(Ames, Iowa) – Soybean cyst nematodes have been present in every Iowa county since 2017 and new survey results show the costly crop pests continue to spread to more counties across the country and in Canada. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Greg Tylka, a nematologist at Iowa State University, led the survey that has monitored the spread of soybean cyst nematodes, or SCN, since 2014, and found 31 counties in 10 states reported SCN for the first time between 2020 and 2023.

“It’s reasonable to conclude that increased soybean yield losses due to the nematode will follow, if not already occurring in these areas,” Tylka said in a press release about the new report. Soybean cyst nematodes are estimated to cost farmers close to $1.5 billion in lost profits, annually in North America.

SCN infestations are not always evident as the fields will often look healthy, even while the nematodes are rapidly generating, infesting the roots of the soybeans and limiting the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and produce beans.

The map, part of the Plant Health Survey on soybean cyst nematodes, shows the known distribution of SCN in the United States and Canada. Those counties and rural municipalities first reported as infested between 2020 and 2023 are shown in blue; those known as infested before 2020 are indicated in red. (Photo courtesy of the SCN Coalition)

SCN can also exasperate the effects of crop diseases, like sudden death syndrome, by causing additional stress to the plants.

Tylka hopes the survey results will alert farmers of the presence in their counties so they know to get a soil test and figure out how to farm with SCN.

There is little a farmer can do to prevent SCN from entering or leaving a soybean field. The nematodes live in the soil and therefore can spread anytime soil moves. Even a dust storm could carry SCN from one county to the next.

There is  also no way to completely eliminate SCN from a field, so farmers have to rely on crop rotations and SCN resistant soybean varieties to minimize the effects of SCN.

Rotating corn into the field helps to manage some of the SCN population since the nematodes will only feed on soybeans.

Soybean varieties with PI 88788 genetics have been the dominant SCN resistant varieties for the past several decades, but SCN populations have begun to develop a resistance to PI 88788 due to its heavy use.

Tylka’s research with ISU showed that the number of SCN resistant varieties using Peking genetics have more than doubled from 2023 to 2024, which he said gives farmers more opportunity to rotate Peking and PI 88788 varieties.  Tylka said at a media event in November 2024 that the rotation of SCN resistant varieties is vital to the long-term management of the nematodes, as it will prolong the time it will take SCN populations to develop resistance.  “I am terrified about losing Peking,” Tylka said, noting that while Peking has good resistance now, it will probably lose effectiveness within five to six seasons.

“My message is, farmers must not abandon 88788, but rotate it with Peking,” Tylka said.

Farmers can also make use of fall soil tests that measure SCN presence and resources from the SCN Coalition, including a profit checker, that estimates a farmer’s losses per field due to SCN factors.

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency affirmed its November decision to add seven additional segments to Iowa’s list of impaired waters, following a public comment period.  The EPA announced in November it had partially approved the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ assessment of surface water quality in the state and called for the inclusion of additional segments on the Cedar, Des Moines, Iowa and South Skunk rivers, based on measured levels of nitrate.

Per EPA documentation, a vast majority of the public comments submitted were in favor of the EPA decision. DNR, which monitors and compiles the impaired waters list every two years, per the Clean Water Act, called EPA’s assessment “illegal” since nitrate is not officially listed as a “toxic pollutant” under the Clean Water Act.

Once a segment is designated as impaired, a total maximum daily load, or TMDL, of the excessive pollutant is established and contributing polluters are allocated a share of this load to help bring down the total concentration. Lyon also argued EPA did not provide reasoning, data or methodology for its decision. In its comment, submitted Dec. 19, DNR requested EPA withdraw its decision to add the seven segments, or otherwise establish loads that are consistent with federal code and allow the public to review and comment on it.

The Raccoon River from the Bill Riley Trail in Des Moines on Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In the EPA response to DNR, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and the Fertilizer Institute, which all wrote comments opposing the decision, the agency acknowledged the water quality standards and assessment approaches toward nitrates “vary across states.” The agency points to Iowa water quality standards that say “all substances toxic or detrimental to humans” or to the water treatment process are to be limited to “nontoxic or nondetrimental concentrations.” EPA said it used this water quality standard to justify the additional segments, because water treatment facilities must use “additional treatment” to meet drinking water nitrate standards, per its own code.

