I tried to get by with stringing lights on corkscrew willow branches to substitute for our Christmas tree last year. It did not go over well in our household. Even when the season seems overwhelmingly busy, it’s worth the effort to buy a real tree, if nothing else, for that inimitable scent of fresh pine, […]
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Category: Agriculture
A reward for Iowa’s generous farmers
I know several farmers market vendors who donate vegetables left over after markets to food pantries. Now, these charitable farmers can be rewarded for their good deeds through a new program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, announced the following this week: FARMERS DONATING FOOD ELIGIBLE FOR TAX CREDIT
University of Iowa to host Iowa Organic ...
A well-respected fruit grower spoke to me at length during a recent farmers market. One of the points he noted was the challenge in raising food organically in Iowa. “Too many critters,” he said, in reference to the insects and other pests that tend to attack produce crops. Many of the growers I know are […]
Practical Farmers tests compost/heating ...
The Practical Farmers of Iowa group is always looking for ways to make Iowa farming more sustainable. That includes the expenses involved, as well as the resources used in production. This latest innovative project holds promise in holding down costs while using a renewable energy source. It just makes sense. Here is more about a […]
Feed Iowa First founder Sonia Kendrick t...
If anyone should be recognized for her role in the local foods movement in Iowa, it’s Sonia Kendrick. Sonia, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, founded Feed Iowa First upon her return, after realizing how many Iowans go hungry in the breadbasket of the world. Utilizing unused land around churches and other sites in […]
Watchdog group questions agribusiness ap...
Corporate agribusiness shouldn’t merit a seat at the table of the largest organic farming conferences in America, according to one group. As the MOSES organic farming conference gets underway Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, The Cornucopia Institute is crying foul over the scheduled appearance of an employee of WhiteWave, the former branded products division of Dean […]
Iowa moves from third to second in the n...
Iowa is moving up in the agricultural world. Preliminary U.S. Census data shows the state has seen increases in ag production and the value of crops and livestock sold, surpassing Texas, Illinois and California in those three categories. Here is more from Iowa Secretary of State Bill Northey’s office:
Update to manure blow-out: large-scale h...
Back in November came news that several thousands of gallons of manure had blown out of a clean-out port on a southeast Iowa hog confinement facility, making its way to a creek that runs to a major river. Today, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced that Maschhoffs LLC has agreed to pay a $10,000 […]
Applications accepted for Iowa Century a...
Iowa farms that reach a milestone of 100 or 150 years under the same family can qualify for a special honor. The Century (100-year) and Heritage (150-year) Farm Program recognizes those achievements during an award ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Our family farm in rural Chelsea received the honor a few years ago, making […]
Johnson County project aims to reach wom...
Johnson County, the latest place in Iowa to offer the Women, Land and Legacy outreach project, is offering its first event on Feb. 6, 2014, in Iowa City. The project was started in 2004 and involves government, non-profits and faith based organizations, and works to help meet the needs of agricultural women in rural areas.