Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District

05/24/2021

Webinars

Iowa Learning Farms Wednesday, May 26, noon FREE Webinar

"Soil Health Under and Around Prairie Strips"

AMES, IOWA—The impact of prairie strips on soil health and crop yield is the topic of the Iowa Learning Farms webinar at noon on Wednesday, May 26.

Prairie strips are contour strips of native prairie species that are used like terraces. Prairie strips take up only 10% of a farm field but have disproportional benefits. Marshall McDaniel, assistant professor in soil-plant interactions at Iowa State University, will explore what happens to soil under and around prairie strips and how this might affect crop yield.

“Prairie strips are being rapidly adopted by farmers in Iowa and the surrounding states. We are interested in finding out how the prairie strips are impacting the surrounding crops and soils,” said McDaniel, whose research focuses on understanding soil-plant interactions in order to inform agricultural sustainability.
Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before 12 pm CDT on May 26:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:
Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

About Iowa Learning Farms
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319) and GROWMARK, Inc.

Contact:
Hilary Pierce Jacqueline Comito
Extension Outreach Specialist ILF Program Director
[email protected] [email protected]
515-294-8912 515-296-0081

Please note that the opinions of the presenters are not necessarily the views of Iowa Learning Farms. With the webinar series, ILF is providing a resource for the exchange of ideas and information.

05/11/2021

Naig: ‘Farmers can use state cost share funds to add soil health and water quality practices to their fields’ | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

https://iowaagriculture.gov/news/state-cost-share-funds-add-soil-health-and-water-quality-practices

Naig: ‘Farmers can use state cost share funds to add soil health and water quality practices to their fields’

03/18/2021

Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources

Warren Co. is participating in the S.T.A.R. program this year. S.T.A.R. is a FREE Online tool to assist farm operators and landowners in evaluating their nutrient and soil management practices on individual fields. The ultimate objective is to meet the goals of the http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/ and keep excess N & P nutrients from reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

The S.T.A.R. evaluation program assigns points to each cropping, tillage, nutrient application, and soil conservation activity on individual fields. Higher point values are assigned to those practices that align best with the NRS. The star rating for a field will be from 1 to 5 stars. The Online S.T.A.R. field form should take less than 10 minutes per field to fill out. One or all of a farms fields can be enrolled for FREE.

You can find the Online form and more info about the S.T.A.R program here: https://cdiowa.org/s-t-a-r/

03/18/2021

The nomination Form for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader award can be found here: https://data.iowaagriculture.gov/ifela/ May 3rd, 2021 is the due date for nominating someone. Winners will be recognized on Aug. 18th at the Iowa State Fair.

The nomination Form for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader award can be found here: https://data.iowaagriculture.gov/ifela/ May 3rd, 2021 is the due date for nominating someone. Winners will be recognized on Aug. 18th at the Iowa State Fair.

03/11/2021

SUMMER INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

DUTY STATIONS: The intern position will be shared by the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) based in Indianola and the Madison County SWCD based in Winterset. The position will report to the District Conservationists (DCs) on a day-to-day basis.

EMPLOYMENT TERM: 480 hours (~12 weeks). Start date is flexible with the end of the spring semester; hours must be completed by December 31, 2021.

WAGE: Up to $12.50 per hour, up to 5 days a week (no weekends or holidays).

QUALIFICATIONS: Open to any student currently enrolled in college or a recent graduate majoring in a field of study related to agriculture, conservation, engineering, construction trades, GIS, communications, public relations, urban planning, or environmental sciences. A valid driver’s license and background check will be required.

DUTIES: The Intern will assist the local SWCDs with duties including, but not limited to:
• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) activities;
• Conservation practice layout and checkout (terraces, waterways, ponds, windbreaks, etc.);
• Conservation planning, mapping, and landowner contacts;
• Assisting with information, education, and outreach activities;
• General office duties, and other duties as determined by SWCD Commissioners and DCs;
• Submitting progress reports to the SWCDs / IDALS Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality.

