The Soil Health Partnership, along with the Iowa Learning Farms and Bremer County farmer partner Mark Mueller, will host a cover crop and soil health field day on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Borlaug Learning Center at the Iowa State University Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, near Nashua. The event is …Continue reading “Soil health and cover crop field day promotes agricultural evolution on Nov. 19”
The rainy spring resulted in financial challenges this year for many farmers whose crops were damaged or not planted, and it may have residual effects next year. “This year was financially bad. Next year, managerially it will be challenging,” said Ray Massey, Missouri State University professor of agricultural economics. The wet weather in 2015 may …Continue reading “Region feels lingering effects of wet weather”
Chisel plow components include a wide variety of sweeps, spikes and shovels. In the Midwest, 3- or 4-inch-wide twisted shovels and 2-inch wide straight points are common, says Mark Hanna, Iowa State University agricultural engineer. All chisel plow points loosen the soil, fracturing the ground mainly off to the sides of the tool, he says. …Continue reading “Hanna: Change chisel points to boost residue”
Winds of over 25 miles per hour along with dry conditions during harvest are a strong recipe for combine fires. Iowa State University Extension Ag Engineer Kris Kohl says they did a survey two years ago and found the major cause of combine fires is due to heavy winds.
When you have green stems, check the pods. If they are still green, you will want to let them dry in the field. But if the pods and soybeans are dry, waiting an extended period could put you at risk of pods opening and losing soybeans. “Recognize it’s not business as usual,” says Mark Hanna, …Continue reading “Hanna: How to harvest tough soybeans without yield loss or combine damage”
Faulty ventilation can be catastrophic to hog producers, says Jay Harmon, Extension ag engineer at Iowa State University. He says fall is the perfect time to make sure ventilation systems are in working order. “You can do things like washing the pit fans while the weather is nice, checking the curtains and other things,” Harmon says.
Harvest is historically the most dangerous time of year for agriculture. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 20 to 26, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach wants to remind everyone to regularly read instruction manuals about potential dangers of farm equipment and to be diligent in preventing farm injuries. Reading and following the …Continue reading “Take precautions now for safe fall harvest”
Iowa Farm Safety and Health Week is being held in conjunction with the National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept., 20-26. By proclamation, Governor Terry Branstad declared the special week to highlight agricultural safety and health for all Iowans and their communities. The proclamation request was made by the Iowa Farm Safety Council, a group …Continue reading “Farm Safety and Health Week: Sept. 20-26”
While the fall season means sweater weather, pumpkins and candy corn, it’s also the time to prepare your home and garden for the brisk North Iowa winter. Now is the time start winterizing homes and buildings. “Tighten your home by looking for air leaks,” said Iowa State University Ag Engineering Specialist Greg Brenneman. “These can occur around …Continue reading “Brenneman: Get your homes and gardens ready for winter’s icy blasts”
Farmers are exposed to various types of confined-space hazards during normal working conditions. However, it is possible to avoid being injured if proper steps are taken. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 20-26, agriculture engineering experts at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach suggest farmers plan ahead for hazardous situations that may occur …Continue reading “Mosher & Schwab: Confined spaces are hazardous for farmers”
2015 has been a perfect storm to bring down corn. Wetter than normal conditions across a vast portion of the Corn Belt have led to an increase in stalk rot and diseases. Plus heavy rains, wind, and hail have knocked down healthy corn plants. If you are dealing with downed corn in a number of fields, …Continue reading “Hanna: 9 tips for dealing with down corn”
Grain entrapments can happen quickly. To ensure an even flow of grain from the silo or wagon through a small opening at the unloading gate, workers will walk on top of the flowing grain and become trapped within seconds. “Grain is like quicksand,” said Charles Schwab, professor and extension specialist in agricultural and biosystems engineering …Continue reading “Confined spaces are hazardous for farmers”
Instructors were from three states. Arora was joined by Greg Brenneman, a fellow ISU Extension field agricultural engineer, and Matt Helmers, an ISU professor and Extension agricultural engineer, in organizing and teaching at the school. Other instructors were Brent Johnson, of Labre Consulting; Roger and Brady Kolbet, of Midtech Services; Kelly Nelson, a research agronomist …Continue reading “School offers hands-on environment for learning how to’s of farmland drainage”
As harvest approaches, propane is a key ingredient for anyone using a high-temperature system to dry corn. A case study conducted by Mark Hanna, agricultural and biosystems engineering specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, can help farmers as they plan for harvest and winter storage.
Farmers and those who advise farmers about crops will want to attend the annual fall field day at the Iowa State University Southeast Iowa Research Farm near Crawfordsville on September 10, according to Rebecca Ahlers, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Field Agronomist. The field day begins at 1:30 p.m. and will include four stops. “One …Continue reading “Fall Field Day tour at ISU SE Iowa Research Farm”
