A study from the Iowa Pork Producers Association shows the hog industry contributes significantly to Iowa’s economy, in addition to keeping many small towns alive. Association president Mike Paustian, of Walcott, says they wanted to show policymakers how important pork production is to everyone’s bottom line in the state. “This was an effort that IPPA did to try to actually put some real numbers to it,” Paustian says. “When you start to do that, you see that the pork industry in Iowa is a big economic driver and it’s certainly something for producers to be very proud of.”

With more than 54-hundred pig farms statewide, the study shows pork industry sectors generated nearly 41-billion dollars in sales, with production accounting for 34-percent of the total, or almost 14-billion in sales from pork operations. “Pork farmers are greatly contributing to these rural economies and helping smaller towns stay vibrant and helping people find jobs who want to live in small town Iowa,” Paustian says. “That’s great that that allows people to live that lifestyle that so many of us are in love with.”

Paustian says the study shows Iowa’s pork industry created over 147-thousand jobs. “It’s nice to reflect on where our industry has gotten to and what it does as far as providing safe and affordable food for folks,” he says, “but also providing a lot of jobs.” Paustian says the analysis indicates a new pig barn sources about 35-percent of inputs locally. That’s because a new barn’s construction requires purchases including steel, concrete and equipment. There are almost 25-million hogs in Iowa, which accounts for about 32-percent of the entire U-S hog inventory.

See the full report:
https://www.iowapork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/200615-2020_Iowa-Pork-Industry-Report_State_FINAL.pdf

DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways. The weekend weather forecast appears to be favorable for various outdoor activities so the DNR reminds users to abide by all safety measures in order to have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend.

BOATING SAFETY: Boaters headed out to a lake, river, pond or any other waterway should adhere to the following safety tips:

• Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boating.
• Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
• Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children 12 and under must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
• Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16’ or longer.
• Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
• Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft, have patience.
• Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
• Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
• Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid spreading of invasive species.

BEACH & SWIMMING SAFETY: Wherever you choose to swim this Labor Day weekend, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool, please follow these safety tips:

• Remember to keep young children at arm’s reach at all times. Arm’s reach supervision means your child is no more than an arm’s reach at all times. Never, even for a moment, leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while swimming.
• Drowning is silent.
• Take swimming lessons ahead of time to learn to swim.
• Learn how to perform CPR.
• Avoid alcohol use while swimming.
• Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
• Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
• Stay within the roped in area of the lake
• Swim with a buddy
• Obey posted signs and flags
• Wear a life jacket or some kind of personal flotation device if needed
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as needed
• Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty

Because the beaches are busier this summer, staff are encouraging visitors to utilize the non-peak times and days. For the busier beaches/parks, the non-peak days usually include Sundays through Thursdays, and Fridays before 5:00 pm. If you plan to go to the beaches on Saturdays, the non-peak hours are usually before noon. Parks staff may temporarily close parking lots when they become full and limit the number of visitors at that point. The DNR recommends visitors go to another nearby park or beach that is not as heavily populated. Visitors are reminded to only park in designated parking spaces. All violators will be cited by staff.

STATE PARKS/CAMPGROUNDS SAFETY: This weekend will be another very busy one if you plan to visit a state park and campground, use these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:

• Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products, including hand sanitizer, to bring along for hiking and utilizing the state parks.
• Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
• Don’t hike alone and always have some way to communicate if you get lost and need help.
• Wear proper outdoor attire for hiking.
• Plan ahead for your visit to our parks and campgrounds. If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point.
• If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas or any other area that is not a designated parking spot. All violators will be cited.
• Utilize the parks during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
• If a park is heavily populated, find another nearby state park that is less populated.
• Don’t transport firewood, buy it locally.
• Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you.
• Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads!
• “Carry In, Carry Out”—please pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park. Be respectful and care for our natural resources.
• Campers should dispose of trash in receptacles, not burn it in the campfires.
• Check the DNR website for all of the latest closures.
• If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. You can purchase one by visiting: com, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your smartphone through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also purchase your fishing license at some local retailers in your area.

PADDLING SAFETY: Whether it be tubing, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams, stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

• With very low water levels, due to drought conditions, some waterways are not suitable for paddling, often leaving paddlers stranded. Be sure to check the latest river conditions here before heading out.
• Always wear your life jacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
• Avoid sandbar crowds and “rafting” up together. Tubers are reminded not to go in groups larger than 10 and don’t tie tubes to one another.
• Always know your river conditions before you go paddling.  For the latest river conditions, visit this link.
• Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map at gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddlefor updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
• Find individual water trail maps, including access points, visit: gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures.

