Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is highlighting this week, April 24 through May 1. The state as designed this week as Soil and Water Conservation Week. He is taking this opportunity to recognized the importance of conservation practices to Iowa’s agriculture. “Iowans in our towns and on our farms continue to engage in water quality and soil conservation efforts. … Read More
Soil Health Institute Names Chief Scientific Officers
For the first time the Soil Health Institute has selected a Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Steven R. Shafer, one of the nation’s top agricultural research leaders, has been selected for this position. “The Soil Health Institute is committed to safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of our soils. To accomplish this mission, high priority, outcome-driven research and education are … Read More
Microbial Content Could Change Future of Soil Testing
If soil sampling for information about fertilizer application or soil pH is important on your farm then changes may be in your future. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) recently released a blog post that goes into detail about the presence of microbes in the soil how that affects nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recommendations. “In a recent Canadian study, straw … Read More
Iowa Providing No-Till, Strip-Till Resources
Farmers in Iowa have increased no-till acres to more than 7 million in 2012, but Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is encouraging farmers to continue their efforts with no-till and strip-till practices. “We are in the midst of spring planting and continue to see significant growth in no-till and strip-till adoption across the state. New technologies and tools continue … Read More
CropX Gets Boost from Top Sensor Manufacturers
CropX has been one of the world’s most advanced adaptive irrigation services. Now they have announced that service will be going even further with new investment partners. The global leaders in sensor manufacturing, Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) and Flextechnology accelerator, Lab IX have signed on to accelerate product development and rapidly expand market adoption. CropX has also unveiled a … Read More
ClearAg Offers Soil & Tech Webinar
ClearAg is inviting growers to attend a live webinar on Thursday, April 21st. “Better Understanding Your Soil with Technology” will enlighten growers about the benefits of understanding soil moisture, soil temperature and having accurate soil analytics. ClearAg Sales Manager, Chad Weigel, will demonstrate how ClearAg can bring relevant soil information to your operation to help improve efficiency and profitability. Register now to … Read More
The Secret in the Soil
Agriculture’s efforts to better manage water have taken as step forward with the work of Daniel Hirmas, a professor at the University of Kansas. He and his team are using MLT scanners to predict water movement within the soil– a study which could lead to correct predictions of recharge rates of aquifers, predict how areas will react to climate change, … Read More
Rep. Lummis Honored with Excellence in Soil Award
To recognize her support and efforts on the Congressional Soils Caucus, the Soil Science Society of American (SSSA) is presenting Congressman Cynthia Lummis with the 2016 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award. The award is given to policy makers who strengthen the U.S. agriculture industry by protecting the natural resources that make agriculture possible. The mission of the Congressional Soils Caucus … Read More
Register Now for Virtual Field Day
Spring means farmers are getting back in their fields again. The Soil Health Partnership is encouraging growers to take something new to the field with them this year. This farmer-led initiative from the National Corn Growers Association is asking for one hour of time to learn a little more about the soil that will be vital part of every operation. … Read More
USDA Announces $260 Million through RCPP
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funds of up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The money is available through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) innovative Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Those applying for the funds must be able to match the money … Read More