credit Services of America

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

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

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Farm Credit Services of America in Mason City has been a supporter of the North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom program for many years. Their continued generosity helps make it possible for lessons to be delivered to thousands of students annually in more than 25 North Iowa schools. Recently, AITC coordinators Brenda Adams and Linda Anderegg were invited to give a presentation to the FCSA staff to update them on the program’s growth. That visit also included a demonstration of some of the lessons provided in schools. Pictured are FCSA folks participating in a sixth grade lesson that requires them to identify the various ag commodities grown in the United States. PHOTO COURTESY OF CERRO GORDO, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK, KOSSUTH, WINNEBAGO, WORTH COUNTIES.

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

Landscape design elements

When planning a landscape design, there are eight elements of design to be taken into consideration. These elements are an art standard, whether used to create flower arrangements, quilts, paintings or designing your backyard. For a successful landscape design plan, these elements must be taken into account. Color. A simple definition of color is how the eye sees light waves reflected off an object. For example, when a rose appears red, red is reflected off the bloom, as other colors are absorbed. If there is no light, there would be no color. At night, objects appear in shades of black, gray and white due to the absence of light. Texture. The texture of leaves, bark and plant branches used needs to be considered. Examples of surface qualities in plants include shiny, rough, smooth, glossy, dull, soft or hard appearance. Texture in a landscape is needed to provide contrast.

Too many textures give a busy look, and a lack of dominance. Pattern. This element of landscape design includes not only the pattern of plant placement, but also the pattern formed within the plants. Pattern design in a plant is formed by solids (leaves, stems, branches) and the spaces between them Size. In addition to actual dimensions, visual dimensions of illusion and comparison also determines size. Yard size will be the frame of reference that determines the space you have to work within. Too many plants, too large or too small, would create a very chaotic design, and will appear not well planned. Space. Space includes open areas in and around design. Use of too much of your yard space would overwhelm and not enough space used would look unplanned. Space should be wisely used and planned, whether in a garden landscape or a table arrangement. Light. This includes both natural and artificial types, and is the illumination necessary for vision. At night time in the garden, one can use lights for special effects, such

as colored spotlights. One must be careful using lights in the landscape, as to be unobtrusive and appear to be a planned part of the landscape design. Form. An object with three dimensions. Plants, statues, birdbaths are all examples of objects with form. Line. A one-dimensional visual path through the landscape. This is the path created for your eye to follow when viewing an overall design. For further information on landscape design tips, from preliminary design to selecting plants, visit: http://store.extension.iastate.edu/ Product/Home-Landscape-Planning-Worksheet Did you know? Principles of design are another basic art standard and used to organize the design elements discussed above. Balance (asymmetrical and symmetrical) and rhythm (movement of the eye thorough the landscape) are two important landscape considerations. Contrast, dominance, proportion and scale, are also principles of design. Gardening questions? Contact McCormick at yvonne@iastate.edu for information or advice.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 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

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

Shown, from left, are Dylan Aschenbrenner (Mitchell County), Kayla Hruska (Howard County), Kaitlyn Leiran (Allamakee County) and Abraham Schmitt (Winneshiek County).

4-H citizenship pledges service SUBMITTED BY HOWARD Each time they recite the 4-H pledge, 4-H members promise to use their “hands to larger service.” Now, Iowa 4-H members are taking that pledge to a new level as they use citizenship to improve the communities in which they live. Citizenship Regional Focus is a 4-H citizenship program for middle-school and high school youth. 4-H delegates from Allamakee, Howard, Mitchell and Winneshiek counties committed and participated in a two-year program as well as attended an eight-day trip to Springfield, Ill., Gettysburg, Pa., and Washington, D.C. The program is aimed at enriching young people’s lives by expanding their appreciation and respect for themselves and others in the world. They learn and practice skills that will make them better citizens and more successful individuals. During the week, program participants had the opportunity to visit national landmarks including

the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Tomb, Gettysburg Visitor Center and Military Fields, the U.S. Capitol, the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building, the Peterson House, Fords Theatre, the Holocaust Museum, Bureau of Printing and Engraving, National Archives, Union Station, Pentagon 911 Memorial, the National Cathedral, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., Presidential and war monuments and memorials, as well as Smithsonian museums. Communication and arts were also experienced with stops at the National Zoo, the U.S. Botanical Gardens and a Spirit Cruise on the Potomac River to Mount Vernon. Leadership was showcased with four 4-H delegates working with the United States Marines to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on April 2, 2015. Representing Allamakee County 4-H

