2A |
Agriculture
www.newtondailynews.com | Tuesday | Jan. 3, 2017
In Brief
Iowa Biodiesel Production Smashes Record in 2016
Justin Jagler/Daily News Newton’s Earl May Nursery and Garden Center put its leftover Christmas trees to good use this holiday season by donating more than 30 trees to Jasper County Conservation.
Earl May donates more than 30 trees to Jasper County Conservation Trees will serve as fish habitats in area lakes By Justin Jagler Newton Daily News Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Newton donated 36 leftover Christmas trees to Jasper County Conservation last week. The trees will serve as fish structures in Jasper County lakes. Earl May Manager Tony Pherigo said the garden center started donating to the county 2.5 years ago. When Pherigo took over managing duties, donating the trees seemed logical. “I got with Jasper County Conservation because I knew at times they use trees for fish habitat,” Pherigo said. “Since that point, they’ve been picking them up for us and sticking them in the bottom of ponds.” Pherigo said the trees would have probably went to the landfill
if they were not donated. He said individuals sometimes ask about using the trees on private property, but he likes to help out the public lakes and ponds if possible. Jasper County Conservation thanked Earl May for the donation via Facebook and included a photo of some trees being put to use. Jasper County Conservation Naturalist Greg Oldsen said the trees were used at two locations this winter - a nature center site just east the of the sheriff ’s department and another property west of Monroe. Trees are important for many fish species. Fish use underwater structures for spawning, protection and shade. The trees donated by Earl May will provide Jasper County fish communities with an abundance of uses.
In most cases, concrete blocks are tied to the trees to ensure they sink. If the body of water is frozen, the trees will sit on the ice until it warms up. Oldsen said the county clusters several trees together to create larger structures. “The Christmas trees are nice because they last for sometimes up to three years,” Oldsen said. “If we keep getting donations around Christmas time, we can continually resupply the lakes and ponds.” Pherigo said donated trees were used at a pond near the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge last year. Recycling Christmas trees is a popular post-holiday tradition across the country. It benefits wildlife and reduces the solid waste in landfills. Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com
JOHNSTON — Iowa’s 2016 biodiesel production reached a recording-breaking total of 297 million gallons, surpassing 2015’s total 242 million gallons by 55 million gallons. This 23 percent increase is largely attributed to policy certainty at the federal level during 2016, including the biodiesel tax incentive and Renewable Fuel Standard. State level policies targeting higher biodiesel blends, such as Iowa’s B11 excise tax differential, also helped drive demand. “This record-busting year speaks volumes of the hard work and strength of Iowa’s biodiesel producers,” Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said. “Iowa is home to some of the most efficient biodiesel plants in the world and they took advantage of strong demand in 2016. As we turn the calendar forward to 2017, we unfortunately turn back to the policy uncertainty of prior years. The federal biodiesel tax credit expires on Dec. 31, and we don’t know for sure whether or when it will be reinstated in 2017. Regardless of the pending challenges of 2017, Iowa plants are well-positioned to remain number one in biodiesel production.” Compared to 2015, soybean oil remained the largest feedstock for Iowa biodiesel production – holding steady at 66 percent. Animal fats dropped slightly to 14 percent of production, while corn oil held steady at around 10 percent. Used cooking oil and canola oil doubled their 2015 numbers, combining to account for roughly 10 percent of 2016 biodiesel production in Iowa.
Outstanding farmer leaders recognized by Iowa Soybean Association Ankeny, Iowa — An up and coming high school student, innovators in research and environmental conservation, a dedicated farm family that’s hosted the Chinese president and the state’s top executive were recognized by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) during its annual awards banquet held Dec. 15 in Ankeny. Those credited for outstanding service to the soybean industry and Iowa agriculture were: • Rising Star — Kaleb Miller, Lacona • New Leader — Anderw Lauver, Lake City • Friend of the Iowa Soybeen Farmer — Gov. Terry Branstad • Environmental Leader — Rob Stout, Washington • Innovator in Production Research — Steve Killpack, Beebeetown • Legacy of Leadership — Rick and Martha Kimberley, Maxwell
PorkBridge Educational Series Returns in February 2017 AMES — The 11th year of the PorkBridge distance education series begins Feb. 2. This low-tech program features timely and intriguing topics presented by recognized industry experts. Operating through the collaboration of 11 land-grant universities, PorkBridge reaches producers and industry professionals across the country and around the world in an every other month series of six sessions. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine specialist Ken Stalder is the Iowa contact for PorkBridge.
He said the distance education series provides relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities. “Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up a whole day to attend a meeting,” Stalder said. “PorkBridge participants can take part where it works best for them whether at home, in an office or in the swine unit. And whether or not they can participate in the live session, all are able to download audio
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files from each session for later use.” Stalder, who also is swine specialist with Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State, said PorkBridge combines electronic information viewed on a computer with live presentations by topic experts via phone. About a week before each session, subscribers receive a web link to download that session’s presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Those who request it also receive the same materials via mailed CD. Participants call in for the audio portion of
each session and follow along with the presentation on their computer. Sessions generally are scheduled for the first Thursday of the designated month, starting at noon Central Time. New this year is a change in session length to a maximum of 60 minutes. Based on participant suggestions and personal experience, organizers decided to shorten individual sessions because they understand that many are limited to an hour or less over their noon break. It’s hoped that the shorter length will encourage more to listen live.
“The registration amount has not changed since the program began in 2005, and remains a great deal at $125 for the entire year,” Stalder said. The subscription form and payment must be received by Jan. 16 to assure receipt of program materials in time for the first session on Feb. 2. An informational brochure with subscription information is available on the IPIC website at www.ipic.iastate.edu/PorkBridge/2017PBbrochureIPIC. pdf. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 800-808-7675.
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