A special supplement of The Standard Newspaper, Waukon, IA

NATIONAL
AGRICULTURE
March 14,
DAY 2019
Agriculture:
Food for Life

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 contributions of agriculture.
Page 2 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

Focus on maximizing photosynthesis
by Sara Berges,
Project Coordinator
Allamakee Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD)
In order to continue farming
long-term, we have to recog-
nize that our soils are not inert
growth mediums that we have
to pump full of fertilizers/her-
bicides/pesticides in order to
grow a crop. Our soils are full
of living organisms that work
symbiotically with plants to
transfer water and nutrients to
the plants and even help pro-
tect their plant hosts from pests
and diseases. Dr. Christine
Jones, a well-known soil ecol-
ogist, encourages producers to
maximize photosynthesis to im-
prove soils and reduce green-
house gas emissions.
Crop and livestock produc-
ers rely on photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process
that removes carbon dioxide
(CO2) from the atmosphere
March 14, 2019
and combines it with water from
the soil to transform it to simple
sugars. Photosynthesis also
creates the carbon compounds
that add structure and fertil-
ity to our soils. Without it, our
soils wouldn’t have an organic
component and would only be
weathered rock.
Over 95% of life on land lives
in soil in the form of microbes
and other microorganisms. We
often don’t think about all the
living things in our soil and take
for granted all that they can do
for us. Plant roots give off liquid
carbon that soil microbes need
for survival. In exchange for
this carbon, the microbes uti-
lize networks of beneficial fun-
gi to bring minerals and trace
elements back to the plants.
Unfortunately, many of today’s
farming practices have greatly
reduced these relationships. Plants are the most powerful tool for capturing carbon in the atmosphere and returning it to the
soils in which they grow through the process of photosynthesis. Cover crops outside of the growing
Photosynthesis season aid the premise of the longer there are living plants on the soil, the better the nutrient
Continued on page 9 concentration in the soil, improving its structure and fertility.

Local Decisions

Ron Doornink Tony Smith Rich Werner

Financing Agriculture since 1856.

Come to the Experienced team that understands
Member FDIC
agribusiness, lives here, works here and knows the territory. www.kerndtbrothers.com

Lansing • Clermont • Cedar Rapids • Decorah • Waukon • West Union

March 13, 2019 Page 3

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

Former Waukon resident becomes voice for
corporation that assists farmers with agronomic decisions
by David M. Johnson
Not that long ago the suc-
cess a farmer experienced
would depend on knowledge
gained from years of experi-
ence, a little luck and a “gut
feeling.” As in other profes-
sions, farming has evolved with
the times where science has
become a positive partner in a
viable farming operation. With
an eye on profit margin, farm-
ers have also used science to
improve habitat and the envi-
ronment to enhance their po-
sition in the ever-changing de-
mands on a balance between
making money and maintaining
healthy, natural surroundings.
The business world is es-
tablishing different avenues for
farmers to partner with in de-
veloping those desired chang-
es demanded by society today.
A former resident has become
instrumental in that business
climate where business and
science are working with the
agricultural sector to bring
A SPREADER FOR EVERY OPERATION
about positive results.
Maria Rose Magner is a
former Waukon resident. The
daughter of Jim Magner and
Rose Magner and a 2003 grad-
uate of Waukon High School,
she has generated success in
the academic ranks. After her
graduation from Waukon High
School, she went on to com-
plete a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Journalism and Mass Com-
munication with a minor in In-
ternational Studies from the
University of Iowa followed by
a Masters of Business Admin-
istration degree with a focus in
Marketing Management from
the University of Missouri.
Her accomplishments in the
classroom influenced The Cli-
mate Corporation to hire her as
their Science Communications
Manager. The Climate Corpo-
ration is the digital agriculture
company behind FieldView,
an application that analyzes
weather, soil and images to
help farmers to improve yields.
FieldView is a digital farm-
SL 100 Series ProTwin ® Slinger ® Side-Discharge Spreaders
Not all products available
at all locations.
Commercial
March 14, 2019
ing product based on the team
research work that has collect-
ed data, conducted field trials
and built models to meet The
Climate Corporation’s mis-
sion to assist farmers sustain-
ably increase their productivity
with digital tools. It is believed
that capturing data will build
models that will unlock poten-
tial on each field. Magner, as
a Science Communications
Manager, assists the organiza-
tion’s experts in soil, genetics,
agronomy, statistics, satellite
imagery and weather science
by communicating their work to
audiences like farmers, media,
students, investors and fellow
employees.
Magner observed that, “Our
research is constantly evolving, Maria Magner, a 2003 graduate of Waukon High School, is
so each week brings new op- now a Science Communications Manager with The Climate
portunities. For example, right Corporation, a digital agriculture company. She is pictured above
at the 2018 Farm Progress Show in Boone.
now our field researchers are
planning for planting season,
to test new models and gath-
Thanks to all those
Waukon resident
Continued on page 18
involved in American
Agriculture!
We appreciate your business!
Village Farm & Home
You have LANSING
the • 538-4884
power to make
Today’s large farm
a difference.
equipment can be a hazard
around electric lines.

2000 Series ProPush ®

America’s
PS150/160 ProSpread ®
electricSpreaders
cooperatives are working to identify solutions to climate change.
SLC 100 Series ProTwin Slinger
® ®
1200 Series EasySpread ®
Rear-Discharge Spreaders Rear-Discharge Spreaders Side-Discharge
Rear-Discharge Spreaders
One of the quickest remedies is to embrace conservation and efficiency - and make
We have a wide range of models and sizes with multiple options to fit any operation. Our innovative, INVEST IN QUALITY ®

them part of your

high-quality spreaders provide superior performance with years of low-maintenance dailyKuhnNorthAmerica.com
service. routine.
Reduce your consumption of electricity by turning off anything that consumes

HAMMELL EQUIPMENT electricity when not needed. Replace or upgrade the

essentials in your life, (appliances, lighting, insulation)
Stay alert for
danger, especi
ally
- EITZEN, INC. to realize the same benefits with less electricity.
By using electricity more efficiently, we
when moving
equipment lik
tall
e
300 IOWA AVE. EITZEN, MN can slow the overall growth for more
• 507-495-3326 augers.
power.
CHATFIELD, RUSHFORD, HARMONY
888-788-1551
Remember,
Not all products available at all locations.we’re all in this together. acrec.com
Page 4
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Soil Health: Increase diversity with cover crops
by Sara Berges,
Project Coordinator
Allamakee Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD)
Soil health is the big buzz-
word in conservation agricul-
ture at the moment, and for
good reason. Within the last
decade it has become more
widely understood that soils
are full of life. Only living things
can have health, so we need
to focus on the living things in
our soils and the benefits they
provide. By understanding and
working to improve soil health,
we can reduce input costs, im-
prove profitability and create
resilient soils.
The way we have traditional-
ly been farming is not a natural
process. Nature is filled with
diversity rather than monocul-
tures and natural systems cy-
cle nutrients without external
Prou d t o S e r ve
F a r m e r s !
Our Area
Call Us
For Yo
Excav ur
ating
Needs
! Stamping
BACON CONCRETE & EXCAVATING
Cory Bacon - Owner
370 N. Bancroft, Postville, IA • 563-864-7602
March 13, 2019
March 14, 2019
inputs. We can improve how
our soils function by trying to
mimic nature more. Nature uti-
lizes earthworms to till soils and
plant roots to break up compac-
tion. Nature uses a variety of
plants and associated microbes
to capture and utilize soil nutri-
ents. Natural soils have high
organic matter levels and cap-
ture and hold water rather than
having substantial amounts of
runoff and associated erosion.
Our soils didn’t get to where
they are overnight, so we can’t
expect changes in farming prac-
tices to “fix” our soils overnight
either. One way to improve soil
health is to have the soil cov-
ered with living plants for as
much of the year as possible.
Cover crops have become very The health of soils on crop and pasture land is key to the sustainability of those soils and the
popular because they can help process of farming them. Soil conservation efforts have focused more on mimicking the workings
of nature to achieve higher levels of organic matter and retaining more moisture. Planting small
Soil Health grain crops or other cover crops to protect the soil between harvest and planting is one means of
Continued on page 11 sustaining soil health by returning the soil to a more natural system.
We Salute The Agriculture Industry
B & K Heating & Plumbing Inc.
285 E. Greene St.
Postville, IA
(563) 864-3332
Owners: Brian Bohr & Ken Klepper
Thank You
• Agricultural To Area Farmers!
• Commercial
• Residential
• Decorative
Here to help you with your
agronomy needs!
718 9th St. NW, Waukon • 563-568-3483
March 13, 2019 Page 5