was Kaitlyn Leiran, Kayla Hruska represented Howard County 4-H, Dylan Aschenbrenner represented Mitchell County 4-H and Winneshiek 4-H delegate was Abraham Schmitt. The four youth participated in an orientation and then presented a wreath that was publically displayed. Caring adults to support youth delegates are needed and valued for this eight-day experience. Fourteen adult chaperones, four ISU Extension & Outreach Staff, a Registered Nurse and an Iowa State Patrol officer made up the caring adults to support youth each day. Howard County 4-H members included Kayla Hruska and Hallie Frohn. Shelly Girolamo served as the Howard County 4-H chaperone. For more information on joining 4-H or to learn more about the 4-H Citizenship Group contact the Howard County Extension Office at www.extension.iastate.edu/howard

Know what’s below: call before you dig SUBMITTED BY CHICKASAW Pipelines transport much of the natural gas, liquid fuels and other hazardous materials that Americans use every day. In fact, there are more than 500,000 miles of large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines crisscrossing the United States. These pipelines are in every state, and most are underground. Digging in to a pipeline can result in catastrophe. Excavation damage or digging in to pipelines - is one of the leading causes of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline accidents that cause property damage, injury or death. Even scraping or nicking a pipeline can cause a future leak. But the good news is that damaging pipelines while digging is entirely preventable.

A call to “811” is the simplest way to prevent excavation damage to underground pipelines. Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you are planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig. They will send a locator to mark the approximate location of underground utilities (including pipelines) so you

will know what’s below and be able to dig safely. Any digging before calling 811 is dangerous. Pipelines can be just a few inches below the surface. Deep excavation is particularly dangerous. Examples of deep excavation that can easily damage pipelines include deep tilling, installing or repairing drain tile, digging a new well or pond, installing a septic system or installing fence posts. If you do this kind of work without calling 811, you are risking your life and your property.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 2015

F IVE -Y EAR A VG . Y IELD A DVANTAGE *

6.7 Bu./A.

EAST IOWA

At $9.60/Bu. soybeans, that is a $64/A. advantage over untreated seed.

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

Clinton County Farm Bureau women’s committee member Jena Petersen teaches students about the different ingredients that are used to make pizzas and how they relate to agriculture.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

Clinton County Farm Bureau women’s committee member Rachel Truelsen teaches students about nutrients that are needed for feeding themselves and how the same nutrients are used to feed livestock.

AITC held at Camanche Elementary School SUBMITTED BY CLINTON On March 31, Clinton County Farm Bureau board members and women’s committee members, along with representatives from Farm Credit Services and the Iowa State University Extension, traveled to the Camanche Elementary School to teach the students more about agriculture through the Ag in the Classroom program. The leaders, utilizing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) principles taught pre-K through fourth grade students about where their food comes from. Insects, nutrients and farm physics, were among the topics covered. The students also had the opportunity to see live animals. A special thank you goes to the principal of Camanche Elementary and the teachers for all of their support for the project and teaching students about agriculture.

Clinton County Farm Bureau board member Peter Whitman teaches students about “farm physics” and how farm equipment design uses simple machines to help get heavy work done.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 2015

F IVE -Y EAR A VG . Y IELD A DVANTAGE *

6.7 Bu./A.

SOUTH WEST IOWA

At $9.60/Bu. soybeans, that is a $64/A. advantage over untreated seed.

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

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

Seventh grade exploratory group completes a woodworking project with part of the money they received from the IALF grant.

Guthrie Center Tigers FFA Chapter receives grant

SUBMITTED BY GUTHRIE he Guthrie Center Tigers FFA Chapter recently received a grant to support and promote agriculture literacy in the classroom. The grant was sponsored by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation and was awarded to several local

organizations. The Guthrie Center Chapter used part of the money to complete a woodworking project with the seventh-grade exploratory group. The remaining funds were used to buy two iPad minis to be used in and out of the classroom to enhance student learning opportunities.

Guthrie Center Tigers FFA member Dale Vogel displays one of the new iPad minis.

