Business

Farmers can estimate the cost of producing various crops in 2024 by using data published in the January edition of Ag Decision Maker.The article “Estimated Costs of Crop Production” includes average production costs for corn, corn silage, soybeans, alfalfa and pasture maintenance. Decision tools are also available that allow farmers to enter their own numbers, so they can estimate production costs on their own farm.

Vinton is getting ready to welcome a brand new business to downtown Vinton. H2 Pizza announced, "The rumors are true…H² Pizza is coming to downtown Vinton!What is H² Pizza? The idea of H² Pizza came from our passion for good pizza with a cold drink. From there we set out for the best recipe with a remarkable location. Our ingredients and recipe will be based on a Vinton hometown favorite, The ORIGINAL Jolly Roger’s Pizza recipe! We are now located in a building that has a great view and is in the process of getting newly renovated.

Vinton Parks and Recreation Department is taking applications for their 2024 summer season. All positions are part-time and may require certifications. Deadline to apply: February 22.

Trinity Lutheran Church is now accepting applications for their TLC Preschool. Offering a quality education with a Christian foundation, the preschool has openings for 3 and 4 year old. 3 year old preschool is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11:30 for $85 per month.4 year old preschool is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-11:30 and $95 per month.

Two cost-free days of learning and engaging with other farm couplesFarm couples who are looking for a chance to review their goals while learning and relaxing in a scenic part of the state should consider attending the Farm Couple Getaway, Feb. 16-17 in northeast Iowa.This no-cost event is organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, with support from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and ISU Extension and Outreach Winneshiek County.

By Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig2023 marked 100 years since the Iowa Legislature created the position of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. In that time, fifteen different Iowans have had the opportunity to lead the talented team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Though much has changed since 1923, one thing has remained consistent: a commitment to serving Iowans and promoting our state's thriving agriculture.

Women who are involved with the care of dairy and beef cattle can sharpen their skills during Boots in the Barn sessions this winter.Eight sessions are being offered in northeast Iowa, covering topics like vaccines, calf health, forage and feed management, farm transitions and much more.Past participants credit the program for helping them gain a better understanding of vaccines and animal care – while learning in an environment of all women.

Farmers who planted fall cover crops can apply for $5 per acre discount on crop insurance premiumsIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today reminded farmers and landowners who planted cover crops this past fall to apply for the state’s Crop Insurance Discount Program ahead of the Friday, January 26 deadline.Eligible Iowans can receive a $5 per acre discount on spring crop insurance premiums.

Experts discuss the process of developing hardiness map for 2023A newly updated version of the Plant Zone Hardiness Map, a key resource that informs the planting decisions of gardeners and growers across the country, was recently released by the United States Department of Agriculture. The new map provides a more precise picture of the average annual minimum temperature conditions across the state thanks to GIS technology.