Ag Day 2016

A special supplement of The Standard Newspaper, Waukon, IA
NATIONAL
AGRICULTURE DAY
March 15, 2016
Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet
National Ag Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture.
Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies
and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributors of agriculture.
Page 2
March 9, 2016
NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16
National recognition
propels local farmer as advocate for soil health
by David M. Johnson
To the untrained eye, the
ground we walk on, play on
and the ground that provides
the base for the food we eat
looks like nothing more than
dirt and other components.
For centuries the soil that
farmers worked each spring to
grow crops harvested each fall
was not given the attention or
concern that should be given.
One has to look no further than
the pictures of modern Greece
or other countries where
the worlds rst civilizations
ourished and where today
those hills and valleys that
grew wheat and other crops are
now covered with rock, the soil
eroded away forever.
Our countrys recent past
has the black eye of the Great
Dust Bowl, where care was

not given to management of
the earth tilled by farmers 80
years ago. Today, the soil of the
many elds across our state
and our nation is nally given
the attention that is desired,
rst with conservation practices
which have evolved to a more
scientic and technological
approach to improve the
conditions of a farmers land.
No longer is erosion control the
primary concern but attention
is given to the soil structure, a
retention of the many nutrients
that are harbored by the earths
soil, nding ways to increase
organic matter and a strategy to
enable soil to retain the positive
properties that enhance the
soils ability to be productive.
The tactics employed to
improve soil health have
We salute the Agricultural Industry during

National Agriculture Day.
Brodahl
Veterinary Service
Mark V. Brodahl, DVM
Large & Small Animal Medicine Small Animal Boarding
460 11th Ave. SW, Waukon, IA Office (563) 568-2175
ag-lime: its basic!
Don Elsbernd
partnered with a plan to not
only make the soil breathe
again but also provide a decent
prot and solid production for
the producer. That ground
is wore out, is often heard
when this observation is made
by many older farmers when

asked to give an assessment
of their neighbors or someone
elses farms ability to continue
to be productive. In the farming
community, that comment may
be a thing of the past as there
exists a renewed effort to bring
back and preserve the viability
of the ground that produces our
cash crops.
Fifty-six-year-old
Postville
farmer Don Elsbernd has
recently
received
national
recognition as a Soil Health
Champion,
a
champion
producer who is one of many
found in a country-wide
network of farmers who are in
the forefront of championing
the viability and well-being of
the soil they work. Elsbernd,
an Allamakee County Soil and
Water Conservation District
Commissioner, has emerged
as a voice for a passion he is

deeply committed to.
A dairy farmer in 1982,
Elsbernd quit milking less than
a decade later and began
concentrating on the row
crops that he was planting
from year to year. The acres
devoted to alfalfa were now
being converted to corn and
soybeans. Elsbernds dad
had always stripped-cropped
and farmed on the contour
to maintain the soil to reduce
erosion, a practice shared by
Elsbernd and his son, Eric, that
gradually evolved over time
to a plan that embraced more
than just erosion control. When
adding soybeans, Elsbernd
rst took a stab at no-till. Then,
as the years progressed, the
Elsbernd
Continued on page 8
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Page 3
All about Ag Day

www.agday.org
March 15 is National Ag Day,
a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government
agencies and countless others
across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American
agriculture.
As the world population
soars, there is even greater
demand for the food, ber and
renewable resources produced
in the United States.
The National Ag Day
program believes that every
American should:
1. understand how food,
ber and renewable resource
products are produced.
2. value the essential role
of agriculture in maintaining a
strong economy.
3. appreciate the role

agriculture plays in providing
safe, abundant and affordable
products.
4.
acknowledge
and
consider career opportunities in
the agriculture, food, ber and
renewable resource industries.
Agriculture provides almost
everything we eat, use and
wear on a daily basis, and is
increasingly contributing to
fuel and other bio-products.
Each year, members of the
agricultural industry gather
together to promote American
agriculture. This effort helps
educate millions of consumers.
By far, the most effective
part of this program is the role
you play in helping spread the
word. A few generations ago,
most Americans were directly
involved in - or had relatives or
friends involved in - agricultural-
be able to participate in
establishing the policies that
will support a competitive
agricultural industry in this
country and abroad.
related endeavors. Today, that

is no longer the case. That is
why it is so important that we
join together at the community
level...our voices, in concert,
become a shout that carries
our message a great deal
further than any one of us can
do alone!
Employment opportunities
exist across the board in
agriculture. Career choices
include:
* farm production
* agribusiness management
and marketing
* agricultural research and
engineering
* food science
* processing and retailing
* banking
* education
* landscape architecture
* urban planning
* energy
* and other elds.
Why Celebrate Ag Day?

Americans
need
to
understand the value of
agriculture in their daily lives.
Here are just some of the key
reasons why its important to
recognize and celebrate Ag
Day each year:
Increased knowledge of
agriculture and nutrition allows
individuals to make informed
personal choices about diet
and health.
Informed
citizens
Beginning in kindergarten
will
and continuing through 12th

grade, all students should
receive
some
systematic
instruction about agriculture.
Agriculture is too important
a topic to be taught only
to the small percentage of
students considering careers
in agriculture and pursuing
vocational agricultural studies.
Agricultural
literacy
includes an understanding
of agricultures history and
current economic, social and
environmental signicance to
all Americans.
This understanding includes
some knowledge of food,
ber and renewable resource
production, processing and
domestic and international
marketing.
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Page 4
March 9, 2016
The economics of land use pasture vs. cropland

submitted by Sara Berges,
Allamakee Soil and Water
Conservation District
Soils with lower yields
(marginal soils) often do not
yield enough to be protable
and are often highly erosive. A
study conducted by Iowa State
University evaluated row crop
protability and determined that
the drop in commodity prices
and steady input costs resulted
in vast stretches of farmland
that had a negative annual net
return in 2015. An interactive
map of Iowa protability for the
study years can be found at
http://mesonet.agron.iastate.
edu/GIS/apps/prot.
Alternate land uses, such
as converting the ground to
pasture, may be more protable
in the long-term. Diversifying
farming systems can reduce

risk and provide environmental
as well as economic benets.
Allamakee NRCS/SWCD staff
have worked with ISU Extension
specialists to develop a basic
economic
comparison
of
land use and protability. The
comparison looks at net return
for corn production, grazing
stockers on improved pasture,
cow-calf on improved pasture,
cow-calf on bluegrass pasture,
and producing hay versus
buying it.
Figures were compared using
an 837D2 soil type (Village silt
loam, 9-14% slope), which is
often cropped or pastured. The
CRP rental rate was used for
the cash rent equivalent land
cost. Using NRCS soil survey
information,
ISU
nutrient
recommendations, and ISU

cost-estimates, the evaluation
found that corn production had
a negative return of over $100/
acre. Cow-calf on bluegrass
pasture and hay production
of four tons per acre (three
cuttings) also had negative
returns. The most protable of
the land uses analyzed were

stocker cattle and cow-calf
on improved pasture with the
assumption that the cattle are
rotated at least once every
14 days to allow for adequate
forage. Hay production of six
tons per acre (four cuttings) was
close to break-even. Obviously,
these values change based
on the soil type evaluated and
the prices used, but they do
reinforce the idea that some
soils might be more protable
with a land use other than corn
production.
ISU Extension also has a tool
called the Crop and Livestock
Land Use Analyzer on their
Ag Decision Maker website to
help you evaluate the potential
long-term protability and soil
loss associated with different
land uses based on soil types.

