DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The population of hogs and pigs in Iowa has reached the highest number ever.

The United States Department of Agriculture says in its quarterly report released Friday that the Sept. 1 inventory of hogs and pigs in the state shows 21.2 million animals. That’s up from 2 percent reported on the same date a year ago and is the highest inventory on record.

Iowa is by far the nation’s leading hog producer with nearly a third of the nation’s 68.4 million animals. A distant second is North Carolina with about 9.5 million hogs. Minnesota is third with 7.6 million. Followed by Illinois with 4.7 million and Nebraska with 3.1 million.

Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will tour Agri Drain Corporation in Guthrie County as part of Manufacturing Week on Monday, September 30, 2013. Manufacturing Week is an effort to draw greater attention to some of Iowa’s outstanding employers and the excellent opportunities a career in manufacturing can provide.

The Branstad Administration will learn about the company history, tour the facility, and hear from company officials on the benefits and challenges of doing business in Iowa. For over 37 years, Agri Drain has been America’s most complete manufacturer and supplier of products for drainage water management, wetlands, ponds, lakes, erosion control, and land improvement. Agri Drain employs over 50 people and is a member of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). ABI is the state’s oldest and largest business association, has over 1,400 member companies in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, and represents employers on key issues impacting the ability to grow and keep jobs in Iowa.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Outdoor Expo for kids and families is scheduled for Sept. 28 – 29, at the west end of Waterworks Park, near the Izaak Walton League Lodge, 4343 George Flagg Parkway, in Des Moines.

The Expo is a way to introduce children and families to new and exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors with more than 50 free hands-on activities. Attendees may shoot, fish, canoe and see and touch wildlife while learning about outdoor recreation. 

In addition, author, illustrator and musician Doug Wood will be performing EarthSongs, EarthStories.

The Expo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29.  Admission and parking are free. A flier about the Iowa Outdoor Expo is available online at www.iowadnr.gov/expo.

Attendees can register to win prize packages valued between $200-$400 generously donated by JAX Outdoor Gear, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Fox 17, Seven Oaks Recreation, Van Wall Powersports, Outdoors with Outdoors Dan, Scheels and Climb Iowa.

The Iowa Outdoor Expo is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Des Moines chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, Polk County Conservation Board, Prairie Meadows, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Northern Lights Pizza, Friends of the NRA, Mid-Iowa Bass Masters and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The Expo is held in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Andrea Farrior and Chris Parks talk about what is new at the Atlantic Animal Shelter at 309 Sunnyside Lane in Atlantic.

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w/ Dr. Keith Leonard

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Cass County Memorial Hospital will be hosting an informational program on Thursday, September 26th from 12-1pm to help prepare area farmers to respond to chemical exposure.  The Program titled “Lessons Learned from Anhydrous HAZMAT Event” will be presented by Jay and Sheri Moorehead of Falls City, Nebraska.

In 2007 Jay Moorehead expaerienced an exposure to anhydrous ammonia while working on his farm.  He will speak about his experience and lessons learned from exposure.  CCMH Educational Services Director Amber Scott is pleased that the program will be very timely information with farmers getting into their fields with chemicals soon following harvest.

The program will be held in Conference Room 2 at the hospital and there is no charge for the program.  A box lunch will be available for those who register in advance. Register or get more information by calling the CCMH Educational Services Department at 712-243-7567.

Harrison County Extension, United Western Cooperative, and BASF will hold a farmers meeting at noon on September 26th at the County maintenance shed one mile south of Modale on Austin Avenue (Highway K-45) and 280th Street. Palmer amaranth is a new row crop weed species first discovered in Iowa this summer in Harrison County, and is a plant that merits heightened management by local farmers.

The first step in management of any problem species is correct identification. Extension and coop agronomists and herbicide representatives will be on hand to share information on Palmer amaranth. Actual plants will be used to teach attendees the keys to identification, and management strategies will be discussed. The meeting should last about an hour and sandwiches and beverages will be provided, courtesy of United Western Coop.

For more information, contact Rich Pope at the Harrison County Extension office in Logan at 712-644-2105.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say several factors will determine if hunters have a successful early duck season. The state Department of Natural Resources says seasonal wetlands are largely dry, and there may not be enough to support a boat for hunters.

Officials say it’s unclear whether blue-winged teal will stick around, though they do favor shallow water. Hunters can use a wetland habitat condition report to prepare for marsh conditions or to change their hunting location.

The early duck season runs from Saturday through Wednesday. The second duck season begins on different dates in October depending on zones. Nearly 30,000 hunters are expected to hunt waterfowl in Iowa.