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(Atlantic, Iowa) – Last month, Cass County adopted a Recreational Trails Plan that serves as a guide to expanding recreational opportunities for residents of southwest Iowa. Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), say on an often-overlooked piece of rural infrastructure, bicyclists come into view as they traverse the abandoned rail route that runs between Atlantic and Audubon. Seeing cyclists here is commonplace now—but it didn’t happen by accident. And, according to Nishna Valley Trails President Dave Chase, “The increased relevance of trail networks is a longstanding project, with a goal of connecting folks to nature and giving them more recreational opportunities right here at home.”
Nishna Valley Trail is a nonprofit organization that engages in advocacy of the development of recreational trails, including promoting development of the T-Bone Trail that will connect Atlantic and Cass County to national and state networks of recreational throughways. Chase says also, “It’s hard to understate how the development of these trails brings people together and makes our communities more desirable,” and, “With any desire to expand recreational opportunities comes the need for money,” he says.
With the influx of federal dollars via COVID-19 relief and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the potential for increased investment energizes conversations about the way forward for communities seeking to boost safe outdoor recreation. Last month, with the help of SWIPCO planning professionals, Cass County adopted its 2022 Recreational Trails Plan, a document that lays out plans for trails across the county and in each community—including multi-use pedestrian and bike trails (both paved and un-paved), as well as water trails and equestrian trails. The trail plan provides important context for individuals, government entities, and non-governmental organizations who have an interest in outdoor recreation and non-motorized transportation in the region. 
No financial obligations for Cass County are attached to the plan—but the document itself is a crucial piece of a funding puzzle when it comes to state and federal grant opportunities. SWIPCO Planning Technician Dani Briggs says “While this document is largely non-binding and serves as a framework, many grants for trails and recreational development require counties to have an updated trail plan.” Briggs and SWIPCO worked to develop the plan with community stakeholders. She says “The Recreational Trails Plan lets folks know where your community wants to go as they decide whether to fund your proposed projects.” Briggs also notes that the group tasked with writing the Recreational Trails Plan solicited community input in an outdoor recreation survey of Cass County residents, which showed recreational trails among the top-desired amenities by respondents.
Stakeholders involved in the plan’s creation include municipal and county leaders, Cass County Iowa State University Extension, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Cass County Conservation, Healthy Cass County, Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Nishna Valley Trails, and community members who are committed to the development of recreational trails in the region. Over many months, they worked together to identify strengths and opportunities inherent in recreational trail development, seeking community input and, finally, approval from Cass County supervisors—who adopted the plan unanimously. Dave Chase says “This is really a project aimed at bringing people together in a way that’s fair, equitable, and accessible to anyone who wants to experience all of Cass County and southwest Iowa. That’s what it’s all about—taking this wonderful place and making it an even more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The complete 2022 Cass County Recreational Trails Plan can be found at the Cass County Conservation Office website (https://www.casscountyia.gov/county-departments/conservation-office/) under the Parks/Wildlife Information tab. Printed copies of the trails plan can be found at the Cass County Extension Office (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic, IA 50022), at the public library in Atlantic (407 Poplar St. Atlantic, IA 50022), and at City Hall in Massena (100 Main St. Massena, IA 50853).
(Radio Iowa) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is researching vaccines that could protect pigs against a deadly viral disease. African Swine Fever hasn’t been found in America, but was detected last year in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. No commercial vaccine is available. During a recent visit to Iowa, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said there’s progress on a potential vaccine for pigs. “We actually have five or six vaccines that we’re working on, one of which is currently under some test trials in Vietnam, and at least the initial round of tests are very, very positive,” Vilsack says, “so the hope is we eventually get to a point where we develop those vaccines.”
Vilsack says the U.S.D.A. hopes to open a facility in Manhattan, Kansas in 2024 where it can research and develop animal vaccines. Vilsack says the agency has been doing a lot of this work in New York, but that would move to the lab in Kansas, which could open in 2024. “That’s a lab that’s, from a biosafety perspective, really tight,” he says, “so we’ll be able to do a little bit more accelerated work on vaccines.”
Vilsack says the agency will study animal diseases that could come from another country and animal diseases that could infect humans.