You can ll in information from
your own farm to get projected
prots for different land uses.
If you may be interested
in converting some areas of
cropland to pasture, nancial
assistance may be available
from NRCS through the EQIP
program. We will work with you
to develop an NRCS grazing
plan to discuss what practices
would be needed for your
site such as internal fencing,
watering systems, seeding
and rotational grazing. Please
call or stop by the Allamakee
County SWCD/NRCS ofce
to meet with staff and discuss
potential options. You may also
call or stop by to discuss this
economic analysis of cropping
versus pasturing marginal
cropland.
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salutes area farmers for
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These crops are vital
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Page 5
Multi-generational
farm family makes
ends meet while taking
care of their land
by David M. Johnson
As farming is witnessing
the decline in the number
of farmers each year, the
generational farm operations,
where the farm is passed down
from one generation to the
next, have been a ray of hope
in continuing the tradition of
tilling the soil and managing
the livestock. Because of the
prohibitive cost to start up an
operation, along with the time
and effort both physically and
nancially to keep it viable, the
traditional family farm gives
the best opportunity to make a
farming operation work.
Left to right: Brenda,

Nancy, Mike and Mark
Hartley of rural New Albin.
Prot has always determined

whether or not an operation
makes a go of it, but today
there is also more and more
attention given to the manner
on how the operation is treating
the environment and the soil.
In Allamakee County, with its
watersheds and the rolling
nature of the landscape, there
is a special emphasis given to
how to best preserve the soil
for future generations.
One local farm family that
has been in the mix for several
Hartley
Continued on page 14
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Page 6
March 9, 2016
2015 Corn for Grain Yield County Estimates

usda.gov
Iowas West Central District was the
largest corn producing district in 2015 with
383 million bushels according to estimates
released by the USDA, National Agricultural
Statistics Service. The Northwest District was
just 282,000 bushels behind the West Central
District.
Kossuth County was the largest corn
producing county with 62.2 million bushels
produced. Pottawattamie, Sioux, Woodbury,
and Crawford rounded out the top ve. The
only other counties that produced more
than 40 million bushels were Webster and
Plymouth.
Four of the ve highest yielding counties
were in Iowas Northwest District. Cherokee
led all counties with a county-wide average
of 209.6 bushels per acre.
Pocahontas, OBrien, Sac,
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yields all over 204 bushels.
Twenty-two of the 99
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Page 7
Consider planting cover crops along with manure application

Cover crops are gaining in
popularity with the push of the
Nutrient Reduction Strategy in
Iowa. However, they are often
not utilized on acres that have
had manure applied. Manure
application is often done earlymid September on silage acres,
leading to the high potential
for nitrate leaching and soil
erosion in the fall. Cover crops
would act like a sponge to
capture, contain and recycle
manure nutrients and help to
reduce erosion. The value of
the retained nutrients means
lower spring fertilizer costs.
Cover crops can also provide
excellent winter pasture or
green-chop in the spring.
There are many different

ways to seed the cover crops in
conjunction with manure. The
cover crops can be broadcast
seeded or drilled before or after
the manure application. An
alternative and cost-effective
method for cover crop seeding
is to mix the cover crop seed
in the spreader tank and
apply directly with the manure
through broadcast application
or minimum-till injection. This
method allows seeding and
manure application in one pass.
We encourage producers to
stop by the Allamakee SWCD/
NRCS ofce to discuss how
cover crops might t into your
cropping system and which
cover crop would meet your
goals. Winter-hardy species
are best suited to our climate
to ensure that they provide

the most benets within the
restrictions of our growing
season. The Allamakee SWCD
will be setting up demonstration
sites this fall through a Leopold
Center grant to showcase
some of the different methods
of cover crop and manure
application.
Contact the SWCD if you
may be interested in hosting
a demonstration site and
associated eld days. The
site(s) would need to be near
a road to allow easy viewing.
Signs will be put up to describe
the application methods. If you
are interested in trying cover
crops, nancial assistance
may be available from NRCS
through the Federal EQIP
program or through state costshare sources.
We Salute the Ag Industry!

Thank You Producers.
Cover Crops. Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS
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Page 8
March 9, 2016
Elsbernd
Continued from page 2
interest to develop something
that promoted the health of
the soil which surpassed the
generally accepted avenue
of just preventing soil erosion
garnered this Postville farmers
attention.
Observing how no-till elds
tolerated rain and the absence
of ditches, strip tilling was
introduced on corn-on-corn
ground and the results of
this practice pleased this Soil
Health Champion. Strip tilling, a
conservation practice that uses
minimum tillage, had the dual
advantage of protecting the
soil of no-till plus the benets
of conventional tillage of soil
drying and the warming factors
found with conventional tillage.
By using strip tilling, it
warmed the soil quicker for
planting, giving corn a quicker
start in the spring, and provided
a better environment to apply
fertilizer at the same time,
observed Elsbernd, adding,
E
C
if we had a longer growing
season where we could delay
planting and have warmer
soils you could probably do
a straight no-till. Elsbernd
utilized not only no-till and strip
till conservation practices, he
also began to plant cover crops.
Cover crops are crops
that cover the soil during the
period between the time you
harvest and the time you plant
next. Farmers that use cover
crops in their conservation
schemes witness the soils
nutrients being drawn up with
improving water inltration and
the building of soil matter and
structure that improves soil
health and prolong that health.
These benets encouraged a
dichotomy of sorts, nancial
incentives for the farmer as
productivity was realized, and
for the soil a continued pabulum
of nutrients and other factors
that enriched its health.
Elsbernd chose cereal rye as
the cover crop, and not only has

that shown very positive results
but it has also encouraged
a project idea where he is
looking at trying to develop the
use of annual rye grass. Cover
crops have been incorporated
seriously the last three years
and have become a part of the
conservation plan, along with
the other practices now used.
We are on a mission to see
what works on our farm, our
region, observed Elsbernd.
When it came to soybean
stubble, he planted cereal
rye immediately behind the
combine with the soybean
planter, which has absolutely
worked fantastic, he claims.
This Postville producer is a
strong proponent for utilizing
modern technology in his
conservation practices. He has
seen the progress of technology
in combating and controlling
pests and weeds jump in leaps
and bounds compared to what
was available for controls just

