January 18, 2011

Contact:

Robert Dodds, Regional Extension Education Director, 319-835-5116, redodds@iastate.edu

Amber Bisinger, External Relations Specialist, 319-377-9839, bisinger@iastate.edu

2011 Tri-State Agriculture Summit slated for February

Farmers, landowners, agri-businesses and local processors are invited to spend a morning with some of the most knowledgeable agriculture experts in the Midwest. Iowa State University Extension, University of Illinois Extension and University of Missouri Extension are pleased to join forces and present the 2011 Tri-State Agriculture Summit on Wednesday, February 16 at the Holiday Inn Express (4^th and Main) in Keokuk, IA.

The 2011 Tri-State Agriculture Summit will provide an outlook of land values, grain markets, technology and inputs. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program starting at 9:00 a.m. CEU credits will be offered for certified crop consultants.

The program includes four highly-regarded agriculture experts. Melvin Brees, University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist, will provide insight into the volatile grain markets of 2010-11, the impact of world grain supplies, trade conditions and potential shifts in 2011 planting intentions. Gordon Roskamp, well-known for his expertise with weed resistance and integrated pest management at the University of Western Illinois, will share his thoughts on new herbicides and weed resistance to help you make the most of crop input dollars. ISU Extension economist, Mike Duffy, will share the findings of the 2010 Iowa land value survey and highlight some of the historical data related to land value trends. The program will conclude with remarks from Keith Fuller, president of Fuller Fertilizer, with recommendations for interpreting yield maps, and using the data generated for maximum yield and return.

Cost of the program is $15, which includes lunch, refreshments and meeting materials. To register for the program, please call the following Extension offices by Friday, February 11. In Iowa: Lee County 1-800-211-9328; in Missouri: Marion County 573.769.217; in Illinois: Adams County 1-217-223-8380 or Hancock County 1-217-357-2150.

Sponsored By: Roquette America Inc.,  AC McCartney Farm Equipment Inc.,  First Community Bank(Keokuk and Carthage), and Merschman Seeds.

2011 Ag Market Outlook Seminars

Unpredictable weather patterns, volatile markets and rising inputs costs will certainly challenge producers in 2011.  Iowa State University Extension in cooperation with program sponsors are offering the 2011 Ag Market Outlook Seminars.  The seminars are scheduled for Wednesday, March 9.   Elwynn Taylor, ISU Climatologist; will discuss the 2010 weather patterns and what may lie ahead in 2011.  Chad Hart, ISU Economist, will share the latest supply and demand figures impacting the grain markets and provide 2011 price projections.   Shane Ellis, ISU Economist, speaking at the Hills site only will discuss livestock production numbers and the impact of the high grain prices may have along with livestock market projections for the upcoming year.

A breakfast seminar will be held at  Hills Bank and Trust Company, 3905 Blairs Ferry Road NE, (lower level) in Cedar Rapids with parking at River of Life Church.  Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:00 a.m. with the program starting at 8:15 a.m.

The lunch seminar will be held at the Hills Community Center, Hills, with lunch from 11:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m. and program beginning at 12:30 p.m.  These programs are offered free of charge.   To

pre-register for the Cedar Rapids site RSVP to Elaine Blythe at 319-866-7022 or Elaine_Blythe@hillsbank.com;  for the Hills site RSVP to Carrie Ebel at 319-358-2272 or Carrie_Ebel@hillsbank.com by Monday, March 7^th.

Program sponsors are Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc.; Hills Bank and Trust Company; Latta, Harris, Hanon & Penningroth, LLP; Green Valley Ag & Turf and Iowa State University Extension Regions 10 & 15.

Linda Engelken Fischer

Linda Engelken Fischer

Regional Extension Education Director – Region 10

Iowa State University Extension

3279 7th Ave., Suite 140

Marion, IA 52303-3731

Phone: 319-377-9839   Mobile:  319-350-1046

Fax: 319-377-0475

Email:  lefisch@iastate.edu

www.extension.iastate.edu

Serving Benton, Jones, and Linn Counties

Benton Couunty Extension, 501 1st Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349  319-472-4739

Jones County Extension, 605 East Main St., Anamosa, IA 52205   319-462-4572

Linn County Extension, 3279 7th Avenue, Marion, IA 52302  319-377-9839

RELEASE

Release available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2011/jan/150601.htm

01/06/11

Contacts:

Russ Euken, Iowa State University Extension beef and swine program specialist, 641-923-2856, reuken@iastate.edu

Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Beef Center and Iowa Pork Industry Center, 515-294-4496, shoyer@iastate.edu

Employee Management Workshops Offered for Agriculture Operation Owners

AMES, Iowa — A successful agricultural operation needs more than a good owner/manager, quality animals, and appropriate facilities. Knowing the “how, when and why” of employee management also is a vital component that not everyone can claim. The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) and Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) are coordinating and hosting employee management workshop series this winter designed to provide this information.

Russ Euken, ISU Extension program specialist, said attendees will learn about the employer’s role and responsibilities; communication, performance and legal issues; and compensation topics.

“This is a three-session workshop to be held in four locations with specific topics addressed in each session,” Euken said. “ISU Extension field staff will lead the first session, Erin Herbold with the ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation will be at the second session, and Bob Milligan of Dairy Strategies is the featured speaker at the third session.”

Participants will learn about useful tools for employee management and have time during the sessions to formulate plans to implement the tools. Presenters also will provide management resources and opportunities for discussion among those at the sessions.

People should preregister at least two days prior to the first workshop they want to attend by contacting the person listed for that location. All sessions are scheduled from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop fee is for meals during the workshops and can be paid at the door.

Here is the list of workshop locations, dates, preregistration contact information and fees:

Amana, Clarion Inn – Feb. 1, 8, 15. Contact Terry Steinhart, Keokuk County Extension, 800-515-2680 or tsteinha@iastate.edu $50 fee

Calmar, NCC Room 115 – Feb. 2, 9, 16. Contact Jennifer Bentley, Winneshiek County Extension, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu $30 fee

Iowa Falls, Hardin County Extension office – Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14. Contact Russ Euken, Hancock County Extension, 641-923-2856 or reuken@iastate.edu $30 fee

Sheldon, NWICC, Bldg C, Room 349 – Feb. 15, 22, March 1. Contact Kris Yeske, Sioux County Extension, 712-737-4230 or kyeske@iastate.edu $30 fee.

A brochure with all workshop information is available on both the IBC website (http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/2011EmployeeManagement.pdf) and the IPIC website (http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/events/2011EmployeeManagement.pdf)

A grant from USDA Risk Management Education Agency helps support the cost of these series which are offered in cooperation with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Land O’ Lakes Purina and Iowa Poultry Association.