Newton Ag Mag July 2020

AG Mag Central Iowa

Farmers have a ‘beef’ with COVID-19 Livestock producers experience complications with supply chains, sale prices caused by pandemic

Dealing in uncertainty: Planting season still comes with question mark as farmers deal with pandemic impact

Iowa Sweetness: Local sweet corn producers continues decades long tradition in Jasper County Virtual Visit: Iowa farmer hosts virtual field day visit to discuss how to preserve his family farm for future generations A

PUBLICATION • SUMMER 2020

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Index

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Publisher Rich Paulsen Advertising Director Kevin Brown Managing Editor Pam Pratt

COVERSTORY

Magazine Editor & Page Design Pam Pratt Reporters & Photographers Christopher Braunschweig, Dustin Teays and Jamee A. Pierson Cover Illustration Pam Pratt Published by News Publishing Co. 200 First Ave. East Newton, IA 50208 641-792-3121

Articles and advertisements are the property of News Printing Co. No portion of the Central Iowa Ag Mag may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of News Publishing Co. The information in this magazine is believed to be accurate; however, News Printing Co. cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. News Printing Co. cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

FARMER STRUGGLES

Livestock producers experience complication with supply chains, sale prices caused by pandemic.

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Index SWEET

UNCERTAINTY

Local sweet corn producer continues decades-old tradition.

Central Iowa farmer worry about the affect the pandemic will have on industry.

PAGE 8

PAGE 4

FARMING FUTURE Virtual field focuses on farming techniques.

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Naig: USMCA is a welcome new chapter for trade IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement July 1 as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s (USMCA) entry into force marks the beginning of a historic new chapter for North American trade.

“Today, Iowa farmers gain greater access to our two largest export Mike markets: Canada and Naig Mexico,” Naig said.

“Because of the Trump administration’s efforts to renegotiate unbalanced trade agreements, our producers will see significant improvements to rules of origin and intellectual property protections, and new opportunities with expanded market access. USMCA’s entry into

force marks the beginning of a welcome new chapter for North American trade.”

USMCA replaces the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Under USMCA, Iowa producers will have more market access for their food and agricultural products. USMCA also improves intellec-

tual property and labor protections and includes provisions for biotechnologies, including gene editing.

Iowa exports more than $10.3 billion in agricultural products to Canada and Mexico each year, which supports 86,500 Iowa jobs, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

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‘There’s a lot of uncertainty’

Planting season off to a great start, but farmers still worry about pandemic effects on industry

BY CHRISTOPHER BRAUNSCHWEIG Central Iowa Ag Mag

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he only good thing some Jasper County farmers can say about the season so far is the planting phase has been a “night-and-day difference” compared to the sopping wet conditions of 2019. In fact, Baxter farmer Brock Hansen said the environment was “almost perfect” for planting this year.

Other than that, things are looking fairly bleak for Iowa farmers.

In April, Associated Press’ David Pitt cited a report by economists from Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural

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Enforcement of social restrictions and closures has led to lower fuel demands and an estimated $2.5 billion in losses, the report said. Restaurant closures and packing plant shutdowns put a $2.1 billion financial strain on livestock business. “There’s not much good news right now,” Hansen said.

“As far as the economy and what farmers feel right now, total opposite compared to 2019, which wasn’t an extremely great year either,” Hansen said, noting the markets are still not looking good for both grain and livestock farmers in the state. “Man, there’s a lot of uncertainty right now.”

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Presently, Iowa farmers look like they are off to a good start. Hansen began planting corn and soybeans April 20. Two weeks later, he was finished. Certainly a quick turnaround. Now, he’s got his eyes on the market, which tells him farmers need to bump their crops again to offset the lower prices.

“Statistically, we’ve had record crops the last three to five years here locally. When are we going to stub our toe?

Because you can’t just always have a better crop next year.

At some point that doesn’t work anymore,” Hansen said.

Ross Wasson, who farms in the rural Colfax-Mingo area, is also paying close attention to the markets. Some farmers still have grain from last year that remains unsold because the markets are so low, he said. Finding those opportunities to sell the old crop has been difficult. Some are struggling to prepare livestock, too.

Wasson has about 80 to 90 head of cattle ready this summer.

“There’s a lot of uncertainties there because of the packing plants being partially shutdown,” he said.

“So we’re trying to find a window to get rid of the cattle, as well. (The pandemic) definitely has had a negative impact and it’s been tough.

You want to get your products sold, but these markets aren’t cooperating.”