Iowa’s recently completed annual pheasant survey is great news for hunters – A DNR report released today (Friday) – says statewide, Iowa averaged 20.2 birds per 30-mile route, up significantly from 2019, with six of the nine survey regions averaging more than 20 pheasants per route, the most since 2007. Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says “Pheasant hunters should expect significantly better pheasant numbers in 2020. Pheasant hunting this fall could be some of the best the state has seen in a decade.”

Bogenschutz credits the 2020 winter with its mild temperatures and little snowfall that led to higher hen survival and coupled with a dry spring to more successful nesting and an increase in the population. The southeast region led the way with a 163 percent increase, followed by the northeast region with a 115 percent increase and east central region with a 55 percent increase. While those numbers are very good, the statewide numbers would have likely been better if not for the drought conditions impacting much of the state.

“In the western and central regions where we counted fewer birds, we struggled to get good survey conditions so the results are not likely representative of actual numbers,” Bogenschutz said. “Pheasant populations in these regions appear higher than last year, according to casual staff reports, even though the survey says the population is essentially unchanged. “Given this year’s statewide index of 20 birds per route Iowa, pheasant hunters should harvest approximately 250,000 to 350,000 roosters this fall,” he said.

Iowa’s quail population was essentially unchanged from 2019 with the highest quail numbers coming from southwest Iowa. While the counts were unchanged, it is still double the number of quail counted from a decade ago. Hunters can expect to harvest more than 20,000 quail this year. Iowa’s partridge population was up slightly over last year with higher counts coming from northcentral Iowa. Iowa’s rabbit population was nearly identical to 2019 with better populations across southern and east central Iowa. “Cottontail hunters can expect excellent hunting across most of the state this fall,” Bogenschutz said.

• Iowa’s pheasant season is Oct. 31-Jan. 10, 2021
• Iowa’s quail season is Oct. 31-Jan. 31, 2021
• Iowa’s partridge season is Oct. 10-Jan. 31, 2021
• Iowa’s cottontail rabbit season is Sept. 5-Feb. 28, 2021.

The Guthrie County Fair is underway through Monday, in Guthrie Center. As with other county fairs, due to the Covid-19 epidemic the fair board earlier this Summer, made the difficult decision to drastically scale back the 2020 Fair. Although the Fair is not be a full-scale production like it has in the past, there WILL BE:  livestock shows, camping, and some grandstand entertainment.  There is, NO carnival, the Art/Ag Hall will be closed, and the new Static building will be open intermittently. The Static Showcase in the new 4_H & FFA Education Center (Sept. 3rd-6th) takes from from 4:30-until 7-p.m. You’re invited to stop out and check out members’ Static projects and the new building.   All precautions will be taken to keep our visitors safe and healthy during their visit.  The Fair Board asks that you wash your hands frequently, use the sanitizer stations, and practice social distancing.

The Schedule includes: Friday Evening (Grandstand) – Rodeo; Saturday – Dog trials at the horse arena, Chainsaw artist, & Saturday evening Figure 8 races at the Grandstand; Sunday’s activities include a Bags Tournament, Dog Trials at the Horse Arena, and NAG races during the evening at the Grandstand.

4-H and FFA Livestock shows will be live on Facebook during the Fair, through Sept. 7th.

For more information, go to https://www.guthriecountyfair.com/, or follow Guthrie County Fair on Facebook.

(Radio Iowa) – A new U-S-D-A estimate indicates federal payments will account for more than a third of farm income this year as the agency spends at least 37 billion dollars extra to make up for losses in the ag economy. During a news conference on a farm near Radcliffe, Iowa, yesterday (Thursday), U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue was asked if that level of government spending is sustainable.

“No farmer in the country wants to work for a government check,” Perdue said. But Perdue says the president promised farmers new federal payments when trade tensions with China escalated and commodity prices dropped.  “They’d much rather have crops or a check coming from the scales at the elevator than coming through the mailbox,” Perdue says, “but I can tell you one thing, that President Trump is committed to not to let China, through retaliation, interfere with that. He’s not going to allow Covid to interfere with that and that’s where these funds are coming from.”

In January, President Trump announced he’d reached “phase one” of a trade deal with China. It cut some U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, with the expectation that the Chinese would buy 80 billion dollars in agricultural products by the end of 2021. Perdue points to the announcement earlier this week that China had signed agreements to buy one-point-seven million metric tons of U.S. corn and 120-thousand tons of U.S. soybeans.