20 to 30 years ago. Scientic
research and technology have
also been in the forefront in the
breakdown of the different soils
found throughout the United
States, arming farmers with the
knowledge on how to approach
and develop the health of
his or her soil found on each
individual farm.
Elsbernd feels that soil is
a medium that a producer
can
control,
that
when
understanding the biological
and physical properties of
the soil the producer is able
to maintain that soil, which
can affect the bottom line of
the producer to a positive
conclusion. This soil health
proponent
has
witnessed
yields of his 1,200 acres of crop
ground being very comparable
to his neighbors that use
conventional tillage, a pleasant
result with his conservation
practices but not the ultimate
goal for using conservation

on the farm. Elsbernd wanted
to improve and save the soil
plus have a plan that reduced
the number of passes in the
elds, which saved on fuel and
compaction on the soil while
using tillage equipment he
already owned.
As
other
Soil
Health
Champions, Elsbernd is very
passionate
in
promoting
conservation plans that improve
the health of the soil but sees
difculties in convincing tenant
farmers in adopting similar
plans. Im an advocate for less
tilling, but I understand there
are different environments that
require farmers to adapt what
works for that specic farm,
reected Elsbernd, as he feels
that getting farmers to look at
the long-term benets instead
of short term benets is the
Elsbernd
Continued on page 9
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March 9, 2016
Page 9
Elsbernd
biggest battle for a change in
attitude.
He believes that the farm
owners renting out land
could develop a partnership
with their tenants that would
be equitable, protable and
positive, where conservation
practices are not considered
a hindrance but a contribution
to the farming operation when
those
conservation
ideas
become practices in the
farming operations. Elsbernd
knows from experience that
multiple practices allow for the
viability of the soil to develop
when those practices are
employed.
Contour
buffer
strips, terraces, lter strips with
no-till and strip tilling have been
part of this farmers business
and if other farmers give their
operations a chance, they too
will experience positive results
in their operations.
The experience with the
multiple approaches to soil

health
enhancement
has
educated this producer with a
knowledge that is ever growing
and has given this producer a
particular philosophy on how to
approach this subject matter.
The whole idea with soil health
is to take a broader look at it
and how it functions. If you go
back and look how they broke
the prairie, the way they had
to prepare soil for planting and
controlling weeds was through
tilling, Elsbernd said.
He continued to reect on
the subject by adding, Those
practices have created over time
an environment that allowed
more erosion, it degraded soil
organic matter and we lost top
soil and organic matter, which
is one of the components of
soil health. Since then we
have developed technology
that we can plant into heavy
residue. He believes that past
experience has taught todays

generation of farmers to take
a different approach where the
soil is looked at as a valuable
commodity, and because of
that Elsbernd has developed a
system over the years that has
worked extremely well.
The goals of this farmer
are to improve soil health,
reduce tillage and to add cover
crops. With immediate steps
like no-till, this producer and
others can realize success
when it comes to soil health.
Conservation is sort of on a
continuum, and whether we will
ever be perfect, that is hard to
say. There will always be new
things, new ways to improve
things, observed Elsbernd.
Certifying farms to their
sustainability will eventually be
demanded on an international
scale, and so conservation
will have to be a major player
on those farms if sustainability
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as Elsbernd believes it is on
the horizon in the not too
distant future. When you
start measuring a level of
sustainability, does that mean
they will pay you more if you are
on the higher end of the scale?
he suggested. He does not
know if that would be part of the
paradigm, but he believes this
could be one of many factors
that will determine the future of
farming and the conservation
practices that will be demanded
of farmers.
Whether it is forestry, row
crop or rangeland, Elsbernd
believes that conservation and
the improvement of the health
of the soil will be instrumental
in making those decisions in
the future easier if implemented

in operations today and
developed over time. He
encourages producers to take
a look at what they are doing
and what their goals are in
terms of improving and guring
out how to achieve those goals.
This Soil Health Champion

has come a long way in
improving conservation and the
health of the soil on his farm. His
success can be measured and
adopted for other operations
so soil health is not something
found from farm to farm but is
the norm and accepted practice
on all farms in not only this
community but all farms dotting
the agricultural landscape of
this nation.
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Allamakee St.,
Waukon, IA
563-568-3132 Owners: Brian & Marie Burington
We
Proudly
Support
Our Area
Farmers.
Page 10
March 9, 2016
2015 State Agriculture Overview - Iowa
Farms Operations
Farm Operations - Area Operated,
Measured in Acres / Operation .....349
Farm Operations Number of Operations ..............87,500
Farm Operations Acres Operated.................... 30,500,000
Livestock Inventory
Cattle, Cows, Beef - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ................... 940,000
Cattle, Cows, Milk - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ................... 210,000
Cattle, Incl Calves - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ................3,950,000
Cattle, On Feed - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ................1,230,000
Goats, Meat & Other - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ......................25,000
Goats, Milk - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ......................33,000
Sheep, Incl Lambs - Inventory
(First of Jan. 2016 ) ................... 175,000
Hogs - Inventory
(First of Dec. 2015 )............. 20,800,000
Turkeys - Production,
Measured in Head .................8,400,000
Milk Production
Milk - Production,
Measured in Lb / Head ..............22,943
Milk - Production,
Measured in Lb .............. 4,841,000,000
Survey Data From Quick Stats
Thanks to all those

involved in American
Agriculture!
Experience
Village Farm & Home Seedsmanship
Celebrating
CelebratingAmericas
AmericasFarmers
Farmers
ol
x 5.75
3 col
x 5.75
LANSING 538-4884
3 col x 5.75
Celebrating Americas Farmers
Theyre
the the
humble
heroes
whowho
riserise
before
dawn
andand
battle
the the
elements.
TheyThey
put put
clothes
on our
backs
andand
Theyre
humble
heroes
before
dawn
battle
elements.
clothes
on our
backs
foodTheyre
on our
tables.
Their
genuine
andand
tireless
ethic
areThey
an put
inspiration
us
all
we
salute
them.
food
ontheour
tables.
Their
genuine
values
ethic
are
an clothes
inspiration
tobacks
us ...
alland
... we
salute
them.
humble
heroes
who
risevalues
before
dawn
and tireless
battlework
thework
elements.
ontoour
food on our tables.
Their
genuine
and Farm
tireless
work in
ethic
an thanks
inspiration
us Americas
all ... we salute
them.
WeWe
invite
youyou
tovalues
join
Farm
Bureau
saying
totoAmericas
farmers.
invite
to join
Bureau
inare
saying
thanks
to
farmers.
Clark Adam,
your new
local Channel
Seedsman,
would like
to help put
Channel brand
products to
work in your
fields.
We invite you to join Farm Bureau in saying thanks to Americas farmers.
Agent
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Bucknell
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here
Wade
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(563) 568-4125
563)(563)
568-4125
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(563)(563)
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568-4125
563-419-8971
Disclosure Here
Disclosure
HereHere
Disclosure
clark.l.adam@gmail.com
March 9, 2016
Page 11
A look at Iowa Agriculture

www.agclassroom.org/ia
Capital: Des Moines
Population: 3,107,126
Founded: December 28, 1846
(29th)
State Bird: Eastern Goldnch
State Tree: Oak
State Flower: Wild Rose
Number of Counties: 99
Largest City: Des Moines 207,510
Nickname: The Hawkeye
State
Number of Farms: 92,200
Average Farm Size:
333 acres
Total Farmland:
30.7 million acres
CLIMATE & SOIL
Iowa temperature averages
20F in January and 76F
in July. The annual average
temperature ranges from a low
of 11F to a high of 86F.
Iowas average precipitation
is 34.
Iowa is the 7th windiest
state in the nation, generating
570,000 megawatts of wind
energy.
The Iowa state soil is a
series called Tama.
Iowa has at least 11,000
different soils.
Iowa has some of the
richest and most productive soil
in the world.
acres of soybeans (506 million

bushels) in 2014, which valued
$5.1 billion.
Livestock in Iowa consumes
291 million bushels of Iowa
Grown corn annually.
Iowa leads the nation in

hog and egg production.
Over 240 million pounds of
cheese are made in Iowa per
year.
There are 20.9 million
hogs (almost 32% of the

nations hogs), 3.9 million
cattle, 175,000 sheep and 52.2
million chickens in Iowa. Iowa
chickens laid 14.1 billion eggs
in 2014.
Iowas dairy industry
produced an estimated 4.65
billion pounds of milk in 2014.
The average milk produced per
cow was 22,444 pounds.
Iowa
ranks
second
nationally
in
red
meat
production. In 2014, 6.6 billion
pounds of red meat were
produced.
The 165 thousand sheep
shorn in 2014 produced 900
thousand pounds of wool. Iowa
ranks tenth in wool production.
Iowas cash receipts of
$6.77 billion was from hogs
marketed in 2014.
In 2014, a little more than
10.5 million turkeys were

produced in Iowa, many of
which supplied the turkey for
Subway restaurants.
GENERAL
Iowa has 55,875 square
miles of land. Over 90%
of Iowas land is used for
agriculture.
Iowa ranked 2nd in 2013 in
the nation in farm cash receipts
at $31.2 billion.
Iowas 42 ethanol plants
have a combined annual
capacity of 3.8 billion gallons
of ethanol annually. Iowa
produces nearly 25% of the
nations ethanol.
Iowa ranks second in
total
agricultural
exports.
Iowa farmers exported more
than $10.2 billion worth of
agricultural products in 2013.
Your Calhoun Super Structure Dealer!

