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(Radio Iowa) – Farmers made a lot of progress planting corn and beans last week. The U-S-D-A report says the amount of corn planted reached 39 percent complete — up from 13 percent the week before. That is four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average.
Two percent of the expected corn crop has emerged. Twenty-five percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted — up from just eight percent last week. The bean planting is now four days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic FFA Reporter Maddy Anderson says Mia Kloewer with the Atlantic FFA Chapter, was the first place winner in the area of Specialty Animal Production, sponsored through the Iowa FFA Foundation Gold Standard Partners, Mia Kloewer is part of the Atlantic FFA chapter. Mia worked in the school’s greenhouse caring for the fish and plants. Upon graduation, Mia would like to open her own greenhouse.
Mia began her Supervised Agricultural Experience project while participating in Horticulture at AHS. “During a class field trip, my interest peaked in plant science and greenhouses because once I walked into the greenhouse that we went to I knew that is what I wanted to do with my life outside high school”, said Kloewer. As part of Mia’s SAE program she began her project in the horticulture class and one of her responsibilities was to take care of the fish in the high school greenhouse. As the semester ended, Mia would also take responsibility to begin taking care of the fish on weekends. That duty transitioned to being part of the team of students that took care of the fish during the summer.
While Mia, responsibility in the greenhouse increased as the summer continued. She began with just feeding the fish to learning how to cleaning the tank and filters. While Mia was taking care of the fish, she also would help water the plants in the greenhouse. Mia said, “I always knew I wanted a career in Agriculture, taking care of fish has helped me explore this career choice because ever since I took horticulture class. This experience has taught me that I wanted to be more involved in the plants and agronomy side of things and less involved in the livestock side of things.”
Anderson says 100% of FFA members have proficiencies as part of the agricultural program and the FFA. These proficiencies range in the areas of Agricultural Communications to Service Learning and from Diversified Agricultural Production to Swine Production. Proficiency Award winners have excelled in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Programs. These awards encourage members to develop specialized skills that will apply toward a future career. State winners will advance to the National FFA competition where they will compete against winners from the other State FFA Associations.
The four national finalists that are selected from each area will be recognized at the National FFA Convention and Expo in October. The Iowa FFA Proficiency Awards program is possible with support from the many partners of the Iowa FFA Foundation. The specific partner for each area is identified in our summary of results. Listed below are the results from the 2024 Iowa Proficiency Awards program.
Wyatt Simons began his SAE project working for Van Wall John Deere in Adair. Simons works side-by-side with current agriculture technicians, helping them with their projects to get them done in a more timely fashion. “This is to build my own experiences and ensure that I understand the basics of being a technician before furthering my education with the company. I work on everything agricultural-wise”, said Simons. This includes but is not limited to tractors, combines, forage harvesters, lawn mowers, lawn tractors, planters, sprayers, manure spreaders, skid loaders, etc. Simons will attend school next fall in the John Deere Tech program. Van Wall will continue to employ Simons and pay for most of his education. In the next two years, Simons will attend school for a few months and then return to Adair to receive hands-on educational experience. “In essence, my role is a hands-on contribution to the agricultural economy, ensuring farmers have the tools for continued production, and my skills support prosperity and the economic system,” said Simons.
Left to Right
Parker Brock, Colton Rudy, Callee Pellett, Claire Pellett, Charli Goff, Colton Becker, Wyatt Simon. Missing Roth Den Beste.
(Radio Iowa) – We’re more than a month into spring and the experts say Iowans who are itching to get on the open water with their kayaks and canoes may want to wait a little longer for safety’s sake. Iowa D-N-R conservation officer Nate Carr says with rain expected today (Friday) and through much of the weekend, water levels will likely rise. “It does help with having to get out and push or pull your boat from time to time, but it also creates more hazards,” Carr says. “The quicker that water is moving, as you encounter different deadfalls and trees that have fallen in the water — creating strainers, that can be a hazard and something you have to be cognizant of.” While we’ve had some warm days in recent weeks, there were also many chilly nights and this spring weather pattern is keeping our lakes and streams on the frigid side.
“Water temperatures are still fairly cold,” Carr says, “which can make someone who’s a very confident swimmer into someone who does struggle in the water.” The D-N-R says when the temperature of the water is 60 degrees or below, you are automatically at risk for hypothermia if you become wet. Folks in kayaks and canoes need to wear the right gear, know how to read a river, and be fully prepared for immersion. “We certainly encourage people to wear life jackets anytime you’re in a boat, including canoeing, kayaking,” Carr says. “It may be ankle- or knee-deep throughout large stretches of the river, but there are holes throughout the river that can be over your head.” 
Large bodies of water take time to warm up, so it may be a few more weeks before it’s safe for lesser experienced paddlers to load up their boats. In addition to life jackets, the D-N-R says let a friend or loved one know where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and bring a dry bag with extra clothing to change into should you get wet.
(Des Moines, Iowa; Iowa Capital Dispatch) – In a split vote, the Iowa Utilities Board has declined to solicit more evidence before it decides whether to issue a pipeline permit to Summit Carbon Solutions, according to a Thursday board order.
