The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says trumpeter swans will be released at two locations in southwest Iowa on May 10th.  Each release will be preceded by a 20 minute program with an opportunity to view the swans up close. The first swan release will be at Rapp Park, north of Shenandoah, at 9:30 a.m. The second site is the Riverton Wildlife Area Jensen Tract, in Fremont County, with a program at Riverton City Park Pavilion, preceding the release, at 2 p.m. 

Four swans will be released at each site.Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America, weighing up to 32 pounds and with a wing span of up to eight feet.  The swans being released are part of the Iowa DNR’s statewide trumpeter swan restoration effort to restore wild, free-flying swans to Iowa.

 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning boaters at Lake Manawa, that low water conditions are creating navigational challenges. The lake level was more than three feet below full pool as of Monday. The low water conditions can create boating and personal watercraft dangers, not normally encountered when the lake is at normal water level. That includes problems launching vessels, and pull behind activities such as skiing, tubing and wake boarding. Much shallower water  and obstructions normally under water becoming potentially harmful hazards to water sports enthusiasts on the lake.

Susan Stocker, boating safety coordinator of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says boaters and users of personal watercraft are urged to to use extra caution. Stocker says “It is worth the extra time from a safety standpoint to make a trip or two around the lake at slower speeds to get familiar with where potential hazards may be.” Stocker said the unseasonably mild winter and spring have left many water bodies lower than normal.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers are making good progress on planting the corn and soybean crops, even with all the storms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in Monday’s weekly report that corn planting is now 64 percent complete. That’s ahead of last year’s 52 percent and the five-year average of 58 percent.
Seven percent of the soybeans have been planted, which is about the same as last year but behind the five-year average of 11 percent. Rain totals last week ranged from .4 in Dubuque to over 5 inches in Washington. The statewide average was 1.5 inches.
All the rain has improved Iowa’s soil moisture levels, with topsoil at 97 percent adequate or surplus. Subsoil moisture is 81 percent adequate or surplus.

The Cass County Conservation Board says a “Geocaching 101” class will be held at the Cold Springs Park Campground Shelter, on Saturday May 26th, beginning at 7 PM. Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game.

Geocashing

Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.

The CCCB invites you to Spend Memorial Day learning about a newer technology (GPS) to help you EXPLORE nature. Time will be spent on “caching” with the Global Positioning System units, which will be available for the class or can bring your own. You’re asked to pre-register by calling 712-769-2372. When you call, be sure to mention whether or not you will be providing your own GPS unit.

The free event is open to the public, and you do not have to be a camper to attend. For more information about Geocaching, go to http://www.iowageocachers.org/ or http://www.geocaching.com/

w/ Denny Heflin

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ORANGE CITY, Iowa (AP) – An Ohio-based company has told employees that its northwest Iowa meat plant in Orange City will close by the end of the year. Shuttering the AdvancePierre Foods plant will eliminate an estimated 300 jobs. Mayor Les Douma says the plant manager told him about the closing late Tuesday. Douma says the plant has “a great economic impact on the entire region.”  The company supplies meat products and sandwiches to food-service, school, retail, club store, vending and convenience store markets.

Organizers of the annual Western Iowa No-till (WIN) Demonstration Field Day have announced June 12^th as the date for the 2012 event. The 5th annual field day will be held at the Carstens 1880 Farmstead again this year, located just south of Shelby. 

Registration and vendor displays will open at 8 a.m. on the 14^th; with speakers beginning at 9 a.m. Topics at this year’s field day will include managing planter settings in heavy residue areas, use of cover crops to improve soil structure, a marketing update and weather outlook. 

Keynote speaker Paul Jasa will discuss techniques for success in long term no-till systems for a corn/bean rotation as well as continuous corn on corn. Lunch will be provided free of charge to all in attendance, including steak sandwiches grilled by the Harrison County Cattlemen.  

Anyone with an interest in soil stewardship, whether looking for basic management ideas or a long-time no-till producer, is encouraged to attend the daylong educational event. In addition to the educational sessions at the 2012 WIN Field Day, there will be plenty of time for farmers to visit informational displays, vendor exhibits and network with other producers. CCA Credits will also be available for Certified Crop Advisors needing additional continuing education units this year. 

There is no charge to attend this event, but pre-registration is required by June 7^th.  Registration can be completed by e-mailing csgorham@iastate.edu or by calling the Harrison County Extension Office at 888-644-2105. Registrations may also be faxed to 712-644-2100 or be mailed to: ISU Extension Harrison County, 304 East 7^th St., Logan, IA 51546.   

The field day is brought to you by NRCS, ISU Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in Harrison, Pottawattamie, Cass and Shelby Counties, along with many local supporting agribusinesses.

Persons attending the Bike and Trails Expo in Atlantic Monday night heard some exciting news with regard to a trail around the Lake Anita State Park. Wendy Wittrock, with the group “Friends of Lake Anita State Park,” said work is about to begin on paving the trail. Wittrock said the contractor is on site, and will be completing the paving of the trail, which will mean 3.3-miles of the trail will be paved altogether, with another seven-tenths of a mile on a roadway. Wittrock encourages everyone to bring their bikes to the Lake area soon, because “you’re really gonna like the new trail.”

Another trail under development is the “Little Mermaid Trail,” which will connect Elk Horn and Kimballton. Bob Mortensen, co-chair of the Little Mermaid Trail Committee, said their current project includes paving of the “Friendship Walk,” which leads from the Bedstemor’s House in Elk Horn, to the Danish Immigrant Museum. Mortensen said they’ll be opening bids for the project this week. He says as part of the fundraising effort for the project, on Monday, May 7th, they will hold an all-you can eat mexican taco bar, for your free will donation. He says “You’ll have to go see the Mermaid for the margaritas.” The cost of the drinks are extra. For more information, go to www.danishvillages.com.

And, Debbie Copic, Chairperson of the 4th Annual “Tour de Tivoli” bike ride May 27th (Memorial Day weekend), announced that there will be two routes this year for that event. The standard route is 26-miles, and will pass by Prairie Rose State Park onto Highway 44 into Kimballton. The longer route is 50-miles, and includes a loop to Hamlin on the T-Bone Trail into Exira and then into Elk Horn. The event coincides with the Annual Tivoli Fest celebration, May 27th and 28th.

The pre-registration deadline for a one-of-a-kind jersey, or t-shirt on the day of the ride, is this Friday, April 27th. For more information, call Deb Copic at 712-249-7257, or e-mail debbiecopic@gmail.com. The registration fee prior is $20 for the ride alone, or $30, which includes a t-shirt, SAG stations & refreshments, chances to win door prizes, and a meal, along with free entertainment at the Danish Windmill. $60 registers you for the ride, and includes the jersey, which features the 2012 Tivoli Fest logo and theme, “A Burst of Tivoli Fest.” The jersey will cost $65 on the day of ride.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers are making good progress on getting the corn crop in the ground. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says farmers took advantage of dry weather early last week and now have planted 50 percent of the crop. That’s up from just nine percent the previous week. The five-year average is 32 percent. The USDA says in Monday’s weekly report that five percent of the corn has emerged, which is 10 days ahead of normal. Farmers have planted three percent of the soybean crop. The week ended with rain and cooler weather from Friday afternoon to Sunday, which put planting on hold. The statewide average rainfall for last week was .83 inch. The rain helped soil moisture, with topsoil at 92 percent adequate or surplus.