(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s annual report on air emissions shows Iowa air quality has improved dramatically. Acting Air Quality Bureau Chief, Marnie Stein (stine), says the report for 2020, shows emissions of sulfur dioxide dropped more than 90 percent since 2002. And nitrogen dioxide emissions have fallen 70 percent. “The largest source of pollutants back in 2002 was electricity generating facilities and manufacturing facilities that burned coal. A lot of those have either shut down, converted to natural gas, or are relying on renewable energy now,” Stein says.

The annual report tracking six major air pollutants, is based on numbers provided by the 300 largest emission sources such as A-D-M, 3-M, Cargill, and food and ethanol producers. Smaller businesses are required to report every three years.  “For the larger facilities, we look at ones that have a big change from the previous year, either up or down in emissions. And then we select a certain number every year to do a complete, comprehensive review of,” she says.

Iowa began collecting data from large sources in 1992, and from smaller sources in 2000. Additional information on air quality in Iowa and across the country is available from the U-S E-P-A, Iowa D-N-R, and American Lung Association.

Jim Field visits with Lisa Steen Riggs about this weekend’s TivoliFest celebration in Elk Horn.  Tivoli

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(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Local Food Policy Council (CCLFPC) sees farmers markets as playing an important role in
both increasing consumption of nutritious foods and supporting local farms and food businesses. In addition to promoting the farmers markets on the CCLFP Facebook page (@CassCountyLocalFood), and through posters and news releases, this year, the Council is adding new incentive programs with the goal of drawing even more people to Cass County’s farmers markets.

Produce in the Park – New drawings for $350 in produce, weekly farm-fresh eggs, and more Farmers market shoppers will want to mark June 2 on their calendars. The CCLFPC has purchased a 20 weeks of weekly produce box from Bridgewater Farm—a $350 value—to be given away to an attendee of Produce in the Park’s opening market on June 2. Market attendees who are 18 or older can sign up for the drawing at the June 2 farmers market. The winner will receive a weekly box of eight to 12 items of fresh produce grown at Bridgewater Farm for approximately 20 weeks (the length of the Produce in the Park season). Produce in the Park will be held weekly on Thursday evenings from 4:30-6:30 PM from
June 2 to October 15 in the Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th St. Atlantic, IA 50022).

The CCLFPC is also providing funding for Produce in the Park to offer a free weekly drawing for a dozen farm-fresh eggs from Brun Ko Farm at every farmers market of the season. Market attendees ages 18+ will be eligible to enter the drawing every week of the Produce in the Park season. The CCLFPC purchased the produce boxes and eggs at the request of Produce in the Park to encourage people to visit the market and to draw attention to the range of produce and products—such as farmfresh eggs—available at the market. 

This year, the CCLFPC is also providing funding for Produce in the Park to cover the cost of technology needed to accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps). When a farmers market is certified to accept SNAP/EBT, all SNAP-qualified food products sold at the market can be purchased with a SNAP/EBT card—regardless of vendor. Produce in the Park began accepting SNAP/EBT in 2021.

Lewis Market – Free Produce Drawings, Taste Tests, and Guest Chef Samples
The CCLFPC will be providing funding to the Lewis Farmers Market for free produce giveaways, free taste tests of fresh produce, and free samples of recipes made with fresh produce. The funding makes it possible for the market to compensate vendors for their products while providing customers with the chance to try new fruits and vegetables and recipes.

All Markets – Farmers Market Coupons
For several years, the CCLFPC has sponsored “farmers market produce coupons.” These are redeemable only on produce from vendors at Cass County’s farmers markets. This year, all four farmers markets in Cass County will be accepting these coupons. Partner organizations will assist in distributing the coupons to lower-income people in Cass County.