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019

Fire or ice climate change? What is in the future for farmers?

by David M. Johnson
Snopes.com recently ran a
Washington Post article that
was sounding the alarm on
climate change. The article
began with:
“The Arctic Ocean is warming
up, icebergs are growing
scarcer and in some places
the seals are finding the water
too hot, according to a report
in the Commerce Department
yesterday from Consulafft, at
Bergen, Norway.
“Reports from fishermen,
seal hunters and explorers all
point to a radical change in
climate conditions and hitherto
unheard-of-temperatures in
the Arctic zone. Exploration
expeditions report that scarcely
any ice has been met as
far north as 81 degrees 29
of 3,100 meters showed the
Gulf Stream still very warm.
Great masses of ice have
been replaced by moraines of
earth and stones, the report
continued, while at many points
well known glaciers have
entirely disappeared.”
Was this a report on
observations of 2019? No, this
article was written in 1922.
Over the last century there
has been an ongoing back-
and-forth between factions that
believe that climate change
is a crisis and those that
believe that climate change is
cyclical. One side believes that
increases of carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere are the
direct result of anthropogenic
(man-made) contributions and
misuse of carbon-based energy
sources.
that climate change is a natural who today are proposing the 30-year cooling and maybe
phenomenon and believes supposition that the sun has a 300-year ice age. Global
there is no evidence that it is begun a solar minimum and cooling gradually evolved into
anthropogenic. This side points due to the total lack of sunspot
to solar and volcanic activity as activity the last year we are Fire
culprits in our ever-changing heading for a possible dramatic Continued on page 14
climate. The argument of
climate change/global warming
has been debated for two
hundred years. But it has not Proudly Serving the Want a Tour
always been global warming.
In the 1960s and 1970s there Agricultural Industry! things
to see the many
we offer?
was the consensus that Mother
Earth was heading into a global Thanekrss! Give us
cooling phase. At that time there Farm a call!
was an 86 percent scientific
consensus that the planet
was on a cooling path. There Serving the Gear Box
were 285 scientific papers on community Repair,
global cooling published from since 1986. PTO Shaft Re
pair
& Other
the 1960s to 1980 and that the Over 50,000 sq. ft. of
Specialties
facilities to serve you.
planet was entering another ice
age.
What is interesting is that
FULL SERVICE MACHINE SHOP
with new ideas and quality products to make your job easier.

We Salute the Ag Industry!

minutes. Sounding to a depth The other side firmly believes there are some scientists
901 3rd Ave. SW, Waukon, IA • 563-568-4305 • www.benje.qwestoffice.net

Thank You Producers. We understand how busy and

hectic farming life can be.
BIEBER Schedule your appointment online -
INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE
(563) 568-3435 • James H. Bieber, Insurance Agent/Real Estate Broker 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or give us a call!

0 % F
FARM, HOME, COMMERCIAL, LIFE & HEALTH

On the Farm or
for Your Home 1
Philips S
O
o
F
n i c a r e E s sence+
b r ush
a l T o o t h
Profession
nts of
to ALL patie ntal.
Waukon De
deem this off
er! Accepting
New
1, 2 0 19 to re
March 3
Stop in now - hen making
your
th is a d w
Patients!
o n .
Materials for Most Please menti t or redeeming this offer
Ask Us About...
• POLE BUILDINGS • REMODELING
Any Project ap p o in tm en
• STEEL ROOFING • NEW HOMES

ASHBACHER’S Where Health

Changing Smiles Waukon Dental
BUILDING SUPPLIES Are Created!
18 1st Ave. NW, Waukon, IA
ROSSVILLE, IA LLC
Dr. Mark Fohey 563-568-4528
Call for an Estimate 563-535-7215 Dr. Linda Carstens www.waukondental.com
Dr. Jessica Wilke
Page 6 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

Toxin levels in 2018 corn
compiled by Dr. Charles
R. Hurburgh, professor of
Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering at Iowa State
University, Integrated Crop
Management News and Iowa
State University Extension and
Outreach
The two bushels per acre
Iowa corn yield reduction (in
comparison to the previous
2018 report) shown in the
February 9 crop report by the
PORTA-POTTY RENTAL & SEPTIC PUMPING
Iowa Department of Agriculture
and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
demonstrates the impact of
late-season wet weather. Corn
quality and potential food safety
issues are also determined late
in the growing season.
According to data recently
completed by IDALS, levels of
the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol
(also known as vomitoxin) and
zearalenone are elevated in the
2018 Iowa corn crop. Vomitoxin
STATE CERTIFIED IN:
• SEPTIC PUMPING
• TIME OF TRANSFER INSPECTOR
March 14, 2019
primarily affects digestion in
swine, while zearalenone has
negative effects on reproduction
in most monogastric animals.
Dogs, cats and gilts are most
sensitive to zearalenone.
In the 102 samples
collected by IDALS warehouse
inspectors, vomitoxin
was detectable in all, and
zearalenone was detectable in
82 samples. All regions of the
state were affected, according
to IDALS. Those two toxins are
produced by the same fungus
and often occur together.
Neither vomitoxin nor
zearalenone are regulated
by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). Because
amounts in these 2018 corn
samples.
Due to widespread
occurrence of the two toxins,
corn users should test the toxin
levels of 2018 corn and direct
corn in excess of recommended
feeding limits to less sensitive
livestock species. A directory
of some regional mycotoxin
testing laboratories is located
on the Iowa Grain Quality
Initiative website. Producers
also have access to the Iowa
State University Veterinary
Diagnostic Lab; a veterinarian
can submit samples there.
Ethanol processing
concentrates toxins by a
factor of three (relative to
Proper sampling is crucial
to accurate toxin testing.
Take multiple sub-samples
throughout the grain lot, or
from multiple delivered loads
contributing to the lot being
evaluated, to achieve a total
sample weight of approximately
10 pounds. Submit the entire
10 pounds to the laboratory.
The laboratory will grind the
entire sample, then subsample
for the analysis.
Toxin levels are not likely
to increase in well-managed
storage but expect that this
issue will be present through
the 2019 crop usage. Drying
and aeration will not reduce

563-568-1379
both are capable of causing
negative animal health and
production effects, there are
RENTAL OF: guidelines for feeding. The two
• PARTY TENTS
• TABLES & CHAIRS other mycotoxins surveyed,
• PORTA-POTTIES fumonisin and aflatoxin, were
• HAND WASHING STATIONS not present in significant
the originating corn) in dried toxin levels. Cleaning of fines
distiller’s grains (DDGS). may reduce toxin levels, by
Therefore, swine feeders removing susceptible materials
(broken or lightweight kernels
mixing corn and DDGS from the
same area have an increased and fines). The cleaned grain
risk of exceeding guidelines, should be retested to verify that
even if the corn itself does not. toxin levels were reduced.

In Emergencies... Mauss Electric New Albin

Seconds Count!
Go to your closest hospital for Emergency Care.
563-544-4252
For All Your Wiring Needs
Don’t risk further illness or injury by delaying immediate treatment, • Farm • Residential • Commercial
especially in the case of a heart attack or stroke.

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES ag-lime: it’s basic!

• neutralizes detrimental soil acidity
• increases effectiveness of applied nutrients
• increases activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria
• restores necessary calcium
• improves soil crumb structure
• retards accumulation of harmful minerals
• releases residual nutrients in soil
• increases effectiveness of herbicides
BOOKING NOW FOR SPRING APPLICATION!
See Us For Crushed Stone.