In recent months, the company has more than doubled the number of ethanol producers to which its system would connect and added 340 miles of pipe — a roughly 50% increase. It indicated in March it would file 14 new permit requests for that expansion with the IUB while its initial permit application was still pending.
The IUB is poised to make a decision for the first permit, and pipeline opponents seized on the expansion to make an 11th-hour bid to delay the decision. The Sierra Club of Iowa argued that the evidentiary record should be reopened and the permit applications consolidated, which would potentially elongate the process for many months.
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation did not ask for a consolidation but sought to reopen the record to determine how the expansion will affect the initial proposal. Board member Joshua Byrnes agreed with the Farm Bureau: “The board should demand that the route for a project of this size and magnitude be the product of comprehensive planning to ensure the final route is the most efficient to accomplish the project’s objectives and to minimize the impact on Iowa landowners.”
Some have suggested that the initial route and expansion plans could be revamped to reduce the total miles of pipeline. Sweeping changes could significantly delay the project’s approval. “Because the company voluntarily chose to open the door to the expanded ethanol plant partners, I believe it is fair to at least ask about the potential impact the additional trunk and lateral pipelines may have on the proposed pipeline,” Byrnes wrote in his dissent Thursday.
Summit objected to the requests, in part, because of the potential delays to its initial permit process that has been ongoing for more than two years. The company said its requests for separate permits for the extensions fit with board procedure despite the fact the board has yet to rule on the initial permit, and that it could seek to amend the conditions of the initial permit if needed to accommodate the extensions.
The two other IUB members — Erik Helland and Sarah Martz — overruled Byrnes and agreed with Summit about reopening the record. Their decision about the initial permit request “will be based upon the evidence already presented,” Helland and Martz wrote. All three board members denied the request to consolidate the permit applications.
Summit’s initial proposal includes about 690 miles of pipe that would connect to a dozen ethanol plants and transport their captured carbon dioxide to North Dakota for underground storage. The project has been delayed by setbacks in the Dakotas, where Summit’s first proposals were rejected by state regulators.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – Celebrate Trails Day, this Saturday, April 27th, in Cass County. Spring is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy trails–biking, walking, or running. The
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is hosting Celebrate Trails Day, an annual celebration that encourages people to enjoy the nation’s trails. Cass County is home to multiple walking and biking trails. Some of the most popular trails in Cass County include: the four-mile paved trail circling Lake Anita State Park, paved and grass trails at Cold Spring Park near Lewis, and the paved and gravel trail system north of Atlantic connecting the Schildberg Recreation Area and the Little League ball diamonds and AMU wellfields.
A map of Cass County trails, including information on trail type, ADA accessibility, and restrooms, can be found at https://www.atlanticiowa.com/experience/cass-county-trails-map-2/.
Printed copies of the Cass County Trails Map can be picked up at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022).
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 whose mission is to build a nation connected by trails. One of the organization’s flagship initiatives is the Great
American Rail Trail. The Great American Rail Trail is designed to be the nation’s first cross-country multi-use trail for biking, hiking, and more. While the trail is still under construction, the preferred route of the Great American Rail Trail goes through Cass County and Atlantic.
Atlantic is the only town on this year’s RAGBRAI route that is also on the preferred Great American Rail Trail route. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will have a team of cyclists participating in RAGBRAI who will recognize Atlantic’s part in this cross-country trail. For more information on the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Celebrate Trails Day, and the Great American Rail Trail, visit www.railstotrails.org or contact Nishna Valley Trails President Dave Chase at 712-249-3059.
Nishna Valley Trails is a tax-exempt local nonprofit that promotes the development of recreational trails and cycling. People who support these causes are welcome to join the group. For more information on Nishna Valley Trails or to join the organization, contact President Dave Chase at barbdavechase@gmail.com or 712-249-3059. Nishna Valley Trails is partnering with Cass County Conservation and other area organizations to host a local trails celebration event on June 1. The event will include organized bike rides, food, and entertainment. Details to come.
(Story by Atlantic FFA Reporter Maddy Anderson) -The Atlantic FFA Banquet was held on Sunday, March 24th at the Atlantic High School. There were 165 members and guests were present at the event. The banquet started with the opening ceremonies, led by the 2023-2024 chapter officers. This year the officers include President Colton Rudy, Vice President Lola Comes, Secretary Claire Pellet, Treasurer Roth Den Beste, Reporter Lily Johnson, Sentinel Wyatt Simon, and Student Advisor Charli Goff. 2023-24 Chapter President Colton Rudy said, “As FFA President, it was a memorable year leading the chapter with new record numbers and fruit sales. I hope I encouraged the younger members to become involved in our Chapter and strive to become future leaders in the Chapter and the industry.”
The opening ceremony was followed by a welcome to members and guests, and was given by President Colton Rudy. A reflection was then said by Claire Pellett. Following that, dinner was held for members and guests. Wiota Steakhouse provided the pulled pork and the sides for the FFA members and guests. At the conclusion of dinner, two guest speakers spoke to the audience. The first was Chuck Rudy, the Father of FFA President Colton Rudy. Mr. Rudy talked about how FFA is a great program and how it can impact your future greatly if you put in the effort. The next speaker was Southwest District FFA President, Collin Bauer Martin talked about getting outside your comfort zone and realizing the many great opportunities and life lessons FFA can bring to you that will be valuable in yours and other people’s futures.
