DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad says he’s planning a trade mission to China and Japan in November that will focus on Iowa’s beef and pork exports. Branstad said Monday a delegation that includes Iowa business representatives will depart Nov. 11 and return Nov. 18. Stops will include Beijing and Tokyo.

Branstad says the trip will allow Iowa companies involved in meat processing to expand their markets abroad. The governor’s office says Iowa companies exported $564 million in meat products to Japan in 2015. China recently announced plans to lift a 13-year ban on beef imports from the United States.

Branstad is scheduled to speak at a food summit and a meat conference during the trip. He will also attend a reception at the residence of Caroline Kennedy, the U.S. ambassador to Japan.

The deadline is later this week to apply for what’s billed as one of the country’s most effective beginning farmer programs. Greg Van Den Berghe, with Practical Farmers of Iowa, says a dozen new farmers are accepted every fall into the Savings Incentive Program. One of the first steps is to pair them up with an experienced farm mentor and a peer network. “The beginning farmer gives us the goals they’re looking for, what they’re looking to accomplish and expand and grow, and we look for a mentor within our network that fits that,” Van Den Berghe says.

The new farmer is urged to sock away one-hundred dollars a month for the duration of the two-year program, at the conclusion of which, they’ll double their saved money.
“At the end of this program, they’ve put that $2,400 away and then we match that, so they can go buy a long-term asset that’s going to add value to their farm,” Van Den Berghe says. “It’s really helping that beginning farmer get a leg up on a land purchase or a vehicle or transportation or a tractor or something of that sort.”

Another key element of the program is providing support for developing a business plan for the fledgling farmstead. “We work together with them to give them feedback on when they’re going out and showing this to lending institutions or people that are going to support them, investors and so forth,” Van Den Berghe says. “We give them the direct feedback of what are you missing and what do they see that needs to be tweaked in that.”

Since the program first launched in 2009, more than one-hundred beginning farmers have taken part in the program, with a collective $124,000 in matching funds. The deadline to apply is Friday.

(Radio Iowa)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A monthly survey of business leaders suggests the economy will continue slowing in nine Midwest and Plains states because of weakness in agriculture and energy businesses. The overall economic index for the region declined to 45.5 in September from August’s 47.8. Any score below 50 suggests the economy is weakening.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says energy and agriculture manufacturing is especially weak in the region. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Iowa motorists are reminded harvest time is underway and drivers should be prepared to encounter combines and other large farm equipment on the road. Chuck Schwab, a safety specialist with Iowa State University Extension, says rear end collisions are among the most common crashes involving farm machinery. “Motor vehicles go at a much higher rate of speed than agricultural equipment, so you have this fast closing distance and rear end collisions are very prominent if you’re not prepared to stop,” Schwab says.

When attempting to pass farm machinery, Schwab urges motorists to be patient and make sure they know the farm equipment won’t be turning left. “You need to make sure you’re in line and know that they’re not turning left, watch for the signals and the movement of equipment before you make that pass,” Schwab says.

In addition to roadway collisions, Schwab says the most common type of farm vehicle related accidents include roll-overs involving tractors, lawnmowers, and all terrain vehicles.

(Radio Iowa)

The Iowa Department of Public Health is reminding you to remember to protect yourself against mosquitoes if you are out taking advantage of the remaining warm fall days. Deputy State Epidemiologist Ann Garvey says one threat in particular is still looming. “Late summer and early fall through October is really the peak time when we see West Nile transmission,” Garvey says. ” I think that a lot of us are pretty cognizant and throw in the sunscreen and throw in the bug repellent in the summer months. But as we get into the fall, sometimes we forget that.”

Doctor Garvey says you should remember the key times of the day when the mosquitoes are active. “Mosquitoes here in Iowa that transmit West Nile Virus are most active from really the dusk ’til dawn hours. And so again — it’s important to wear repellent — especially during those hours,” Garvey says. Garvey says the West Nile carrying mosquitoes like stagnant water to breed in, so it is important to dump out standing water.