Veterans Memorial Hospital BRUENING

ROCK PRODUCTS, INC.
WAUKON, IOWA • (563) 568-3411 Hwy. 9 South, Waukon, IA
“Exceptional Care by Exceptional People... Right Here at Home” 563-568-3515
March 13, 2019 Page 7

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019

Analysis of Minnesota and Iowa farms finds

grazing cover crops saves money and improves soil health
A study on eight farms in the years on eight farms in Iowa acre on their cover crop ($61 “While farmers recognize instructional videos featuring
U.S. Midwest shows that cover and Minnesota. These farms for diverse, six-species seed that cover crops improve the cooperating farmers and
crops can pay for themselves rotationally grazed beef and cocktail and application, $12 soil health, many have been leading experts, and a series of
when combined with managed dairy cattle on planted cover in increased management, and hesitant to implement the webinars have been developed.
rotational grazing of cattle. crops, which are non-cash crops $10 for termination). To graze practice because they assume This project collected and
Released by the Pasture such as small grains, brassicas their cover crop, the average it’s too expensive,” said Pete analyzed economic and soil
Project, Practical Farmers of and legumes that are grown cooperator spent $17 per acre Huff, program officer of the health datasets over three
Iowa, the Land Stewardship between the regular cash crop on fencing and water, but grew Pasture Project, an initiative years that compare control
Project and the Sustainable growing seasons. The analysis $140 per acre of forage. The of the Wallace Center at plots (use of cover crops and
Farming Association of showed that grazing the cover cost of cover cropping ($83 Winrock International. “We’re winter grazing in cash crop
Minnesota, the findings show crops provided an inexpensive per acre) against the benefit excited to join our partners in rotations) and treatment (cash
how the practice can save source of forage while building from grazing ($123 per acre) announcing these findings, crop rotations without cover
money by producing valuable soil health. indicates the cost effectiveness which demonstrate that grazing crops or winter grazing) on eight
forage, reducing erosion, of the practice. cover crops as winter forage cooperating farms in Minnesota
improving soil health and Seven of the eight farms had The full findings, as well can help farmers and graziers and Iowa. Trial results indicate
increasing nutrient efficiency. more microbial biomass on their as a new “Grazing Cover offset their expenses and even that the incorporation of diverse
trial plots compared to control Crops How-To Guide”, a video generate income.” cover crops and adaptive
Funded by a United States plots, a sign of improved soil series and other supporting At the start of this project, a livestock grazing can result in
Department of Agricultural biology and a potential boost resources, are available for lack of resources on grazing incremental improvements in
(USDA) Conservation to cash crop production as a viewing and downloading cover crops was identified as soil fertility and biology and can
Innovation Grant, the study result of higher fertility levels. at http://pastureproject.org/ a barrier to adoption. Through result in significant cost savings
is based on soil and financial The average cooperating resources-2/articles-studies/ this project, a comprehensive from forage production and
data collected over three farm spent about $83 per grazing-cover-crops/. how-to guide, a series of improved soil fertility.

Thank you to everyone in

REPAIR WORK
the agriculture industry !

24 Hour Roadside
Assistance • Electric Motors • Generators
1650 Prairie Ave. NW,
Waukon
• Starters • Alternators
563-568-3132 • Power Tools • & Much More
WE ARE YOUR STARTER &
ALTERNATOR REPAIR SHOP:
FREE From 4-wheelers to 18-wheelers
ESTIMATES and golf carts to boats.
We will repair the old ones too...
Antique Tractor Generators, Regulators & Starters
Authorized Service Center / Warranty Repair
Farmers Mutual Hail provides the insurance for InSinkErator, Marathon, Baldor, Leeson, A.O. Smith,
products you need to protect your farm. Whether Milwaukee Electric Tools, Campbell Hausfeld, DeWalt
it is your home, machinery, crops, or vehicles, our
agents are ready to tailor an insurance package
ON SITE REPAIR AND SERVICE CALLS IN
that is right for you. Farmers Mutual Hail has the THE TRI-STATE AREA.
coverage you need and the service you expect. Call about our convenient drop off/pick up locations.
CALL YOUR FMH www.lydonelectricwaukon.com

Lydon Electric Motors

AGENT TODAY!

UPPER IOWA INSURANCE SERVICES CORP 850 Allamakee St. NW, Waukon, IA
JANE REGAN
21 Allamakee St., Waukon, IA • 563-568-6347 Shop 563-568-3504 Cell 563-568-8020
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.
Owner/Manager John Lydon
Farmers Mutual Hail and its affiliates are equal opportunity providers and prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities. Over 40 years of experience of service & repair
Coverage not available in all states. ©2016 Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa. All rights reserved.
Page 8 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Annual Report shows progress being
Dryers engineered for made, identifies funding and additional
FLEXIBILITY, issues for work yet needed to be done
DURABILITY & SAVINGS
Electric Motor Shop
Iowa State University, the
Iowa Department of Agriculture
Postville, IA • (563) 864-7351 and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
and the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources (DNR)
has announced that the Iowa
“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, Nutrient Reduction Strategy
and most noble employment of man.” Annual Progress Report is now
- George Washington available to the public at www.
nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/
documents.
“We are committed to robust
measuring and reporting
around each of the steps
necessary to reach our water
quality goals,” said Mike Naig,
Agronomy Center, 615 Old Hwy. 9, Waukon, IA Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.
“This report shows progress in
Are you looking to bring the next generation into the family farm each of the areas measured.
or need additional income for your farming operation? We are encouraged by the
Waukon Feed Ranch has FULL AND PART-TIME POSITIONS in agriculture. efforts of the public and
Stop by the Agronomy Center private sectors to implement
conservation practices across
the state, and are working to
build on this success going
forward.”
“The Nutrient Reduction
Strategy is a very important
and critical effort working to
enhance water quality, and
to see positive changes and
results is gratifying,” said Bruce
Trautman, Acting Director of the
Iowa DNR. “We are continually
committed to improving and
protecting water quality, and
with partnerships developed
through the strategy, we are
making great strides, but we
still have work to do to meet the
goals.”
The annual report provides
progress updates on point
source and non-point source
efforts to reduce nitrogen and
phosphorus loads leaving
the state. The report follows
the “logic model” framework
that identifies measurable
indicators of desirable change
that can be quantified, and
represents a progression
toward the goals of achieving a
45 percent reduction in nitrogen
and phosphorus loads.
The framework recognizes
that in order to affect change
in water quality, there is a
need for increased inputs,
Nutrient Reduction
Continued on page 13

Dave Cota
or call 563-568-3909 today to find the perfect fit for you!

Proud Partner of Area

Agricultural Producers Electric 1050 Great River Rd.,
Reliable
Electrical Work
Fully equipped to
Harpers Ferry, IA
Contact Our Ag Loan Specialists! take care of all your

563-586-2834
electrical needs.
Licensed & Insured

Fixed
Rates!
$
200 BACK
5, 10, 15 & 20 on Select AD 2™ Radial Tires*
Year For Farm *INSTANT REBATE!
Equipment
Purchases must be made
Dennis M. Lyons Reid P. Mahoney Brian M. Mahoney Now through April 30, 2019.
& Ag Real
Cell: 563-568-1740 Cell: 563-794-0220 Cell: 563-419-3002 Stop in for details.
Bank: 563-568-3417 Bank: 563-568-3417 Bank: 563-568-3417
Estate Loans! dlyons@fmsb4me.bank rmahoney@fmsb4me.bank bmahoney@fmsb4me.bank Clark Tire Pros is your certified
Firestone Ag Dealer, which means we
have the training, equipment and the

FARMERS & MERCHANTS

products to keep you moving!

