Through the Gate // May 2023

05-31-2023 in Through The Gate

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Calving Under Roof with SkyView Farms

“The Coalition team was the leg up that we needed to get off on the right foot.”

Laura and Aaron Cunningham, owners and operators of SkyView Farms near Nora Springs, Iowa, attended a Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) event to learn more about calving under roof and they knew it could be a great option for them. Limited access to pasture ground has prompted many Iowa livestock farmers to transition their cattle to sheltered spaces. The Cunninghams’ operation now successfully resides within a calving barn built using free, expert regulation and barn siting guidance from CSIF.

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Beef Month

May is Beef Month in Iowa. Iowa cattle farmers + beef producers go above + beyond what is required to raise livestock responsibly and successfully to produce a safe + nutritious food product.

Since 2004, CSIF has provided free + confidential assistance to more than 5,000 cattle farmers across the state of Iowa, due to the generous support of organizations such as the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. Watch the videos below to learn more about these partnerships.

Watering Your New Trees

As we start experiencing warmer weather, it’s important to remember to provide proper care for your windbreaks, trees, and shrubs. Green Farmstead Partner, Sustainable Landscape Solutions, shares the following tips for watering:

Newly Planted Trees

• Anything planted since the start of this spring and throughout the rest of the season will need to be watered regularly all the way through the late fall until the ground freezes.
• Water trees twice per week for the first three months that they are in the ground. Use 5-10 gallons of water per plant.
• After the new plants have had a few months to establish roots, cut back to once per week for the rest of the season. Continue watering until the ground is frozen or consistently covered with snow.

Trees Installed Last Year

• Trees installed last year should be watered every other week, if possible. Water around the entire mulched area of the tree.
• You can skip a round of watering if you receive 1″ of rain or more.

Trees in Ground for 2+ Seasons

• Most trees appreciate some water during fry times throughout their entire lives. It can be a good idea to water your trees if you go more than a month without rain during the hot part of the summer.

In the Industry

Celebrate Dairy Month at Open House Events Across Iowa   AMES, Iowa – Iowans of all ages will have the chance to experience modern dairy farming this June, as the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team celebrates dairy month across the state. Learn More

Master Pork Awards Program   The awards program is a joint effort between the Extension Service at Iowa State University and the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The Master Pork Awards Program Selection Committee is made up of staff from the ISU Extension Service, the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association. They are teaming up again in 2023 to recognize outstanding pork producers in Iowa. Learn More

What to Look for in Tree Buffers   Tree buffers are very helpful for farmers and have multiple benefits. For many, it can provide an aesthetically pleasing barrier to livestock and reduce animal odors and noise. Buffers also can protect livestock and crops from snow and high wind, and can give environmental benefits by reducing soil erosion. Learn More

Mental Health is Health   Farmers have a team of people helping with money or insurance matters but likely don’t utilize the assistance of those who can help with emotional distress. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but it’s a topic that’s important every month of the year with resources available to help farmers who are facing challenging situations. Learn More

IFBF Sizzlin’ Summer Giveaway   Iowa Farm Bureau’s Sizzlin’ Summer Giveaway has kicked off in partnership with Fareway Meat and Grocery, giving Iowans a chance to win a $200 Fareway meat gift card from each of the grocery stores’ 113 locations in Iowa. Additionally, one grand prize winner will receive a Traeger Pro 22 Smoker Grill, a $500 Wagyu meat bundle, a Grizzly soft-sided cooler and other backyard barbeque gear. Enter

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