EPA said it gathered data from DNR’s own reports and public data from Des Moines Water Works, which was among several public water suppliers that submitted comments supporting the EPA decision. EPA said it “adhered to all legally applicable requirements” in its action.

EPA said it received 83 comments about the decision, 72 of which were in support of including the additional seven segments to Iowa’s impaired water list.

Environmental advocacy groups, including the Iowa chapter of the Sierra Club, Iowa Environmental Council and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement were among supportive commenters. The same groups submitted a letter to EPA in the fall, urging the agency to take action on protecting drinking water sources from nitrate pollution.

A spokesperson for Iowa DNR declined to comment on the EPA decision.

According to the U-S Department of Treasury, the guidance issued Friday provided clarity on eligibility for the credit and how lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions will be determined. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said “This guidance will help put America on the cutting-edge of future innovation in aviation and renewable fuel while also lowering transportation costs for consumers.” A press release from the Treasury said the department intends to release its Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies, or GREET, model for determining 45z emissions rates “in the coming days.”

The tax credit was announced in 2023 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and was set to give a per-gallon tax credit on fuel produced with in a set range of lifetime emissions guidelines.  Monte Shaw said since September, IRFA and other industry groups have been calling on the Treasury to issue a safe harbor rule that would use existing carbon models to estimate the value of credits while the department finalizes its guidelines. Shaw says “We have biodiesel plants that are sitting idle today, that are not running, because they don’t know what the value of the credit is. Feedstock suppliers don’t know how to price the feedstock, biodiesel producers don’t know what to pay for them.”

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC in Council Bluffs. (Photo courtesy of David Kosling, USDA AudioVisual Production Specialist)

Shaw said he presumes the incoming administration will want to put “more than a few fingerprints” on the intended regulations that were issued by the Treasury. To him, that means Iowa biofuels plants cannot claim the credits “with any certainty or lack of risk” under the unfinalized rules.  Shaw says “Iowa biofuels plants, collectively, made hundreds of millions of dollars of investments based on this 45z program that’s supposed to be here for ‘25, ‘26 and ‘27 and right now they can’t access it.” He said IRFA will work with the Trump administration and hopes to get rules for the credit, or a safe harbor, in place as soon as possible.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public’s help with a carcass dumping investigation. The DNR says five dead deer were found at the Highway 44 boat ramp of the Raccoon River, in Dallas County.

In Iowa, it is illegal to leave a dead animal without disposing of it in a timely manner. If you have any information, call 515-883-0228 or email dustin.eghmy@dnr.iowa.gov.

The DNR says you can remain anonymous and there could be a reward for your tip.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will discuss and likely approve 2025 Bridge Embargoes during their meeting that begins at 9-a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 14), in Red Oak. Bridge embargoes are designed to prevent accidents involving overweight vehicles that cause damage to a bridge, such as what occurred in Audubon County in October, 2008, when a farmer was hauling a load of corn across a four span wood bridge. The structure collapsed and a grain wagon dropped into a creek. At the time, officials said the load likely weighed about 70,800 pounds, with ~64,800 bearing on the single cart axle. Along with his tractor the total load was around 90,0000 pounds. The posted bridge weight limit was 9-tons.

Bridge collapse under heavy grain/tractor load in Audubon County (2008 file photo)

In other business, the Montgomery County Supervisors will discuss and likely approve:

• Signors for Treasurer’s Bank Accounts
• The Treasure’s Semi-Annual Report, ending fund balance for Dec. 31, 2024, in the amount of $13,065,329.08
• A Resolution naming Depositories
• Board and Committee appointments to:
  • The Planning & Zoning Commission
  • Eminent Domain Compensation Commission.

Their next regular meeting will be Jan. 21st, at 9-a.m.