SAVINGS BANK
201 W. Main St., Waukon, IA - (563) 568-3417
“Our Prime 1798 Old Stage Rd., Decorah, IA - (563) 382-3837 878 ALLAMAKEE ST., WAUKON • (563) 568-2707
Interest Is You” E-Mail: solutions@fmsb4me.bank • www.fmsb4me.bank www.clarktirecenter.com
March 13, 2019 Page 9

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
Photosynthesis
Continued from page 2

In the last 150 years, many
of the world’s agricultural soils
have lost 30-75% of their car-
bon, which not only has re-
leased CO2 into the atmo-
sphere, but has also reduced
the productive potential of the
soils. This not only impacts our
crop yields, but also the nutrient
density in our crops. The levels
of nutrients in our food have de-
creased so much that we have
to eat more food to obtain the
same amount of nutrients as
we would have from the same
foods in 1940.
Are the nutrients missing
from our soils or are the plants
unable to uptake the nutrients?
The nutrients are mostly there,
just not in plant available forms.
To make these nutrients avail-
able, a diverse array of soil mi-
crobes is necessary, most of
which are dependent on receiv-
ing carbon from plants.
Unfortunately, many of the
herbicides, pesticides, insec-
ticides and fungicides used
today have adverse effects on
half the year. Bare soils have
no photosynthesis and are
therefore net carbon sources,
giving off more carbon than
they capture. If you can see the
soil, you know it’s losing carbon
and nitrogen. Cover crops and
winter small grain crops can
help fill this gap.
2) Microbes are important.
Mycorrhizal fungi are one of
the most important groups of
soil-building microbes. The
extensive fungal networks al-
low plants to access water and
nutrients from different parts of
the soil profile and help protect
their host plants from pests and
diseases, all in exchange for
liquid carbon. These fungi also
produce the glues (glomalin)
that help give soil structure and
protect against erosion. Tillage
and chemicals (fungicides) de-
stroy these beneficial fungi.
3) Diversity is vital. The
Photosynthesis Ryegrass is a popular cover crop being used to help maintain and replenish soil nutrients. Pictured
above, this ryegrass cover crop stand was interseeded with corn in this particular field.
Continued on page 10

Your Calhoun Super Structure Dealer!

these microbes. Consumers
are starting to become more
aware of the links between food
quality and farming practices
and may be drivers in affecting
change. WAUKON, IA
563-535-7799
Soils can function as a car-
bon source, giving CO2 off to
the atmosphere, or as carbon
sinks, removing CO2 from the
atmosphere. Plants play a key
877-864-7691
role in converting atmospheric
carbon to stable soil carbon. As
soil carbon levels improve, soil “Our Strength is in
structure and water holding ca-
pacity improve. The conditions
Our Structure”
for biological nitrogen-fixation
Calhoun Super Structures
also improve, which reduces
the need for inorganic fertiliz-
ers. As soil carbon levels de-
crease, the opposite happens.
Currently, many soils are a
net carbon source, meaning
they lose more carbon than
they sequester. There are five
basic principles that Dr. Jones
gives for improving soil health:
1) Keep soils covered with
living plants as long as possi- Advantages of a Calhoun Super Structure
ble. Plants are the most power-
ful tool for capturing atmospher-
4 Naturally Bright 4 Easily Relocated & Extendable
ic carbon and returning it to our 4 Free Span Interior 4 Quick Installation
soils. The longer we have living 4 Variety of Foundation Options 4 Hot Dip Galvanized Steel
plants on our soils, the better.
Most of our crop soils are bare
4 Lower Operational Costs 4 Unsurpassed Engineering
Page 10
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Photosynthesis
Continued from page 9
greater the diversity of plants,
the greater the diversity of as-
sociated microbes, making the
soils healthier and more re-
silient. Diversity is the natural
system. Monocultures require
fertilizers, fungicides, pesti-
cides and other chemical inputs
to attempt to control the natural
system. Studies have shown
that plant production is often
higher in diverse communi-
ties. This is true for field crops,
pastures, CRP plantings and
gardens. The mycorrhizal net-
works of these different plants
link together to improve plant
and soil health. Cover crops
can help add diversity but con-
sider multi-species rather than
single-species to get the most
benefit.
4) Limit chemical use. It be-
comes increasingly expensive
to rely on synthetic fertilizer
inputs rather than improving
the health of our soils and al-
lowing natural systems to work.
Applying high rates of nitrogen
Poured
Foundations
& All Types
of Flatwork
Chad Kelly
563-535-7649
Email: kellyconcrete4u@gmail.com
March 13, 2019
March 14, 2019
(N) and phosphorus (P) reduc- prairies were grazed by many
es the amount of carbon that different species. Grazing can
plants provide to the soil micro- be one way to recuperate costs p
bial communities. Without this of planting cover crops and can t
food source, there are fewer provide benefits to the soil as s
microbes in the soil. Fewer mi- well. However, it is important h
crobes not only affects nutrient that less than 50% of the green p
transfer, but also impacts soil leaf area be grazed at any one f
structure. time. This concept applies to I
Only 10-40% of applied N is pastures as well. If pastures a
taken up by plants, the remain- are grazed short, root growth is c
der being lost. Nitrogen does inhibited and it takes longer for e
not only come from applied fer- the plant to recover and sub- e
tilizer or legumes. Nitrogen-fix- stantially reduces photosyn- c
ing microbes can provide much thetic capacity.
of the N for crops. It is import- In order to make our agricul- W
ant to wean off nitrogen fertiliz- tural systems more resilient and (
er slowly to allow time for the profitable, we should find ways c
bacteria to re-establish. to reduce our dependence on c
At least 80% of applied chemical inputs and work with c
phosphorus binds to other el- rather than against natural sys- i
ements and converts to a form tems. We need to understand b
that is not plant available in the the importance of photosynthe- a
absence of microbial activity. sis in improving our soils and u
There is likely an abundance of work to increase microbial life p
phosphorus in the soil that can in the soil. Through that under-
be accessed with mycorrhizal standing, we can change our d
fungi and P-scavenging plants. soils from being carbon sourc- b
5) Integrate animals. Native es back to carbon sinks. s
s
b
t
v
v
d
Studies have shown that plant production is greater in the more a
natural system of a diversity of plant life, such as multi-species
a
cover crops used in fields between the fall harvest season and
the following spring planting season. The network of microbes f
associated with more diverse plant cultures works together to
improve both plant and soil health by improving the soil nutrient p
content and the resiliency of the soil. o
s
c
WAUKON, IA Thank you area farmers for n
fi
Serving
your hard work and dedication! c
a
NE Iowa for d
20+ Years! t
t
e
n
One-of-a-Kind Creep Feeders a
Only Feeder On The Market Featuring:
• Dolly Front End
i
c
a
• Extendable Tongue
h
• Self-Contained Mineral Feeder t
• Oiler Option • Fly Control i
• Various Sizes Available m
m
P Palmer Repair m
R 563-568-3654
794 HWY. 9, WAUKON IA 52172
March 13, 2019 Page 11

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
In traditional farming practices, most crop
Soil Health soils are bare for nearly half the year,
Continued from page 4 not allowing for any photosynthesis and
resulting in those soils being a net carbon
protect our soils during the win- source, where they give off more carbon
ter/spring fallow and there are into the atmosphere than they capture and
several cost-share sources to return to the soil through that photosynthesis
help fund them. Most producers process. Cover crops and winter small
grain crops similar to those pictured in the
plant cereal rye as a cover crop
surrounding photos can help to turn those
following cash crop harvest. otherwise bare soils between the fall harvest
If possible, it is encouraged to and the following spring planting into carbon
add some diversity to the cover sink soils with greater benefit.
crop mix, especially if the cov-
er crop can get planted earli-
er, such as after small grain or
corn silage harvest.
The Allamakee SoIl and
Water Conservation District
(SWCD) currently has spe-
cial EQIP funding to provide
cost-share for diversifying a
corn-soybean rotation by add-
ing a small grain crop. It must
be managed and harvested
as a grain crop and cannot be
used as a nurse crop for hay
production.
Small grain crops have re-
duced nutrient needs, help
break up pest cycles, improve
soil fertility and structure, and
spread out fieldwork. Another
benefit of small grains is that
their early harvest date pro-
vides ample time to seed a di-
verse cover crop, adding further
diversity to the system. There is
also specific cost-share avail-
able for this diverse cover crop

Does Your Farm Operation Have

following a small grain.
While cover crops have been
planted on increasing numbers

Large Dairy or Confinement Buildings?

of acres in the county, there is
still hesitancy to plant cover
crops on fields that have ma-
nure application. It can be dif-
ficult to get the timing right for
cover crop seeding and manure We’re Pretty Sure We Can Help You!
application.
However, several local pro-
ducers have been able to make
this system work. It’s important
to get the cover crop seeded as
early as possible, even if ma-
nure application won’t occur for
a while. Some producers have
injected manure into a growing
cover crop with minimal dam-
age to the cover crop. Others
have surface applied manure
to the growing cover crop and
it has grown up through the
manure. One producer even
mixed cover crop seed into his
manure tanker and injected it Lansing • Waukon • Decorah • West Union
Soil Health
Continued on page 12 563-538-4207
Page 12 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
Soil Health The use of
cover crops and
Continued from page 11
small grain crops
with the manure. There is also between harvest
special cost-share available and planting
for producers who plant cover seasons has
crops on acres that receive ma- become a more
nure application. natural means
of improving soil
Contact Sara Berges at the
health and yield.
Allamakee SWCD/NRCS office Small grain crops
if you have questions or would have reduced
like to apply for cost-share. The nutrient needs,
Allamakee SWCD office is lo- help break up
cated at 635 Ninth Street NW pest cycles, im-
in Waukon and is open Mon- prove soil fertility
day-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and structure,
The office phone number is and spread
563-568-2246, ext. 3. out fieldwork.
Another benefit
of small grains
The

Standard
is that their early
harvest date
provides ample
YEARLY time to seed a
diverse cover
SUBSCRIPTION RATES crop, adding
Local Mailed $42.00 further diversity
Office/Window Pickup $33.00 to the system
Out of area rates available to provide even
call 563-568-3431 for greater advan-
more information. tages.