Claire Pellet gave the secretary’s report and the treasurer’s report was given by Jackson McLaren. Following the guest speakers, awards were given out. First were those recognized for earning 10,000 FFA points throughout their time as a member. These points are earned through getting involved with our chapter. The more activities and events a member participates in, the more points they earn. Those recognized for reaching 10,000 points included Colton Becker, Colton Rudy, Charli Goff, Callee Pellett, and Claire Pellett.
The next award was the Academic Achievement Award. This award is given to those who have been a part of the Atlantic FFA chapter for three years, and have maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout all those years. Those who received the Academic Achievement Award included Makayla Atkinson, Parker Brock, Avery Knuth, Callee Pellett, Claire Pellett, Colton Rudy, Wyatt Simons.
After the Academic Achievement Award came the Star Greenhand, Star Ag Placement, Star Ag Business, and Star of Ag Production Awards. The Star Greenhand is awarded to a freshman who the chapter officers feel was the most involved with the chapter in the past year. This year the award was given to Alyson Dreager. The next award, Star Ag Placement, is an award given to a member that has done an exceptional job in their employment, whether that be in or out of agriculture. This award was received by Colton Rudy. The Star in Ag Business was awarded to Colton Becker for his work for a variety of different businesses in the livestock industry and outside it as well. Finally, the star Ag Production was awarded to Callee Pellett for her work Pellett Farms. This award shows Callee’s dedication to Agriculture and the FFA.
Star Placement
Left to Right
President Lola Comes, Colton Rudy
Star Famer
Left to Right
President Lola Comes, Callee Pellett
Star Ag Business
Left to Right
President Lola Comes, Colton Becker
Honorary Chapter Farmer
Left to right
Mike & Stacey Pellett, Tyler Comes, Lisa Sonntag, Kristy & Brad Pellett
2023-24 Retiring Officers
Left to Right Front Row
Claire Pellett, Charli Goff, Lola Comes
Left to right back row
Colton Rudy, Roth DenBeste, Wyatt Simons, Lily Johnson
This year, the new officers for the 2023-2024 term elected four members to receive the Atlantic FFA Leadership Award, which is given in appreciation to those who have shown leadership through their years in FFA. These 4 members who received the award include Claire Pellett and Charli Goff. Officers also elected 2 individuals and 2 families were awarded to receive the Honorary Chapter Farmer award. This award is given to people who have played a large role in helping the Atlantic FFA chapter and the activities they do. Those that accepted this award include Lisa Sonntag, Tyler Comes, Mike & Stacey Pellett, and Bradley and Kristy Pellett and Mike and Stacey Pellett.
This year, 12 members were given the Discovery Degree. The Discovery Degree is awarded to members who are finishing their 8th grade year of schooling, and have been involved in FFA for one year.Those that have been involved for one year of high school Ag, received the Greenhand Degree, which was given to 20 members. Next came 20 members who were Chapter FFA degrees, which are given to members who have been involved in FFA for 2 years since being in high school, or members who have been in FFA for three years including their 8th grade year.
The banquet concluded with the installation of new chapter officers. For the upcoming 2023-2024 year, the new officers include the following: Lola Comes as President, Lily Johnsonas Vice President, Lauren Comes as Secretary, Hayden Kleen as Treasurer, Maddy Anderson as Reporter, Frank Freund as Sentinel, and Joaquin Wails as Student Advisor. 2024-2025 President Lola Comes said “The outgoing officer team was an incredible group of friends, and I am very thankful for all of the opportunities we experienced together. I am looking forward to my senior year to continue networking with and learning from FFA members and Advisors from across Southwest Iowa. Our newly elected team has big plans for the chapter and cannot wait to get started.”
(Radio Iowa) – Researchers say information they’ve discovered might change how conservationists should deal with the invasive species known as garlic mustard. Garlic mustard blocks out light from other plants and ISU researcher Cathy McMullin says the data she is following shows it also releases chemicals that prevent the seeds of other plants from growing. “Native plants and their associated — what we call mycorrhizal fungi — appear to be developing a resistance to garlic mustard allele chemicals. And this increases with the time of exposure to garlic mustard. So the resistance increases,” McMullin says. She says the older the population of garlic mustard is, the fewer toxic compounds it produces.
“This is likely due to the cost of producing these allele chemicals,” McMullin says. “They take a lot of carbon and a lot nutrients to produce them. And if the yields are diminishing than selection kind of suggest its not worth producing these anymore.” McMullin is an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University. She says for those trying to keep new garlic mustard from taking root, spring is the right time to be pulling it out of the ground. For more mature garlic mustard, she recommended removing the seed head, preventing them from maturing and entering the seed bank.
McMullin made her remarks on Wednesday’s Talk of Iowa on Iowa Public Radio.
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