Area5 20 2015 by Iowa Farm Bureau

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

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

FB livestock sessions will explore market outlook, risk management and strategies Iowa Farm Bureau will hold local sessions in June designed to sustain and grow livestock operations by providing information, including strategies and resources for starting or growing livestock operations. The events are co-sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). The sessions will be in Cherokee on June 22, Calmar on June 23 and Anamosa on June 24. Each of the sessions will start with registration at 9:30 and will adjourn by 2 p.m. Speakers for the livestock meetings include: Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics, who will discuss the livestock market outlook; Tim Meyer of Producers Credit Corporation who will cover risk management and Moe Russell of

Russell Consulting Group, who will discuss livestock returns and management strategies. In addition, Brian Waddingham executive director of CSIF will explore the issues surrounding starting or growing a livestock farm. In addition, Iowa State University Extension specialists will also attend to help answer detailed questions and provide information. Registration for the Farm Bureau livestock sessions is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. Lunch will be provided. For specific locations and to register go to www.iowafarmbureau.com. For more information contact Ed Kordick at 515-225-5433 or at ekordick@ifbf.org.

Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

Carcass Challenge event will name winners of 2015 contest SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE, OSCEOLA, SIOUX The winners of the 2015 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Carcass Challenge program will be announced June 11, at the Hansen Ag Student Learning Center in Ames. The program, which is finishing its fourth year, showcases Iowa’s feedyard performance and cattle genetics in an event which is a major project for the ICA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program class. This year, there are 55 steers in the program. The evening begins with a so-

cial at 4 p.m., and is followed by a dinner, that includes presentation by two speakers. John Hinners, assistant vice president for industry relations at the U.S. Meat Export Federation, will talk about the importance of quality Iowa beef in the world market. Scott Hansen, executive sales representative at Elanco Animal Health, will talk about feedyard technology. Winners of the Carcass Challenge will be announced following dinner. The two main categories for awards are Carcass Merit and Retail Value per Day on Feed (RVDoF). Both are

value-added calculations that consider important consumer quality issues such as tenderness and flavor; and also a key farmer issue-profitability. RVDoF adds in a time factor (days on feed). Additional awards in the contest are for the highest average daily gain; the largest ribeye area, the top marbling score and the chef award, which recognizes a 12-14 inch ribeye with the highest marbling score. Tickets for the event are $25. If you plan to attend, please call 515296-2266 to register so adequate meal plans can be made.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Cream butter and 1 c. sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add milk, flour and baking powder. Butter 9X13-inch pan. Fill the pan two-thirds full with rhubarb. Pour remaining sugar and water. Do not stir. Pour and spread cake batter over the top. Sprinkle with a little sugar on top. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour until toothpick comes out clean from center. Serve with ice cream.

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Geneva Wilson, Chariton (Lucas County) 2 boxes cook-and-serve tapioca 4 c. water pudding 1 (15-oz.) can mandarin 1 box cook-and-serve vanilla oranges, drained pudding 1 (8-oz.) package whipped 1 box orange gelatin topping

Combine tapioca, vanilla pudding, gelatin and water. Cook over low-medium heat until thickened and tapioca is softened, stir often. Let cool. Fold in oranges and whipped topping. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

Cut bananas into chunks, and spread peanut butter over all with a spoon. Roll pieces in crushed whole grain cereal (Cheerios, Grape Nuts, Kashi.) Stick a pretzel stick into each banana bite. Can also be dipped in melted chocolate. These freeze well.

(From left) Gerardo Rodriguez (USMEF Representative), Doug Bear, the Ramos family and Scott Heater shared in conversation about the beef industries within each country.

Iowa beef producers maintain, build relationships with Mexico on trade mission SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE, O’BRIEN Iowa beef producer Scott Heater, Wapello, and Iowa Beef Industry Council Director of Industry Relations Doug Bear represented the Iowa Beef Industry Council on an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Mexico during March 22-28. Mexico is the second largest importer of U.S. beef and beef variety meats in volume (216,386 mt) and third largest by value ($925 million) accordingly to the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Mexico is also one of our largest trading partners, as more than $1.4 billion in goods cross the border each day, including $2.53 million of beef. Currently, more than 24 U.S. states rely on Mexico as a primary or secondary destination for exports. During the weeklong event, the Iowa Meat Trade Team met with many large and small meat processors in Mexico who source red meat products from the United States. These meetings served as valuable opportunities to answer questions about the livestock industry and learn

