Winter Manure Application in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources just wrapped up a Public Comment Period on their proposed rules regulating surface application of manure during Iowa's winter months. Many producers voiced their opposition to these rules at the six meetings held throughout the state.

To read more about the hearings:

Farmers Voice Concerns on Proposed Manure Application Ban
http://www.dairystar.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=2664

Farmers Seek Delay in DNR Manure Application Rules
http://www.newspapersoffayettecounty.com/articles/2009/03/27/news/doc49c8f335d7270298746489.txt

Producers to DNR: New Manure Rules Stink
http://www.farm-news.com/page/content.detail/id/500250/Producers-to-DNR--New-manure-rules-stink.html?nav=5005

For more information on the proposed rules: http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/hottopics/snowfrozen.html

Dairy Expo

The Central Plains Dairy Expo kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 in Sioux Falls, SD with a welcome reception and banquet. Sessions and a large trade show will take place April 1-2 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. For more information please visit: http://www.centralplainsdairy.com/EXPO/Program.htm

Iowa Dairy Parlor and Manure Storage Tours

Six dairy tours will be held throughout northeast Iowa this week (March 10, 11 & 13). The tours will focus on dairy parlors and manure handling.
For more information: http://news.extension.org/articles/5255

Dairy Social Event!

The Western Iowa Dairy Alliance is hosting guest speaker Trent Loos. The social will take place Thursday, March 19 at the B.J. Haan Auditorium at Dordt College in Sioux Center. A cheese social starts at 6:30 with the program to follow at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For tickets call Kayla at 712-441-0893.

Visit Trent's Website: http://www.loostales.com/

Transitioning To Organic

Midwest Dairy School's Transitioning to Organic will be held at the Dairy Center in Calmar, Iowa on Thursday, March 26. Topics to be covered include soils, herd health, rations and an organic producer panel. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. The cost of this meeting is $29.

For more information: http://www.iowadairycenter.com/events.php