Adam & Jessie

Kurth, Owner • High Efficiency Furnaces
& Air Conditioners

Our Ag Team is
• Geothermal
• Radiant Floor
• Kitchen & Bathroom
Remodels

Ready to Work 101 1st Ave. NW,

Waukon, IA
With You!
563-568-3680

We’re Proud to Serve

Our Area Farmers!

We salute all who work in the

Amy McCormick Agricultural Industry!
Agricultural Lender
NMLS ID# 1638186
amymc@waukonstatebank.com
Greg Rea
WE’RE HERE FOR ALL OF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS!
Agricultural Lender
NMLS ID# 1780717
RW Pladsen Inc.
greg@waukonstatebank.com WAUKON, IA • 563-568-6357
563-568-3451 www.waukonstatebank.com www.pladseninc.com
March 13, 2019
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Nutrient Reduction
Continued from page 8
measured as funding, staff
and resources. Inputs affect
change in outreach efforts
and human behavior. With
changes in human attitudes
and behavior, changes on the
land may occur, measured as
conservation practice adoption
and wastewater treatment
facility upgrades. Finally,
these physical changes on
the land may affect change in
water quality, which ultimately
can be measured through
both empirical water quality
monitoring and through
modeled estimates of nutrient
loads in Iowa surface water.
“The report highlights the
increase in activities in the
five years since the release of
the Iowa Nutrient Reduction
Strategy, which is encouraging,”
said Matt Helmers, Director of
the Iowa Nutrient Research
Center at Iowa State University.
Rural Broadband
Internet Where You Live.
800.864.1611
“But, it is also important to
recognize the scale of change
required to meet nutrient
reduction goals, and the need
for increased levels of practice
adoption and implementation
throughout the state.”
Highlights from the report
include the following:
Inputs - funding, staff and
resources
• $512 million in private
and public sector funding for
Nutrient Reduction Strategy
efforts identified during the
2018 reporting period.
• Long-term funding is now
in place that will provide an
additional $270 million for
conservation practices and
wastewater treatment upgrades
over the next 12 years.
• Since 2013, the Iowa
Nutrient Research Center
at Iowa State University
has funded $8.7 million for
We are all proud
to support the
farm families in
Allamakee County!
Your hard work and
dedication is appreciated.
Hacker, Nelson
& Co., P.C., CPAs
19 1st Ave. NW, Waukon, IA
563-568-4567
Page 13
March 14, 2019
76 research projects led
by scientists at the state’s
“Protect
three Regents universities.
The research evaluates the
your farm
performance of current and
emerging nutrient management
like you
practices and helps
provide recommendations on
to protect
implementing the practices and
developing new practices.
your family”
• Of the 154 municipal
wastewater plants and Scott Houg, Agent
For insurance protection on
industrial facilities required to 111 Rossville Road
Waukon, IA 52172 your home, outbuildings,
assess their nutrient removal Bus: 563-568-3046
equipment and livestock,
capacity, 125 have been issued scott.houg.jysw@statefarm.com
contact me today.
new permits and 82 of those
Like a good neighbor,
have submitted feasibility
State Farm is there®.
studies on potential technology CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
improvements to reduce
nutrient loss.
• The Conservation
Infrastructure Initiative
engaged a broad cross-section
of leaders within and outside
of the agriculture industry to
address barriers, innovative
Nutrient Reduction
Continued on page 17 P098092 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company • Bloomington, IL
We Are Proud to Serve
Our Farming Families!
Your job takes dedication, skillful
management and a lot of hard work.
Thank You!
We are dedicated to providing quality service.
Waukon Veterinary
Large & Small Animals
Service
605 Rossville Rd., Waukon IA • 563-568-2487
• Ryan B. Hammell, DVM • Kaitlin Marg, DVM
• Monica Wagner, DVM
• Dale, Carrie, Joan, Stefanie & Samantha
Page 14 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
Fire
Continued from page 5
We Are Proud to Support the Ag Industry!

Sommer Pumper
global warming where many possibilities? If it is global the present Congress have
of the same scientists that warming, then it has been stepped forward to address the

Septic Service
believed in global cooling are predicted that temperatures will UN IPCC report by introducing
LLC now on the bandwagon of be hot and the succeeding years a “Green New Deal” resolution.
global warming. will see not just dry weather Senator Ed Markey (D-MA)
Septic & Holding Tank Pumping • 24 Hour Service Today, we have individuals but drought. If it is global and Representative Alexandria
Certified Time of Transfer from Barack Obama to Al Gore cooling, then you will witness Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) issued
Inspector to NASA’s James Hansen shorter growing seasons and their Green New Deal to much
declaring that the science is a disruption in tactics and fanfare from both opponents
CELL: 563-568-9004 settled and that we are heading strategy by farmers trying to and supporters. The resolution
Joel Sommer, Owner
for a crisis of epic proportions. meet this phenomenon. And to consists of a preamble, which
There is the strong belief make the waters even murkier, contains two crises, a climate
that man, with his misuse of our government leaders in crisis and an economic crisis of
fossil fuels, is destroying the Washington are proposing wage stagnation and growing
UPGRADE TO climate with carbon dioxide a dramatic shift on how the inequality. After the preamble
HIGH EFFICIENCY. literally pouring into the average citizen has been the resolution has five goals, 14
IT PAYS!!! atmosphere and causing a
green-house effect. There has
coping in making their lives
comfortable and stable.
projects and 15 requirements.
According to Vox.com, the
Energy
Efficiency been an avalanche of media, The United Nations goals of the Green New Deal
government, entertainment and Intergovernmental Panel on consist of achieving net-zero
Central
Dealer
LLC Available For academic support for drastic Climate Change (IPCC) has greenhouse gas emissions,
Agriculture & Commercial action to remedy the purported issued a warning where the creating jobs, providing for a
Bob Larkin • (563) 568-3915
UTILITY REBATES evidence supporting a global earth has only 12 years to make just transition, securing clean air

75%
BULBS, BALLASTS, FIXTURES warming scenario. things right climate-wise before and water, and decarbonizing
• Low Prices • Free Delivery up to So, how is the farming it becomes too late to correct electricity, transportation and
community going to be affected the ongoing trends by business industry. This ambitious plan
by all of the weather and climate and government. Members of will demand a restoration of
the ecosystems, upgrading
We support From our legendary meats to our farm-fresh
buildings or completely
rebuilding new structures to
our area produce and dairy, Fareway is dedicated to replace energy inefficient
farmers! providing you and your family with fresh items. buildings. Restructured
buildings will have their heating,
Thanks for ventilation and cooling (HVAC)
your business! units removed to decarbonize
with electric heat pumps

REISER IMPLEMENT GROCERY 563-568-5017 • MEAT 563-568-5018

installed to replace these units.
The entire electric grid
740 9th St. NW, WAUKON • 563-568-4526 777 11TH AVE. SW, WAUKON, IOWA
OPEN 8am to 9pm MON.-SAT. CLOSED SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS
will also be upgraded
and changed to meet the
necessary requirements.
33 3col
colxx x5.75”
col 5.75”
5.75”
With the numerous proposed

