SEPTEMBER 2018 STEWARDSHIP ADVOCATE UPDATE

MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER

 

Happy Fall!

 

I hope your harvest is going well or at least harvest prep if you haven’t started.  While it’s a very busy time of year for field work, I want to let you know about several opportunities for cost share programs and other conservation resources.  Check them out on your next rain day.

 

• The Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship is offering a $5 per acre premium reduction for 2019 crop insurance for anyone who plants cover crops this fall.  Applications will be taken online as soon as the website is updated sometime in October.  The deadline is January 15, 2019.  Click here for more information.

 

• If you sell corn to Cargill in Eddyville or soybeans to ADM in Des Moines, you can get paid $10 per acre to plant cover crops.  Click here for more information.

 

• The next cutoff for approving applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is October 19.  A wide range of conservation practices are eligible for cost share through this federal program.  Click here for more information.

 

• The Iowa Department of Transportation pays farmers to leave 8-12 rows of standing corn as snow fences over the winter.  The farmer can still harvest the corn in the spring.  Contact your district office for more information.

 

• Cost share for planting grasses and flowers as habitat for bees and butterflies is available from several state and federal programs.  In addition, Trees Forever offers up to $1000 to cover 50% of the expenses to install or improve pollinator habitat.  The deadline is September 30.  The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund also offers funding for pollinator habitat.

 

• The National Wildlife Federation is accepting applications from farmers to promote cover crops and soil health.  Selected applicants will receive financial support, presentation materials, and training to conduct various outreach activities.  Click here for more information.  If you’re interested in hosting a field day, Iowa Corn can help promote and provide financial support for your event.  Contact me at bgleason@iowacorn.org.

 

Finally, a reminder to make sure your pesticide or manure applicator certification is up to date before the end of the year.  ISU offers several trainings in the remaining months of the year.

 

Stay safe during this busy time of year! 

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Farmer to Farmer: Protecting the soil for future generations

Roger Wuthrich of Davis County discusses the benefits of incorporating cover crops and conservation practices to ensure a bright future for the next generation.

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Upcoming Events:

Oct. 2: Shimek Forest Field Day, Farmington 

Oct. 17: Clear Creek Watershed Coalition, Coralville 

Oct. 17: Farming Wet Spots, Webinar 

Oct. 24-25: Upper Mississippi Conference, Moline, IL 

Oct. 25: Hog Barn Open House, Buena Vista County 

Oct. 26: North Raccoon Watershed Meeting, Lake City 

Nov. 8: Grazing Workshop, Chariton 

Nov. 13: Cover Crop Forum, Iowa Falls 

Nov. 14-15: Sustainable Ag Summit, Denver, CO 

Nov. 15: English River Watershed Meeting, North English 

Nov. 28-29: Integrated Crop Management Conference, Ames

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Latest Information:

Smith Family Setting a Standard for Stewardship 

Soil Health Methods Keep the ‘Good Stuff’ 

3 Practices, 1 Field Day 

Soil Structure Penalties for Over-Tillage 

Record Number of Farmers Participate in Water Quality Initiative 

How Iowans Are Helping Monarchs 

Publication Addresses Value of Cereal Rye for Cow-Calf Producers 

New Soil Health Partnership Director Focused on Data 

Cost Share Opportunities Designed to Help Farmers with Conservation Practices 

Seeds of Discord:  Crossing the Great Cover Crop Divide