Secretary Speaks

Cedar Falls

2009-07-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

We visited 3 Power Fund projects today at UNI in Cedar Falls. One of the most interesting is a prairie project designed to learn about use of prairie to be harvested to replace coal. Certainly a long way to go to get to that point, but they are doing some interesting things.

We also voted to move to negotiation on several new projects. You can go to the Office of Energy Independence and keep up with the activities.

Power Fund

2009-07-08T06:59:00.001-05:00

I am off to Cedar Falls today for a tour of some Power Fund projects and a Power Fund Board meeting. This will be an all day activity as I leave in a few minutes and will not likely get back until evening.

Maquoketa and Anamosa

2009-07-07T18:49:00.002-05:00

I headed to eastern Iowa today - to a Town Hall meeting in Maquoketa and an Ag Teachers Academy in Anamosa. More discussion about the problems in the dairy industry. There is likely to be a story in the CR Gazette about that soon.

Office work today

2009-07-06T11:23:00.002-05:00

Back in the office today. Plenty to get caught up on. Hopefully I will get back to your emails, phone calls and letters if I haven't yet.

An uneventful Exec Council this morning. We approved 20 pages of travel requests (two weeks worth of requests).

Back to emails...

Parades

2009-07-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

I got in a couple of the largest parades in state - a wet one and a dry one.

West Des Moines was Friday evening and it was wet and long, but still fun to do. Though I think most of the kids were more happy to see the tractor than to see me - go figure.

Clear Lake was Saturday. It rained all the way up and most of the way back, but NOT during the parade! I am told there has never been rain during a Clear Lake parade. They must be doing something right. The crowd must know that, too. There were lots of people there. Great to see some folks I knew and to meet some new friends.

Town Halls

2009-07-02T21:13:00.000-05:00

Some folks have already headed off for their 4th of July weekend, but we got a few more town hall meetings in today. We were in Eldora, Grundy Center and Toledo. Lots of discussion on how the drops are doing, energy/climate change legislation and grain and livestock prices. Never a shortage of issues.

Good Farm Neighbor/Clarion

2009-06-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

Good Farm Neighbor winners never think they are anything special - that is one of the things that make them special. That is certainly true of the Larson family. They raise turkeys, kids and grandkids. As the neighbors say, "they are just great people."

Wonderful turkey sandwiches and great neighbors showing their appreciation for the Larson made a great WHO broadcast and a fun time.

Prairie Energy Cooperative hosted our Clarion Town Hall meeting. We had a nice group of folks on a beautiful afternoon. Crops in the area look better than last year, but there has been too much water in the area and that has caused some suffering of the crops. We had a good conversation about many matters including dairy prices and how we can better communicate ag issues to the general public.

DC

2009-06-26T20:16:00.000-05:00

Quick trip to Washington. I spoke to a Pew gathering in regard to Climate Change, met with some Hill folks and got caught up with some USDA leadership.

Climate Change

2009-06-24T23:07:00.001-05:00

Certainly climate change is the topic of the moment. Not sure I saw this coming when I agreed to come to DC to speak to a group of state and federal folks sponsored by the Pew Foundation regarding low carbon fuels from a Midwest perspective. Of course, it wasn't hard to predict it would come to a head at some point.

I got into DC late this afternoon and will speak to the group tomorrow as part of a panel. I will spend time talking about what has been put together by the Midwestern Governor's Assn and the North Central Bioeconomy Consortium. A significant part of the effort of the Consortium was to discuss the idea of indirect land use and is being a part of a climate change accounting system. You can image many folks in the Midwest are opposed to its inclusion.

It sounds like that Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson may have been instrumental in getting those provisions struck in the Waxman-Markey Bill. That would be good news!

At least tomorrow I will get to share the concerns of many Midwesterners with an important group of state and federal officials.

Then back to Iowa tomorrow night.

Lessons from the south

2009-06-23T21:12:00.002-05:00

I continue to hear concerns at Town Hall meetings regarding the climate change legislation currently in front of the US House. It sounds like it might have come together today. Can't wait to hear what will be the impact on agriculture.