THANK YOU FARM FAMILIES! Celebrating America’s

Celebrating America’s Farmers
Farmers projects and requirements
and the banning of carbon-
based automobiles (to be
replaced with either electric
automobiles or mass transit),
there will be a reduction of
urban pollution, urban noise
and the urban island effect.
Rural communities will be hurt
by decarbonization but there
are plans for education, training
and transition assistance.
A proposed schedule of
They’rethe
They’re thehumble
humbleheroes
heroeswho
whorise
risebefore
beforedawn
dawnand andbattle
battlethe
theelements.
elements.TheyTheyput
putclothes
clothesononour ourbacks
backsand
and goals to be implemented was
foodononour
food ourtables.
tables.Their
Theirgenuine
genuinevalues
valuesand
andtireless
tirelesswork
workethic
ethicare
areananinspiration
inspirationtotoususallall......wewesalute
salutethem.
them.
included within the New Green
Weinvite
inviteyou
youtotojoin
joinFarm
FarmBureau
Bureauininsaying
sayingthanks
thankstotoAmerica’s
America’sfarmers.
farmers.
We
Deal proposal information and
they include:
Agent Photo Here Agent Photo Here

MONROE AUCTION SERVICE

Agent
Agent Photo
Photo Here
Here Agent
Agent Photo
Photo Here
Here

• 100% clean and renewable

Any Type of Auction - Call Auctioneers: KathyVanRuler
Kathy
Kathy VanRuler
VanRuler
Agent
Agent
Agent
14-1st
14-1st
14-1st
info
info
info
Ave
Ave
Ave NENE
NE
here
here
here
Wade
Wade
Wade Bucknell
Bucknell
Bucknell
Agent
Agent
Agent
14-1st
14-1st
info
info
info
14-1st Ave
Ave
Ave
here
here
here
NENE
NE Fire
Mike Monroe, Ph. 563-864-7346, Postville Box
Box
Box 129
129129 Waukon
Waukon
Continued on page 15
Waukon
Waukon
Waukon (563)
(563) 568-4125
568-4125
& Glen Monroe, Waukon Waukon
(563)
(563)
(563) 568-4125
568-4125
568-4125
(563) 568-4125

Member of IA and WI Auctioneer Association Disclosure

Disclosure
Disclosure Here
Here
Here
FB03
FB03 (9-16)
(9-16)
FB03 (9-16)
March 13, 2019 Page 15

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

Fire
Continued from page 14
electricity by 2035 and a
possible phase-out of nuclear
energy along with carbon-
based power plants.
• Zero net emissions from
energy by 2050
• 100% net-zero building
energy standards by 2030
• 100% zero emission
passenger vehicles by 2030
with a fast phase-out of internal
combustion engines
March 14, 2019
dollars. they foresee as the end of their
Supporters of the Green profession as they know it. Stop In & See
New Deal believe that the
increasing uptake of key soil
So, what do our elected
leaders think and what are
The NEW
carbon-beneficial conservation they witnessing as to what 2019 Ram
practices to 70 percent of U.S. measures are being introduced Trucks!
cropland could result in an and or suggested at the
increase soil carbon sink of over legislative level in Des Moines “Proudly
27 million metric tons of carbon and in Washington? Serving
dioxide equivalent per year by Representative Anne Northeast
2050; this represents half of the Osmundson (Iowa House Iowa for
current agricultural emissions. District 56) when asked for a www.torkelsonmotors.com 93 Years.”
International calculating in comment replied: “I have heard
global emissions as published a little of the New Green Deal
by the journal Nature Climate Initiative and what I’ve heard
Change estimates that 38.2 sounds completely unrealistic.

• 100% fossil free
transportation by 2050
• 50% cut in methane leakage
by 2025 including a dramatic
decrease in the number of
cattle found on the farm and on
ranches. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez
has publicly shown her disdain
for “factory farms” and believes
much of the problem of cattle
and methane release is directly
correlated with factory farms.
Methane is a greenhouse gas
that is 28-36 times more potent
than carbon dioxide and is
the second largest industrial
source of climate pollution from
the gas and oil industry.
billion tons of carbon dioxide is
released into the atmosphere
by man.
It is not hard to imagine that
the farming industry and way of
life will do a 180-degree about
face as all past acceptable
farming practices will either
be tweaked or all together
abandoned. A number of
farmers are alarmed by what
Stop In & Visit With Us About
Your Spring Planting Needs!
Early pay
&
discounts rams
ro g
booking pble!
availa
Sweeney Homes
If some of the ideas that have
been floated by its proponents
would be enacted, it would
be a disaster for Iowans and Waukon, IA
our economy. It would end
agriculture as we know it, which
is one of the biggest drivers of
the state’s economy.”
Fire
Continued on page 16
TRUSS HOOP BUILDINGS
Ideal for... Grain & Hay
Storage, Equipment Storage,
Cattle Feeding & Dairy
SIZES VARY
26’ TO 132’
WIDE
• Liquid & Dry Fertilizer
• Custom Application COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION,
FROM START TO FINISH!
• Dekalb & Asgrow Seeds

Sweeney Homes
BRIAN SWEENEY 24 YEARS OF BUILDING EXPERIENCE
With the discussion earlier on
Locally 560 Rossville Rd.
how farmers will be affected by Owned & Waukon
climate change and proposed Operated email: sweeneyhomes@mail.com 563-419-1255
legislation, there are a number New Albin, IA • 563-544-4242 • 888-544-8526
of goals and requirements
within the Green New Deal. The

Thanks Farmers! Proud to Serve the

bill plans to expand sustainable
farming and soil practices to
30% of agricultural land by