Cass County Farmers Markets Summer 2022

Anita Farmers Market:
Location: Bandshell Park on Main Street in Anita
Time/Dates: Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 PM, June – August
Highlights: Fresh, locally grown vegetables, honey, farm-fresh eggs, Lion’s club nuts, fresh baked
goodies, popcorn, jellies, sauces, salsa, hand-crafted items, and metal yard art.
$: Some vendors accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior vouchers and WIC checks.
Some vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as “food stamps”).
Contact: (402)677-2460

Atlantic Farmers Market:
Location: Farm Bureau (1501 East 7th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022)
Time/Dates: Saturdays 9:00 AM- Noon, May 21 – End of August
Highlights: Fresh produce, honey, pollen, popcorn, farm-fresh eggs, jellies, dressings, BBQ sauces, salsa,
baked goods, soaps, lotions & more.
$: Some vendors accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior vouchers and WIC checks.
Some vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as “food stamps”).
Contact: (402)677-2460

Lewis Farmers Market:
Location: 3HO (201 1st St., Lewis, IA 51544)
Time/Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:30 PM, May 31– October 13
Highlights: Fresh produce, baked treats, crafts, and pallet wood creations.
$: Some vendors accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior vouchers and WIC checks.
Contact: (712)789)-9455

Produce in the Park:
Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W 7th St., Atlantic, IA 50022)
Time/Dates: Thursdays 4:30-6:30, June 2– October 13
Website: www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com
Highlights: Fresh, local produce, baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, honey, local meat, soaps, candles,
additional crafts and art, and weekly food truck. Live music, Guest Chef, free Samples, and activities for
young and old.
$: Some vendors accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior vouchers and WIC checks. All
qualifying food vendors at Produce in the Park accept SNAP/EBT (“food stamps”). All produce vendors at
the market both accept and distribute Double Up Food Bucks ($1 coupons for fresh produce provided
for every dollar spent on fresh produce with SNAP/EBT up to $10 per transaction).
Contact: (712) 249-5870

More About Cass County Local Food Policy Council
For more information on local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood. To learn more about the Council, contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or (712) 249-5870. The next Council meeting is July 12 at 2:00 PM at the Cass
County ISU Extension Office (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic, IA 50022). Meetings are open to the public.

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 23, 2022) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. “With near-normal conditions across Iowa last week, farmers continued to make strong planting progress while dodging scattered showers and thunderstorms. Given this favorable weather pattern, corn planting is nearing completion,” said Secretary Naig. “Iowans woke up to chilly conditions on Sunday with isolated pockets of frost in northwestern Iowa. This week, however, looks to be wet with warmer temperatures showing up in the outlooks.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Weather conditions allowed farmers to gain ground on spring planting with 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 22, 2022, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities included planting and spraying when winds allowed. Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 17 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Farmers made good progress last week with 86 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop planted, 13 days behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Forty-seven percent of the corn crop has emerged, 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind average. Sixty-nine percent of soybeans have been planted, 12 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the 5-year average. Eighteen percent of soybeans have emerged, 8 days behind last year and 4 days behind average. Ninety-six percent of the expected oat crop has been planted with 82 percent emerged, 9 days behind last year and 5 days behind the 5-year average. Four percent of the oat crop has headed, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of average. Iowa’s first oat condition rating for 2022 was 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 60 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

Five percent of the state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Hay condition improved to 71 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rose to 59 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were good with most cattle now on pastures.

(Radio Iowa) – Students at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City are working to restore a large western Iowa prairie to its original ecosystem. Students cut down black locust trees from the Sioux City Prairie. Professor David Hoferer says the trees can cause prairie grass to die and subsequently force out species that nest in the land. Hoferer says the project is a part of a growing movement to “re-wild” Iowa.

“It takes all of us working together to want to do something better for the future,” Hoferer says. “And if we all come together and work better for the future, then this little effort here will help to keep the Sioux City prairie thriving.” The 150-acre property, located next to the university, is one of the nation’s largest urban prairies. Student Zach Allen, a junior at Briar Cliff, led a group of 20 students to cut down the black locust trees, which aren’t native to Iowa. Allen says he wants to see more efforts across the state to preserve natural habitats.

Allen says, “Instead of just looking at the current benefits they can get, year over year, to start looking into the further into the future and make sure that the ecosystems in our environment is going to be sustainable for those future generations.” He says he was inspired to action by what he learned in the classroom. Prairie used to cover around 80 percent of Iowa. Now, it’s down to less than one percent.

(Kendall Crawford, Iowa Public Radio)

Jim Field visits with ISU Extension & Outreach Human Science Family Life Specialist Kimberly Cavalier about resources available through Extension that deal with mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Month.

