The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says after a more than two-year long investigation, two Pennsylvania residents who were part-owners of “Whitetail Fantasies,” a hunting guide business, have pleaded guilty to illegal deer hunting charges in Taylor County. Pursuant to a plea agreement, 48-year old David E. Ricker, of Harrisburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count of illegal taking of an antlered whitetail deer and one count of fraudulently obtaining a resident deer license. And, pursuant to an earlier plea agreement, 47-year old Jeffrey A. Mealey, of Dillsburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to an illegal possession of an antlered whitetail deer.

Through a jury trial, Ollie Odle Jr., of Bedford, was found guilty of two charges of aiding and abetting of illegal taking of antlered whitetail deer, based upon providing deer licenses/tags to out of state hunters. The defendants were ordered to forfeit the antlers and pay more than $22,600 in fines and liquidated damages. They are suspended from hunting or obtaining any licenses for one year.

The state of Iowa is a member of the Wildlife Violator Compact, which is an agreement between participating states that prohibits a person whose hunting or fishing privileges are suspended in one state from participating in those activities in 38 other states, including their home state of Pennsylvania.

Conservation Officer Andrea Bevington has been actively investigating cases of non-residents fraudulently obtaining resident licenses and illegally hunting game in Adams and Taylor counties. Changes in the residency laws were implemented in 2009 to identify a growing problem in Iowa of non-residents falsifying records to illegally obtain resident licenses.

Bevington said “The state of Iowa is known for their trophy whitetail deer. This natural resource attracts people from all over the United States and other countries. Unfortunately these trophies sometimes draw individuals here who exploit the resource and break Iowa laws.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Senate has approved a bill that would make it easier for livestock producers to downsize, drawing criticism from environmentalists who say the measure could mean those farms would avoid environmental oversight.  In a 43-6 vote on Wednesday, the Senate approved legislation that would allow some livestock producers to close barns and be reclassified as small operations. Then they no would longer need to file plans for manure disposal with the state.

Sen. Joe Seng, a Democrat from Davenport, says the bill will help farmers who want to temporarily shutter some operations. Seng amended the legislation to require producers who want to store manure in idled barns to seek permission.

A version of this bill received House approval. The amended bill will return to the House for review.

Iowa State University in Guthrie County reports ISU is conducting a nationwide survey of livestock producers’ use of feed-related coproducts from ethanol production.  The feedback gained from the survey will be used to help improve coproduct quality, which can help livestock producers with their feed costs and livestock performance.  The survey is focused on the beef, dairy, swine and poultry sectors.  

It is being funded by a coalition consisting of the Renewable Fuels Association, the Distillers Grains Technology Council, and the Corn Utilization Councils of Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.  Livestock producers are invited to take the survey online until June 19th, at http://humansciences.ethanolcoproducts.sgizmo.com/s3/

w/ Kate Olson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A real estate agents group estimates high quality crop land in Iowa is worth $11,515 an acre. The Realtors Land Institute, made up of people specializing in farm and land sales, management and appraisal, say the average value is up 9.4 percent from September 2012. The Des Moines Register reports northwest Iowa had the most expensive land, at $13,387 an acre.

Those surveyed were asked to estimate average values as of March 2013. The soaring prices are due largely to high prices for commodities, such as corn and soybeans, that have put farmers in position to buy land as well as low interest rates.

Officials with the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency say due to increased winds, recent area fires, and lack of rain the last few days, the  Shelby County Fire Danger Index will remain in the “Moderate Category,” until Thursday, May 2nd.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — As family farms sell out to corporations and more farmers move to the city, it’s getting harder for single people in rural areas to find mates. Some are improving their chances with the help of a three-decade old social organization, Singles in Agriculture, that specializes in people like them. The group has members in 16 states, most in the Midwest and West. Unattached farmers, both men and women, get together several times a year in rural communities for dances, bowling or just to talk about agriculture.

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency says due to a warming trend, the likelihood of increased winds and a dryer forecast over the next few days, the fire danger rating will be bumped up to “MODERATE,” through Monday, April 29th. The fire danger index had been in the “Low” category for more than a week, because of recent rains.

Controlled burns should be monitored closely, and property owners should contact their local fire chief before any burns are initiated.

Info from the Atlantic Animal Shelter.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (4.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

w/ Dr. Keith Leonard

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS