Local News
Deadline to Apply for Watershed Improvement Grants Is October 1
Iowa Watershed Improvement Review Board has $1.2 million available for water quality and flood prevention projects; this cost-share money is funded from capital revenue bonds.

How Accurate Are Pre-Harvest Corn Yield Estimates This Year?
Accurate yield estimates result from evaluating many locations, intensive sampling and several assumptions. Farmers and agronomists are encouraged to get out into the field and make a yield estimate of their corn in late summer. But remember, it is subject to more variability and potential errors than USDA's in-the-field estimates.

National News
Consider Fertilizer and Weed Management Options
Managing alfalfa fields now is important later.

Research Could Change Conservation Programs
Summarized data is being reviewed to plan for improved implementation in the coming year.

Corn Illustrated Weekly
The Tale of Two Seasons
Little corn shelled until October '09 - Fields already shelled this year.

Expect the Insects to be Out There
Careful scouting will catch fields before lodging occurs.

Farm Program FAQs
SURE Signup Deadline Approaches For Payments
FSA is accepting applications for SURE payments for 2008 crop year. If you had damage in 2008 and haven't applied yet for payment, keep in mind the deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2010.

Call Your Local FSA Office Before Cleaning Bins Out
If grain is being used to secure a CCC loan with USDA, you need to call FSA and get a 'grain release' prior to moving, feeding or selling this grain.