about the current and future trade opportunities. “It was interesting to see that consumers in the Monterrey area have a strong demand for higher quality cuts of beef,” said Heater. “It was great to see how our beef checkoff investment in USMEF opens up our opportunities even when we are at home raising beef on our family farms.” Representatives from USMEF, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program, outlined several promotion activities to promote U.S. beef. Merchandising U.S. red meats in Central America is accomplished using inbound trade teams, educating consumers through in-store demonstrations and sampling promotions and working with food service and retail partners within specific regions of the country. Some popular cuts of beef in Mexico include inside and outside skirts, inside rounds, Coulotte steak and many variety meats. “Currently, more than 46 percent of Mexico’s population is under 25 years of age, which presents great opportunity for U.S. beef exports longterm, but price sensitivity is a major area of concern in certain parts of the

country due to the current strength of the dollar and total cattle inventories,” said Bear. “In retail stores we were able to see variety meats that our American consumers would not normally select, which aids in demand building opportunities for our beef producers.” Mexico is a valuable trading partner for U.S. beef producers through exports of beef products and variety meats. The drought across the Southern Plains the past few years has forced the beef production system to pull cattle from southern regions to meet increased beef demand. Many U.S. beef producers continue to add additional value to these cattle by using American corn and other readily available feedstuffs. Beef is then exported to other countries through well-established trade relationships. The trip was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority with funding contributed by the Beef, Pork and Corn Checkoff Programs. Many of the meat processors the Iowa Meat Trade Team met with while in Mexico were invited to a return trade mission to Iowa in September 2015.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

SOUTH EAST IOWA

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

Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

FB livestock sessions will Iowa beef producers maintain, explore market outlook, build relationships with Mexico risk management and on Trade Mission strategies Iowa Farm Bureau will hold local sessions in June designed to sustain and grow livestock operations by providing information, including strategies and resources for starting or growing livestock operations. The events are co-sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). The sessions will be in Cherokee on June 22, Calmar on June 23 and Anamosa on June 24. Each of the sessions will start with registration at 9:30 a.m. and will adjourn by 2 p.m. Speakers for the livestock meetings include: Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics, who will discuss the livestock market outlook; Tim Meyer of Producers Credit Corporation who will cover risk management; and Moe Russell of

Russell Consulting Group, who will discuss livestock returns and management strategies. In addition, Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF, will explore the issues surrounding starting or growing a livestock farm. In addition, Iowa State University Extension specialists will also attend to help answer detailed questions and provide information. Registration for the Farm Bureau livestock sessions is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. Lunch will be provided. For specific locations and to register go to www.iowafarmbureau.com. For more information contact Ed Kordick at 515-225-5433 or at ekordick@ifbf.org.

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

SUBMITTED BY LOUISA, WAPELLO Iowa beef producer Scott Heater, Wapello, and Iowa Beef Industry Council Director of Industry Relations, Doug Bear, represented the Iowa Beef Industry Council on an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Mexico during March 22-28. Mexico is the second largest importer of U.S. beef and beef variety meats in volume (216,386 mt) and third largest by value ($925 million) accordingly to the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Mexico is also one of our largest trading partners, as more than $1.4 billion in goods cross the border each day, including $2.53 million of beef. Currently, more than 24 U.S. states rely on Mexico as a primary or secondary destination for exports. During the week long event, the Iowa Meat Trade Team met with many large and small meat processors in Mexico who source red meat products from the United States. These meetings served as valuable opportunities to answer questions about the livestock industry and learn about the current and future trade opportunities. “It was interesting to see that consumers in the Monterrey area have a strong demand for higher quality cuts of beef,” said Heater. “It was great to see how our beef checkoff investment in USMEF opens up our opportunities even when we are at home raising beef on our family farms.” Representatives from USMEF, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program, outlined several promotion activities to promote U.S. beef. Merchandising U.S. red meats in

(From left) Gerardo Rodriguez (USMEF Representative), Doug Bear, the Ramos family and Scott Heater shared in conversation about the beef industries within each country.

