With continued wet conditions across parts of Iowa, crops still in the field and manure storage nearing capacity in some areas, livestock farmers may face additional challenges this fall. To help farmers prepare, we spoke with Seth Wengert, Co-Owner of AgVice, about key considerations for manure management this fall.

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Iowa farmers interested in starting, expanding or diversifying a livestock operation can explore emerging production opportunities at the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) twenty-first annual Farming for the Future Conference. The event will be held Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where livestock production may be headed, which opportunities warrant a closer look and whom they can contact as they consider next steps for their operations.

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Help us recognize Iowa livestock producers who make a difference both on the farm and in their communities.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award honors Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right and go above and beyond as stewards of the land, caretakers of their animals and neighbors in their communities.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Awards. If you know an Iowa livestock producer who demonstrates a commitment to their farm, their animals and their community, consider nominating them!

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ISU Agronomists Say Super El Niño May Push Back Timely Fall N Applications

A “super” El Niño weather event bringing above normal temperatures to Iowa this fall could push back the window for timely fall nutrient applications, according to Mike Castellano, Iowa State University (ISU) agronomist.

ISU recommends waiting to apply manure and anhydrous ammonia until the 4-inch soil temperature is at least 50 degrees and falling in order to reduce nutrient losses.

“What’s changing this year is when that date is likely to arrive,” said Castellano.

Following fall nutrient application best practices will be especially important with the conditions anticipated this fall in order to reduce the chances of a spike in river nitrate levels this winter and next spring.

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Secretary Naig Welcomes Significant USDA Investment in Iowa Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig welcomed a new $10 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to build on the success of Iowa’s popular Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program.

Awarded through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the five-year investment in Iowa’s innovative program will continue to help cattle producers and other farmers convert underperforming or highly erodible row crop acres into pasture and hay ground. This approach keeps agricultural land in production while reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, creating more grazing opportunities and supporting growth of Iowa’s cattle herd.

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Farming for the Future Conference

November 19 | FFA Enrichment Center

Ankeny, IA

Learn More & Get Registered