(reporting by Katie Peikes, Iowa Public Radio)
The Cass County Conservation Board will hold a National Trails Day T-Bone Trail Ride, on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Program participants will meet at the I-80/T-Bone Trail Trailhead, North of Atlantic, beginning at 1-p.m. There is no charges. Bike, walk, strollers…everyone is welcome! Come out and celebrate National Trails Day! All ages/abilities welcome and Free!
The event will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.
AMES, Iowa – The latest version of Iowa State University’s Research and Demonstration Farms summary reports are now available online and in print. Nine farm reports are available, with a new look that includes larger headings, expanded tables and color photography. “I think the public will be excited by the new look, but they will also appreciate the fact that the reports contain the same data and the same information people are used to, just in a modernized package,” said Tim Goode, director of research and demonstration farms at Iowa State.
The reports date back to the early 1930s and were part of the agreement made with farmers and Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, when the first research farm was established in north central Iowa. “Part of the agreement was that we would publish site-specific research from each area, and that is what these publications do,” said Goode. “The reports provide replicated, unbiased, site-specific research that is published annually.” 
The reports can be downloaded from the Iowa State Extension Store and are also available at research farm field days and association meetings. They contain summary articles about crop and livestock research, including row crops, small grains, forages, specialty crops and other research being conducted across the state. The information is used by farmers, seed companies, veterinarians and nutritionists – essentially anyone who is involved with agriculture. Specialists with Iowa State conduct research at the farms year-round, with field days held during the spring, summer and fall. About 20,000 people visit the farms each year, including school-age youth. More than 130 Iowa State faculty members use the farms for teaching, research and extension.
Goode said the COVID pandemic presented some unique challenges for the farm, and during 2020, most outreach was done remotely. However, the research continued mostly as usual, with the same results delivered each year since the pandemic. He said he’s looking forward to the in-person field days and educational events this year, and collecting data that will be included in next year’s reports. “Another season is already starting and as data is compiled throughout the year, we’ll be ready to publish yet another research farm report,” said Goode.
The following 2021 farm reports are available:
ATLANTIC, IA – If a free concert by Jason Reed, a free bounce house for kids, and a free drawing for over 20 weeks’ worth of produce isn’t enough to convince folks to visit Produce in the Park in Atlantic on Thursday, June 2nd, a lineup of over 20 vendors might be. Market Manager Brigham Hoegh said products expected at the June 2nd farmers market include fresh produce, meats, honey, eggs, popcorn, lemonade, pastries, desserts, pizza, jewelry, soaps, candles, plants for home gardens, and more. Hoegh says while vendor numbers are expected to remain higher than recent years throughout the season, almost all vendors are expected to visit the park on opening night.
Dale Raasch (right) of Bridgewater Farm with his son, Tyler (left). Bridgewater Farm is one of over 20 vendors participating in Produce in the Park this summer
Expected June 2 Vendors and Products
Atlantic Atlas Cinema – Popcorn, lemonade, and more
Brun Ko Farm – Spinach, microgreens, kale, granola, beef, pork, and lamb
Bridgewater Farm – Certified organic produce including asparagus, lettuces, green onions, potatoes,
swiss chard and more, eggs, beef, pork, and chicken
DezaRae Farm Soaps – Goat milk soaps, lotions, and creams
Donna’s Jewelry – Jewelry, magnets, and more
Dragonfly Creations – Coasters, magnets, candles and tarts, soaps, beard oil, car freshies
Duane’s Creations – Jams and clocks
Frosting, Inc. – Cupcakes and cookies
Harrisdale Farmstead – Asparagus and rhubarb
Johnna Joy Designs – Jewelry and art
Hungry Spartan Pizza Food Truck
Kringleman Pastries – Danish Kringle, pastries, cinnamon rolls, and desserts
Midwest Candles by Brit – Candles and wax melts
Matilda Dawn Creations – Greeting cards and wall-sized Scrabble tiles
Molly’s Crafts – Squirrel feeders
Noble Provisions – Beef and pork
Piper’s Brae Farm – Aronia berries and products, eggs, honey
Rolling Acres Farm – Plants for your home garden
Smudge – Soaps, candles, bath bombs, and more
Sue’s Country Garden – Plants for your home garden, jams, and more
Ter-Bear Honey – Honey
Tracie Lobstein – Sewn and embroidered aprons, totes, clothing, and more
Produce in the Park June 2:
Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022)
Free Live Music: Jason Reed
Food Truck: Hungry Spartan Pizza
Can’t Miss: Free drawing for 20 weeks of produce boxes from Bridgewater Farm (a $350 value!). All visitors to the park on June 2 age 18 and older are eligible to enter. (Sponsored by the Cass County Local Food Policy Council.)