Waukon, IA
563-535-7799
877-864-7691
CROPS & LIVESTOCK

Iowa ranks 1st in the U.S.
in corn and 2nd in soybean
production.
Iowa farmers harvested
13.3 million acres of corn (2.4
billion bushels) in 2014. Iowa
corn crop values $8.2 billion.
Iowa harvested 9.8 million
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Page 12
March 9, 2016
We Salute The Agriculture Industry
B & K Heating & Plumbing Inc.

285 E. Greene St.
Postville, IA
(563) 864-3332
Owners: Brian Bohr & Ken Klepper
We support
our area
farmers!
Thanks for
your business!
Fun facts - useful farm facts

Source: Iowa Farm Bureau
Quick Facts about Agriculture
for Kids, 2013
lotion, buttons, footballs, glass,

insulation, waterproof glue, and
more
Corn starches and syrups

are used in over 3,500 food and
industrial products including:
Aspirin,
crayons,
potato
chips, baby foods, reworks,
batteries, tires, chalk, candy,
wine, and more
Beef and beef by-products

provide food products and
materials, including: Bandages,
ice cream, shampoo, luggage,
dog biscuits, shoes, lm,
pencils, vitamin B-12, and more
Soybean oil and protein

create food, feed, and industrial
products including: Candles,
infant formula, paints, cleaners,
ink, pet foods, plastics, ooring,
furniture, and more
REISER IMPLEMENT
HWY. 76 N., WAUKON 563-568-4526
We are all proud

to support the
farm families in
Allamakee County!
Your hard work and

dedication is appreciated.
Pork and pork by-products

provide food products and
industrial materials including:
Antibiotics, clothing, insulin,
For every barrel of ethanol

produced, 1.2 barrels of oil is
displaced
Hamburger from a single
steer will make about 885
quarter-pound hamburgers
One bushel of corn can
sweeten 400 cans of soda,
make 38 boxes of corn akes,
or produce over 2.8 gallons of
ethanol
The average U.S. farmer
raises enough food each
year to feed 155 people. The
average Iowa farmer feeds
more than 290 people.
Team Up with Us!
Hacker, Nelson
& Co., P.C., CPAs
19 1st Ave. NW, Waukon, IA
563-568-4567
Thanks Farmers!
For All Your Pressure Washing Needs
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www.waukonstatebank.com
Visit ag loan
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Erik Helgeresnberg
Mike Kruckyour
for all
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financial nee
March 9, 2016
USDA
releases
results of
rst
farmland
landlord
survey
since 1999
usda.gov
There were 16.3 million
acres of farmland rented out by
landlords in Iowa, according to
the results of the 2014 Tenure,
Ownership, and Transition of
Agricultural Land (TOTAL)
survey released August 31,
2015 by the U.S. Department
of
Agricultures
National
Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS).
NASS
conducted
the
survey in cooperation with the
USDAs Economic Research
Service to get a better insight
into who owns U.S. farmland.
TOTAL was the rst time
NASS
surveyed
farmland
landlords since 1999. The
survey results provide analysis
of rented farmland by acreage,
as well as by landlords, which
include individuals, as well as
ownership arrangements such
as partnerships, corporations,
trusts, and other types of
ownership.
According to TOTAL ndings,
there were 105,194 farmland
landlords in Iowa. Of these,
20,453 were farmers (operator
landlords),
while
84,741
were non-farming landlords.
Cropland made up 92 percent
of all Iowa farmland rented, six
percent were pasture acres
rented, and two percent were
other acres rented, including
acres used for forests and
other land uses.
Iowa landlords received
$3.74 billion in rent, the second
highest in the U.S. behind
Illinois. For complete TOTAL
results, visit agcensus.usda.
gov/Publications/TOTAL.
Thank You Farmers

563-568-4170
JACK SWEENEY, BROKER

Licensed in IA & MN
Stacie Cooper, John Sweeney, Bonnie Sweeney, Broker Associates/Agents

Steve Evanson, Agent
www.sweeneyrealestate.com
From our legendary

meats to our farm-fresh
produce and dairy,
Fareway is dedicated to
providing you and your
family with fresh items.
Grocery Dept. 563-568-5017
Meat Dept. 563-568-5018
WAUKON, IA WWW.FAREWAY.COM
Page 13
Page 14
March 9, 2016
Hartley
decades, over 100 years, is the
Hartley family from New Albin.
Nancy Hartley, age 67, and her
three children: Mike, age 45;
Mark, age 41; and Brenda, age
37, have a relationship that is
not only held together because
they are family but because
that relationship will determine
whether or not they survive as
farmers.
These producers farm 350
acres of crop ground plus
manage a 111 dairy cow herd
along with some beef cattle.
They, along with numerous
other farm families, experience
the day-to-day trials that make
farming both rewarding and
difcult.
But, because they have
been at it for so long, they are
willing to make the sacrice to
weather the hardships, as they

know the end result can be very
satisfying. Their operation has
the added dimension of the
Upper Iowa River traversing
through their property. Not only
are they responsible with the
upkeep of making ends meet
on their farm, but they have
to give special concern to the
river that has snaked through
this northeast Iowa valley for
centuries.
The Hartley family has
established a buffer strip along
the creek and river on their
property to protect their land
plus the water that shares the
landscape of the farm they live
Hartley
Continued on page 15
An open eld on the Hartley family farm in the Upper Iowa River valley in rural
New Albin. The Hartley family farms 350 acres of crop ground in addition to
managing a dairy herd of 111 cows along with some beef cattle, all while protecting
the Upper Iowa River that ows through this farmland.
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March 9, 2016
Page 15
Hartley
on and work. We have beef
cows on the hills and with our
manure pit I think we have
done a better job, along with
the buffer strip, in taking care
of things, observed Mike when
asked if it is difcult to farm
in an area where the soil and
environment is maybe more
vulnerable.
Over the years, farming has
changed and how the land is
worked has changed. When
attention is given to the health
and well-being of the land,
there is the concern to control
erosion and to enhance the
soil of the land. The younger
generation of the Hartley family
has felt there has been no real
conict with their mother. They
look at the older generation as
more old school, but there
exists a cooperation to preserve
the soil and environment and to
still make a prot.