Most of the side effects farmers are experiencing from the pandemic are economic. Day-to-day operations were not affected

as much. Little things like shaking a person’s hand after they had worked on a piece of machinery were replaced with verbal gestures of appreciation.

However, some farmers’ custom hauling procedures have changed “dramatically.”

Hansen said undergoing temperature checks and filling out a fair amount of paperwork were common practices in order to mitigate the community spread of the novel coronavirus. And instead of hand delivering those papers, farmers resorted to scanning and emailing the documents.

Is there a bright side to all this? Troy Wesselink, of Baxter, maintains an extremely positive outlook. So much so that if he woke up on the wrong side of the bed or started the day on the wrong foot, he would still find an excuse to be in a good mood.

“Life could be worse,” he said.

Some folks, he reasoned, can’t even go outside their homes for fresh air.

Since the pandemic closed down schools, Wesselink was able to plant crops with his son, Trey. Instead of studying for quizzes and writing long essays, the high schooler was learning the ins and outs of farming more often than he had in previous seasons. It provided the perfect time for father-son bonding.

“That was a big deal,” Wesselink said. “That was a big help to me having somebody like that around. When you’re 15 and you’re driving nice, shiny green paint — that’s fun. That’s something

you can tell all your buddies.

The virus is a bad deal, but it was good to have an extra person around.”

Hansen has taken a liking to homework lessons and flashcards in the tractor cab.

If anything, the pandemic has allowed farming parents more access to unique learning environments for their children. Hansen is not going to complain about more family time, but it has also made him appreciate the school system.

Keeping a positive attitude and a strong work ethic is nothing new to farmers. The job itself requires that kind of resilience. The dedication of Iowa farmers is strong. So far the challenges Hansen has faced don’t make him want to quit farming, but it sure makes him wonder if it’s worth all the hours and sweat.

“Farmers are some of your most optimistic people,” he said. “There’s a ton of people treading water and we’ve been treading water for years. I mean, how long have we been talking about this world trade deal with China?

It’s been an ongoing battle.”

Despite those barriers, optimism still wins through.

Farmers went out into their fields and planted crop in the ground with no assurances they would make money on it. Hansen said a

person once told him farming is a lot like football.

“You gotta play all four quarters,” he said. “You’re going out in the field the underdog. It doesn’t look like you’re gonna grow anything or make any money doing it.

But you’re going to go still do it.”

Wasson admitted it can be tough to stay motivated during such times, but there is still hope, he said.

“You always hope for the next year and hope it gets a little better,” he said. “I guess that’s just how farming is.

It’s a year-to-year thing and you just gotta keep telling yourself that you’re doing it because it’s a family operation, you’re passionate about it and you love what you do.

“So I guess you just keep on going.”

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Where’s the beef?

Good question Livestock farmers struggle with supply chains, sale prices impacted by COVID-19 N

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ffects from the COVID-19 pandemic have reached farmers’ fields. The agriculture industry, unfortunately, is not immune to the novel coronavirus. Early on in the pandemic, economists’ reports hypothe s i z e d Iowa’s crop industry would take a significant financial hit. Livestock farmers are also feeling that strain.

Ross Wasson, who lives in the rural Colfax-Mingo area of Jasper County, comes from a family of farmers. Today, Wasson and his parents harvest some of the usual Midwestern crop: soybeans, corn and alfalfa. They also manage a 200-head or so herd of Angus cattle, which the family has persisted since the 1930s.

Normally, cattle farmers let heifers raise their calves to a certain age before weening them off. The younger cattle will rely on a rationed corn/ hay feed diet by the time they reach a weight of about 1,300 pounds. Farmers will likely sell the cows to a meat locker or packing plant for processing.

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BY CHRISTOPHER BRAUNSCHWEIG Central Iowa Ag Mag

workers at four Iowa meatpacking plants — the Iowa Premium Beef plant in Tama and the Tyson plants in Columbus Junction, Perry and Waterloo — were infected with COVID-19, based on testing data recorded by state health officials.

Since packing plants were not able to operate as normal, this had an adverse reaction on livestock farmers who sold No doubt Wasson’s family has directly to these busidealt with some tough times IOWA A nesses. Wasson knew AL G before. Luckily, COVID-19 R T of a few farmers who hasn’t impact the day-tohad to hold on to day operations of the farm. a few of their cows Instead, the virus attacks that were ready for Wasson’s wallet. At this market.

Cows can point, the young COVERSTORY wait, but new expensfarmer would es for extra feed create rather have problems.

