RED OAK  5:01-p.m., 3/13/24 – DNR staff continue to investigate the New Cooperative fertilizer spill near Red Oak in Montgomery County. The release has been stopped and clean-up efforts are still underway.

The product flowed several miles downstream of Red Oak in the East Nishnabotna River, reaching Missouri. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been notified.

The DNR encourages private well owners in Montgomery, Page, and Fremont counties with wells in near proximity to the East Nishnabotna River to contact their county health department to test their wells for nitrate. This service is free using Iowa’s Grants-to-Counties (GTC) program. The DNR will be providing county health officials with lists of registered private wells that may be vulnerable.

Due to low water levels in the East Nishnabotna, the concentration of the liquid nitrogen fertilizer is higher than during normal stream flows, causing concern for all animals due to high nitrate and urea levels.

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine Toxicologist Scott Radke recommends keeping all animals away from the East Nishnabotna River until the plume of contaminant moves out of the area.

The Iowa DNR is working with local, state and federal officials, and will continue to investigate impacts of the spill.

Original press release information from March 12, 2024:

Fertilizer spill in Montgomery County reaches East Nishnabotna River

RED OAK — On March 11, New Cooperative in Red Oak notified the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of a release on-site early Monday morning.

Approximately 1,500 tons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer (32% solution) discharged into a drainage ditch, then into the East Nishnabotna River. The release occurred due to a valve left open on an aboveground storage tank overnight. Areas of pooled fertilizer have been pumped into a vac truck and will be land applied later. Dead fish were observed in the East Nishnabotna. The extent of the fish kill is still being determined.

DNR field staff are on-site. Samples have been collected and will be analyzed. The investigation is on-going.

(Clarinda, Iowa/by Atlantic FFA reporter Lily Johnson) – On Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, 20 members of the Atlantic FFA chapter competed in the District Career Development Events at Clarinda High School.

Lauren Comes

During the District Business session Sophomore Lauren Comes was elected as the 2024-25 Southwest District Secretary. Lauren will have several new responsibilities in her new office. Lauren gave a speech and answered two questions earlier during the business session.

Lauren said, “Being selected as a district officer was truly an amazing experience. I am extremely grateful and excited for what the year will bring. I can’t wait to be able to represent the Atlantic FFA at a district level. Having the experience to advocate for this outstanding organization is an incredible opportunity.” Hayden Kleen and Keston Schmidt were the chapter delegates for Atlantic FFA at the convention.

Earning a Gold rating, placing 3rd earning the Alternate to the Iowa FFA State Convention was Lola Comes Extemporaneous Speaking.

Keegan Kemp

Also earning Gold was Charli Goff in Ag Welding and Keegan Kemp in Torch Welding.

Lola Comes

Claire Pellett competed in Public Speaking and earned a Silver rating, Makenna Schroeder completed in Chapter Website and the Conduct of Meetings Team earned a Silver.

Team members include Addie Freund, Addalyn Sonntag, Rylee Harlan, Jacquie Freund, Lily Johnson, Collin Harris and Maddy Anderson.

In the FFA Chapter Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 2 members participate. Earning a gold were Lauren Comes placing 11th and Lily Johnson placing 14th.

In the FFA Freshman Greenhand Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 6 members participate. Earning a Gold was Jacquelyn Freund. Receiving silvers were, Rylee Harlan, Addalyn Sonntag, Bailey Gresihaber, Maggie Cohrs. Receiving Bronze include Lily Willrich, and Kayedance Sturm.

Charli Goff

Competing in the Farm Business Management Test was Mia Kloewer placing 40th earning a Bronze medal.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic FFA Chapter welcomed Iowa FFA State Officer Collin Bauer and District Officer Presley Buttler to a chapter visit on February 26th, 2024. Atlantic Ag Instructor/FFA Advisor Eric Miller says while at the AHS, the officers discussed opportunities in FFA and the students participated in leadership-building activities.

During a year of service to the organization, Iowa FFA officers serve as ambassadors for agriculture and the FFA. They travel to FFA chapters throughout the state to connect with members and talk about the many opportunities available to students enrolled in agricultural education.

Each Ag Class has a lesson tailored to meet the needs of the individuals in the class. Some workshops are based on Leadership Skills, others on Team Building and finally FFA Chapter Recruitment. Each class begins with an introduction of an ice breaker activity used to get the State Officers and the students in the class introduced to each other. This is followed by a game or activity designed to highlight a specific leadership skill or team building activity.

Agricultural education incorporates three aspects of learning. The classroom provides basic knowledge. FFA develops leadership and personal skills. A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) provides hands-on learning while working or in an agricultural business.

The Iowa FFA Association comprises 285 local chapters preparing over 19,200 students for future career opportunities. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agricultural education by giving students practical experience in applying agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes.

Through agricultural education, FFA makes a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.