Some soybeans are still being planted in the southern parts of the state. We saw some soybeans going in near Creston and heard of more around Bedford.

It has been a battle to get hay put up. Many are still working on getting the first crop in. Even with the hot temperatures, the humidity has limited drying. And rains have come and set back drying progress every few days.

If you are on the road in southern Iowa and can come up with a reason to stop and eat near Mt. Ayr you have several choices. Peggy Sue's sure has great homemade potato chips and hash browns.

Town Hall Tuesday

2009-06-23T06:37:00.002-05:00

I'm heading south of Des Moines for Town Hall meetings today. I will be in Leon at 9, Mt Ayr at 11, Bedford at 1:30 and Creston at 3:30. I look forward to seeing some of you there!

Just after 5 will be back in Osceola for the opening of their Diversity Garden. We already had a Town Hall meeting there, but I've watched the garden just south of the Farm Bureau building and was glad to hear of its opening today and that we could work it into the schedule.

Sounds like another "warm" day out there today. Maybe it won't seem so hot if I just call it warm...

Waterloo

2009-06-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

Imagine a sea of vintage tractors traveling 10-12 mph in near 100 degree temperatures. And one brand new shiny John Deere 8330 with a cab and air conditioning traveling with them. That new JD was the tractor I was driving this morning in the WHO Tractor Ride. I missed a few of the rural smells and the relief of the occasional breeze because I was in a cab, but I sure enjoyed getting to drive a modern marvel. It is not quite the same as my tractors at home. It sure wouldn't be hard to get used to!

We had a good discussion at the Courier in Waterloo and a good visit to the Cedar Valley Tech Works.

I got back to Des Moines just in time to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert.

Every day is interesting. I love my job!

Gulf Hypoxia

2009-06-21T07:40:00.003-05:00

Predictions are for the Gulf of Mexico to have a large area of hypoxia (low oxygen conditions) this summer. The hypoxic zone is the second largest in the world and is believed to have several causes including nutrients coming from the Mississippi River and loss of wetland habitat near the Gulf. These are interconnected.

At one time Mississippi River water flowed through wetlands providing nutrients for them. With the advent of navigation the river was straightened and bypassed wetlands providing easier ship movement, but loss of nutrients to the wetlands and the dumping of those nutrients into the Gulf contributing to the zone of hypoxia. 1 million acres of land/wetland have been lost in the Gulf area in the last 150 years. Another acres is lost every 38 minutes.

Two things need to happen. Delivery of nutrients should decrease and replumbing through wetlands should happen. Nutrient delivery varies greatly. This year delivery was 23% lower than last year, but still 11% above the 1979-2009 average.

Hypoxia can be hard to predict as it depends on many things - flow from the Mississippi River, nutrients in that flow and storms that mix the waters of the Gulf (diluting the River flows). This year's hypoxic zone is expected to be on the larger size.

We in Iowa have an opportunity to affect the amount of nutrients delivered. One of the ways we do that is using wetlands in Iowa to manage the nutrients through our CREP program. You can find out more about that at http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/. I will write more about this later. We hope to expand this program for it can reduce the amount of N in water in Iowa and the Gulf and create wetland habitat in Iowa.

So much to do, so little time!

Wetlands Discussion

2009-06-17T21:04:00.002-05:00

We had some conversations today about how we could make progress decreasing the amount of nitrogen in the waters in Iowa. The Iowa CREP has been demonstrating one strategy to do that. We have an opportunity to continue to the next phase and getting more wetlands in Iowa. Stay tuned to hear about how we can make some real progress in that area by working with lots of partners.

Iowa wetlands for water quality

2009-06-17T05:16:00.002-05:00

Today I will continue our efforts to promote the concept of Iowa wetlands addressing water quality in Iowa rivers and in the Mississippi Gulf. We have gotten a lot of support for a program that was started by Secy of Agriculture Patty Judge, that we continued, that promotes wetland use for taking nitrogen out of tile drained water.