COVID-19 “They had cattle ready to go alter the dayto slaughter, but with the shortto-day than age of workers in the packing reduce the plants they weren’t able to get rid sale pricof those cattle,” Wasson said. “So es of catthey had to just sit on ‘em and Even thoug tle. keep feeding them. They were limited wor “That ready to go to market. That was a those produ would big thing for a lot of people.” be the But not necessarily for Wasson’s family No. 1 operation.

By the time the brunt of the thing pandemic effects hit, Wasson did not it has have any cows ready for market. Nowaimpactdays, at least from what Wasson can see, ed as farmers are able to more easily sell their far as cattle. Price of cows per pound have livestock reduced by about 30 cents. and row Wasson said he sold cattle last year for c r o p,” $1.80 per pound of carcass weight. His Wasson most recent cows sold for about $1.50 said. “From per pound. the livestock “Which doesn’t sound like a lot to side of things, it’s somebody, but it is,” he said. “It adds up.” driven the price of Still, Wasson said he’s no expert on the beef up in the groimpact of COVID-19 on livestock farmcery stores because ers. From what agricultural authorities there was a shortage are saying, Wasson’s experiences align there for a while. The with the struggles they initially anticipatshortage came from ed. Several have outlined guides and recthe packing plants ommendations for aid farmers can take not being open to full advantage of. capacity.”

Iowa Cattleman’s Association identified According to a May on its website other COVID-19 concerns 5 article by the Des for the cattle industry, such as: the spread Moines Register’s Tony between boxed beef and fed cattle prices, Leys, more than 1,600

Photos by Christopher Braunschweig/Central Iowa AgMag

hough COVID-19 hasn’t affected the day-to-day operations of livestock farmers, the complications with supply chains – such as the workforce and performances at processing plants – has driven down prices. The state has allowed opportunities for relief to help producers who are struggling. immediate financial needs of producers, availability of feed ingredients, continuity of business in auctions and plants and sustaining beef demand.

The mental health of farmers affected by the strains and stress of COVID-19 is also of concern to ICA. There is some relief for those livestock farmers heavily impacted by the virus. ICA has listed several methods of financial assistance providing direct aid for producers on its website at iacattlemen.org.

It’s not just cattle farmers feeling the pressure either. On May 26, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship had launched a disposal assistance program for hog farmers unable to harvest due to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.

“Pork producers are going to extraordinary lengths to donate pork to food banks and identify other markets for their animals but, in many cases, it’s not enough to make up for the backlog happening on farms,” Naig said in a press

release. “Producers are being forced to make very difficult decisions …”

This is one way the state government is supporting them “during these extremely challenging times.” Meat processing facilities drastically reduced production because of COVID-19 and worker shortages. As of mid-May, Iowa State University estimated about 600,000 pigs in Iowa were unable to be harvested.

IDALS formed a Resource Coordination Center — operated in part by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — to support Iowa livestock producers affected by COVID-19 disruptions.

Iowa livestock farmers are encouraged to call the RCC at 515-725-1005.

If producers are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the disruptions, they can call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985 for free, confidential support.

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SO SWEET

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BY JAMEE A. PIERSON Central Iowa Ag Mag

rowing sweet corn is all family for the Van Manens of Kellogg. First started by Kevin and Julie in the 1980s and passed on to Jacob and Emily around 2010, the business has grown from a couple of acres to more than 10 acres featuring fresh sweet corn and additional produce available to eager customers from around the Fourth of July through Labor Day. CONTINUED ON 94 Submitted Photo

Van Manen Sweet Corn is available for sale in Newton and Grinnell. The family grows the corn on more than 10 acres in the Kellogg area.

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Kellogg’s Van Manen family serves up Iowa sweet corn for around four decades

Emily and Jacob Van Manen get ready for sweet corn season in 1997.

4CONTINUED FROM 8 The family doesn’t take any time off with preparations started for the new season as soon last year wrapped up.

“Preparing for the 2020 season started right after the 2019 season ended, looking back on where we could make improvements, deciding which varieties of sweet corn worked and didn’t work, and things we can do to grow the business for next year,” Jacob Van Manen said. “This year’s crop overall is looking really good. We got everything planted on time in good conditions.”

Cool weather in May slowed the growing down for a bit, Van Manen said, but when warm weather and plenty of rain followed, the sweet corn really started to move along nicely. Also, while selling their sweet corn, Muscatine melons typically follow shortly after for people to enjoy.

