February 2020In this Issue:

Online References..........................1

Numbers to Know............................1

Focus on Soil Fertility......................1

What Have We Learned About Dairy Producers? 2

Feeding 2019 Corn Silage...............2

Biosecurity is Tougher in Cold.........3

Garden Planning.............................3

Upcoming Events............................4

Online ReferencesAg Decision Makerwww.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/Iowa Beef Centerwww.iowabeefcenter.orgManure Management Action Groupwww.agronext.iastate.eduIowa Pork Industry Centerwww.ipic.iastate.edu/ISU Extension Dairy Teamwww.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteamLocate a County Officehttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/

Numbers to KnowAnswerLine 800-262-3804Beginning Farmer Center 877-BFC-1999Hortline 515-294-3108Iowa 2-1-1 211Iowa Concern 800-447-1985Iowa Healthy Families 800-369-2229Teen Line 800-443-8336

Focus on Soil FertilityJoel DeJong, Field Agronomist | 712-546-7835 or jldejong@iastate.edu

Knowing when you need to apply fertilizer to your crop or when you can get by without an application can make a big difference to your annual cash flow if you are a crop producer. If you are a landowner renting out your land, a crop that can utilize the nutrients that are stored in your soil

has value – are you recovering that value being used? Likewise, if your soil has very little in storage, indicated by your soil test level, then a tenant might need to apply more fertilizer than just a removal rate for his crop, which lowers the value to that tenant. Soil fertility management seems like a tough issue for many. It is not just about what is applied and how that effects the crop this year. How much we apply also slowly alters what the soil holds in storage, which can influence its future productivity.

Based on decades of replicated research across Iowa on how fertilization impacts yields and soil test levels, in 2013 an updated ISU publication titled “A General Guide for Crop Nutrient and Limestone Recommendations in Iowa” was released. Knowing the soil fertility of your fields through soil testing is the key for good decisions, but interpretation of those numbers is the next critical step. A copy of this publication, which can be vital to interpreting soil test results, is available free at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/5232.

The general concept in these recommendations is for long-term profitability and reducing risk of yield loss by emphasizing response-based applications for very low and low soil test categories, and removal-based maintenance replacing what has been removed with crop harvest in the optimum category. These recommendations do not encourage the rapid build-up of soil test levels when in the low and very low categories, but rather longer-term profitability goals. This report also updated suggested removal rates, based on thousands of grain samples analyzed in recent years.

Want to learn more? Soil Fertility Workshops are being offered around Iowa this winter. Two scheduled at this time in Northwest Iowa include a session at the Western Research Farm east of Castana on Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A second workshop is set for March 13 at the Le Mars Convention Center. Management of phosphorus, potassium, lime and micronutrients will be covered, and soil testing, interpreting lab results, calculating removal rates and fertilizer bills, and comparisons of different recommendations will be some of the hands-on activities. The sessions cost $40 per person, which includes publications, copies of the presentation and lunch. There is a maximum of 25 participants for each site. If you want to reserve a spot, e-mail jldejong@iastate.edu or contact the Monona or Plymouth County Extension offices.

Understanding soil fertility management can be tough. There are many theories out there of what is “right.” These workshops will share the recommendations ISU makes, based on research. The decision on how you want to spend your fertilizer dollars is still yours, but I think these workshops can help you be an educated buyer.

What Have We Learned About Dairy Producers?Fred Hall, Dairy Program Specialist | 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu

Over the past couple of years, we have expanded the questions asked in the evaluations after ISU Extension and Outreach dairy programs in Northwest Iowa. Rather than just inquiring about the specific program, we have tried to collect information that helps us understand the producers who attend, and then use that information to tailor future programs to meet their needs. We have found that those attending are often outside the “average” that state and nationwide surveys provide.

To describe those farms that responded to the survey, they milked 1,036 cows with a 78 pound “tank average” and had 743 heifers on feed. They also farmed 2,371 acres raising feed for their cattle. When asked if they had plans to expand their dairy operation, 56 percent indicated they do have plans to expand in the next five years.Since 2017, we have asked about their cost of production and their “farm-gate” price per 100 pounds of milk.

2017 - Cost of Production = $14.60; Farm-Gate Price = $17.10 2018 - Cost of Production = $15.30; Farm-Gate Price = 14.45 2019 - Cost of Production = $16.40; Farm-Gate Price = $21.13

When asked if hiring labor is harder than in past years, 54 percent agreed it was getting harder. While 67 percent hired foreign-born employees, the remainder either did not hire non-family labor or had no immigrant employees. We also inquired the average employee starting annual salary and they indicated the average at $36,200. In addition, we found only 36 percent had and maintained an employee handbook.