Central America is accomplished using inbound trade teams, educating consumers through in-store demonstrations and sampling promotions and working with food service and retail partners within specific regions of the country. Some popular cuts of beef in Mexico include inside and outside skirts, inside rounds, Coulotte steak and many variety meats. “Currently, more than 46 percent of Mexico’s population is under 25 years of age, which presents great opportunity for U.S. beef exports long-term, but price sensitivity is a major area of concern in certain parts of the country due to the current strength of the dollar and total cattle inventories,” said Bear. “In retail stores we were able to see variety meats that our American consumers would not normally select, which aids in demand building opportunities for

our beef producers.” Mexico is a valuable trading partner for U.S. beef producers through exports of beef products and variety meats. The drought across the Southern Plains the past few years has forced the beef production system to pull cattle from southern regions to meet increased beef demand. Many U.S. beef producers continue to add additional value to these cattle by using American corn and other readily available feedstuffs. Beef is then exported to other countries through well-established trade relationships. The trip was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority with funding contributed by the Beef, Pork and Corn Checkoff Programs. Many of the meat processors the Iowa Meat Trade Team met with while in Mexico were invited to a return trade mission to Iowa in September of this year.

Monroe County Ag Day another great success

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

Cut bananas into chunks, and spread peanut butter over all with a spoon. Roll pieces in crushed whole grain cereal (Cheerios, Grape Nuts, Kashi). Stick a pretzel stick into each banana bite. Can also be dipped in melted chocolate. These freeze well.

Monroe County Farm Bureau hosted its annual Ag Day for area third-graders from Albia, Eddyville-Blakesburg and Moravia School Districts May 7 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The students get to see, hear, feel, taste and touch agriculture in many different forms. It is a day full of show and tell agriculture. See the Monroe County page for more info and pictures on the event. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONROE COUNTY.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

NORTH EAST IOWA Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

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

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

Are ticks worse this year? SUBMITTED BY ALLAMAKEE, CLAYTON, WINNESHIEK While everyone has an opinion about “how bad” the ticks are in any given time, the bottom line is there is no state-wide survey or census to measure tick abundance. All we have are people’s perceptions, and those vary all over the place! That’s in part because tick populations are highly variable from place to place and from moment to moment depending on weather and other conditions. Experiencing a large number of ticks on you or your dog after being outdoors is largely just the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is our experience talking to many callers from around the state each year that for each person who asks “why are there so many ticks this year?” there will be an equal number of callers who ask “why aren’t there so many ticks this year?” This leads to the somewhat cynical conclusion that on a statewide basis, every year is an average year for ticks though individual locations may be far above or far below average at the time someone was in

the locale to “check” for ticks. The answer to the question, “Are the ticks worse this year?” is, “It depends.” Here are some other common questions and answers about ticks. What ticks are common in Iowa and how do I recognize them? See ISU pamphlet PM 2036, “Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Iowa” available from the ISU Extension store or from your county ISU Extension office. Ticks may be submitted for identification by the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Send a photo or sample as described on the Clinic web page. www.ent.iastate.edu/ pidc How do I control ticks in my back yard and landscape? Ticks are rarely in lawns and high maintenance landscapes. Instead, ticks are most abundant in humid areas of tall grass, weeds and shrubs where there is an abundant food supply from small mammals. For more tick control considerations, visit this website and search for ticks: www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/ hortnews/ Does ISU still want tick samples

from around the state? Yes, ticks are still collected for a state-wide surveillance program. Can you test my tick for Lyme disease? ISU does not test ticks for Lyme disease. Ticks submitted to the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic that are identified as blacklegged ticks (aka “deer ticks”) are sent to the Iowa Hygienic Lab in Iowa City for Lyme disease testing. However, the results of these tests are compiled for research purposes and are not returned to the person who submitted the tick or to their health care provider. Please speak with your physician and veterinarian about the risk of Lyme disease. To learn more about Lyme disease see the CDC website. www.cdc. gov/lyme/ How should attached ticks be removed? Grasp the tick firmly and as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight upward as shown in the drawings below. Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, matches or cigarettes in a misguided effort to make the tick “back out” of your skin.

Century, Heritage Farm applications due June 1 SUBMITTED BY CLAYTON, DUBUQUE, FAYETTE, WINNESHIEK Application deadline for the annual Century and Heritage Farm Awards is rapidly approaching. Ownership and operation of a farm by members of the same family for 100 years or more is required for a

Century Farm and 150 years or more would qualify for a Heritage Farm. The Iowa Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Iowa Farm Bureau established the Century Farm and Heritage Farm Programs to honor these farm families for their dedication in maintaining agriculture as a viable industry in Iowa and pro-

viding a way of life for future generations. Application deadline is June 1. Applications for either program can be downloaded from the following website, http://www.agriculture.state. ia.us and choose programs, or contact the county Farm Bureau office for the necessary forms.

