(Ames) Much of western Iowa is currently under a moderate to severe drought. The drought conditions are causing major concerns for both crop and livestock producers. To help address those concerns, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be hosting 10 free drought meetings at the following locations.
Iowa Extension Field Agronomist for southwest Iowa Aaron Saeugling says there are the in-person series along with virtual series of webinars. “Iowa State Extension is hosting two separate events to accommodate the public,” said Saeugling. “We are doing some in-person meetings starting on August 3 in western Iowa.
Some areas are receiving some isolated showers while other areas aren’t getting any rain at all,” said Saeugling. “So want to reach out to producers to discuss a number of topics related to drought, and if they’re not comfortable attending a live program, we have a webinar series available starting July 30.
The in-person locations are listed below:
- 3, 9:30 a.m. Adair County Fairgrounds (900 NE Elm St., Greenfield). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Adair County office to pre-register at 641-743-8412.
- 3, 5:30 p.m.Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave., Atlantic). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Cass County office to pre-register at 712-243-1132.
- 4, 9:30 a.m. Audubon County Fairgrounds (400 N. Division St. W., Audubon). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Audubon County office to pre-register at 712-563-4239.
- 4, 5:30 p.m.Swan Lake State Park (22676 Swan Lake Trail, Carroll). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Carroll County office to pre-register at 712-792-2364.
- 5, 9:30 a.m. Dallas County Fairgrounds (28057 Fairground Rd., Adel). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office to pre-register at 515-993-4281.
- 5, 5:30 p.m. Boone County Fairgrounds (1601 Industrial Park Rd, Boone). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Boone County office to pre-register at 515-432-3882.
- 6, 10 a.m. Sac County Fairgrounds 4-H Building (416 Park Ave., Sac City). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Sac County office to pre-register at 712-662-7131.
- 6, 1 p.m. Pocahontas Expo Center (310 NE 1stStreet, Pocahontas, IA 50574). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County office to pre-register at 712-335-3103.
- 7, 9:30 a.m.Greene County Fairgrounds (601 E. Lincoln Way, Jefferson). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County office to pre-register at 515-386-2138.
- 7, 5:30 p.m.Guthrie County Fairgrounds (408 W. State St., Guthrie Center). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County office to pre-register at 641-747-2276.
Meeting topics include crop growth and development under drought conditions, presented by Mike Witt, Paul Kassel or Aaron Saeugling, field agronomists with ISU Extension and Outreach; feeding drought damaged crops, including issues with drought silage, and other cattle management considerations by Erika Lundy, Beth Doran or Chris Clark, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialists; and crop insurance considerations covered by Steve Johnson, Gary Wright, Patrick Hatting or Tim Christensen, farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, or local Farm Service Agency office staff.
Meetings will last approximately 90 minutes. Starting approximately 45 minutes before each meeting, producers will have the opportunity to bring five corn stalk samples for a quick nitrate assessment conducted on site either prior to the start of the meeting or after the meeting. Producers are encouraged to sample corn stalks from multiple, representative areas of the field to accurately estimate conditions.
Due to COVID-19 and ISU Extension and Outreach’s commitment to doing our best to keep the community safe, certain restrictions and requests will be required to attend the meetings. Do not attend if you are sick or have been exposed to anyone in the past 14 days who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Most meetings will be held at outdoor venues and social distancing requirements will apply. Attendees should bring their own chairs, as seating may be limited and to help with maintaining social distance. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when in the presence of others and unable to maintain a six-foot physical distance.
Pre-registration is requested at least two days prior to each meeting by contacting the county extension office hosting the meeting to allow staff to prepare the venue. If pre-registration is not completed, walk-in attendees will be required to provide contact tracing information at the meeting or will be unable to attend.
Those not comfortable with attending the in-person meetings are welcome to join the statewide webinar series: http://www.aep.iastate.edu/drought. Additional drought resources can be found at www.extension.iastate.edu/topic/recovering-disasters.
For questions about the meetings, contact Mike Witt at 641-430-2600 or witt@iastate.edu.