Fun for Kids: Bounce house and more activities by Nishna Valley Family YMCA.
Self-Care Summer visiting organization: Atlantic Public Library
Visiting organizations: Master Gardeners and Cass County Grow Another Row
Payment methods accepted: All vendors accept cash. Many accept credit card and Venmo. All qualifying food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps). All fresh produce vendors both accept and distribute Double Up Food Bucks (coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce).
Produce in the Park June 2022 farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Cass County Tourism, Cass Health, First Whitney Bank and Trust, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and Deter Motor Co. For updates on Produce in the Park, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/), or visit the Produce in the Park website to sign up for the e-newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.
(Greenfield, Iowa) – The southwest Region of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Assocation’s “BeefMeet” is set to take place Tuesday, June 7th, in Greenfield. The event will be held beginning at 5-p.m., at the Adair County 4-H & FFA Building. Officials say the event will include education on policy and production, industry updates, a tradeshow, and a meal. Not only will you learn about topics affecting your beef business, but it’s a great opportunity to voice your concerns and work towards solutions with ICA staff and leaders.
The event is free to ICA members and $25 for non members. (See below for registration information). Follow along for program details by selecting “Interested” or “Going” on the ICA’s SW Region BeefMeet Facebook event. 
Tentative Agenda:
John Hinners
Register today by filling out the Google Form, or calling into the Iowa Cattle Industry Headquarters at 515-296-2266. If you have questions for the keynote speaker, please them in the registration form.
(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board will hold a youth fishing derby at Cold Springs Park near Lewis, on June 11th 2022. The event is open to the first 50 youths age 15 and under to register for the event. Check-in will run from 8:15am to 8:45am with the derby starting at 9:00am and running till 10:30 am.
Prizes will be awarded for the most total weight, heaviest single fish, longest single fish and shortest single fish. There will also be a raffle following fishing. The Conservation board with have some live bait for use and a limited number of fishing poles for use as well. 
The Board and Conservation Dept. staff want too thank all those that donated items for the event: Weirich Welding for the trophies, and Cappel’s Ace Hardware for prizes. To register or for further details please contact Micah Lee with the Cass County Conservation Board at 712-769-2372.
(Iowa DNR News) – The calls have been coming in to Iowa DNR field offices and conservation officers for the past few weeks and will only increase as the first few weeks of June marks the peak of the deer fawning season. Callers report finding an “abandoned” fawn in an unusual place, like a flowerbed or small patch of cover. The DNR says “Rest assured this is normal deer behavior.”
“The doe searches out an isolated location where she feels safe and on occasion those places are not what we may think of as ideal. She chose that location because it made sense to her,” said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa DNR. “The worst thing someone can do is to ‘rescue’ the fawn. Mom is likely nearby and watching you. Leave it be or if you did handle the fawn, return it to where you found it and walk away.”
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will not be rehabbing or co-mingling fawns with other deer to avoid the potential of spreading chronic wasting disease – or other disease – to new areas. The spindly legged newborn fawn is designed with a few survival tools built in –its spots are cryptic camouflage that emulates the sunlight spots on the leaf litter on the forest floor and its lack of movement the first two weeks helps to reduce scent patterns. This combination is its best chance at survival until it is able to follow the doe. After the fawns are born, the doe will return to fairly normal behavior – sleeping, feeding – but returning to nurse and care for the fawn.
The fawning season also coincides with an increase in deer vehicle collisions. “There is a lot of movement this time of year that is part of the social structure of deer. The doe is on the move looking for the safe isolated place to have the fawns. In addition last year’s fawns – teenagers now – are starting to venture out to find new space. These yearlings have to make their own decisions for the first time, encounter other adult deer and build new social structures,” Coffey said. “This movement behavior can occur during all times of the day. Once it settles out, the active time will return to dawn and dusk.”
Drivers are reminded to drive defensively, avoid distractions, and slow down and not to veer for deer. If they hit a deer, drivers can get a salvage tag by calling either the local conservation officer or local law enforcement. There is no fee for a salvage tag it does require that the entire deer is taken.
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