Animals return to barn yard at Heartland Acres SUBMITTED BY BUCHANAN A farm is not complete without animals and this year will be no exception for the barn yard at Heartland Acres. Beginning in May, the farm animals return to delight and enlighten guests. The animals represent a sampling of the creatures often found on farms throughout the United States. Craig Johnson, executive director, stated, “We like to give our guests as much of the farm experience as possible and our animals are always a joy for our guests to see.” This year, animals will grace the campus from May through mid-October as part of the outside exhibits found on the Heartland Acres campus. The animals are always an eye catcher for the young and the young at heart.

Heartland Acres is open daily Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the year. Starting Memorial Day weekend and going through Labor Day weekend the campus expands hours to Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.

to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Heartland Acres please visit www. heartlandacresusa.com, call 319332-0123 or see Heartland Acres on Facebook.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

NORTH IOWA Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

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

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

Are ticks worse this year? SUBMITTED BY CHICKASAW, HOWARD While everyone has an opinion about “how bad” the ticks are in any given, the bottom line is there is no state-wide survey or census to measure tick abundance. All we have are people’s perceptions, and those vary all over the place! That’s in part because tick populations are highly variable from place to place and from moment to moment depending on weather and other conditions. Experiencing a large number of ticks on you or your dog after being outdoors is largely just the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is our experience talking to many callers from around the state each year that for each person who asks “why are there so many ticks this year?” there will be an equal number of callers who ask “why aren’t there so many ticks this year?” This leads to the somewhat cynical conclusion that on a statewide basis, every year is an average year for ticks though individual locations may be far above or far below average at the time some-

one was in the locale to “check” for ticks. The answer to the question, “Are the ticks worse this year?” is, “It depends.” Here are some other common questions and answers about ticks. What ticks are common in Iowa and how do I recognize them? See ISU pamphlet PM 2036, “Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Iowa” available from the ISU Extension store or from your county ISU Extension office. Ticks may be submitted for identification by the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Send a photo or sample as described on the Clinic web page. www.ent.iastate.edu/pidc How do I control ticks in my back yard and landscape? Ticks are rarely in lawns and high maintenance landscapes. Instead, ticks are most abundant in humid areas of tall grass, weeds and shrubs where there is an abundant food supply from small mammals. For more tick control considerations, visit this website and search for ticks: www.ipm.iastate. edu/ipm/hortnews/ Does ISU still want tick samples

from around the state? Yes, ticks are still collected for a state-wide surveillance program. Can you test my tick for Lyme disease? ISU does not test ticks for Lyme disease. Ticks submitted to the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic that are identified as blacklegged ticks (aka “deer ticks”) are sent to the Iowa Hygienic Lab in Iowa City for Lyme disease testing. However, the results of these tests are compiled for research purposes and are not returned to the person who submitted the tick or to their health care provider. Please speak with your physician and veterinarian about the risk of Lyme disease. To learn more about Lyme disease see the CDC website. www. cdc.gov/lyme/ How should attached ticks be removed? Grasp the tick firmly and as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight upward as shown in the drawings below. Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, matches or cigarettes in a misguided effort to make the tick “back out” of your skin.

Iowa Beef Bash is May 29-31 SUBMITTED BY CHICKASAW The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation is excited to offer a fun and educational weekend opportunity for youth grades 9–12 who are interested in a weekend learning experience about beef cattle production. Mary Greiman, the youth and outreach coordinator for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation (ICF), says the event will be held May 29-31 in Creston. It will include a busy schedule from Friday evening through Sunday morning as the attendees tour a feedlot, a cow/calf operation, a fitting and showmanship demonstration, and even make time for some pasture golf.

The cost for the event is $30, and covers lodging, food, all transportation during the event and all educational materials. The event is limited to 40 participants; register by calling the ICF offices at 515-296-2266, or going to the ICF website, www.iowacattlemensfoundation.org. Registration deadline is May 15. The program starts with registration and check in at the Supertel Inn & Conference Center in Creston on Friday, May 29, at 4 p.m. That evening, the group will tour Glenn and Bev Rowe’s farm near Lorimor. The Rowes are ICA Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners for 2015. Attendees will also participate

in a session about ag professionalism led by trainer Jodi Beech. On Saturday, the group will travel to Hawkeye Breeders, Adel; Nichols Farm, Bridgewater; Nodaway Feeders, Nodaway; and the Holmes’ Angus Farm near Benton. They’ll participate in a Stock Show U demonstration, and end the day with a round of pasture golf. The group will meet in the morning on Sunday to get some communications tips from KSIB Radio broadcaster Chad Rieck, Beef Quality Assurance training from Doug Bear of the Iowa Beef Industry Council and discussion about ag careers before the program ends at 11:30 a.m.