Looking for Iowa State Fair volunteers SUBMITTED BY ADAIR, DECATUR, RINGGOLD, UNION othing compares to the Iowa Farm Bureau state fair volunteers! It takes hundreds of volunteers for Farm Bureau Park to be a fun, exciting place to visit during the fair – and we’re looking for your help. The 2015 Iowa State Fair is Aug. 13-23. We are looking for volunteers to work a four-hour shift in Farm Bureau Park: 8 a.m. to noon, noon to 4 p.m. or 4-8 p.m. Spouses and teenage children are welcome to volunteer as well. Volunteers receive an Iowa Farm Bureau T-shirt, tickets for admission and parking, and a food coupon to use at an Iowa commodity food stand/tent. Member volunteers are generally assigned to assist in the center desk or game tent. Vol-

unteers working the center desk assist with distributing member gifts, signing members up for prize drawings, signing up new members and answering general questions about Farm Bureau. Those working in the game tent assist by asking ag questions and distributing prizes. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other activity areas in the park. Volunteers need to plan for adverse weather conditions. We provide shade and water, but unfortunately, Mother Nature can be challenging. Volunteers also

need to anticipate standing for a majority of their shift. Volunteers are kindly asked to make arrangements for their young children during their assigned work shift. Farm Bureau Park is often a busy location with thousands of fairgoers visiting each year. We hope you will consider volunteering – it is truly fun and rewarding to meet other Farm Bureau members and to visit with fair-goers who may never have stepped on a farm. Please complete the attached form and return it. Time slots will be filled on a first-request, first-served basis. T-shirts, tickets, work schedules and more detailed information will be mailed in early August. For more information, contact your county office: Union at 641-782- 7118; Decatur at 641446-6412; Adair at 641-3437070; Ringgold at 641-464-2606.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

APRIL 22, 2015

F IVE -Y EAR A VG . Y IELD A DVANTAGE *

6.7 Bu./A.

CENTRAL IOWA

At $9.60/Bu. soybeans, that is a $64/A. advantage over untreated seed.

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

and lodging expenses in Chicago. Participants will be responsible for meals during travel (except for group lunches in Coralville and at Fair Oaks Farms). The trip is designed to accommodate 50 young Farm Bureau members from 19 to 35 years of age. Members will participate in the trip on a first-come, first-served basis and the registration deadline is June 10. Preference will be given to first-time young member trip participants. The trip is supported by the IFBF Research & Commodity Services Division and the IFBF Young Farmer Committee. Registration for the trip is on-line. To register, go to www.iowafarmbureau.com and click on the 2015 4-H’ers in action – Members of the Gilman Rustlers 4-H Club recently hosted a pasta dinner that included spaghetti, Young Farmer Trip picture. Payment garlic bread, an array of desserts and ice-cold beverages to raise funds to assist with the purchase of grain rescue is by credit card or check, and reg- equipment for the community’s volunteer fire department. More than 170 people attended the event. istration is not final until payment is received in the Iowa Farm Bureau office.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

My Mother’s Tuna Spread Marilyn Kayton, Naperville (Mills County) 1 can tuna, water packed 1 small package cream cheese 1/2 c. celery, chopped 1/4 c. green onion, sliced

Combine all ingredients. Spread on bread, halved avocado or crackers.

1 c. tomato salsa 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese

Red maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 c. toasted coconut

Gilman Rustlers fundraise to benefit local fire department

SUBMITTED BY MARSHALL Members of the Gilman Rustlers 4-H Club have set a goal to raise money for the purchase of grain rescue equipment for the local volunteer fire department. Their fundraising efforts kicked off on April 10 with a community pasta dinner where the group served up spaghetti, garlic bread and desserts at the Gilman Legion.

The youth served about 170 people; club members were thrilled with the participation and generosity of those who attended the event. Fire department volunteers were on hand with grain rescue equipment borrowed from the Kellogg department to show community members the type of equipment the money would purchase. “This citizenship project is help-

ing our young club members to learn about event planning and polish their communication skills by presenting information about grain rescue equipment to groups,” said club leader Angie Nelson, adding that fundraising efforts will continue throughout the summer and fall to meet the group’s goal of purchasing the rescue equipment for the Gilman Fire Department.

Roland-Story horticulture students visit local business SUBMITTED BY STORY Students in the Roland-Story horticulture classes recently visited with Nolan Rasmusson, owner of Services Unlimited in Story City. While touring the facility at Services Unlimited, Mr. Rasmusson spoke to the students about the need of calibrating spraying and spreading equipment to make it Eco-friendly to the environment as well as applying the correct amount to the lawns. While visiting, students learned about the different types of equipment that are used in treating and working on lawns, proper calibrating of equipment, the timing of applications and equipment used. According to Brad Taylor, RS agriculture instructor, “Nolan provided the students with a lot of useful information that they will be able to use to better understand what we are studying in our class.”

Pictured are Josh Engelby, Chris Fields, Sydney Mathis, Mary Camp, Cutler Fink, Andrew Hughes and Paden Pugh along with Services Unlimited owner Nolan Rasmusson as he explains how to use a rider-spreader.