Ag Community
2030 and 70% by 2050. The
proponents of the plan have For All Your Pressure Washing Needs
stated that a thriving agricultural
sector relies upon healthy soil. Contact Capco Products We can help you with your projects!
Healthy soil supports carbon We service & repair all American
sequestration, flood protection, made pressure washers
• Farm Drainage • Septic Systems
reduced erosion, and pest and & Terraces • Trenching
plant disease control.
40+ Years of
• Dozer & Backhoe • Outdoor Plumbing
They continue by pointing
Sales & Servic
e Excavation • Trucking
out that beyond the field, the
excess use of pesticides and
(Demolition & • Rock Delivery
New Construction)
fertilizers affect soil and water
quality, leading to such effects
as deadly hypoxia and harmful
algae blooms in the Gulf of
Mexico and the Chesapeake
Bay. It also diminishes property
values and recreational uses
Capco Products
of nearby waters, costing the 800-634-4785 420 Big Foot Rd., Monona, IA
United States at least 2.2 billion capcoproducts.com
 NASCAR Cars & Trucks!
Page 16
Lites & Small Trees
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Tractor Radios, Sentry Safes,
Step Ladders,
Bird Feeders,
Oster Animal Clippers,
Booster Cables,
Tool Boxes, Drill Press,
Thank You Farmers
Bunn and West Bend
Coffee Makers,
Chicago Cutlery Knives,
Electric Knives, Can Openers and
563-568-4170
GIFT CERTIFICATES!
JACK SWEENEY, BROKER
Winter Clothing
StacieLadies
Cooper, Sweatshirts
Licensed in IA & MN
John Sweeney, and
Bonnie Sweeney, Broker Associates/Agents
Snow
Steve Evanson, Agent
Gloves and Stocking Caps, Carhartt, Key,
www.sweeneyrealestate.com
Wrangler, Wigwam & Five Brothers
Snow Shovels, Ice Scrapers, Ice Melt
The store where the quality is higher than the price.
VILLAGE
AND
SUPPLY STORE
WAUKON, IA • 563-568-4577
Sweeney Auction Service
Jeff L. Sweeney, Auctioneer - 568-2464
For All Kinds Of Sales
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE
PEOPLE OF AGRICULTURE
See Us for All Your
BUILDING AND REMODELING NEEDS
P New Homes P Interior P Hidden Fasteners
P Pole Sheds Millwork P Steel Roofing
P Windows P Decks P And Much
P Doors P Shingles More
WEST SIDE
WAUKON LUMBER, INC.
1105 West Main St., Waukon, IA • 563-568-6396
March 14, 2019
Fire
Continued from page 15
She observed that the
climate change legislation
is a predominately federal
issue and is not aware of any
legislation at the State Capitol.
Osmundson has witnessed
that the State is always looking
for ways to protect its natural
resources and the environment.
Boots,
She points to the major water
quality bill last session that will
pump millions of dollars into
projects across the state. She
stated that she is a supporter of
the balance between protecting
our resources and not harming
We
our ag community.
salute Congresswoman Abby
the Ag Finkenauer (IA-District 1) was
Industry asked to reply to the ongoing
& are
controversial legislative
proposal in Washington. Her
proud to
be a part
statement to this writer is
as follows: “Climate change
is real and one of the most
of it!
significant issues facing our
NEW!
Blac
Creosote kPosts
ON SALE!
Home Owned &
Operated
by Stilwell
Family Since 1957
March 13, 2019
world today. It’s been a priority
since I was elected in the Iowa
number of different venues and
that has to be disconcerting
State House, where I was for the guy or gal tending to
an advocate for job creating business on the farm. With
energy industries like solar struggles with the weather,
and wind, and one that I am
continuing to focus on through
the high cost of operations, a
volatile market, and a future
my work on the Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee in
that displays more troubles
down the road, a large number
Congress. There, I’m focused of farmers are uneasy about the
on making sure we repair direction their occupation might
and rebuild our infrastructure be headed. The majority of
in a way that reduces its
carbon footprint, makes our
farmers are good stewards and
will continue to do a positive job
communities more resilient to if given the opportunity.
severe weather, and creates What is happening on
good-paying jobs building a the national scene and in
smarter transportation system. I Washington gives no comfort
look forward to enacting tangible to these citizens of the land.
policies that will keep Iowa at The debate over fire or ice
the forefront of innovation, and deals is more than a climate
make our communities, our change issue but will possibly
environment and our economy
more resilient.”
change the course of how our
land is tilled and how our food
The Green New Deal has is grown. The next couple of
tremendous support from a years should be interesting.
• AGRICULTURE • RESIDENTIAL
• INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL
J&D MANUFACTURING SALES
Serving Northeast Iowa
Whit’s Electric
Jesse Whittle
HARPERS FERRY, IA 563-419-8218
SPRING PLANTING SPECIALS
White 8106
! 6 ROW PLANTER
NEW
$22,900
White 9106
N EW! 6 ROW PLANTER
$24,900
NEW!
White
8222
12 ROW PLANTER
$39,900
DEE IMPLEMENT
www.deeimp.net
Waukon, IA (563) 568-4511
New Albin, IA (563) 544-4282 WHITE
Don’t Miss Customer Appreciation Days March 20 & 21!
March 13, 2019
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Nutrient Reduction
Continued from page 13
market-based solutions, and
new revenue streams to
improve water quality.
Human - outreach efforts
• Partners reported 511
outreach events focused on
water quality were held in 92
counties.
• Partners reported 45,800
participants attended an
outreach event.
Land - conservation
practice adoption
• Statewide estimates
indicate 760,000 acres of
cover crops were planted in
2017, including 330,000 acres
enrolled in government cost
share programs.
• 1.8 million acres of land were
enrolled in the Conservation
Reserve Program (CRP), about
200,000 acres more than in
2011.
• Statewide mapping of six
types of conservation practices
was completed. An analysis
of the results shows the value
of this public and private
investment in conservation
would be $6.2 billion in today’s
dollars. Additional analysis
is underway to quantify the
water quality impact of these
practices in terms of reduced
Get Extra!
Extra! Smart
Subscribe for
your family
today!
The
S
tandard
(563) 568-3431
sediment and phosphorus
loads to Iowa streams.
Water quality monitoring
and estimates
• Iowa has an extensive water
quality monitoring system in
place, including 32 more real-
time nitrate sensors deployed
by the University of Iowa’s
Hydroscience and Engineering
- IIHR than in 2016.
• At least 88 percent of Iowa’s
land drains to a location with
water quality sensors installed
and maintained mainly by the
Iowa Department of Natural
Resources, Hydroscience and
Engineering - IIHR, and the
U.S. Geological Survey.
• Surface water samples
are collected regularly at 302
locations, plus 582 edge-of-
field sites by the Iowa Soybean
Association and Agriculture’s
Clean Water Alliance.
The annual report works
SERVING THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL
COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.
We Proudly Support Our Area
Waukon Monona
563-568-3455 563-539-2001
Visit our website to see what
opportunities are waiting for you!
Page 17
March 14, 2019
towards evaluating progress We Support Our Area Farmers!
Tri-State Hay Auctions
using an updated baseline
that is consistent with the Gulf
of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force
and follows the direction of the Sweeney Investment Property
Iowa Legislature. The baseline EVERY FRIDAY 12:30 PM
looks at the 1980-1996 time SELLING ALL CLASSES OF HAY & STRAW
Sale Conducted by Frank Lonning Auction Service
period. In future reports, the
baseline period will be used 8th Ave. NW, Waukon, IA
to measure progress towards For More Info or to Consign Call 563-568-7375
water quality goals identified
by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction
Strategy.
The annual report was
compiled by the College of
Thank you area farmers
Agriculture and Life Sciences for all of your hard work!
at Iowa State University
with support from the Iowa
Department of Agriculture and
Land Stewardship and the
Rainbow Quarry LLC
Iowa Department of Natural Call for your rock product needs! Delivery Available!
Resources. A draft of the report 800 Volney Rd., Monona, IA (by Rossville)
was shared with the Iowa
Water Resources Coordinating Dan Cell: 563-380-9195 • Office 563-535-7606
Council in November and their
feedback was incorporated into
the recently finalized report.
NORTHEAST SALES
COMMISSION
IOWA Waukon, Iowa
Market Sales
EVERY THURSDAY 9:30 A.M.
Feeder Sales
EVERY 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY 10:30 A.M.
563-544-4214 or 1-888-689-1898
www.newalbinsavingsbank.com
118 Main St. NE
FOR MORE INFORMATION 563-568-4501
Gary Whittle, Mgr. 563-379-3767 • Dan Treangen 608-434-4045 • Lyle Mohwinkle 563-380-4954 • Devin Ryan 563-794-0875
New Albin, IA
We WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF
THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY!
Proudly
We
Support
Proudly
Support
Our Area
Our Area
Farmers.
Farmers.
Elkader
563-245-1230
www.ias.coop
563-586-2791 • 563-880-0532
Page 18 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
Waukon resident
Continued from page 3

COMPLETE ELECTRICAL er data from field plots; we are

testing a variety of inputs to
SERVICES determine the optimal rate for
• Agricultural • Industrial • Residential things like seed, fungicide and
Aerial Truck, Backhoe/Trenching, New or Remodel
nitrogen, so farmers get a re-
Serving Northeast Iowa turn on their investment while

Anderson
reducing environmental im-
pact.”
Magner’s successful ability
ELECTRIC SERVICE to project The Climate Corpora-
Cell 563-380-2547 • 563-535-3002 tion’s objectives can be attribut-
ed to not only her academic
achievements but to her back-
ground in growing up in rural
Allamakee County and all the
attributes that are part of the
area’s landscape. From helping
Thank you to everyone in the family members on the farm,
agriculture community for being active in 4-H and Farm
Bureau, Magner has garnered
your hard work! Waukon High School 2003 graduate Maria Magner most recently an understanding of what it is
began a career as a Science Communications Manager for to be part of farming and what
The Climate Corporation, a digital agriculture company behind farming asks of those individu-
FieldView, an application that analyzes weather, soil and images als who wish to be part of it.
to help farmers improve yields. She is pictured above taking Along with being a news pro-
photos of a research field in July 2018 as part of her work duties. ducer for KWWL-TV in Water-
loo after graduating from the

K
University of Iowa, to being a
member of ChickTech helping
Backhoe, Trenching & to foster and recruit diversity
Excavating, Septic Systems, in the tech industry, Magner’s
Water Lines & Electric diverse portfolio has propelled
NotOnsite & Offsite
responsible for accidents.
Auctions
CLERK: SweeneyAvailable
Auction Service
Time of Transfer Septic Certified her to good things at The Cli-
NE Y
SWEE
AU C T I
ON JEFF L. &AUCTIONEERS
JODI L. SWEENEY Phone 563-568-2377 mate Corporation. She has a
Sweeney or 563-568-2480 healthy balance with a rural up-

KERNDT
CE
SERVI A Family
bringing, the college degrees
Auction Service TRENCHING
Tradition
for 53 years.
necessary for her desired
SERVICE
563-568-2464 • WAUKON, IA
Website: www.sweeneyauctionservice.com goals, and employment in orga-
Email: sweeneyauction@q.com
nizations and businesses that
Tom Kerndt • 205 9th St. NW, Waukon, IA were positive in development
for future success.
Her previous development in
marketing experience in tech-
For service in a HURRY, call us, Thank you area farm families for nology and agriculture enables

you’ll quickly see why we’re No. 1 your hard work and dedication. her to daily design a presen-
tation, edit a journal article or