June 1 application deadline for Century, Heritage Farm Award SUBMITTED BY MITCHELL Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminds eligible farm owners that the deadline to apply for the 2015 Century and Heritage Farm Program is June 1. The program recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms. “The deadline for families with a Century or Heritage application is quickly approaching and I hope those with an eligible farm will take the time to apply,” Northey said. “This program is a great way to highlight the deep history and strong heritage of agriculture in our state.” Farm families with a Century or Heritage

Farm must submit an application to the Department no later than June 1 to qualify for recognition this year. Applications are available on the Department’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on the Century Farm or Heritage Farm link under “Hot Topics.” Applications may also be requested from Becky Lorenz, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program via phone at 515-281-3645, email at Becky.Lorenz@IowaAgriculture.gov or by writing to Century or Heritage Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. The ceremony to recognize the 2015 Century and Heritage Farms is scheduled to be held at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 20. The Century Farm Program began in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration and 18,328 farms from across the state have received this recognition. The Heritage Farm Program was started in 2006, on the 30th anniversary of the Century Farm program, and 736 farms have been recognized. Last year 344 Century Farms and 86 Heritage Farms were recognized.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

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

Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

(From left) Gerardo Rodriguez (USMEF Representative), Doug Bear, the Ramos family and Scott Heater shared in conversation about the beef industries within each country.

Iowa beef producers maintain and build relationships with Mexico on trade mission SUBMITTED BY WRIGHT Iowa beef producer Scott Heater, Wapello, and Iowa Beef Industry Council Director of Industry Relations, Doug Bear, represented the Iowa Beef Industry Council on an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Mexico during March 22-28. Mexico is the second largest importer of U.S. beef and beef variety meats in volume (216,386 mt) and third largest by value ($925 million) accordingly to the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Mexico is also one of our largest trading partners, as more than $1.4 billion in goods cross the border each day, including $2.53 million of beef. Currently, more than 24 U.S. states rely on Mexico as a primary or secondary destination for exports. During the week-long event, the Iowa Meat Trade Team met

with many large and small meat processors in Mexico who source red meat products from the United States. These meetings served as valuable opportunities to answer questions about the livestock industry and learn about the current and future trade opportunities. Representatives from USMEF, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program, outlined several promotion activities to promote U.S. beef. Merchandising U.S. red meats in Central America is accomplished using inbound trade teams, educating consumers through in-store demonstrations and sampling promotions and working with food service and retail partners within specific regions of the country. Some popular cuts of beef in Mexico include inside and outside skirts, inside rounds, Coulotte steak, and many variety meats.

Mexico is a valuable trading partner for U.S. beef producers through exports of beef products and variety meats. The drought across the Southern Plains the past few years has forced the beef production system to pull cattle from southern regions to meet increased beef demand. Many U.S. beef producers continue to add additional value to these cattle by using American corn and other readily available feedstuffs. Beef is then exported to other countries through well-established trade relationships. The trip was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority with funding contributed by the Beef, Pork and Corn Checkoff Programs. Many of the meat processors the Iowa Meat Trade Team met with while in Mexico were invited to a return trade mission to Iowa in September 2015.

ICA to hold Summer Policy Conference June 11 SUBMITTED BY WEBSTER Members of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will come together on Thursday, June 11, to begin discussions about policy issues their association needs to develop or change as they look forward to 2016. Members are the vital element needed to put long-term policy in place for key issues impacting their daily cattle operations. The Summer Policy Conference will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hansen Ag Learning Center in Ames, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The meeting opens with a brief explanation of the policy process, then moves into a presentation by keynoter, Kim Stackhouse. Stackhouse is director of sustainability

research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and will talk to conference attendees about their role in sustainability issues. This topic constantly grows in importance as cattle producers look at the current attempt to include it in the dietary guidelines for Americans, and as major restaurant chains look at requiring sustainability in their supply chain providers. Stackhouse has been working in this area for several years to give logical and quantifiable measurements and definitions to the topic. Following lunch and membership awards, members can select participation in either policy discussions or educational issues. Policy discussions will be held throughout the af-

ternoon in ICA’s three policy areas: cattle production, beef products and business issues. An education session is scheduled about Iowa water quality projects-what’s underway and what is coming up. Matt Lechtenberg, the Water Quality Initiative coordinator at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will be joined by Paul Goldsmith, EQIP coordinator, and Marty Adkins, assistant state conservationist, both of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Another educational session will be led by Karl Dallefeld of Prairie Creek Seed in Cascade. He’ll talk about using cover crops in a cattle operation.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