This works, and is getting some recognition well beyond the borders of the state. We have some good connections with folks in Mississippi and Louisiana. We are receiving support from them to help with federal funding for the project.

The next couple days, we will be working on coordinating our efforts, to plan for the Hypoxia Task Force meeting later this year in Iowa and to work on the possibility of exchange programs between Iowa farmers and gulf shrimpers.

This program is something that could really change the landscape of Iowa and could help improve water quality in Iowa and in the Gulf.

Busy Tuesday

2009-06-16T21:59:00.003-05:00

Good Town Halls in Guthrie Center, Harlan and Audubon. We talked about HSUS, climate change legislation, price and cost volatility in agriculture and livestock regulations.

Crops looked great - only have 4 more months to go for a great harvest... Plenty of problems can come, but things look good so far.

A great no-till field day near Shelby. Around 200 folks there learning how to save soil and grow great crops. Good folks making things happen. And a good steak sandwich for lunch!

We did have time to swing by Hamlin for a pork tenderloin, winner of the 2003 best pork tenderloin in Iowa. I've got to say it was great.

An event at Duane and Shirley Acker's home was a great finish to a busy day. They hosted an event for me in their shop. They are wonderful hosts and had a great crowd there. My Mom and Dad drove down from Spirit Lake for the evening! We all had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone for being there and for all your support.

Go West (Old) Young Man

2009-06-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

I am off to the west today. Town Halls in Guthrie Center, Harlan and Audubon and a to-till field day near Shelby. I finish the day at the Acker's near Atlantic.

It will be good to check out the crops in this direction. Even better to hear from folks with their thoughts about agriculture.

Monday on the Road

2009-06-15T21:52:00.002-05:00

The weather this morning for the WMT tractor ride was perfect. We left the Dubuque County Fairgrounds at 7:45, stopped in Farley at 9 and got to Dyersville at 10:30. It is amazing what you see at 10mph that you miss when going 55mph.

Most of the corn and soybeans looked good, though the crops are in several stages from small to knee high. Weeds are slowing some of the crop growth, but most fields looked quite clean. Some hay was cut and harvested, quite a bit was down and some was to be cut yet. The cool spring has slowed down alfalfa maturity and the dampness has made it hard to get up in good condition.

We had a nice group for the Delaware County Town Hall in Manchester. We talked a lot about milk prices and climate change. Milk prices are taking large chunks out of producers right now. Make sure and do all you can to help folks by eating and drinking dairy products. Climate change legislation is an issues that comes on constantly at our meetings. There is a big concern about what the impact could be on agriculture.

I finished the day in Boone County for a Flag Day event. We had great BBQ (check out Big G's) and good fellowship. Thank you Marti for all your work on the event. And thanks everyone for coming out on a beautiful evening. Thank you Bonnie for the invitation.

Great to have the Keplers there, to see the Branstads, to have David Jamison (go David) and to hear from Jerry Behn, Chris Rants and Ed Failor, Jr. I got to speak as well and appreciate the opportunity to thank folks for their support and to look ahead to what is coming down the road.

WMT Tractorcade

2009-06-14T22:07:00.002-05:00

In Peosta tonight. I will drive in the WMT Tractorcade tomorrow. The Tractorcade starts in the Dubuque Fairgrounds in the morning. Andy Petersen is the 5-9am morning guy and has put together the drive. I will drive his dad's tractor in the morning. We will be talking on the air about 7:10. Listen in on AM600 - the blowtorch.

There is nothing quite like driving a tractor through the rolling hills of eastern Iowa. I am looking forward to it!

We saw some very good looking corn and soybeans on the way here from Des Moines this evening. There were some uneven spots in some of the low ground, but for the most things looked great. Some alfalfa hay is down and that will produce a great smell for a slow tractor ride. Should be great.

VandeRose in CA

2009-06-13T13:34:00.002-05:00

Soon I'm off to see the VandeRose meat market here near Sacramento and then will head back to Iowa. It will be great to see how they market premium Iowa meat in California. It has been good to see Mark Linder here and will be good to see one of his pride and joys - the VandeRose Meat Market.