The intern will be required to complete a special project for the Districts (such as developing educational materials, planning an outreach event, or conducting research). At the end of the internship, the intern will give a presentation to the SWCD commissioners outlining their experiences and accomplishments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position includes both office and field work. Successful candidates will be able to work as part of a team as well as independently; be able to work outdoors during various summer weather conditions, traverse through rough and steep terrain on foot, and work safely near large equipment; use GIS/GPS tools; be able to work with the public including landowners and operators, and complete work in a timely manner.

TO APPLY:
Submit the following: 1) a one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and what you hope to gain from this experience, 2) a detailed resume including education, experience, and skills, and 3) three references with their phone numbers and relationship to you. Send application materials to: Warren County SWCD, Attn: Kristine Labertew, 909 E. 2nd Ave. Ste. B, Indianola, IA 50125 or [email protected]. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on March 24, 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kristine Labertew, Conservation Assistant, 515-961-5264 Ext. 3 or [email protected]

01/01/2021

Kiss the Ground Trailer (2020)

Excellent movie. Free on Netflix.

10/21/2020

10% Fall Discount. ORDER SPRING 2021 TREES & SHRUBS NOW to insure species, quantity, size and price.

The new order sheet for Bareroot and Potted trees is now available through your local Soil & Water Conservation District. Order ASAP. Proceeds from these sales support local soil conservation efforts. Stop by or contact: 515-961-5264, ext. 3 or [email protected] for an order form and details.

10/19/2020

People have been asking for the Bio's of the five people running for the three Soil & Water Conservation positions on the ballot for this November election. You can see the short bio's of all five of the candidates below.

Steve Cortum:
I am a lifelong resident of Warren County. My wife Joyce and I reside on the farm I grew up on south of Norwalk. We have two grown children, their spouses, along with two grandchildren all living in Warren County. I have been involved with one or both Warren County Fair boards for over 20 years.

In my professional career, I have held mostly sales positions with crop production Ag Business companies. The last 30 years with the same company. I achieved my CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) status in 1997 and maintained that status for 23 years through technical experience and continuing education requirements. A good part of this training was in the soil and water categories.

My interest in soil and water conservation has grown through my own farming operation and professional career. I would be excited for the opportunity to learn more if elected to this position.

Cathie L. Graves:
I currently am the Chairman of the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District and have been an elected commissioner for 10 years. I live in Norwalk with my husband Richard who is currently serving as an assistant commissioner for the our Soil & Water Conservation District. Prior to becoming a commissioner, I worked for the Iowa Department of Agriculture Soil & Water Conservation Division for 17 years. I worked directly with 32 different Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Iowa during this time.

My strong background in the administration & finance of these 32
different Soil & Water Conservation Districts has helped me greatly while serving as a commissioner. I believe strongly in sustainable agriculture and want to help improve our environment for everyone.

Merrill Dean Heemstra:
I grew up in southeastern Warren County and started farming in the early 70’s. Married to LuAnne and we still live on the farm we moved to when we got married in 1975, a farm that has been in the family for more than 100 years. We have three grown children, Brandey Smith, Rich Heemstra and Amanda Binder and have six grandchildren, five of which are in Warren County.

I joined the Warren Water District board in the 70’s and have been on it the majority of the time since then, serving a president of that board for over 25 years. I am currently serving as a Warren County Soil & Water Conservation Commissioner. I am a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianola. We continue to farm, raising Angus beef, corn, soybeans and hay.

Rod Mckelvey:
I moved to Indianola with my wife and two children in 2005. I graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Planning with a Biology Minor. During the summer of my college years, I volunteered for The Soil Conservation Service in Wapello County. My wife and I currently own properties in Wapello and Warren Counties where we utilize conservation practices such as timber stand improvements, prairie restorations and CRP. I am also an avid hunter and fisherman afield almost daily.

I am running for the Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner position because I am very passionate about agriculture and conservation. I have worked with the agricultural and construction industries for over 20 years, which aids in my understanding the balance between economics and conservation. I am a positive person and a doer. I will utilize my time with The Conservation Commission to promote positive results throughout Warren County.

Duane Sand:
I am a resident of Norwalk for 35 years. I am retired from a 40-year career in soil and water conservation; where I worked for government, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and was a consultant to non-profit organizations. I served a one term appointment as the urban representative on Iowa’s State Soil Conservation Committee. I have been involved in managing Lake Colchester for over 30 years. I am 71 years old and have free time in my retirement.

