News

Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has requested $10 million for the Iowa Water Quality Initiative and a half million for avian influenza response efforts, among other requests. The requests came in a public meeting with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s fiscal 2017 budget request.

Northey requested a half million dollar appropriation to aid in preparing for and potentially responding to a foreign animal disease outbreak, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The funds would be used to increase the capacity of the animal industry bureau and provide resources to better equip and prepare for future responses.

Northey says that the USDA has identified the recent avian influenza outbreak as the worst animal health emergency in U.S. history and unfortunately, Iowa was at the center of it. He says that animal agriculture adds so much to the state and the requested funds would help the Department continue to prepare for another animal disease situation, whether it is avian influenza or another disease.

The $10 million request for the Water Quality Initiative would allow the Department to continue offering cost share statewide to farmers trying new water quality practices, expand work in targeted watersheds to achieve measurable water quality improvements, and continue to develop new programs to help engage all Iowans in water quality efforts. The Department received $9.6 million for the current fiscal year for the Water Quality Initiative.

Northey also requested $7.5 million for conservation cost share. For over four decades, Iowa’s soil conservation cost share program has encouraged the adoption of conservation structures and practices to protect and preserve our state’s natural resources. Last year alone, the state’s $9.8 million investment generated $12.8 million in matching funds from Iowa farmers and land owners to support conservation practices.

Northey also asked for $150,000 from the Technology Reinvestment Fund to begin the process of updating the Iowa Commercial Pesticide License and Certification Database. The current database system was developed in 1987 and is unsupported by current Windows operation systems.

Sheldon, Iowa — One person was taken to the hospital following a car vs semi accident north of Sheldon early this (Tuesday) morning.

Authorities were called to the scene of the crash, about one and one half miles south of POET Biorefining on Highway 60 shortly before 6:30 this morning. According to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, a 2003 Volvo semi tractor and trailer, driven by 28-year old Mahad Ismail of St. Cloud, Minnesota, was southbound on Highway 60.  A 2003 Ford Explorer, driven by 62-year old Steven Tatman of Sheldon was stopped at the eastbound stop sign and intended to travel across Highway 60.  Tatman told deputies he failed to see the semi, and pulled into its path.  The semi struck Tatman’s SUV in the side, spinning it into the median, where the semi came to rest as well.

Tatman was taken to the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center by the Sheldon Community Ambulance Team.

Tatman was cited for Failure To Yield Upon Entering A Through Highway.

Departments responding to the scene included the Ashton Fire Department, Sheldon Police Department, and the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office.

Des Moines, Iowa – You can add some special interest to your winter landscape, or maybe the yard of someone on your gift-giving list, with the Winter Wonderland specialty packet from Iowa’s State Forest Nursery.

State Forester Paul Tauke says the packet consists of two evergreen species and three varieties of shrubs that add color and beauty all year long, but particularly during Midwest winters.

In addition to the seedlings, those ordering this month’s packet will receive a copy of Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of Iowa – a perfect stocking stuffer. This 100-page booklet contains detailed descriptions, information and illustrations of more than 40 Iowa trees and shrubs.

As a special bonus, the first two individuals to order the Winter Wonderland packet will receive a $50 gift card to Scheels All Sports store, according to Tauke.

This Winter Wonderland packet, available this month only, may be just be the gift you are looking to give, or get, this holiday season. Cost for the 250 bare-root seedlings is $110, the same price as a regular 200-seedling packet, plus tax, shipping and handling. The Winter Wonderland packet includes 50 each of the following: 

White pine

The only common pine in Iowa, the white pine has long narrow cones and soft plumy grass-like needles in bundles of five. Its curved upper branches provide hauntingly beautiful asymmetry. The white pine will grow 50 to 80 feet tall and likes well-drained, sandy soil.

White spruce

With dense foliage and a pyramid shape, the white spruce can withstand extremes of heat and cold and grows to be 50 to 80 feet tall.

Redosier dogwood

This shrub grows from 4 to 20 feet tall and displays vibrant red stems, attractive white flowers and white berries. It tolerates wet soil well.

Gray dogwood

Its white flowers, white berries and blue-green foliage provide great winter interest. This shrub tolerates wet soil and will grow 10 to 15 feet tall.

Ninebark

This shrub keeps things interesting in the winter with its brown shaggy peeling bark and white to slightly pink flowers. It’s drought tolerant and grows 6 to 10 feet tall.

The seedlings are between 8 and 24 inches, depending on the tree or shrub species.

To take advantage of this offer, call the State Forest Nursery at 1-800-865-2477 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and mention the “Winter Wonderland packet.”  Landowners purchasing this packet will receive delivery in the spring.

Each month, the State Forest Nursery creates a different specialty packet to offer a unique mix of tree and shrub species for that month only. This month’s specialty packet is only available through Dec. 30, 2015.  Look for an announcement of next month’s specialty packet Jan. 5.

Anyone can purchase seedlings from the Iowa State Forest Nursery for CRP projects, to increase wildlife habitat, pollinator potential or diversify backyard woodlands.  More than 40 species are available from the nursery. Seedling choices, including photos and descriptions, can be seen in the seedling catalog at www.iowadnr.gov/seedlingcatalog