“They got off to a slow start, but it looks like to me that China’s trying to do what it can to fulfill those ag import obligations under phase one,” Perdue says. “…They’re got to keep their foot on the pedal all the way. We’ve got to have week-by-week good numbers, but they’ve been there the last few weeks.” Perdue visited an engineered wetland, a fish farm and two other agribusinesses during his trip to Iowa.

During remarks at a farm near Radcliffe, Perdue publicly signed a document so farmers in 42 Iowa counties who had crop or property damage from last month’s derecho may apply for emergency federal loans through the Farm Service Agency.

DES MOINES – United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has approved Gov. Reynolds request for a Secretarial disaster declaration for Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story, and Tama Counties.

In accordance with the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, 24 additional counties were designated contiguous natural disaster counties, including: Adair, Audubon, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler, Carroll, Cass, Delaware, Dubuque, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Iowa, Jackson, Keokuk, Louisa, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Muscatine, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Wright.

Gov. Reynolds said “This designation by Secretary Perdue extends a low-interest lifeline to farmers affected by this devastating storm in the 42 counties considered primary and contiguous natural disaster areas.”

A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including FSA emergency loans. Farmers in eligible counties have 8 months from the date of a disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

Governor Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Perdue, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig for an aerial tour of crop and structural damage caused by the recent derecho storm and ongoing drought. The flight was part of a tour hosted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship featuring conservation and innovation in Iowa agriculture.

Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon reports a ban on open burning will be in place for Cass County beginning today (Thursday), at 5:00 p.m. The ban prohibits open and controlled burning in Cass County, Iowa; including all incorporated city limits within the county. Kennon says the current drought conditions in combination with unharvested crops present an increased risk for the potential of rapid fire spread. Controlled fires can quickly become uncontrollable.

During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground and set-asides or other items during the ban. Small recreational patio or camp fires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fire place of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh. Any camp fire not in an outdoor fire place is prohibited.

Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or disobeying a burn ban. The ban — which was approved by the State Fire Marshal – will remain in place until environmental conditions improve. Any questions regarding this burn ban should be directed to your local Fire Chief.

An Atlantic resident is spearheading a new opportunity for area youth that are interested in competitive fishing. Bob Harris is working on starting a High School and Junior Fishing Team.

A Zoom meeting is being held tonight (Thursday, September 3rd) at 8:00 p.m. to explain the program. If you have children interested in joining send your email address, child’s name and age to swifishingteam@gmail.com. A link to the Zoom call and a packet of information about the club will be sent back to you.

Find out more about the group on their Facebook page Southwest Iowa Fishing Team

The latest version of the U-S Drought Monitor shows an expanding area of EXTREME Drought in western and west central Iowa. The conditions mean pastures are dry; producers sell cattle; crops are tested for toxins; and crops may have pest infestation. In addition, seasonal allergies are worse; farmers are stressed about high feed prices, trees drop leaves; acorns are underdeveloped, and warm water leads to fish kills; streambeds are low to dry. Parts of northwest, central and southwest Iowa are categorized as being in a SEVERE drought, while other parts of the State are in a Moderate drought, or are Abnormally dry. No part of the State has escaped the drought conditions.

Unfortunately, little rain is forecast for the next five days at least, that will have any sort of impact on the drought conditions.

For more information, see the Drought Monitor web page at https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?IA

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Acorn Explorers” Programs. The public programs will be in-person monthly, with virtual options available. The programs are targeted for 5th grade and younger doing at-home learning. The “Acorn Explorers” programs will be held on Thursdays. Dates/times and places include:

• September 24th 1 pm- Monarch Butterflies Cold Springs Park Campground shelter
• September 17th 1pm- Virtual
• October 22nd 2pm- Batty for Bats- Lake Anita Shelter 5
• October 15th 2pm- VirtualNovember 19th 2pm- Terrific Turkeys- Hitchcock House Barn
• November 12th 2pm- virtual
• January 14th 2pm- Trumpeter Swan- Schildberg Rec. Area Lake 4
• January 7th 2pm- virtual
• *February 11th 2pm- Great Backyard Bird Count- Outdoor Educational Classroom (maybe recorded for virtual) Massena- Follow Hwy 148 South of Massena, turn Left onto Tucson Rd for 1 ½ mile the park will be on your right.
• *March 11th 2pm Turtles- Outdoor Educational Classroom (maybe recorded for virtual)
• April 8th 2pm Signs of Spring- Cold Springs Park (maybe recorded for virtual)

Please pre-register for the February/ March dates. If filled Conservation officials will add another time slot. Please pre-register also, if you plan on attending virtually so that the zoom link can be sent to you. You may pre-register by emailing lkanning@casscoia.us or calling 712-769-2372.