Their advice is that there
is no sense to ght Mother
Nature, that using common
sense will go a long way to
make things work out. This
New Albin family has always
abided by the rule that they
live here and they want to
preserve their ground and keep
the water safe and clean. As
Mike has noticed, a number of
shermen have shared the river
with them and they seemed
somewhat pleased with how
their operation is protecting
the river and the surrounding
environment.
The only thing on the horizon
that might have some concern
for this farm family and others
is the new Environmental
Protection
Agency
(EPA)
Clean Water Rule. This
regulation is an extension of
the Clean Water Act, where

farmers are concerned that
the new regulations under
the Act will have a more
dramatic interference with
day-to-day operations. The
order to curb pollution in small
waterways and wetlands could
inhibit and infringe on the
management of the individual
operations by landowners,
possibly increasing the cost
in implementing decisions
on the individual operations.
Their worry is that there is little
known yet on how these new
regulations might affect and
what they can and cannot do,
but they have faced similar
government regulations in the
past. The EPA has stated that
the rule does not protect new
types of waters, regulate most
ditches, apply to groundwater,
create any new permitting
We understand how busy and

hectic farming life can be.
Schedule your appointment online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or give us a call!
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requirements for agriculture,

or address land use or private
property rights. An October,
2015 U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Sixth Court has stayed the
ruling pending further action of
the court acknowledging that
clarication is needed.
The Hartley family has always
prided itself as being good
stewards and feels strongly that
they have been doing a good
job. These two generations of
farmers have always gone the
distance to save their soil and
the water because their prot

margin depends on it and they
want to preserve the land so
they have something for the
future. There might be different
generations living and working
this Upper Iowa River bottom
valley, but they are no different
than most responsible farmers,
they love their land and would
not mistreat it. They know that
if they treat the soil right, nature
will return with a bounty that
cannot be measured in just
bushels and gallons of milk.
Proudly Serving the Agricultural Industry!

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For service in a HURRY, call us,

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in & out of the field
On-the-spot tire repair or replacement
Liquid-Filling for tires
Free inspection and evaluation program
Complete line of quality
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Family Dentistry
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WAUKON TIRE CENTER

Highway 76 N. Waukon (563) 568-4581
Page 16
March 9, 2016
Adding small grains to a corn-soybean rotation

to manage small grains for

grain production as well as
the equipment to harvest
and process them is limited.
However, with the low corn
prices and interest in cover
crops, small grains are making
a slow but steady resurgence.
Because cropland rental

rates and production costs
have
not
decreased
at
the same dramatic rate as
A generation ago, small
commodity
prices,
many
grains were common on most
farmers are actually losing
Iowa farms. But today, much
money by planting corn and
of the information about how
soybeans. The addition of a
small grain to a corn-soybean
rotation can reduce input
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Steaks, Roasts, Ground Beef &
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Assorted Brats, Wieners, Bacon,
year to year, emphasizing the
Pork Chops, Lunch Meats & More!
importance of looking at the
e
Serving thr
protability of the entire rotation
area fo ars!
rather than each individual
over 25 ye
year, as well as comparing input
costs to revenues. Small grains
10 - 9th St. NW, Waukon (563) 568-2403
with a red clover underseeding
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8am-5pm; Sat.: 8am-1pm; Closed Sun.
not only have reduced input
costs during that year but also
reduce input costs the following
Supporting
year. However, growing a high
the
quality (marketable) small grain
re
tu
is essential for improving the
ul
ic
gr
A
r
protability of the rotation.
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University has shown that

although corn is grown less
often in a three-year rotation
(corn-soybeans-small grain), it
is often higher yielding and at
lower cost due to the addition
of nitrogen-xing legumes such
as clover with the small grain.
Liebman has shown that soils
from three-year rotations (or
longer) are higher in organic
matter, lower in bulk density,
and higher in microbial biomass
than two-year rotations. It is
often difcult to add dollar value
to these soil characteristics, but
they generally result in soils
that are more resilient to varied
weather conditions and may
provide nutrients longer into the
growing season.
One of the biggest hurdles
for small-grain production is
the infrastructure needed to
harvest, store, and market the
small grains. In order to have
a marketable product, the grain
has to meet the quality and
test weight requirements of the
buyer. The Allamakee County

SWCD is currently working on
a project through the Leopold
Center to help restore the
small
grain
infrastructure
in Allamakee County by
generating a list of producers
with the necessary equipment
to harvest and clean small
grains. If you have a small
grain head for your combine
and would be willing to custom
harvest or if you have been
marketing small grains in
recent years, please contact
Sara Berges at the Allamakee
SWCD at 563-568-2246, ext. 3.
A small-grain workshop will
be set up by the SWCD this
summer to help producers
network to determine what
equipment is locally available
and how best to grow and
market small grains. Please
stop by the Allamakee SWCD/
NRCS ofce to discuss how a
small grain may help meet your
goals and what assistance you
may need.
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Waukon, IA 52172
Bus: 563-568-3046
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563-568-8020
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Over 40 years of experience of service & repair
March 9, 2016
Page 17

2015 Soybean Yield County Estimates
usda.gov
In 2015, fty-three Iowa counties set record
high soybean yields and 53 counties had record
high production. Three counties produced over
10 million bushels, led by Kossuth County, with
13.5 million bushels. Plymouth (11.6 million) and
Pottawattamie (11.3 million) also topped the 10
million bushel threshold. Sioux (9.8 million) and
Woodbury (9.6 million) rounded out the top ve.
The highest yields were recorded in the three
northern districts. Soybeans averaged 60.5
bushels per acre in the Northwest District, the
only district to top the 60 bushel barrier. The three
southern districts recorded the lowest yields.
The South Central District, at 49.6 bushels per
acre, was the only district that averaged below
50 bushels per acre. Statewide, 11 counties
averaged over 60 bushels per acre, led by Sioux
County at 64.1 bushels per acre. Cherokee
(62.7), OBrien (62.6), Lyon (61.1), and Scott
(61.1) Counties rounded out
the top ve. Yields of less
than 50 bushels per acre were
recorded in 12 counties. Clark
County, at 41.3 bushels per
acre, had the lowest yield in
the State.
For all your
AGRIBUSINESS
NEEDS
contact Clem, Greg, Bill or Dan today!
Thank you area farmers

for all of your hard work!
Rainbow Quarry LLC

Call for your rock product needs! Delivery Available!
800 Volney Rd., Monona, IA (by Rossville)
Office 563-535-7606; Dan Cell: 563-380-9195
SPRING PLANTING SPECIALS

White
Planters
LEASE TO OWN
8106 6 Row ....... $4,376 pr. yr.