A new question for 2019 asked if respondents experienced or have seen indications of personal stress in farm families; 42 percent indicated they had, and 9 percent had been prompted to take some action or intervention.

While this is an interesting read, what does it mean for ISU Extension and Outreach dairy programs in 2020? By using this information shared by producers, we are focusing programs to address those issues identified from the evaluations.

For example, the I-29 Moo University Winter Workshop series, “Prosperity of Dairy Calves,” which was held on Jan. 9 in Orange City focused on topics to help dairy producers achieve successful calf management.

Secondly, this year, we have scheduled a Farm Couple Getaway for Feb. 21-22 at the Lakeshore Center at Okoboji. The Getaway is designed to help farm couples deal more effectively with stress; learn about personality differences and communication styles; communicate more effectively with their spouse/families; discover helpful resources within local communities and through ISU Extension and Outreach; make decisions and plans for the family and farm’s future; and enjoy a much-needed mini-vacation from the farm.

Third, the “Eye on Employees: Farm Labor Webinar Series” will be from noon to 1:00 p.m. beginning February 5 and continuing each Wednesday through March 4. The series will focus on labor acquisition, labor versus robots, misclassifying employees plus development and use of an employee handbook. Presenters will include: Brett Stanley; Special investigator with the Department of Homeland Security; Melissa O’Rourke, ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Specialist, Larry Tranel, ISU Extension and Outreach Northeast Iowa Dairy Specialist, and Fred Hall, ISU Extension and Outreach Northwest Iowa Dairy Specialist.

Fourth, the Planning for Profitability program in August will build on the webinar series with a more in-depth study on labor acquisition, retention, management and development and use of an employee handbook. It will be a hands-on opportunity for producers to hear from human resources and labor professionals and then discuss those ideas. Plus, they will be able to put what they have learned into developing or improving an employee handbook for their dairy.

And finally, a new “Dairying by the Numbers” program in late-Summer will help producers understand the transition from cash accounting to accrual accounting and then supply some of the organization to make the change.

Feeding 2019 Corn Silage Fred Hall, Dairy Program Specialist | 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu

A recent mycotoxin survey in corn harvested in 2019 shows 96 percent tested positive for at least one mycotoxin, while 61 percent of samples had more than one mycotoxin. Combine that with the potential for quality issues that may mean fewer pounds of milk per ton and producers need to get a handle on what they have in their piles. To help producers evaluate their options, I-29 Moo University asked Dairy Specialist and Assistant Professor at Iowa State University Dr. Hugo Ramirez-Ramirez, to share what he is seeing from labs in the upper Midwest and what mitigation options producers have.Ramirez also shared several other thoughts about pile maintenance during feed-out. The archived webinar is available at:

https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/pekv78669iqd/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal.

Biosecurity is Tougher in Cold WeatherDave Stender, Swine Program Specialist | 712-225-6196 or dstender@iastate.edu

One of the top challenges for swine producers during the winter is biosecurity. Cold weather increases the length of time some viruses can survive in the environment. A major risk for spreading viruses is the transport system, including the truck interior, the driver and the trailer interior and exterior. Perhaps the most difficult to manage is the trailer interior as it is difficult to disinfect in wintertime. Some systems have used heated wash bays successfully, but there are not enough heated truck facilities to service all transport. Therefore, a portion of transport trucks are infected with swine pathogens. A recent unpublished study by Dr. Derald Holtkamp looked at loading market pigs into a contaminated transport trailer. The study showed that pigs kick virus and bacteria out of the truck as they are loaded and that the pathogens are readily tracked back into the barn by the loading crew. There is a potential to reduce the risk of disease infection with a change in how pigs are loaded. More information about this problem and other biosecurity issues will be discussed at upcoming workshops in Northwest Iowa. The workshops will also cover some overview regarding preparation for potential issues that would arise if our country breaks with a foreign animal disease. Join us for any of the following workshops. No cost or preregistration necessary.

Feb. 6, 11:30-1:00 p.m. - ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Orange City Feb. 10, 3:30-5:00 p.m. - ISU Extension and Outreach Kossuth County Office, 1121 HWY 18 East, Algona Feb. 26, 11:30-1:00 p.m. - ISU Extension and Outreach Plymouth County Office, 251 12th Street SE, Le Mars Feb. 28, 11:30-1:00 p.m. - ISU Extension and Outreach Buena Vista County Office, 824 Flindt Drive, Storm Lake

For more information, call Dave Stender at 712-261-0225.