EAST IOWA

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

Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

Northey: statewide cost share FB livestock sessions will explore market outlook, available for water quality practices risk management and strategies Iowa Farm Bureau will hold local sessions in June designed to sustain and grow livestock operations by providing information, including strategies and resources for starting or growing livestock operations. The events are co-sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). The sessions will be in Cherokee on June 22, Calmar on June 23 and Anamosa on June 24. Each of the sessions will start with registration at 9:30 and will adjourn by 2 p.m. Speakers for the livestock meetings include: Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics, who will discuss the livestock market outlook; Tim Meyer of Producers Credit Corporation who will cover risk management and Moe Russell of

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

SUBMITTED BY IOWA Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced funds are available to help farmers install nutrient reduction practices. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, notill 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. Any farmer not already utilizing these practices will receive priority consideration for this assistance. Farmers who have used cover crops

in the past may be eligible for $15 per acre for cover crops. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. The funds will be made available in July, but farmers can immediately start submitting applications through their local Soil and Water Conservation District office. 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 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship received $4.4 million for the Iowa Water Quality Initiative in fiscal 2015.

These funds will allow the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to continue to encourage the broad adoption of water quality practices through statewide cost share assistance as well as more intensive work in targeted watersheds. In the last two years this program has been available, more than 1,400 farmers put in new nutrient reduction practices on more than 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.

ICA schedules summer policy conference SUBMITTED BY CLINTON Members of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will come together on Thursday, June 11, to begin discussions about policy issues their association needs to develop or change as they look forward to 2016. Members are the vital element needed to put long-term policy in place for key issues impacting their daily cattle operations. The Summer Policy Conference will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hansen Ag Learning Center in Ames. The meeting opens with a brief explanation of the policy process and then moves into a presentation by keynoter Kim Stackhouse. Stackhouse is director of sustainability

research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and will talk to conference attendees about their role in sustainability issues. This topic constantly grows in importance as cattle producers look at the current attempt to include it in the dietary guidelines for Americans and as major restaurant chains look at requiring sustainability in their supply chain providers. Stackhouse has been working in this area for several years to give logical and quantifiable measurements and definitions to the topic. Following lunch and membership awards, members can select participation in either policy discussions or educational issues. Policy discussions will be held throughout the af-

ternoon in ICA’s three policy areas: cattle production, beef products and business issues. An education session is scheduled about Iowa water quality projects – what’s underway and what’s coming up. Matt Lechtenberg, the Water Quality Initiative coordinator at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will be joined by Paul Goldsmith, EQIP coordinator, and Marty Adkins, assistant state conservationist, both of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Another educational session will be led by Karl Dallefeld of Prairie Creek Seed in Cascade. He’ll talk about using cover crops in a cattle operation.

Beenken one of three scholarship winners from ICF SUBMITTED BY TAMA Three Iowa high school seniors are receiving scholarships from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation. Winners are Aubree Beenken, Buckingham; Jessica Hanrahan, Prole; and Michael Peters, Bellevue. They each receive $1,000 from the Youth Beef Team (YBT) program for their knowl- A. BEENKEN edge of beef and cattle production, as well as their communication skills. Beenken and Hanrahan will also each receive an additional $500 because they completed an online course called Masters of Beef Ad-

vocacy, a program that provides additional training on communications and beef production. Each scholarship candidate provided a written application, took part in a personal interview and made a presentation on a beef industry issue during the final judging process in Ames on April 18. Beenken, the daughter of Marc and Angie Beenken, had a presentation on telling consumers a positive story of beef production from pasture to plate. She is a senior at North Tama High School in Traer and will attend Iowa State University this fall majoring in animal science on the pre-vet track. The presentation by Hanrahan, daughter of Mark and Amy Hanrahan, focused on the financial barriers

that face young people who want to get involved in agriculture. She is a senior at Winterset High School in Winterset. She will attend ISU this fall and major in agriculture systems technology. Peters, the son of Charlie and Jenni Peters, presented information to educate consumers about E. coli, a foodborne illness. His goal was to correct misconceptions and provide valuable information about meat handling at home. Peters is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School in Bellevue, and will attend ISU to major in animal science, with a focus on beef cattle genetics. With these new awards, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation has provided over $71,500 in scholarship support to Iowa youth since 1994.