8222 12 Row........ $6,676 pr. yr.
Clem Schulte
Greg Rea
Bill Delaney
Krause
5635-24
Field
Cultivator
Dan Headington
370 Main St., Lansing, IA

(563) 538-4231
820 11th Ave. SW, Waukon, IA
(563) 568-5234
www.kerndtbrothers.com
Tine & Reel
LEASE TO OWN
$
4,416 pr. yr.
DEE IMPLEMENT
www.deeimp.net
Waukon, IA (563) 568-4511
New Albin, IA (563) 544-4282
WHITE
Page 18
March 9, 2016
Farms and land in farms

usda.gov
The total number of farms in
Iowa in 2015 was 87,500, down
500 farms compared to a year
ago, according to the USDAs
National Agricultural Statistics
Service. The largest decrease
in number of farms came in
the $1,000- $9,999 range with
a decrease of 500 farms from
27,100 in 2014 to 26,600 in
2015.
Total land in farms in Iowa
in 2015 was 30.5 million
acres, unchanged since 2014,
however, total land in farms in
the $1,000-$9,999 range fell
to 1.1 million acres, while total
land in farms in the $250,000$499,999 range rose to 5.1
million acres.
The average farm size in
Iowa in 2015 was 349 acres,
up two acres since last year.
The average farm size in the
$500,000-$999,999 sales class
increased 9 acres from 870 in

2014 to 879 in 2015.
Thank you area farmers for

your dedication and hard work!
HAMMELL EQUIPMENT EITZEN, INC.
300 IOWA AVE., EITZEN, MN 55931 507-495-3326

CHATFIELD, RUSHFORD, HARMONY
Sweeney Homes
Waukon, IA
Its Time to Think About Building
FULL SERVICE CONTRACTOR
MAXIMIZE your YIELDS with

Federal Hybrids Seed!
A winning combination:
area farmers, our seed, and
seed specialist Kermit
a TEAM that produces success!
Kermit
White,
Distributor
21 YEARS OF HOME
BUILDING EXPERIENCE
Leading genetics. Leading technologies. Leading YIELDS!
TRUSS HOOP
BUILDINGS
Ideal for... Grain & Hay

Storage, Equipment
Storage, Cattle
Feeding & Dairy
SIZES VARY
26 TO 132 WIDE
COMPLETE
CONSTRUCTION, FROM
START TO FINISH!
Sweeney Homes
BRIAN SWEENEY
230 7th Ave. SE

Waukon
563-568-4968
We have the hybrids, soybeans & alfalfas for your farm for your fields.
Give us the opportunity to earn your business!
Federal Hybrids
White Seed Co., LLC
277 Luana Road, Postville, IA 52162

Kermits Cell: 563-379-7569
Email: kermit@federalhybrids.com
March 9, 2016
Page 19
2014 Alfalfa Hay Yield County Estimates

usda.gov
In Emergencies...
Seconds Count!
Go to your closest hospital for Emergency Care.

Dont risk further illness or injury by delaying immediate treatment,
especially in the case of a heart attack or stroke.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES
ALFALFA: Jackson County was Iowas largest Dry Alfalfa

Hay producing county in 2014, with 108,600 tons, according
to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Dubuque
County also topped 100,000 tons, with 104,200 tons produced.
Other top producing counties
were
Ringgold
(99,100
tons), Clayton (96,700 tons),
Allamakee (87,800 tons), and
Winneshiek (82,400 tons).
Statewide,
2014
Alfalfa
yields were up 0.30 ton from
2013, to 3.60 tons per acre.
Howard County had the highest
published average yield, at
4.50 tons per acre, followed by
Lyon County at 4.40 tons per
acre. Fayette, Delaware, and
Plymouth rounded out the top 5, each recording
an average yield of 4.35 tons per acre. Madison
County recorded the lowest published yield, at
2.65 tons per acre. Wapello (2.85) also recorded
an average yield below 3.00 tons per acre.
OTHER HAY: Davis County was Iowas largest
producer of Other Dry Hay (excluding Alfalfa)
in 2014 with 44,700 tons. Other top producing
counties were Decatur and Lucas Counties, with
35,300 tons and 32,000 tons respectively.
Other hay yields averaged 2.20 tons per acre
across the State in 2014, unchanged from 2013. Webster County
had the highest published average yield, at 3.05 tons per acre.
Marshall (2.80), Polk (2.75), Wapello (2.65), and Des Moines
(2.65) rounded out the top 5. Four counties had published yields
under 2.00 tons per acre per acre in 2014. Boone and Harrison
recorded the lowest yield, at 1.80 tons per acre. Dallas (1.85)
and Monroe (1.95) also recorded average yields below 2.00
tons per acre.
Sommer Pumper LLC.

Septic Service
SEPTIC PUMPING & HOLDING TANKS

CELL:
563-568-9004
Joel Sommer, Owner
CERTIFIED TIME OF
TRANSFER INSPECTOR
Stop in for your
10% OFF COUPON

on Firestone Ag Tires!
Coupon valid through
March 26, 2016.
Clark Tire Pros is your certified

Firestone Ag Dealer, which means we
have the training, equipment and the
products to keep you moving!
Veterans Memorial Hospital

WAUKON, IOWA (563) 568-3411
Exceptional Care by Exceptional People, Right Here at Home
878 ALLAMAKEE ST., WAUKON (563) 568-2707
www.clarktirecenter.com
Christmas Toyland
Page 20
March 9, 2016

Pedal Tractors, Sleds,
Puzzles, Farm Sets,
Farm Animals, Trikes,
Snow Boards, & Breyer Horses
Extralandowners
25% Off can inuence
How
NASCAR Cars & Trucks!
Lites & Small Trees on farmland
conservation
Tractor Radios, Sentry Safes,
Were Proud to Serve

Our Area Farmers!
R.W. PLADSEN, INC.

Waukon, IA
563-568-6357
www.pladseninc.com
Step Ladders,
SWCD Project Coordinator,
Bird Feeders,
meets with interested parties
Oster Animal Clippers,
to discuss goals for the land,
suggests potential conservation
Booster Cables,
Landowners Tool
can Boxes,
play a
Drillpractices,
Press, and updates the
critical role in Bunn
encouraging
NRCS
and West Bend Conservation Plan.
conservation on theirCoffee
farmland.
This service is offered for
Makers,
Conservation
provisions
can
free through a grant from the
Chicago Cutlery Knives,
beElectric
included in
the
farm
lease
to
Leopold
Knives, Can Openers
and Center for Sustainable
ensure that specic practices Agriculture. The Conservation
GIFT CERTIFICATES!
are implemented or maintained. Plan can be attached to the
The Allamakee SWCD is farm lease to become part
continuing
assist landowners
of the rental agreement. It is
LadiestoSweatshirts
and Snow Boots,
andGloves
producers
in including
important
for both parties to
and Stocking
Caps, Carhartt,
Key,
Wrangler,inWigwam
& Five Brothers
conservation
farm leases.
know and understand what
Sara
Berges,
Allamakee is written in the Conservation
Winter Clothing
Snow Shovels, Ice Scrapers,

Ice Melt
DAIRY
DAY
The store where the quality is higher than the price.
hh
better wiring
IRE PRO
ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTING
Power, Lighting & Alarm

MAKE THE SWITCH... SAVE 50% ON YOUR LIGHTING BILL
by switching to LED. Let us come out to your farm or business for

a free review and consultation. Well share with you the pros and
provide you with a free quote. Take advantage of improved LED
technology with a competitive market.
Low Cost Professional Service & Installation.

Casey Mahr (319) 504-2904
VILLAGE
AND
SUPPLY STORE
WAUKON, IA 563-568-4577
Sweeney Auction Service

Jeff L. Sweeney, Auctioneer - 568-2464
We
salute
the Ag
Industry
& are
proud t
o
be a par
t
of it!
For All Kinds Of Sales
Remember to
SECURE
YOUR CROP INSURANCE
Ready. Set. Save on

eady.
Set. Save
on Series
Kubotas
SSV
ubotas
SSV
Series
skid steer loaders.
kid steer loaders.
Arriving
in March
0 Down,
0% APR
NOW
MPCI SALES CLOSING
MARCH 15
Call your FMH

agent today!
Financing
for 60
Months*
Offer ends 3-31-16

* Ask for details
Check Out the New

Kubota Haying
Equipment!
GARYS Tractor & Implement
Down, 0% Financing for 60 Months*

A.P.R.
727 E. Main, Waukon, IA garystractor@neitel.net 563-568-3509

Offer ends 3/31/16.
Kerndt Brothers Insurance

380 Main St., Lansing, IA 52151
563-538-4207
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa is an equal opportunity provider.