There’s been a lot of water in some areas due to flooding, but she says that doesn’t mean the population of West Nile mosquitoes has dramatically increased. “Generally speaking when we have flooding events we tend to see what we call flood water mosquitoes, which aren’t as good at transmitting diseases like West Nile virus,” Garvey explains. “But this time we are having kind of the peak West Nile season overlap with some of out flood events So, while a majority of those mosquitoes in flooding events will be floodwater mosquitoes, there will be some that are the likely types that can transmit West Nile Virus.”

There have already been more than one dozen cases of West Nile confirmed. She says there have been 15 human cases confirmed and they are investigating several more which leads them to believe they will have more cases than last year. There are also cases of West Nile in horses and in mosquitoes caught in monitor traps, so Garvey says they know it is out there. Mosquitoes like the warm fall nights just like you do.

“Mosquitoes do really well in the 80-degree temperatures and above. And they do okay in the 70-degrees. Once we get kind of below the 60’s, it’s pretty cold for them and they often go dormant,” Garvey says. Doctor Garvey says the best repellent contains the chemical known as DEET, and says you should read the label before applying it to children.

West Nile can be fatal in some cases, and the last time that happend in Iowa was in 2010 whent there were two deaths. For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website.
idph.iowa.gov

(Radio Iowa)

Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Seivert said Friday, the Fire Danger Index in the County will be “High” this weekend, due to the dry harvest conditions. Seivert says that means extra precautions should be taken when planning an open burn. He says while the ground may still be damp, the vegetation is very dry, and it may ignite and burn more rapidly. The “High Fire Danger” rating will remain in-place until Monday, when the next update on conditions will be made available.

(Red Oak, IA) – Now is the time of year for youth to join and participate in 4-H, the youth development program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

4-H grows confidence, creativity, curiosity, courage, character and so much more by allowing youth to use the skills they learn to go out and make a positive difference in their communities.  Help Iowa 4-H celebrate the outstanding impact youth have made throughout the state during National 4-H Week October 2-8.

4-H is active in each of Iowa’s 100 county extension districts and empowers youth to reach their full potential through many different types of experiences including photography, music, woodworking, sewing, archery, livestock and horticulture. Youth have fun while gaining valuable skills in communication and the arts, citizenship and leadership, science, technology, engineering and math, as well as healthy living and personal life management by being involved in 4-H.

“4-H in Montgomery County encompasses many aspects – from community clubs to Clover Kids and afterschool STEM programs,” states Chelsea Cousins, ISU Extension and Outreach Program Coordinator. “It’s a great way for youth in our community to develop lifelong skills and explore possible careers interests.”

As National 4-H Week fastly approaches it is important to remember the 4-H pledge, which is recited at nearly every 4-H club meeting, and what it teaches. ‘I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.’

To learn more about how 4-H youth development is empowering young people in Montgomery County, visit extension.iastate.edu/4h, give us a call at 712.623.2592 or stop by our office at 400 Bridge Street, Suite 2 Red Oak, IA

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to get out and enjoy Iowa apples, pumpkins and other fall produce by visiting one of the many farms that sell directly to consumers or at the local farmers market.  Timely rains and a warm September have helped produce a plentiful apple and pumpkin crop in Iowa.

“Visiting a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch give you an opportunity to enjoy the freshest locally grown produce and also help support these hard working families and give them the chance to showcase their farm,” Northey said.  “We are hearing reports of very good apple and pumpkin crops across the state and now is the time to get out and enjoy fresh, Iowa-grown produce and make great family memories.”

There are more than 900 acres of apple trees in the state comprised of dozens of great varieties. Orchards are located throughout the state.  Visiting a local orchard is a great way to find new varieties that may not be available in a grocery store.  Ask to try a sample and be adventurous.

Pumpkin production has nearly tripled in the last 3 decades to well over 900 acres at last count.  In addition to family fun carving a jack-o-lantern, pumpkins are also an extremely versatile ingredient in cooking.  Pumpkins make great pies, casseroles and soups.  Pumpkin seeds and flowers can also be cooked and enjoyed.

Many farms also host fall festivals with great family activities such as hay rack rides, corn mazes, local music and other activities in addition to the opportunity to pick your own apples or pumpkins.

A list of apple growers and pumpkin patches can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s directory at:  https://www.idalsdata.org/fmnp/index.cfm

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