*Please note the Jan. 14th meeting is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location   +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.31

(Radio Iowa) – The Bridgestone tire plant in Des Moines is offering severance packages to about 130 employees, after laying off more than a hundred people last June. The factory makes tires for farm machinery. Local Steelworkers Union president Keenan Bell says the slow down at John Deere factories affects Bridgestone. Fewer tractors being made means less demand for tires, and Bell says sales forecasts predict the market will continue to slump.

Bell says many major ag businesses are tied to one another, so when John Deere experiences difficulties, Bridgestone has to make cuts, too.

Bell says 102 employees are currently interested in taking the severance package. They are eligible for a 35-thousand dollar buyout. If there aren’t enough people taking the buyout, the company will begin to look at other options, like furloughs or layoffs.

(Radio Iowa) – The two gun seasons for deer are now over and the D-N-R’s Conservation Division Administrator Pete Hildreth says the numbers are still on pace to match last year, which was 104-thousand deer. “To date, hunters have reported 87-thousand deer. And during the 2024 combined firearm season, approximately 52-thousand deer were harvested,” he says. There are still chances for hunters yet this year.

“With the two regular gun seasons now in the books, Iowa’s deer hunting shifts to a more solitary endeavor with the opening of the late muzzleloader season,” he says. The archery season also reopened and will close on Friday (January 10). There are a couple of other seasons remaining that are used to keep deer populations in check. “The final deer seasons are the two January antlerless deer only seasons,” he says. “The population management January antlerless season and the excess tag January antlerless season. Both of these seasons run from January 11 through the 19th.”

The population management January antlerless season is available only in Allamakee, Appanoose, Decatur, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne and Winneshiek counties. Hunters may use bows, muzzle loaders, handguns, shotguns, crossbows or rifles in that .223 caliber. The excess tag. January antlerless season is available in all counties with unsold county antlerless tags on January 11th, but license sales will only be available over the counter and not online until the quota is filled.

Hunters participating in the excess tag January antlerless season can only use .223 caliber to .500 caliber rifles. Hildreth made his comments during the Iowa Natural Resources Commission meeting.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are once again teaming up with Iowa State Ag and Biosystems Engineering specialists to bring planter equipment expertise to farms across the state. Planter University workshops are set for Feb. 3-7 and 11, 2025. The series begins in Southwest Iowa, with a session in Atlantic set for Monday February 3rd at the Cass County Community Center. The workshops are an opportunity for farmers, agricultural service providers, equipment and precision ag dealers, and others to gain insight into how planters function; how to optimize settings for individual seed, field and equipment needs; and improve understanding of planter wear and calibration.

“Planter University goes far beyond a typical planter clinic and provides attendees direct access to specialists with expertise in planter technology and settings,” said Meaghan Anderson, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to host these workshops across the state again this February.” Specialists from the Iowa State Digital Ag group will lead each workshop and focus on small-group, hands-on learning with row units representing a variety of technologies currently available for planters. The Digital Ag group is renowned for its key industry partnerships and unique expertise in equipment development and precision agriculture. Meetings will also offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers.

“Former participants overwhelmingly enjoyed the workshop approach and stated the workshop improved their ability to confidently make adjustments during planting season,” said Levi Powell, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist. “We are going to help attendees better understand the physics behind traditional and high-speed planters and how to evaluate planting performance, because every planter, operator and operation is different. This event will focus on how to dial in the right settings for you and your operation,” added Ben Covington, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.

The training will be offered at six locations. Attendance will be limited to maintain small group sizes and allow for hands-on activities. Registration for each location is $100 and closes seven days ahead of each meeting. There is no on-site registration available. Registration is now open online , and closes on Monday January 20th for the Atlantic location. A registration link is available on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or by visiting https://go.iastate.edu/planter.