Working with farmers

Ask about our We carry facilitate a panel for employees
cattle

in & out of the field

complete line of animal to share research with one an-
tubs!
feed products from other. Her position as Science
We do Communications Manager
• On-the-spot tire repair or replacement BIG GAIN, custom offers her the opportunity for
• Liquid-Filling for tires
• Free inspection and evaluation program A.D.M. & KENT mixes!
clear and honest communica-
tion to help farmers build trust
• Complete line of quality
Good Year Tires
LP Servicing
the Tri-State
Area
in the products offered by The
Climate Corporation. It also il-
lustrated to employees how
their work fits into the compa-
Kent 365 Mineral ADE Wyffels & ny’s mission and highlights the

BUY 9 get 1 FREE Dairyland

Seed Dealer
opportunities of digital agricul-
ture.
How is organized informa-
In the Month of March!
tion shared with farmers? The

WAUKON TIRE CENTER WELCH Feed, Seed & LP Gas Climate Corporation analyzes

Highway 76 N. Waukon • (563) 568-4581

2121 Four Corners Rd. NE, Waukon, IA Waukon resident
563-568-6232 or 888-935-2457 Continued on page 19
March 13, 2019 Page 19

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

Waukon resident
Continued from page 18
satellite imagery, weather data,
soil type and historical yield to
make recommendations for
nitrogen application, planting
population and other important
agronomic decisions. Data is
also collected from the com-
pany’s FieldView Drive device,
which connects to compatible
farming equipment. Through
Bluetooth technology, the de-
vice enables farmers to collect
and store real-time planting
and harvesting data.
All data collected on a farm
is owned by the farmer, and
the farmer can decide to share
it with an advisor or partner.
The Climate Corporation re-
searchers use a combination of
many farm data sets when they
analyze the interdependence
that drives yields. The use of
crop performance data from re-
al-world growing conditions en-
ables the researchers to build
science-driven models for each
individual farm.
We salute the Agricultural Industry during
National Agriculture Day.
While collecting data and
building agronomic models is
not unique to The Climate Cor-
poration, Magner says they are
positioned to help farmers in a
significant way. They have ac-
cess to more than a decade of
seed genetics and work with
farmers on millions of acres
in the United States. Before
a new feature is deployed, it
goes through rigorous internal
and on-farm testing to ensure
the process is designed with
the desired innovation and ac-
curacy.
Magner feels that farm man-
agement is critical in devel-
oping accurate models and
effective recommendations.
Her company’s disease risk
research takes into account till-
age type, crop rotation and en-
vironmental risk. They will know
how some areas of a field will
respond to nitrogen better than
others, making it beneficial to
apply at different rates which
March 14, 2019
Maria Magner’s education
and work have included global
assist in conserving resources.
experiences, such as this
The Climate Corporation will 2016 venture picking coffee
collaborate with academic and beans in Nicaragua.
industry partners, like Iowa
State University, to drive inno-
vation. They not only will en-
hance the yields of each farmer
they work with but are partici-
pants in ensuring environmen-
tal sustainability. They conduct-
ed irrigation research to identify
optimal water usage and devel-
oped a project to monitor water
quality and downstream nitrate
loss.
Magner stated that her com-
pany is building partnerships
with steward-based organiza-
tions for habitat restoration,
and their app for smaller farm-
ers, FarmRise, is a resource
in developing countries. They
are expanding pre-commercial
tests for Seed Advisor, a new
predictive seed selection and
placement technology. Added
Waukon resident
Continued on page 20

Brodahl Proud Sponsor of

Veterinary Service
– Mark V. Brodahl, DVM –
NATIONAL AG DAY
Large & Small Animal Medicine • Small Animal Boarding
460 11th Ave. SW, Waukon, IA • Office (563) 568-2175

Contact us to discuss an agronomic Joel Thorson – Dorchester, Iowa

plan specifically built for your farm. 507-251-7452
adsfarm@hotmail.com
Powered by

Evan Bottorff – Lansing, Iowa

563-568-7920
www.titanprosci.com bottorffe@gmail.com
Page 20 March 13, 2019

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

March 14, 2019
Waukon resident
Continued from page 19
to this is similar research in dis-
ease and fertilizer applications.
Magner enjoys being part of
a company that is national; The
Climate Corporation is head-
quartered in San Francisco, CA
with offices in St. Louis, MO,
Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA
with several research farm fa-
40 MPH cilities. What her company has
DURABILITY MEETS SPEED to offer may also be accessed
in other parts of the world, so
40 MPH their product is international.
DURABILITY MEETS SPEED
A side-by-side should do more than take you places. That’s why the all-new Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is designed for
both hard work and long weekends. Do it all with 40 mph travel speeds, major versatility and all the comfort you need.
Experience what it feels like to cross over to MORE with a Kubota Sidekick.
Maria and her husband, Dr.
$ 0 Down, 0% Financing A.P.R.
$
500 Rory Deol, are able to reside in
for 48 Months
OR Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is designed for
the Midwest, living in St. Lou-
A side-by-side should do more than take you places. That’s why the all-new
Instant Rebate
both hard work and long weekends. Do it all with *40 mph travel speeds, major versatility and all the comfort you need.**
Experience what it feels like to cross over to MORE with a Kubota Sidekick.

is, MO and enjoying what Mid-

GARY’S
$ 0 Down, 0% Financing A.P.R.
$
500 dle America has to offer while
for 48 Months
OR
*
ComRebate
Instant e see ** still being able to be part of a

Tractor &
our newly
remodeled venture that appeals to and
parts &

Implement
excites her. She exemplifies a
showroom !
small town rural America native Roots in agriculture for Waukon native Maria Magner were
who grows up and ventures out planted early in her life. She is pictured above at a very young
727 E. Main, Waukon • 563-568-3509
*$0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of select new Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available
to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 48 monthly payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. **Customer instant
KubotaUSA.com
where she is able to contribute age on a tractor with her brother, Kerry Magner, and her father,
Jim Magner, during some fieldwork time in 1986. Magner is
rebates of $500 are available on qualifying cash or standard rate finance purchases of new Kubota RTV-XG850 equipment from participating dealers’ stock inventory. Rebate is

www.garystractor.net • email:garystractor@neitel.net
not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional financing. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 3/31/19. See us or go to KubotaUSA.com for more information. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2019

to the people she has grown up

with and who have influenced now a Science Communications Manager for The Climate
Corporation, a digital agriculture company.
*$0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of select new Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available KubotaUSA.com

her to accomplish good things.

to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 48 monthly payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. **Customer instant
rebates of $500 are available on qualifying cash or standard rate finance purchases of new Kubota RTV-XG850 equipment from participating dealers’ stock inventory. Rebate is
not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional financing. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 3/31/19. See us or go to KubotaUSA.com for more information. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2019

We are proud supporters of our local farmers!

Your Full Service you

“We’ll get !”
flowing
Solar Company
Well Service
24-Hour
LLC Service
• Well Pump Repair and Replacement • Out-Of-Water Calls
• Pressure Tank/Water Line Installation • Fountain Installation & Repair
Aaron 563-380-7893 or Keith 563-568-7814

Farm & Home

Insurance Since 1870
Solar Energy Solutions for your
Farm, Business or Residence. St ate
Blake Electric, Inc. & Fe de ra
l
specializes in providing Ta x C re dit
s
high quality turnkey Ava il a ble
!
solar electric systems
for our residential,
commercial and farm
customers. Our goal is to offer Your farm insurance needs are constantly

BLAKE
a single source for the design &
installation of solar electric projects
resulting in a more satisfying
changing. We’ve been insuring farms for decades
and know the needs of today’s farmers.
Call us today for a quote or to review your

ELECTRIC
customer experience.
current coverages.
For competitive
pricing and professional
BRINGING BRIGHT IDEAS TO LIGHT! installation
call John today! GFMutual Insurance Association
20 Spring Ave., Waukon, IA
www.BlakeElectricInc.com ◆ 563-568-3686 ◆ 563-864-3720 563-568-3148 www.gfmutual.com