I have been volunteering as an assistant commissioner for two years because of my interests’ soil health education, and because I believe both rural and urban residents need to take responsibility for water protection.

08/22/2020

Stopped by to visit Steve Cortum and check out his 4 acre wildlife shrub planting on his farm west of Indianola. Steve & and his wife Joyce have been working with our Warren County Soil Conservation District over the last few years and many soil and water conservation projects like, terraces, waterways, prairie plantings, shrub plantings, a pond, wetlands and conservation tillage. His latest endeavor was 4+ acre wildlife shrub planting (approx. 1200 shrubs) that went in this spring with the help of our NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) technical staff.

08/07/2020

Ohio State soil scientist awarded World Food Prize

Ohio State soil scientist awarded World Food Prize

A soil scientist at The Ohio State University whose research spans five continents has been awarded this year’s World Food Prize for increasing the global food supply by helping small farmers improve their soil. Over five decades, Rattan Lal, a Distinguished University Professor in the College of ...

07/15/2020

Looking for some strongly motivated natural resource conservation minded people to run for a Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Commissioner in the upcoming election. These are unpaid non-partisan positions with a 4 year term limit. Candidates can live anywhere within Warren County. Your primary work will involve participating in a monthly 3-4 hour long board meeting with occasional additional meetings every few months. Additional duties, responsibilities and time commitments will depend on your desire to serve. We have a total of 5 elected commissioners of which two positions will be on the ballot in November.

Please message us if you have any questions.

Your Affidavit of Candidacy (1 page) and your Nomination Petition for Non-Partisan Office with 25 signatures need to be turned into the County Auditor by 5pm on Wednesday, Aug. 26th. Kristine Labertew in our Warren County office can notarize your Affidavit of Candidacy. You can find these forms here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/general/index.html

The duties of a Iowa Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioner can be found here:http://cdiowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Infographic-CDI-Commissioners_2018.pdf

05/16/2020

Wetlands Webinar to Coincide with Wetlands Month

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/wetlands-webinar-coincide-wetlands-month

May is American Wetlands Month and Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 20 at noon about the importance of wetlands in Iowa.

05/12/2020

Secretary Naig Encourages Farmers, Landowners to Apply Now for Cost Share Funding to Implement Water Quality Practices | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

https://iowaagriculture.gov/news/apply-cost-share-funding-implement-water

Secretary Naig Encourages Farmers, Landowners to Apply Now for Cost Share Funding to Implement Water Quality Practices DES MOINES, Iowa (May 5, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that farmers and landowners can now sign up for cost share funds through the Water Quality Initi...

04/28/2020

Soil Sessions | Soil Health Partnership

Soil Sessions | Soil Health Partnership

Soil Session webinar series | Providing updates on SHP's various programs and research findings

03/26/2020

Iowa Corn on Twitter

Iowa Corn on Twitter

“If you’re running out of reading material, be sure to check out this NEW publication from ISU Extension, “Whole Farm Conservation Best Practices Manual”. 👨‍🌾 https://t.co/MCuWFYRYLm”

03/25/2020

Conservation Discussions with Landlords | Iowa Corn

https://www.iowacorn.org/corn-production/environmental/conservation-discussions-with-landlords/

03/23/2020

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowans who were certified through Dec. 31, 2019, can retain their status and now have until Dec. 31, 2020, to submit the testing or training required to renew a pesticide applicator certification. The proclamation was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds after the Department canceled its in-person testing sessions through March 31, based on social distancing recommendations from the CDC. Read the release here: https://bit.ly/2J8tBnR and visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/covid-19 for more information.

03/10/2020

Spring is here! There is still time to get a tree order into our office.

03/06/2020

Sam Nutting is an Earth Team volunteer who has been coming into our Warren Co. SWCD office on a regular basis since November of 2019 to help us out. We had him doing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) status reviews on this day.

Sam is a Warren Co. Local & graduate of Simpson College. We appreciate Sam helping us during his free time off from his regular job.

Sam does VERY GOOD work!