Water and Ag

2009-06-12T23:31:00.000-05:00

Today we had a full discussion on water laws, rights and wars in California and beyond. There are some parallels to what happens around levy and environmental issues and water in Iowa, but for the most part we are fortunate to not have to deal with many of the CA issues. Including their budget crisis!

Farm Foundation in California

2009-06-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

We toured a bit of N California and its water issues today. Very complex issues and lots of history. Many questions about the future of ag and water in this state. Water in necessary for ag with 8m+ acres irrigated and much of the fruit, nut and vegetable production.

Farm Foundation

2009-06-10T12:19:00.002-05:00

I will head to Sacremento in a couple hours for a Farm Foundation meeting. This group meets twice a year to discuss ag issues and renew friendships. I enjoy the group and learn a lot!

The group slowly changes over time and a new member for this meeting will be Katie Smith, the former Director of Ag for Missouri. Katie is now working at Osburn and Barr in St Louis - and I'm sure is doing the wonderful job for them that she did at the Department of Ag in Missouri. It will be great having her a part of the Farm Foundation.

Town Halls

2009-06-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

It was great to get out on the road today. I headed SE from Des Moines to Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Knoxville and Chariton. The crops looked good, but certainly have had enough rain. Hopefully they will dodge rains the rest of the week. Some hay was down, though quite a bit needed to go up yet. I did see some corn almost completely shading the rows.

Great folks

2009-06-08T06:16:00.001-05:00

One of the best parts of being Secy of Ag is having reasons to meet and talk to great folks. Today I will get to see an long time family friend, Harry Stine, and have lunch with a friend that I met through activities at the Department including State Fair activities, Jamie Romer.

World Pork Expo

2009-06-05T11:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I got out to join the pork industry folks at the World Pork Expo. A great chance to catch up with some folks and enjoy some good pork. I'm not sure I will make it this evening or tomorrow, but there will be plenty of pork to go around at the BarbeQlossal.

Right now the industry needs all the demand it can get. So whether you can make it or not eat some pork - and down it with an extra glass of milk!

Month After H1N1 Flu Outbreak 16 Countries Continue Ban of Safe Pork Products

2009-06-01T16:15:00.002-05:00

Sixteen countries continue to have official or unofficial bans on U.S. pork imports. They took action in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak despite the fact that properly cooked and handled pork and pork products are safe, as confirmed by U.S. and international health organizations.

It has now been over month since the H1N1 flu outbreak and it is vital that these countries reopen their markets to U.S. pork. While the initial action by these and other countries to ban U.S. pork were unjustified, the fact that the restrictions persist show that these trade barriers are not, and never have been, based on science.

The Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, St. Lucia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia and Armenia have banned all U.S. pork. Russia and China only have bans in place for some states and Korea has banned the import of live hogs. Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Macedonia also have unofficial bans in place.

According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture 8,758 Iowa farmers raised over 47 million hogs with a value of $4.8 billion.

Iowa is the number one pork producing state in the nation and Iowa farmer who raise hogs face significant hardship due to the actions of these countries. Now that we have entered prime summer grilling season it’d be great if Iowans threw an extra pork chop on to help Iowa’s hog farmers.

Planting

2009-05-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Planting progress continues, but warmer weather is still needed to aid emergence. Both field work and crop development are well ahead of last year, but are either right inline with or slightly behind the five-year average. So, we need continued good weather so farmers can stay in the fields.

USDA’s Organic Agriculture Survey

2009-05-12T13:21:00.001-05:00

I encourage Iowa farmers with organic crops to participate in USDA’s survey of organic agriculture. This will be USDA’s first large scale survey focused on organic production. The survey will be going to farmers during the month of May and the deadline to respond is June 17th. The results will be made available late this year. This will help us get a better understanding of the amount of organic production taking place in the state and the issues organic farmers are facing.