An unknown factor going into the 2020 season, COVID-

k n ow i n g i f we would be able to sell it. Thankfull y, e n o u g h restrictions w e re l i f t e d to where we have been able to set up our stands like usual,” Van Manen said.

“The outdoor nature of our business makes taking necessary precautions a little bit easier.

In the end, the Submitted Photo biggest thing Acres of sweet corn grows on the Van Manen is to just be Farm, getting ready to be picked and sold for respectful of locals to enjoy. others.”

Stands for 19 has made itself known in the sellers opened up the almost every sector of life.

Monday after the Fourth of Van Manen said the pandemJuly in both Newton and Sully. ic made things interesting for Everyone in the area must a while in the spring. have been ready because Van “We went ahead and plantManen said the “business has ed a crop without really been exceptional.”

Submitted Photo

“As we get later on into the season and offer a larger variety of produce, I believe that trend will continue, with people eating out less than usual due to the pandemic, the demand for fresh, locally grown produce could be better than ever,” Van Manen said.

For around four decades, the Van Manen’s have brought fresh, delicious sweet corn to the Jasper County area. Weather including hot, cold and rain and even a pandemic isn’t stopping the family from sharing their goods that people look forward to and enjoy every year.

Van Manen Sweet Corn is available from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Classic Car Wash in Newton and Classic Car Wash in Grinnell. In Sully, they will be set up across from Casey’s with a schedule to be determined and the sweet corn can be found at Fareway in Newton and Grinnell and Hy-Vee in Grinnell.

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Farming into the future

Marshall County farmer outlines techniques his family is using

BY DUSTIN TEAYS Central Iowa Ag Mag

Submitted Photo

Iowa Learning Farms hosted a virtual learning field day with Marshall County farmer Wade Dooley. Dooley spoke about the things he is doing on his family’s farm to farm for the future.

Sixth generation farmer Wade Dooley is taking farming into the future.

The Marshall County man was featured April 24 when Iowa Learning Farms hosted a virtual learning field day. Throughout the presentation, there were videos of Dooley showing various practices he is using on his family farm. Dooley said he has grown a variety of crops, including corn and soybeans as well as popcorn among other agricultural ventures.

The platform allowed attendees to see the different aspects of Dooley’s farm and ask questions when the video finished. Whether it was about how he uses cattle or what crops he is planting, there were plenty of questions to be answered. One

revolved around when Dooley would want to start planting a certain field.

“That particular field is going to soybeans so it won’t get planted until probably mid-May,” Dooley said.

One particular field Dooley showed in a video featured a transition ground that would be converted into Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for the next 10 years. Dooley said the field is river bottom ground and due to climate change the flooding in the area has been a catastrophic level.

“When you have got that much of an impact from river flooding, the system that you are using has to change,” Dooley said.

Due to this, Dooley said he isn’t going to continue to fight mother nature, rather adapt with it.

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AG Mag

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4CONTINUED FROM 10 He is going to change the ground to a wetland/native grass mix that will help with the flooding. The tall grasses, Dooley said, will catch the sediment from the river flooding.

“I’ll grow my soil faster than I possibly could’ve by myself,” Dooley said.

A specific question was asked about the seed mix that would be going into that area. The question asked was whether or not the area being a wet environment was brought into consideration when selecting what native grasses would be in the mix.

“That is going to be a primary consideration ... The mix is going to have to be pretty diverse,” Dooley said.

One thing Dooley said was he think the future for crops will be more diverse in what is grown than what farmers are currently growing. Dooley said it isn’t that people can’t grow other crops it’s that they choose not to, whether that be due to numbers or other things.

“We have the most productive soils in the world and we only grow two things,” Dooley said.

He said he is working to not be married to two crops. The other crops can make just as much money or even more than corn and soybeans.

“We shouldn’t be fighting every year just to break even,” Dooley said.

Throughout the duration of the event, Dooley fielded various questions related to how his family is looking ahead to the future. Whether through cover crops or even with planting the CRP to catch sediment, Dooley is helping his family’s farm move forward into the future.

“This is a family farm. I am the sixth generation on it so I have a lot of history going behind me and a lot of expectations and hopes and dreams of those before and I’d like someone to be after me to take up the reins also.

So, my argument has always been that I am not farming this just for me I am farming for the next generation and the one after,” Dooley said.

Submitted Photo

Marshall County farmer Wade Dooley stands in his field that he intends to convert into CRP land during his virtual field day visit. The field is river bottom ground and is highly susceptible to flooding. By planting wetland/native grass mix, the tall grasses, Dooley said, will catch the sediment from the river flooding.

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