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

SOUTH WEST IOWA

Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

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

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

Using agriculture to teach concepts and skills in an engaging way SUBMITTED BY ADAIR, ADAMS, AUDUBON, CASS, FREMONT/ MILLS, GUTHRIE, EAST POTTAWATTAMIE, PAGE/TAYLOR Thirteen county Farm Bureaus in Southwest Iowa invite teachers to register for a fast-paced professional development workshop that will give them technical skills in agriculture and allow teachers to be more comfortable integrating agriculture into their classroom curriculum. Agriculture is a great way to teach essential concepts and skills in science, social studies, language arts, math and more. Most of the lessons and activities in the workshop are aligned to K–2 and third through fifth grade Iowa Core concepts, but it is open to all educators. Participants will leave the workshop with instructional strategies, lessons and activities that can be immediately implemented into their classroom with little or no additional effort. Student engagement and impact will be high with this hands-on learning in something we can all relate to – food. During the workshop, participants will visit two farms – Milk

Unlimited Dairy and A to Z Feeders – to learn how crops and livestock are grown. They will also visit a grain elevator, equipment dealership and research farming to learn about math, science and technology applications in agriculture. The workshop will include hands-on lessons from Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. This course is a combination of face to face and online instruction through AEA PD Online and will qualify for one graduate or license renewal credit. A pre-workshop survey and post-workshop forums and assignment submissions will take place online. The in–person workshop will be held on June 8–9, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be located at the

Wallace Learning Center at Armstrong Research Farm near Lewis. The online components are from June 1-Oct. 1. The two-day in-person workshop is free to attend and includes on–site tours, hands–on activities, resource materials, lunches and more! Licensure or graduate credit for the course is available for $25-$75 depending on the type of credit and graduate institution you choose. Register to attend: https:// prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/ 22028499991601INV&True* Note: This workshop is hosted by 13 County Farm Bureaus in Southwest Iowa in collaboration with the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. Additional funding provided by The AgVentures Alliance and CHS.

District 9 Young Farmer Potluck Social Kadings plan District YF event Great Food! Good Fun! New Friends!

SUBMITTED BY ADAIR, ADAMS, day June 13. Join them at their ing furnishing sides or desserts. AUDUBON, CASS, UNION farm (1719 110th St., Casey) Please RSVP by June 13 to Makeatnew great Phillip and Leanne Kading 6 p.m. friends! for food, fun Eat and felAdair food! County Farm Bureau at have planned a District 9 Young lowship. Meat and drinks will 641-343-7070 or email ruth.mcPlaybefun games! Bring Kids! Farmer potluck social for Saturprovided with those attend- the ginnis@ifbf.org. Great Food! Good Fun! New Friends!

District 9 Young Farmer Potluck Social

District 9 District 9 Meat and drinks will be provided Young Farmer Potluck Social Young Farmer Potluck Social District 9 Great Food! Good Fun! New Friends! Great Food! Good Fun! New Friends! Young Farmer Potluck Social District 9 District 9 GreatMake Food! Good New Friends! newFun! friends! Eat great food! Make new friends! Eat great food! Young Farmer Potluck Social Young Farmer Potluck Social Play Bring the Kids! Play fun games! Bring Kids! Greatthe Food! Goodfun Fun!games! New Friends! Bring a side or dessert to share

Make new friends! Eat great food! Play fun games! Bring the Kids!

Bring a side or dessert to share

Meat and drinks will be provided

Great Food! Good Fun! Friends! Make new friends! EatNew great food! Bring a side or dessert to share Bring a side or dessert to share Play fun games! Bring the Kids! Make friends! Eat great food! Meat and drinks will be provided Meat and drinks willnew be provided Make new friends! Eat great food! Bring a side or dessert to share Play funfun games! Bring thethe Kids! Play games! Bring Kids! Phillip & Leanne Kading’s Farm Where: Phillip & Leanne Kading’s Farm Where: Meat and drinks will be provided Bring a side or dessert to share 110th 1719 110th Casey, Bring1719 a side or St., dessert toIAshare St., Casey, IA Time: 6 p.m.