Influenza A/H1N1 Outbreak in U.S. (Formerly known as "Swine" Flu)

2009-05-01T10:04:00.002-05:00

First and foremost I think it’s important to say that Iowa’s pigs remain healthy and there is no evidence of this strain of flu in the swine in our state. There are no reports of the virus currently causing these illnesses being found in the U.S. swine herd. In cases discovered in the U.S. so far, the patients report no direct or indirect contact with pigs.

The State Veterinarian’s office is working with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Federal Veterinarians and those in private practice to have a system in place to monitor Iowa’s pig population for significant disease, and those efforts continue around the current outbreak.

The State Vet’s office encourages pork producers to exercise extra diligence in their long held bio-security practices to continue to protect the health of their animals. These steps include limiting access to building to only essential works; thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment; and making sure workers are disinfecting their shoes, clothes and hands. In addition, any workers experiencing flu-like symptoms should be kept from entering facilities
If producers do observe any respiratory illnesses in their pigs, it is important that they do contact a swine veterinarian.

We are working diligently communicating with veterinarians across the state about the situation as needed through the Iowa Rapid Veterinarian Information Network (IRVIN) as a precaution.

Trade Mission to China

2009-04-28T11:15:00.003-05:00

Certainly the Chinese market for soybeans is big and it’s growing. If you look ahead you look at all the people and you look at all the development it’s amazing these cities that are as modern as any city in the world that I’ve ever been in and you see the growth continue and know there are some concerns around the recession and what it could do to demand. Undoubtedly, as we talked to people the demand for much of the meat products and some of the food products that they will continue to grow, maybe a little slower in the Chinese marketplace.

Expect growth in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou that area of the new economic development zone area where there’s been a lot of growth. Yet we got to Chengdu that’s considered an area that’s lesser developed and we’re there and there’s a shopping mall that is as impressive as any street shopping area that we have been. It was hard to find anybody under 25 years old, everyone is carrying a bag this was an impressive sight in an area considered the Southwest a long ways away from the coast. Western restaurants there as well and they’re feeding and using meat supply that has to be fed imported soybean meal.

One of the refrains used a lot was, “We’ve seen the future of China and we are not going back to the way things used to be.” In fact, this is so institutionalized it was impressive to hear the word market used and price used so many times. We said is your business going to expand into integrated livestock production and they said was it depends on the markets, it wasn’t it depends on the government policy or it depends on the 5-year plan, it was depends on the markets. And we constantly heard that, and in fact one of the other phrases we heard when we asked what can we do better for you and they said oh that’s simple it’s all in the price well it got more complex when we started talking about delivery speeds, but certainly price matters and they are very much a market economy now.

China is still one country that remains a mystery to me in this information age, it’s one of history and tradition vs. future and change.

2007 Census of Agriculture

2009-02-23T13:32:00.003-06:00

The 2007 Census of Agriculture has been released and illustrates an increased interest statewide in locally grown fruits and vegetables. Not only do specialty crops grow the Iowa economy, but they allow farmers to diversify their production. The Census shows the diversity of Iowa agriculture and the wide range of foods farmers grow and produce in the state.

To learn more visit: http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/

The 2007 Census of Agriculture can be found at http://www.nass.usda.gov/ia

Grain Storage

2009-01-30T14:18:00.000-06:00

I’m consistently pleased by the feats we make here in Iowa with the agriculture industry and the sense of pride people have in their work. This year farmers across the state have invested millions of dollars in new storage capacity for corn and soybeans. As a result 225 million bushels in new grain storage was built in 2008. Farmers have likely invested more than $300 million in Iowa for new on-and-off farm storage. The new storage is a significant investment in the Iowa economy, when farmers profit they invest their money right here in the state. It’s a win-win!

To learn more visit www.iowaagriculture.gov

EPAʼs Emissions Regulation

2009-01-22T14:12:00.001-06:00

The new emissions regulation announcement by the EPA that requires U.S. pork producers to file reports with the Environmental Protection and Community Right to Know Act highlights the potential impact these regulations can have on Iowa’s livestock producers and its important that they are following the issues and communicating with their producer organizations.

