FEBRUARY 2018 STEWARDSHIP ADVOCATE UPDATE

MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER

A coalition of ag and conservation stakeholders, including Iowa Corn, has launched the 4R Plus campaign to raise awareness about practices to improve productivity, soil health and water quality. The “4R” stands for the four R’s of nutrient stewardship – right rate, right place, right source and right time – while the “Plus” includes in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices, such as cover crops and reduced tillage. The combined use of these practices can increase production and efficiency while improving soil and water quality. Click here for the press release or go to 4RPlus.org. 

The EPA wants to hear from you regarding the use and benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments (Poncho, Cruiser, Gaucho). The comment period is open until April 21 for you to provide input on the EPA’s risk assessment for these insecticides. Get the lowdown on the latest EPA neonic documents and learn “How to Make Your Public Comment Count.”

Be sure to check your manure and/or pesticide applicator certification to make sure it is up to date, and attend a continuing education course if needed. New this year is additional training required for restricted use of dicamba pesticides. There are new restrictions for the low-volatility formulations for use over dicamba-tolerant soybeans. Go to DicambaTrainingIowa.org to find a training session near you.

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FARMER TO FARMER:

LET'S TALK 4R Plus

Learn more about 4R Plus, which is being guided by a coalition of agricultural and conservation organizations to support farmers’ efforts to implement precise nutrient management and conservation practices.

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

• March 1: Cedar Creek Watershed Meeting, Laurens

• March 6: Emerging Farmer Workshop, Ames

• March 8: Women Landowners and Farmers Meeting, Linn Grove

• March 9: Cedar River Watershed Coalition, Toddville

• March 13: Cover Crop Workshop, Muscatine

• March 15: Emerging Farmer Workshop, Creston

• march 15: Spray Drift Management Webinar

• march 16: Saturated Buffer & Bioreactor workshop, granville

• March 21: ICGA Day on the Hill, Des Moines

• March 21-22: Iowa Water Conference, Ames

• March 27: Cover Crop Field Day, Oskaloosa

• March 28: Cover Crop Field Day, Clarion/Belmond

• March 29: Cover Crop Field Day, Story City

• March 29: Soil Health Meeting, Readlyn

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LATEST INFORMATION:

• Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations:  How Can We Improve the Guesstimate Game?

• Legislation Could Exempt Farmers from Emission Rules

• $1 Million USDA Award Expands Public-private Partnerships for Ag Sustainability

• Using Cover Crops Along with Manure

• Watershed Management Authorities:  Opening the Communication Line Between Cities and Farmers

• Herbicide Resistant Weed Concerns Shown in Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll

• EPA’s Pruitt Signs Endangered Species Act Memo for Pesticides

• Northey Releases Iowa Water Quality Report

• Statewide Mussel Survey and Watershed Work Leads to Stream Segments Coming Off Impaired Waters List

• Perdue Unveils Farmers.gov, Interactive Website for Agricultural Producers

• EPA and Army Finalize Waters of the United States Applicability Date

• Dedicated, Long-term Water Quality Funding Signed into Law