Garden Planning While the Snow Flies Dawn Henderson, Horticulture Program Coordinator | 712-472-2576 or dawnh@iastate.edu

It is the most wonderful time of year for the dreaming gardener. The seed catalogs have come rolling in and they are the perfect reading material for chilly nights by the fire. If creating a garden plan for the first time, it can feel like an overwhelming task but can easily be broken down into a few points to consider.

The first step is to look back and ask: How was the garden set up last year? What did the weather do? Are there certain plants that thrived and others that did not?

By considering these questions, you will already have a jumpstart on your 2020 gardening year. Still have questions about planning a garden? There will be a wonderful night of discussion with fellow women in ag at a “Galentine’s Day” celebration on Feb. 12 in Orange City. A light supper will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by a short discussion on planning garden layouts. Finally, a fun DIY project with all those colorful seed catalogs will bring your dream garden to life. RSVP before Feb. 6 to confirm a spot, register here: https://form.jotform.com/4Hregion1/galentines-day-party or contact Dawn at dawnh@iastate.edu.More about Northwest Iowa Women in Ag Events: Local ISU Extension and Outreach staff in Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O’Brien, and Clay County collaborate to host Women in Ag Gatherings four times each year. Attendance is open to any women with an interest in agriculture, and all events are low-cost or free to attend. The purpose is to give women with a shared interest in agriculture an opportunity to learn and network together. Future events for 2020 are tentatively being planned for March 19 in Dickinson or Clay

County; Aug. 6 in O’Brien County and Nov. 12 in Osceola County. Please save the dates and watch your local ISU Extension and Outreach website for more information.

Upcoming EventsFeb. 1 • 4-H Beef Bonanza at 9:45-3:30 p.m. • Iowa Lakes Community College, EmmetsburgFeb. 4 • Private Pesticide Applicator Training at 7:00-9:00 p.m. • Community Center, InwoodFeb. 5 • Eye on Employees: Farm Labor Webinar Series at 12:00-1:00 p.m. • OnlineFeb. 5 • A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease at 12:30-1:30 p.m. • Public Library, Rock RapidsFeb. 5 • Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training at 9:30 a.m. • Orange CityFeb. 5 • Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training at 1:30 p.m. • Orange CityFeb. 6 • Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training at 9:30 a.m. • Orange CityFeb. 6 • Emergency Planning Foreign Animal Disease Issues for Swine Producers at 11:30-1:30 p.m. • Orange CityFeb. 7 • Private Pesticide Applicator Training at 9:30-11:30 a.m. • Community Center, HintonFeb. 11 • Private Pesticide Applicator Training at 9:30-11:30 a.m. • Little Sioux Event Center, CherokeeFeb. 11 • Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training at 1:30-4:00 p.m. • Forster Community Center, Rock RapidsFeb. 11 • Private Pesticide Applicator Training at 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Little Sioux Event Center, CherokeeFeb. 11 • Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training at 6:30 p.m. • Northwest Iowa Community College, SheldonFeb. 12 • Eye on Employees: Farm Labor Webinar Series at 12:00-1:00 p.m. • OnlineFeb. 12 • A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease at 12:30-1:30 p.m. • Public Library, Rock RapidsFeb. 13 • Commercial Ag Continuing Instruction Course at 9:00-11:30 a.m. • Rock RapidsFeb. 17 • PQA Certification at 9:00 a.m. • Northwest Iowa Community College, SheldonFeb. 17 • Regional Swine Meeting at 1:00 p.m. • Northwest Iowa Community College, SheldonFeb. 18 • Private Pesticide Applicator Training at 9:30-11:30 a.m. • Orange CityFeb. 18 • Winter Cow/Calf Webinar: Market Trends, Tracking & Improving Profitability at 6:00-8:00 p.m. • Primghar, Estherville, Onawa, Sac City or OnlineFeb. 19 • Eye on Employees: Farm Labor Webinar Series at 12:00-1:00 p.m. • OnlineFeb. 19 • A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease at 12:30-1:30 p.m. • Public Library, Rock RapidsFeb. 20 • Seed Treatment Continuing Instruction Course at 9:00-11:30 a.m. • Rock RapidsFeb. 26 • Eye on Employees: Farm Labor Webinar Series at 12:00-1:00 p.m. • OnlineMarch 4 • Eye on Employees: Farm Labor Webinar Series at 12:00-1:00 p.m. • Online

Field & Feedlot is published monthly by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources Field Specialists. Inquiries about the publication and/or how you can receive it in your inbox each month can be sent to Kiley Biedenfeld at kkaufman@iastate.edu or 712-957-5045.