Secretary of Agriculture Nomination

2008-12-17T16:17:00.000-06:00

Iowa is a national leader in agriculture, so it is very good news that an Iowan with a deep understanding of the issues facing farmers, renewable fuels and our rural communities will be leading the U.S. Department of agriculture at this challenging time. I congratulate Governor Vilsack look forward to working with him in his new role.

Iowa Christmas Fun

2008-12-11T09:58:00.000-06:00

The Department had the opportunity to work with the Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Association again this year on their donations of trees for the Capitol Complex and “Trees for Troops” Program. In the true spirit of giving, Christmas tree growers gifted trees to military troops overseas and their families in the US through “Trees for Troops”.

A great tradition for many families is to select their fresh Christmas tree grown right here in Iowa. I’m certainly looking forward to choosing one for my home and encourage you to do the same.

Christmas is a time of family and fun, but it is also a great opportunity to enjoy many of the agricultural products that are produced in Iowa. A holiday ham, a warm cup of chocolate milk, a nice mug of hot apple cider, even a glass of wine can come from right here in Iowa.

So enjoy this time of year, and help celebrate Iowa agriculture and all it has to offer!

To learn more about choosing your own tree or other Iowa products visit: www.iowaagriculture.gov.

On The Road

2008-12-01T07:57:00.000-06:00

After a good Thanksgiving weekend it is back on the road. Today we are off to Sigourney, Ottumwa and Chariton for Town Hall meetings. The roads may be a little messy, but I know there are folks with crops in the field that can’t harvest until the weather straightens out again. My travel concerns can be addressed by leaving a little early and not rushing things – they likely can’t get in the field until the snow get off the corn stalks (or bean stems in a few cases).

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

We had family together for Thanksgiving in Des Moines. I’m sure folks in other occupations have some of the same feelings, but farmers take special ownership of Thanksgiving. Not only is the food produced by farmers, sometimes folks we know, but the blessings of a good harvest hits home for Iowa farmers. We had an unbelievable year, with weather challenges and the market fluctuations. In the end, most of us get to do it again. We will forget some of the great things and some of the challenges, but will certainly be grateful for the good harvest for most folks. A bumper harvest was not universal for all Iowa farmers, as I visited with some last week in southern Iowa still harvesting their disappointing (and wet) yields. Maybe next year will be their year…

Energy

2008-11-11T12:48:00.000-06:00

Although most of the rest of state government had the day off, I slipped over to Cedar Rapids for a couple of activities. I got more of the inside scoop from the Alliant folks about their program to find energy savings on the farm. They coordinate the program with other programs and have the leading ag energy efficiency program in the country. One more #1 for Iowa and its agriculture that few folks know about. It is especially important in these times of volatile energy costs.

Renewable Fuels

2008-11-07T14:48:00.003-06:00

Iowa is a leader in renewable energy production, however we still have work to do to make sure we are using as much of that renewable energy right here in Iowa as possible. Many fuel retailers have gone to great lengths, and often significant expense, to offer and promote renewable energy and deserve recognition.

For the second year, I have the honor to present one ethanol retailer and one biodiesel retailer with the Secretary’s Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards during the PMCS Annual Meeting in Jan. These awards are an opportunity to recognize fuel retailers that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sell renewable fuels. Awards are presented for both the marketing of ethanol and biodiesel.

Iowa is truly the national leader in renewable fuels, and that would not be possible without support from retailers that market these home-grown fuels.

Election Results

2008-11-06T08:17:00.002-06:00

Obviously, in general it was a disappointing night for Republicans. It was always going to be an uphill battle and, in the end, I think the desire for change won the day.

It will be interested in seeing how campaign rhetoric translates into policy. I am looking forward to learning who will be the new leaders at USDA, but also at EPA, the Department of Energy and other areas that impact agriculture in the Obama administration.