2013 Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa. All rights reserved.
Plan.
Berges helps to facilitate

discussions
about
land
management and conservation
between
landowners
and
tenants. Good communication
is an important aspect of
landlord-tenant relationships.
One key aspect of this
communication is a written
lease. None of us have perfect
memories. Having a written
lease reduces the potential for
future discrepancies and also
protects both parties. Even
if you are renting to a family
member, friend or neighbor,
written leases are suggested.
They not only provide details
of the rental agreement for
yourself, but also for heirs in
case something would happen
to either party during the lease
term.
A tenants willingness to adopt

and maintain conservation
practices is inuenced by the
length of their lease. A tenant
who is condent that they will be
farming a property for several
years has a greater stake in
the long-term productivity of
the land. Erosion has obvious
costs to the producers in lost
fertilizer, but long-term erosion
can decrease the value of the
land due to decreased yield
potential. Landowners should
consider the value of a tenant
whose management protects
the land. Another consideration
may be the value associated
with taking some acres out of
production for waterways, eld
borders and buffer strips. Some
landowners take those acres
out of the paid acres to ensure
that the practices are installed
and maintained.
If you would like to discuss

how conservation could be
included in a farm lease, or
would simply like to review
or revise the conservation
plan for land you own or rent,
please contact Sara Berges at
the Allamakee SWCD at sara.
berges@ia.nacdnet.net or call
563-568-2246, ext. 3.
March 9, 2016
Page 21
Agriculture Word Search
Backhoe, Trenching &

Excavating, Septic Systems,
Water Lines & Electric
Time of Transfer Septic Certified
Phone 563-568-2377
or 563-568-2480
SERVICE
KERNDT TRENCHING
Tom Kerndt 205 9th NW, Waukon, IA
THANK YOU FARM FAMILIES!

ACRE
AEROBIC
ALLEY
ANAEROBIC
BACKGROUNDING
BARN
BEDDING
BIOSECURITY
BOVINE
BREEDER
CHRONIC
CHURNING
COMMODITY
CROPS
CULL
DAIRY
DEPRESSION
DRAWBAR
ENVIRONMENT
EROSION
FARROWING
FLOWERING
GESTATION
GRAZING
INTEGRATION
LACTATE
MOLTING
NITRIFICATION
PADDOCKS
PASTURE
PLANTING
RATION
RUMINANT
SANITIZATION
TILLAGE
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE

PEOPLE OF AGRICULTURE
See Us for All Your
MONROE AUCTION SERVICE

Any Type of Auction - Call Auctioneers:
Mike Monroe, Ph. 563-864-7346, Postville
& Glen Monroe, Waukon
Member of IA and WI Auctioneer Association
BUILDING AND REMODELING NEEDS
Jason & Danielle Howe Farm
Black Creosote Posts ON SALE!
P New Homes
P Pole Sheds
P Windows
P Doors
P Interior
Millwork
P Decks
P Shingles
P Hidden
Fasteners
P Steel Roofing
P And Much
More
WEST SIDE
WAUKON LUMBER, INC.
1105 West Main St., Waukon, IA 563-568-6396
Home Owned &

Operated
by Stilwell
Family Since 1957
Dryers
engineere
d
for
FLEXIBILIT
Y,
DURABILIT
Y
& SAVING
S
Electric Motor Shop

Postville, IA (563) 864-7351
Page 22
PORTA-POTTY RENTAL & SEPTIC PUMPING

STATE CERTIFIED IN:
SEPTIC PUMPING
TIME OF TRANSFER INSPECTOR
563-568-1379
RENTAL OF:
PARTY TENTS
TABLES & CHAIRS
PORTA-POTTIES
HAND WASHING STATIONS
Thank you to everyone in the

agriculture community for
your hard work!
Onsite & for

Offsite
Not responsible
accidents.
CLERK:
SweeneyAvailable
Auction Service
Auctions
NE Y
SWEE
JODI L. SWEENEY
ON JEFF L. &AUCTIONEERS
T
AU C I
CE
A Family
SERVI
Tradition
for 50 years.
563-568-2464 WAUKON, IA
Website: www.sweeneyauctionservice.com
Email: sweeneyauction@q.com
Sweeney
Auction Service
Kelly
USDA to Gather New Data on

Organic Agriculture Production
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1,
2016 The U.S. Department
of
Agricultures
National
Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS) has begun conducting
the 2015 Certied Organic
Survey to gather up-to-date
data on certied organic
crops and livestock in the
United States. This special
survey effort is critical to help
determine the economic impact
of certied organic agriculture
production in the United States.
NASS is mailing the survey to
all known organic farms in the
United States. The form asks
farmers to provide information
on acreage, production, and
sales for a variety of certied
organic crop and livestock
commodities. In addition, NASS
is gathering information about
organic farmers production
and marketing practices. The
agency urges all participants
to respond. NASS will follow
up by mail, phone and personal
interviews with those who have
not responded. Producers can
return their forms by mail or
complete the survey online at
www.agcounts.usda.gov.
In recent years, U.S. farms
Residential
Agricultural
Commercial
Concrete
Construction
have experienced tremendous

growth in organic agriculture
sales. Last year, NASS
reported that U.S. certied and
exempt organic farms sold a
total of $5.5 billion in organic
products in 2014, up 72 percent
since 2008, said Adam Cline,
NASS Census Section Head
and member of the USDA
Organic
Working
Group.
As farm sales from organic
agriculture products increase,
demand for accurate statistics
about organic farming grows
as well. This survey will be
another step forward by USDA
in its commitment to helping
organic agriculture thrive and
will ensure that future decisions
impacting the industry stem
from factual information.
Agriculture statistics are
frequently used by business
and policy decision makers, and
in this case farmers themselves
stand to reap the most benets.
The 2015 Certied Organic
Survey will provide data for
USDAs Risk Management
Agency to evaluate crop
insurance coverage to help
provide adequate pricing for
organic producers. The report,
Farmers Mutual Hail provides the insurance

products you need to protect your farm. Whether
it is your home, machinery, crops, or vehicles, our
agents are ready to tailor an insurance package
that is right for you. Farmers Mutual Hail has the
coverage you need and the service you expect.
FREE
ESTIMATES!
Chad Kelly, Owner State Licensed & Fully Insured
Poured Foundations
& All Types of Flatwork
Waukon, Iowa
563-535-7649
March 9, 2016
CALL
C
CA
ALL
LL YOUR
YOU
OUR
R FM
F
FMH
MH
AGENT
A EN
AG
ENTT TODAY!
T DA
TO
DAY
Y!
Y!
UPPER IOWA INSURANCE SERVICES CORP