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(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a “Movie in the Park” Campground Program this Friday night, featuring the 2021 release of Tom & Jerry. The public program will be held at the Campground Shelter at Cold Springs Park in Lewis, Friday May 27th 2022, beginning at 9-p.m. There is no charge to attend, and you do NOT have to be a registered camper to attend! Enjoy a chaotic battle ensues between Jerry Mouse, who has taken refuge in the Royal Gate Hotel, and Tom Cat, who is hired to drive him away before the day of a big wedding arrives. 

Come out for a great movie under the stars! Bring a blanket or chair, dress for the weather, and note that the show may be rescheduled for a later date, if it rains.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Stand Up Paddleboard” (SUP) Demonstration this weekend and for one weekend in June. The first public demonstration will be held Saturday May 28th, from 1-until 4-p.m, at the Cold Springs Park- Beach. There is no charge to attend or participate. SUP is the fastest growing sport in the paddling community not only across the country, but especially in land-locked areas like Iowa.

Paddle Boarding

It’s fun, healthy as a total body work-out and offers a unique perspective when it comes to being on the water. After a quick demonstration try out the boards for yourself! If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you. Children must be 16 years or older. Paddler must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. Due to Staff availability, May 28th and June 11th will be the ONLY Stand Up Paddleboard programs of the season.

Saturday May 28th:

1-p.m.- 5 spots

2:30-p.m. – 5 spots

June 11th

12:30pm- 5 Spots

1:15pm- 5 Spots

Cold Springs Park- Beach

You MUST CALL to get your spot! 712-769-2372 The CCCB staff hope you will join them! The program will be cancelled if there is unsafe weather conditions on the Lake.

(Radio Iowa) – Cold, wet weather delayed farmers from getting into the fields this spring, but Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig, says they have been quickly working to catch up. “We had a significant week of progress last week on corn and soybean planting. You know, farmers are having to dodge some rain clouds this week but I think we will once again see a significant progress change in the in the planting progress,” Niag says. “And of course, it’s great to see the sunshine because once you get the seed in the ground, of course you want it to germinate and get up and we think conditions that are conducive to that.” 

You may have seen lights in the fields late into the night this past week as farmers kept planting after dark. “With technology and the equipment that we run today you know we can run long hours folks can run overnight where they didn’t used to be able to do that,” according to Naig. “So you know when the conditions are right we can get a lot of acres covered in a pretty short time.” Niag says it’s the time of year when many farmers put in lots of hours.

Working late, working overnight and you know getting just a few hours of sleep, that’s what we’ve got this year. The late start has kind of pushed people to have to do that,” he says. The U-S-D-A reported a 43-percent increase in corn planting last week and a 27 percent increase in bean planting. The numbers for this week will be released Monday.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board held a 120 Hours Outdoor Challenge all year long in 2021. The program ran from January 1, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022. During that time frame, Cass County residents were encouraged to get out and explore the natural features the county has to offer, and more. People were encouraged everyone to explore Nature by hiking, birding, walking, but also through meditation or sitting in spots outside, because, they say, “Everything you do outside counts!” Studies that show the benefits to spending around 2-to 3-hours outside per week include lower stress levels, decreased blood pressure, and a boost to your mental health.

Individuals who reached milestones of 30, 60, 90, and/or 120 hours were entered into drawings for prizes over the course of the year. In order to be entered for prizes, a photo of your tracker were due on the check-in dates of May 1, September 1, and Jan 1, 2022. All three check-ins must be completed for the grand prize! Naturalist Lora Kanning says they were excited to see everyone check in and complete the challenge. She says there were more than 30 children participating in the Challenge, so there were separate prizes for them.

(Pictured Emily K accepting for Zac, and Clara K. on the right) Courtesy Lora Kanning

Kanning says “Emma B. was our first winner, reaching our May check-in. Michelle A. was our September check-in. Debbie S. was our 60 hour check-in winner. The children’s drawing winner was Jacob R.” The final listed of winners who completed the Challenge include: The Childrens – Will K. They also drew three prizes with all of the participants who completed the challenge: Monica B., Kelly M., Clara K.

Kanning says “Our grand prize winner of $200 in outdoor gear donated by Nishna Valley YMCA, was Zac K. Cass County Conservation Board would like to thank our partners who donated to the challenge: Nishna Valley YMCA, Brown’s Shoe Fit Atlantic, Jazzersize Atlantic, Anita Wellness Center, and the Bike Farm.