In Iowa, there were certainly some bright spots for Republicans in races for the state legislature. In addition, there were a number of good candidates elected on both sides of the aisle who understand agriculture and renewable energy and I believe will work to make sure Iowa remains a leader on these vital issues.

VeraSun & Grain Indemnity

2008-11-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

This is an exciting time in agriculture, but it is also very unsettled. Higher cost for inputs and increased prices for commodities have created new opportunities, but also raised the stakes. The wide price swings we’ve seen for both corn and soybeans this year have created new risks for both farmers and agribusinesses. As a result, it’s vital farmers are taking the appropriate steps to manage their risk and understand what protections are in place.

For more information on VeraSun and the Grain Indemnity fund, visit the Department's website at www.iowaagriculture.gov/grainwarehouse.asp

Gulf Guardian Award

2008-10-31T15:24:00.005-05:00

I feel privileged that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship was nominated along with the Iowa Farm Service Agency and Iowa Farm Bureau to receive the “Gulf Guardian Award”.

We partnered to addressing Gulf hypoxia and enhance local water quality by reducing nitrate and phosphorus transport to water resources from cropped landscapes. The Department’s work is done through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, or CREP, which is designed specifically to reduce the nutrients from leaving Iowa and having and impact down stream. Clearly there is more work to be done, but we are making progress. Iowa farmers are committed to protecting the air, soil and water that has made our state so productive.
Perhaps the greatest experience was going to New Orleans to accept the award, tour the hypoxic zone and seeing all the work of Iowa farmers, landowners, and conservation agencies firsthand.

Secretary Shafer Spoke

2008-09-20T06:45:00.001-05:00

USDA Secretary Shafer was on the phone with the cabinet before coming in to speak to our NASDA group last evening. We all knew it was about the crazy week the financials and big companies had this week. We got no scoop on the news, so we will wait and see if there is any direct news coming from the cabinet and the President. Like we will know if that is what they were talking about…

The Secretary covered the usual items, with special emphasis on the Farm Bill and its implementation. No real news from the speech – if there was I missed it. The Secretary’s phone did ring twice during the speech. He assured us it was not the President or the Cabinet.

Wind in Iowa

2008-09-19T15:27:00.003-05:00

This last Wednesday I got to sit in on a nice presentation by Tom Wind (with input from others) in regard to the wind energy business in Iowa and the issues around electrical transmission. What an eye opener. Iowa continues to surge in wind production and will take back the #3 position from MN at the next accounting. In fact, the state will nearly double the wind generating capacity this year. Much more is queued up requesting space on the grid. As Tom stated, we are in a wonderful position of having wind generating capacity and the load requirements for using the electricity produced from that wind. Iowa is in a great position now and in a great position to grow the amount of electricity produced from wind energy into the future.

Yesterday five Midwest states announced a transmission planning initiative. This will be an effort to look at regional electric transmission investment and cost sharing. Governor Culver and Iowa is a part of this group. The effort sounds to me like a good initiative.

NASDA Friday Afternoon

2008-09-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

While some of the NASDA folks are off hunting, canoeing or golfing many folks are getting caught up on emails and phone calls. After morning task force meetings, the focus was on enjoying ND and an officer’s meeting. Some of us felt the need to “enjoy” getting caught up with some of our work!

USDA Secretary Ed Shafer will address the NASDA group late this afternoon. This will be a homecoming for him as he lives in ND and served as Governor in Bismarck. We look forward to hearing him speak – and maybe getting to ask some questions.

NASDA 2008

2008-09-19T14:39:00.002-05:00

I am in Bismarck, ND waiting for the start of a meeting at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). Karey and I drove up yesterday from Des Moines. It is 10 hours plus any stops for the travel. We got to see lots of country. Some hay getting made, some previously harvested wheat and some crops finishing up. Wind was blowing fairly strong, but we saw more wind turbines blowing in the first 2 hours (in Iowa!) than we did the rest of the way.

It will be good to get caught up with some of the folks at the meeting. We got a start at that last night for supper, after supper and this morning during breakfast.