6 p.m. Time: Meat and drinks will bebe provided Date: Saturday June 13th Meat and drinks will provided Date: Saturday June 13th

RSVP: By June 10

Adair RSVP: By June 10County Farm Bureau @ 641.343.7070

Adair County Farm Bureau @ 641.343.7070

Where: Phillip & Leanne Kading’s Farm Where: Phillip & Leanne Kading’s Farm 1719 110th St., Casey, IA 1719 110th St., Casey, IA

IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN

MAY 20, 2015

CENTRAL IOWA Dave Duttlinger Wheatfield, IN

“I write my own planting maps with FARMserver’s Management Zone Creation Tool. This gives me the freedom to make changes in the field and not rely on a third party, saving me time and money.”

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

FB livestock sessions will Iowa beef producers maintain, explore market outlook, build relationships with Mexico risk management and on trade mission strategies Iowa Farm Bureau will hold local sessions in June designed to sustain and grow livestock operations by providing information, including strategies and resources for starting or growing livestock operations. The events are co-sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). The sessions will be in Cherokee on June 22, Calmar on June 23 and Anamosa on June 24. Each of the sessions will start with registration at 9:30 and will adjourn by 2 p.m. Speakers for the livestock meetings include: Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics, who will discuss the livestock market outlook; Tim Meyer of Producers Credit Corporation who will cover risk management and Moe Russell of

FARM FAMILY FAVORITES

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Ann Recker, Dyersville (Dubuque County) 1/2 c. butter 2 c. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. milk

1-2/3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cup. rhubarb, chopped 1 c. water

Orange Tapioca Salad/Dessert

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Stephanie Wharton, Charles City Hy-Vee Dietitian Bananas Pretzel sticks Peanut butter Cereal

SUBMITTED BY DALLAS, WARREN Iowa beef producer Scott Heater, Wapello, and Iowa Beef Industry Council Director of Industry Relations Doug Bear represented the Iowa Beef Industry Council on an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Mexico during March 22-28. Mexico is the second largest importer of U.S. beef and beef variety meats in volume (216,386 mt) and third largest by value ($925 million) accordingly to the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Mexico is also one of our largest trading partners, as more than $1.4 billion in goods cross the border each day, including $2.53 million of beef. Currently, more than 24 U.S. states rely on Mexico as a primary or secondary destination for exports. During the weeklong event, the Iowa Meat Trade Team met with many large and small meat processors in Mexico who source red meat products from the United States. These meetings served as valuable opportunities to answer questions about the livestock industry and learn about the current and future trade opportunities. “It was interesting to see that consumers in the Monterrey area have a strong demand for higher quality cuts of beef,” said Heater. “It was great to see how our beef checkoff investment in USMEF opens up our opportunities even when we are at home raising beef on our family farms.” Representatives from USMEF, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program, outlined several promotion activities to promote U.S. beef. Merchandising U.S. red meats in

(From left) Gerardo Rodriguez (USMEF Representative), Doug Bear, the Ramos family and Scott Heater shared in conversation about the beef industries within each country.

Carcass Challenge event will name winners of 2015 contest SUBMITTED BY MARION, POLK The winners of the 2015 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Carcass Challenge program will be announced June 11, at the Hansen Ag Student Learning Center in Ames. The program, which is finishing its fourth year, showcases Iowa’s feedyard performance and cattle genetics in an event which is a major project for the ICA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program class. This year, there are 55 steers in the program. The evening begins with a social at 4 p.m., and is followed

by a dinner, that includes presentation by two speakers. John Hinners, assistant vice president for industry relations at the U.S. Meat Export Federation, will talk about the importance of quality Iowa beef in the world market. Scott Hansen, executive sales representative at Elanco Animal Health, will talk about feedyard technology. Winners of the Carcass Challenge will be announced following dinner. The two main categories for awards are Carcass Merit and Retail Value per Day on Feed (RVDoF). Both are value-added

calculations that consider important consumer quality issues such as tenderness and flavor; and also a key farmer issue-profitability. RVDoF adds in a time factor (days on feed). Additional awards in the contest are for the highest average daily gain; the largest ribeye area, the top marbling score and the chef award, which recognizes a 12-14 inch ribeye with the highest marbling score. Tickets for the event are $25. If you plan to attend, please call 515-296-2266 to register so adequate meal plans can be made.