LEAH JONES OR JANE REGAN
19 Allamakee St., Waukon 563-568-6347
Products underwritten by Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa and its affiliates, West Des Moines, Iowa. Not all
affiliates are mutual companies. Policies may be issued by FMH Ag Risk Insurance Company or an FMH affiliate in some states.
Farmers Mutual Hail and its affiliates are equal opportunity providers and prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities.
Coverage not available in all states. 2016 Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa. All rights reserved.
to be released September
2016, will also assist farmers,
suppliers and others in the
private sector in planning the
production and marketing of
new products to help sustain
industry growth.
NASS has a long-standing
reputation
for
providing
objective, accurate data about
all aspects of U.S. agriculture,
but the only way for us to
provide accurate reports is with
farmers input, added Cline.
This is a voluntary survey and
I hope that all organic farmers
who receive it will recognize
it as a way to benet their
industry and take the time to
respond.
As is the case with all NASS
surveys, information provided
is condential by law. NASS
safeguards the privacy of all
respondents, ensuring that no
individual operation or producer
can be identied, as required
by federal law. For more
information about the 2015
Certied Organic Survey visit
www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/
Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/
Organic_Production/index.php.
March 9, 2016
Page 23

2015 Oat Yield County Estimates
usda.gov
In 2015, Winneshiek County was

the largest oat-producing county in
Iowa at 243,000 bushels, according
to estimates released by the USDA
National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Allamakee and Jackson were second
and third, respectively. Northeast Iowa
was the largest oat-producing district
with 1,324,000 bushels.
Favorable conditions throughout the growing
season led to generally higher yields, particularly
in the northern districts. The lowest yielding
county was Johnson at 54.9 bushels per acre.
Clarke had the second lowest yield at 57.3,
with Jackson and Jones also reporting yields
less than 60 bushels per acre. The East Central
district in Iowa had the largest drop in yield, down
2.1 bushels per acre from 2014.
The highest yielding county was Lyon with a yield of 104
bushels per acre. Cerro Gordo had the second highest yield at
96.5. In 2015, the Northwest and North Central districts both
had yields above 90 bushels per acre. Worth County had the
greatest increase in yield from 2014, at 56.8 bushels per acre,
followed by Mitchell, which increased 41.8 bushels.
Proud to Partner with Area

Farmers to Succeed in Agriculture!
Fixed Rates!
5, 10, 15
& 20 Year
For Farm
Equipment &
Ag Real Estate
Loans!
Contact Our
Ag Loan Specialists!
High Efficiency
Furnaces & Air
Conditioners
Geothermal
Radiant Floor
Kitchen &
Bathroom
Remodels
SZABO
Construction Co., Inc.
Over 30 years of soil conservation

and excavation experience.
101 1st Ave. NW,
563-568-3680
Waukon, IA
SZABO
Construction Co., Inc.
Dennis M. Lyons
Brian M. Mahoney
dlyons@fmsb4me.com
bmahoney@fmsb4me.com
Cell: 563-568-1740
Home: 563-568-3529
Cell: 563-419-3002
Home: 563-568-6096
FARMERS & MERCHANTS

SAVINGS BANK
Our Prime
Interest Is You
Adam
Kurth,
Owner
201 W. Main St., Waukon, IA - (563) 568-3417

1798 Old Stage Rd., Decorah, IA - (563) 382-3837
E-Mail: solutions@fmsb4me.com www.fmsb4me.com
Over 30 years of soil conservation

An experienced
and excavation experience.
soil conservation &

excavation company.
Excavating (All Types) Terraces

Demolition
Waterways
Water and Sewer
Ponds
(563)563-864-7515
864-7515 1-888-864-7518
152
152S.S.West
WestStreet,
Street, Postville,
Postville, IA
IA52162
52162
Page 24
March 9, 2016

Proud to Serve the Ag Community
NO JOB IS
TOO
BIG
OR TOO SMALL
A locally owned company, we provide residential and
commercial excavating services. We put safety first,
delivering quality results on time and budget.
Iowa farm
computer use
usda.gov
Seventy-four percent of Iowa
farms own or lease a computer,
three percentage points higher
than the U.S. percentage,
according to the latest USDA,
National Agricultural Statistics
Service Farm Computer Use
report. Seventy-six percent
of Iowa farms report having
access to a computer, up
slightly from 2013. Farms
using computers for their farm
business remains unchanged
at 53 percent, still well above
the national percentage, which
rose to 43 percent.
Seventy-four percent of Iowa
farms have Internet access, up
three percentage points from
2013. A wireless connection is
now the most common method
of accessing the Internet, with
28 percent of farms in Iowa with
access to the Internet utilizing
wireless. In 2015, DSL (Digital
Subscriber
Line)
service
declined to 26 percent, down
from 34 percent in 2013. The
proportion of Iowa farms using
satellite service increased to
19 percent and cable modem
service increased to 14 percent.
General Land Improvement Earth Moving

Farm Roads Grubbing Conservation Projects
Demolition Water & Sewer Projects And More!
Licensed & Insured
Quad County
Excavating
154 Dorchester Dr., Dorchester, IA 52140
Frank Mahr: 507-450-7133 Reggie Berns: 507-458-8275

Office: 563-492-3849
Call Today
for an
Estimate!
Serving the local

agricultural community
for more than 100 years.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
www.waukonstandard.com
563-544-4214 or 1-888-689-1898
www.newalbinsavingsbank.com
118 Main St. NE
New Albin, IA

Ag Day 2016

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A special supplement of The Standard Newspaper, Waukon, IA

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

Dust Bowl, where care was

We salute the Agricultural Industry during

Large & Small Animal Medicine Small Animal Boarding

460 11th Ave. SW, Waukon, IA Office (563) 568-2175

ag-lime: its basic!

by many older farmers when

as a voice for a passion he is

Farmers, thank you for your commitment to providing us

neutralizes detrimental soil acidity

ROCK PRODUCTS, INC.

Your Partner in agriculture

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

All about Ag Day

3. appreciate the role

related endeavors. Today, that

Why Celebrate Ag Day?

and continuing through 12th

We are proud supporters of our local farmers!

You can trust us for

Well Pump Repair and Replacement Out-Of-Water Calls

Aaron 563-380-7893 or Keith 563-568-7814

You have the

them part of your daily routine.

Reduce your consumption of electricity by turning off anything that consumes

Remember, were all in this together.

Stay alert for

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

The economics of land use pasture vs. cropland

farming systems can reduce

recommendations, and ISU

the land uses analyzed were

land uses based on soil types.

Aerial Truck, Backhoe/Trenching, New or Remodel

Serving Northeast Iowa

Tom Baxter, Manager

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

Left to right: Brenda,

Prot has always determined

Quality Materials, Workmanship & Friendly Service.

Thank you area farm families for

Kent 365 Mineral ADE

BUY 9 get 1 FREE

$03:#"$0/08/&3t/#BODSPGU 1PTUWJMMF *"

WELCH Feed, Seed & LP Gas

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

2015 Corn for Grain Yield County Estimates

We Support Our Area Farmers!

Tri-State Hay Auctions

EVERY FRIDAY 12:30 PM

8th Ave. NW, Waukon, IA

For More Info or to Consign Call 563-568-4722

Pole Buildings Remodeling Materials for Most

Call for an Estimate 563-535-7215

805 W. Main St., Waukon, IA

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

Consider planting cover crops along with manure application

There are many different

to ensure that they provide

We Salute the Ag Industry!

Cover Crops. Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS

For all your Precision Farming needs,

NATIONAL AG DAY 3-15-16

$03:#"$0/08/&3t/#BODSPGU 1PTUWJMMF *"