Registration includes lunch, refreshments, reference materials, seed depth tool, closing wheel hold up bracket and CCA credits. Registration check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. The program concludes at 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Feb. 3 – Cass County Community Center, Atlantic
Feb. 4 – Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, Sutherland
Feb. 5 – Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, Kanawha
Feb. 6 – Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence
Feb. 7 – Crystal Creek Enterprises, 2457 Highway 30, DeWitt
Feb. 11 – Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab, 3800 University Boulevard, Ames

Additional Winter Agronomy Education Offerings:

Registrations are still open for the 2025 Crop Advantage session on January 21 in Atlantic, with an opportunity for farmers and crop advisers to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University. The meeting includes catered lunch and continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA). Private pesticide applicator continuing education will be available and will require a separate fee payable at the location. The Atlantic Crop Advantage meeting will be held at Cass County Community Center (805 West 10th Street., Atlantic, IA) on January 21, 2025. Registration check-in opens at 8:30 AM and the program runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Program highlights include a 2025 weather outlook, a deep dive into nitrification inhibitors, short corn research, DOT regulations for agricultural use, and managing waterhemp.

This meeting is part of a series being held at multiple locations across the state throughout the month of January. For more program details and registration information, for Atlantic or other Crop Advantage locations, including dates, times, and program details visit: https://go.iastate.edu/cropadvantage. Early registration for each location is $75; late registration completed less than seven days prior to the meeting, or on-site, is $100. Early registration for the Atlantic location closes at midnight on January 14th.

CropsTV online learning is also returning for a fifth season, providing the convenience of crop production education at home, office or anywhere there’s an internet connection. Watch the episodes on-demand, on your schedule. The CropsTV program contains topics selected to best fit an online learning environment with supplemental materials and links to resources. Many topics are unique to CropsTV. Instructors are Iowa State University faculty, staff, extension specialists and guest presenters from around the Midwest. This program is exclusively on-demand and episodes will be available for viewing from Jan. 7 through April 15 for subscribers. CropsTV features 25+ episodes that cover a variety of topics selected from the Integrated Crop Management Conference, Crop Advantage Series, or are exclusive to CropsTV. Registration and viewing for CropsTV Season 5 is now open online for a $100 subscription fee at https://go.iastate.edu/cropstv.

For Planter University or Crop Advantage registration questions, please reach out to Registration Services at registrations@iastate.edu or 515-294-6222. For all other questions, email crops@iastate.edu or contact local extension field agronomist Aaron Saeugling at clonz5@iastate.edu.

(Radio Iowa) – The U-S Fish and Wildlife Service proposes a critical habitat zone to protect endangered freshwater mussels along part of Iowa’s southeastern border. The plan to protect “spectaclecase” mussels covers four-thousand miles of rivers in 17 states, including a portion of the Mississippi River from the Quad-Cities to Keokuk. Agency biologist Nick Utrup says the designations are critical for the recovery of the mussel species, but they won’t change agency operations much.

Utrup says, “It gives us another tool in the toolbox, so to speak, so we can look at these specific areas and say, ‘What can we do here in this one very specific critical habitat unit to help recover the species?'” Setting up what’s referred to as a critical habitat zone for the mussel means any federally funded projects in the area must first be approved by U-S Fish and Wildlife. Utrup says mussel harvesting for button manufacturing in the late 1800s was one of the biggest reasons for their population decline in the Mississippi.

“That was a huge problem,” Utrup says. “Once you knock back a species like that, it takes a long time to recreate the numbers and to bring them back to where they used to be.” The agency is taking public comments on the proposal until February 11th, though Utrup said the proposal may not be approved until fall.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating after the contents of a semi-trailer were spilled in a fire at the I-80 eastbound rest area near Adair Tuesday. The D-N-R says the semi owned by World Way Freight Transport was hauling poly totes of lactic acid when the driver noticed the trailer tires were smoking and pulled over at the rest area. D-N-R Environmental specialist Alison Manz says they realized the environmental problem after the fire was out.

The majority of the trailer and its contents were on-fire by the time firefighters arrived. It is estimated that approximately 550 gallons of lactic acid were lost. The acid and water used to fight the fire flowed through two storm drains and into tile intake that runs into an unnamed tributary of the South Fork Middle River. No dead fish were found as of Wednesday. Manz says private crew is cleaning up.

Manz says the landowner moved his cattle offsite and recommends anyone downstream to do the same. The rest area will remain closed until clean-up is complete. Contaminated soil will be excavated or treated on-site.