Interested producers and the general public can find out more about the agronomics and economics of growing giant Miscanthus in Iowa for biomass production at a planting scheduled for May 7 in Iowa City.
Farmers should consider soybean aphids a potential pest for 2013. A recently updated Iowa State University publication, Soybean aphid-resistant varities for Iowa, will assist farmers in adopting new management techniques, possibly reducing their need for a foliar insecticide.
A sterile hybrid, Giant Miscanthus is most commonly planted from rhizome pieces when the soil temperatures have reached 50 F. Here are some things to consider if you are propagating and/or planting rhizomes this spring.
A Biomass Crop Production workshop Thursday, March 8, at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa will explore why interest is increasing in biomass crops for energy in Iowa.
By Mark Honeyman, ISU Research Farms
There are fourteen Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms in Iowa; nine owned by associations (local farmers) and five owned by the university. One responsibility of Iowa State to the associations is to provide an annual farm progress report on the agricultural research and related scientific agriculture activities conducted at the farm as a year-end summary. Those reports, that were made available in the past to the members and others in print form, are now available online to the public in a new format.
President Obama brought national attention to Iowa organic production with a visit to MogoOrganic in April. Now ISU organizers are bringing producers and experts from across the nation to speak at the 10th Annual Iowa Organic Conference Nov. 22 in Ames.
ISU grant will help develop perennial warm-season grasses as cash crops in southern Iowa, where soils are more erodible and less productive for corn.
Those planning to take the Certified Crop Adviser exam can attend a review session offered by ISU Extension to prepare for the exam.
The 2010 schedule of Crop Advantage Series meetings is announced. The series provides a statewide message on important crop issues yet retains local input on topics for that specific area.
