Business

Sessions help farmers and custom tile installers polish their field drainage skillsAMES, Iowa - Field tile drainage is a critical component of Iowa agriculture - making fields more accessible and reducing the amount of surface runoff and waterlogging that would otherwise occur.Nearly one-third of Iowa farmland is currently tiled. But an ongoing challenge is replacing old tile systems and installing new tile where none exists.

Farms across the Midwest are seeing the benefits of adopting even just the first four of the five soil health principles: armoring the soil, minimizing disturbance, increasing plant diversity, and keeping soil covered.  But what about going beyond no-till and cover crops? Come see the fifth soil health principle, “integrating livestock,” in practice at Match Made in Heaven field days in six states this summer.

By Brooklyn DraisryAs avian influenza is being detected in more and more dairy herds across the U.S., Iowa State University researchers have found a possible “why” connection to the virus being found in raw milk.A study published this month by a team in ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine found that bovine mammary gland tissue held receptors for the avian influenza virus, offering a potential explanation for how cattle are being infected.

Webinar will feature veterinarians with the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa StateThe I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Thursday, July 25, from noon to 1 p.m. The focus will be on measures to prevent the introduction and spread of two diseases of current concern in the dairy industry – highly pathogenic avian influenza and foot and mouth disease.

Dairy goat industry can learn more about animal health, milk quality and antimicrobial stewardshipAMES, Iowa – A collaborative website between Iowa State University and the University of California-Davis has been created to educate dairy goat producers and veterinarians about the science behind producing high-quality goat milk.The Dairy Goat Extension and Education website provides modules and templates for health and reproductive records, with the goal of providing resources that will launch the American dairy goat industry forward in the areas of animal and udder health, milk quality and antimicrobial stewardship.

Free, searchable online listing connects Iowa sellers with in-state and out-of-state buyers Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowans to take advantage of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s free, searchable online directory for hay and straw. This resource aims to facilitate connections between Iowa farmers looking to sell hay or straw and potential buyers interested in purchasing these products.

Urbana Clinic will be open until 3pm on Friday, July 5thAtkins, Van Horne and Vinton Family Medical Clinics will have normal hours on July 5th.Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Independence Day!

Do you know someone who deserves to be considered for the Iowa Master Farmer Award? Nominate them. Nominations for the 2025 Award are due September 13, 2024.Maybe it’s your parents, a sibling, your neighbors, a friend or a colleague. Perhaps its someone you’ve served with on a board, or someone you’ve long looked up to. Candidates may also nominate themselves.

 Fareway Stores, Inc. is partnering with Variety - the Children’s Charity to conduct the eighth annual Round Up at the register from July 1-20 at all 139 store locations. Customers will have the opportunity to round up to the next dollar or provide an additional donation on their grocery bill to help fund Variety’s mission. Dollars raised through the Round Up will provide mobility equipment to children living with special needs, as well as fund and deliver effective programs and grants to care for children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs.