Manure Management and Runoff Control Demonstration Planned for Aug. 26

August 24th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

LEWIS, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a manure management and runoff control demonstration on Friday, Aug. 26, from 1-3 p.m. at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm located near Lewis, Iowa. The purpose of this demonstration is to review low-cost options for managing runoff water and manure from small to medium size beef and dairy feedlot operations.

“Small and medium size open feedlots can potentially discharge significant amounts of nutrients to streams,” said Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension field agricultural engineer. “The nutrients can cause water quality problems in streams and present a loss of valuable fertilizer nutrients for the farm.”

Recent compliance enforcement from both Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put the focus on runoff from small to medium size feedlots. Iowa State has partnered with EPA, DNR and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to look at feedlot control systems that will reduce runoff from feedlots and is more economically feasible to install for smaller feedlots.

This demonstration will look at a vegetated treatment area and pumping effluent into cropland as a possible low-cost handling option for feedlot runoff. According to Kris Kohl, ISU Extension field agricultural engineer, “Pumping effluent onto cropland is not a common practice in Iowa, but by doing so we can reduce the potential for nutrients to reach the stream and the effluent can provide nutrients and water to a growing crop.”

In addition to the manure control options, the field day will also include information on manure production and nutrient content of feedlot manure, how to sample manure for nutrient analysis, stockpiling regulations and an update on rules for medium size operations as well as review of other types of manure control practices.

The ISU Armstrong Research Farm is located at 53020 Hitchcock Ave., Lewis, Iowa, 11 miles east of Oakland or 11 miles west of Atlantic on Hwy 6, then half mile south on 525th Street (M53) and half mile east on Hitchcock Avenue.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor |

Backyard and Beyond 8-24-11

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

August 24th, 2011 by admin

Lavon talks about the 100th anniversary of the Fanny Farmer Cookbook.

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Posted in Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts |

9AM Newscast 08-24-2011

News, Podcasts

August 24th, 2011 by admin

w/ Ric Hanson

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FSA Emergency Loan Applications available

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 24th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Farm operators in southwest Iowa who have sustained major forage and/or crop production, and/or physical losses due to flooding, may be eligible for an emergency loan. Iowa USDA Executive Director John Whitaker says applications for assistance should be completed at the Cass/Pottawattamie County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, in Atlantic.

Whitaker says the FSA may make Emergency Loans to eligible family farmers, which will enable them to return to their normal operations, if they sustained qualifying losses resulting from natural disaster. Applicants must be unable to obtain credit from other, usual sources, in order to qualify for FSA Farm Loan Program assistance. Most of the disaster loans can be for up to seven-years, however, if the loan is secured only on crops, it must be repaid when the next year’s crop income is received.

The deadline for final applications is April 23^rd, 2012. For more information, call the Cass/Pott County FSA office, at 712-243-1377.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Atlantic Cross Country Outlook – 2011

Sports

August 24th, 2011 by Jim Field

By: Bruce Henderson, Head Coach

Trojanns
The Trojanns will try to reload as they start the season with only 2 of last year’s top 5 runners. Ali Krogman leads the way and ran a personal best at the recent Atlanticfest road race. Krogman has finished 5th, 1st, and 7th at the last 3 state meets. Sophomore Liz Siggins is the other returner from last year’s top 5. Six other seniors could figure into the varsity battle this year. The top so far has been 2nd year runner Alex Hartwig. Returning letter winners Katie Blake, Malachi Wickman and Tiara Edelman have all run in the state meet. Senior Alisha Hinzmann looks likely to grab a varsity spot, as does senior sprinter Melanie Nielsen. Junior Caroline Trewet and sophomore Megan Plambeck look good and a trio of freshmen have varsity potential.
Practically all of the Trojanns’ competition will come from the Hawkeye 10. Harlan is the favorite, but Glenwood, Shenandoah, and L.C. were all within 6 points of the Trojanns at conference last year. They all have more returners than the Trojanns, so it will take good performance for the Trojanns to beat these teams. Griswold should have a very good team in area meets. DCG and Ballard were tough on the district level last year, but both lose 3 of their 4 top runners

Trojans
It will be an interesting season for the Trojans. They are filled with depth and potential, but have very few proven varsity runners. Tian Siggins was our 2nd leading point getter last year and should be improved in 2011. Seniors Delsin Arnold, and Derek Von Seggern and Juniors Sam Bateman and Jake Auerbach have lettered and should figure in the mix this year. Josiah Williams has looked very good so far in practice and is expected to be a good varsity runner. Newcomer sophomore Preston Hoye and senior Ryan McDermott could also figure in the mix. Senior Blake Esbeck, with state track experience, has recently decided to give cross country a try and could have a big impact. With a big squad of 32 the Trojans should be deep on both the varsity and J.V. levels. There is likely to be at least one surprise varsity runner this year.
The Hawkeye 10 was very tough and had seniors galore in 2010. The Trojans hope to improve considerably on their 7th place finish. Based on returners Glenwood, Shen-Essex, and L.C. should battle for the conference crown; Harlan, Kuemper and Atlantic should battle for the next 3 spots. Tee Jay should be strong as well as Boone who could be in our district. Shen-Essex is in class 3A this year, while DCG graduated its top 7 runners from a state team last year.

Posted in Sports |

Harlan woman inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 24th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Barbara Determan, President, 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees; Patti Blum; Chuck Morris, Director, 4-H Youth Development

The Shelby County Extension Service reports a Harlan woman was recently inducted into the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Patti Blum received the honor during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, August 21st.

Eighty-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 121 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage.

Patti has been involved in 4-H for over 30 years.　 She served Shelby County as the 4-H Program Assistant for 13 years, working with countless leaders, volunteers and 4-H members during this time to keep the 4-H program strong. She supports 4-H at the state level as well, and was superintendent of the Issues class at the Iowa State Fair for many years. Blum has also served on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees and headed up the fundraising committee on the Board. Officials say her love of working with youth really comes through in judging, and she continues to be a 4-H judge for communications and static exhibits at many county and state fairs to help youth realize their potential with her positive guidance.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

14-year old in Lenox charged with sexual abuse

News

August 24th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Police in Lenox report a 14-year old male has been charged with 2^nd degree sexual abuse, following an investigation into an incident which allegedly occurred on or about August 11^th. Officials say they received a call on that date with regard to the alleged sexual abuse of a nine-year old boy. The reporting party intervened in the alleged sex act.

Following an investigation and consultation with juvenile authorities, Lenox Police charged the 14-year old, and his case has been referred to juvenile court. The name of the suspect is not being released, due to his age.

Posted in News |

No charges to be filed in Bluffs death

News

August 24th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber said today (Wednesday), no charges will be filed in connection with an April 13, 2011 shooting death in Council Bluffs. On Tuesday, a Pott County Grand Jury considered charges against 43-year old Robert Keith Hashberger, with regard to the shooting death of 41-year old John Anthony Rodarte.

The jury returned a “No Bill,” which means they have declined to file charges. The No Bill was filed with the Clerk of Court this (Wednesday) morning, and concludes the Pott County Attorney’s Office involvement in the case.

Hasberger shot Rodarte once in the chest using a 9-millimeter handgun at around 7:35-p.m., following a verbal altercation at the Do Rock Inn, in Council Bluffs. Hashberger, who claimed he was acting in self-defense, was initially charged with 1^st degree murder. An investigation and deposition of witnesses however, resulted in the Pott County Attorney’s Office dismissing the charge, which was then taken under consideration by the Grand Jury.

Because the Grand Jury proceedings are secret, Wilber said he could not comment further on the evidence they considered, Tuesday.

Posted in News |