Page 10 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 10-28-2015

Ag./BusinessPage 10 • Oct. 28, 2015 Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter

Farmers CMT to partner with NIACC
in education campaign
warned tillage

will dry out There are 5.8 million jobs open workforce, and training opportunities
right now in the United States, ac- in North Iowa.”
soil faster cording to the Bureau of Labor Sta- The partnership with NIACC is
Very little rainfall in October tistics, many of which remain unfilled the result of an expansion through-
throughout much of Iowa allowed due to a lack of skilled applicants. out Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa,
most farmers to start and finish har- County Music Television (CMT) is Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ore-
vest without much delay. If conditions teaming up with North Iowa Area gon and Texas, bringing the total reach
remain dry this fall, many farmers Community College (NIACC) to en- of the program to 25 colleges across 17
may be tempted to till the soil to allow courage area residents to go back to states. CMT first announced the com-
any additional moisture to infiltrate. school as part of the cable network’s munity college initiative in 2014 at
According to soil experts with USDA’s CMT Empowering Education initia- the Clinton Global Initiative-America
Natural Resources Conservation Ser- tive. The campaign highlights the im- meeting. Working in collaboration
vice (NRCS), however, that is a com- portant role community colleges play with the American Association of
mon misconception. in providing affordable, relevant edu- Community Colleges (AACC), CMT
Doug Peterson, regional soil cation and training aligned with the Empowering Education experienced
health specialist with NRCS in Des workforce needs in rural America. early success as the 10 pilot partner
Moines, says tilling the soil will actu- “Although the number of avail- schools hosted local events, bringing
ally accelerate the drying process and able jobs is on the rise nationally, star-power and helping to put a face
cause soil to erode more easily. He says many go unfilled due to the lack of on education by highlighting success
the combination of high winds and applicants with the necessary skills stories of students. Prospective stu-
warmer than normal temperatures or credentials. Rural areas are among dents learned about solutions to some
wastes water if soils aren’t covered. those which struggle the most,” said of the biggest obstacles they face, in-
“Ground cover, whether it’s liv- Lucia Folk, vice president of public af- cluding financial aid and part time
ing or crop residue, limits the drying fairs, CMT. “Through this initiative, programs.
effect of wind, shades the soil from Due to dry October conditions, the NRCS is warning farmers that tillage will cause the soil to dry out faster and does not help we’re working in smaller communi- CMT Empowering Education
the sun, and traps snow during win- additional moisture to infiltrate the soil. ties to highlight the available tools first launched in 2012 to encour-
and resources to earn degrees and cer- age viewers, no matter their age, to
ter,” said Peterson. “This all adds up on water infiltration. Results showed “Cover crop roots offer soil microbes vent that violent splash on soil.” tificates. In less than two years we’ve enroll or re-enroll in school to reach
to more water infiltrating into the soil a no-till system allowed water to in- a reliable food source after corn, soy- Healthy, protected soils won’t nearly doubled our reach, but there’s their full potential. CMTEMPOW-
and less evaporating into the air.” filtrate three times more water than a beans and other crops are harvested.” crust over, allowing water to infiltrate still much more to do.” ERINGEDUCATION.com offers
Peterson says soil should always system using a chisel plow, and about Not only is tillage harmful to the soil and become available to plant “We are excited to be a CMT crucial information and resources for
be covered by growing plants, their six times more water than a system us- beneficial insects and other living roots. Stewart says a mulch of crop Empowering Education partner,” said prospective students, including tips
residues, or a combination of the two. ing a deep ripper. organisms that affect soil health and residues and living plants on the soil NIACC president Steve Schulz. “This for how to finance their education, a
“Healthy soils are full of life,” he said. Barb Stewart, state agronomist crop production, but tillage also surface also suppresses weeds early in partnership gives us access to an estab- timeline for applying to school and
“Microorganisms living in the soil with NRCS in Iowa, says farmers who causes soils to erode much more eas- the growing season, giving the prima- lished program that has successfully access to a multitude of scholarship
have the same needs as any other liv- planted cover crops this year are going ily. “When a falling raindrop explodes ry crop a competitive advantage. built new and strengthened existing resources. By answering a few simple
ing creature needing food and cover to to be even less affected by dry condi- as it hits bare soil, it dislodges unpro- “Cover crops can build moisture connections with area business, indus- questions, users receive a customized
survive.” tions. “The combination of residue tected soil particles, and begins the reserves far better than row crops can try, and non-profit organizations. We action plan for completing school in
An Iowa State University study cover and a living cover crop will keep process of soil erosion,” said Stewart. by themselves,” says Stewart. “Cover will also have the opportunity to co- a way that fits their individual needs
(Al-Kaisi, 2013) tested the impacts of soils healthy over the winter,” she said. “Cover crops and plant residue pre- crops open small channels in the soil host an event next spring for prospec- and lifestyle.
five different types of tillage systems for better water infiltration, and the tive students that will feature some For more information on CMT
of our student success stories and a Empowering Education, visit CMT.
Cover crop planting deadline extended organic matter they build helps retain CMT artist. We are thrilled to be com, follow @ CMTEmpoweringEd
both moisture and nutrients.” working with a national partner like on Twitter or on Facebook.
For more information about CMT to bring focus to the education,
healthy soils and soil conservation,
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill must be winter hardy (i.e. cereal rye, Incentive Program (EQIP) or Conser- visit your local NRCS office or go on-
Northey and Acting State Conserva- winter wheat, triticale). vation Stewardship Program (CSP) line to www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov.
tionist Richard Ellsmore with USDA’s •The cover crop will be no-till contact Barbara Stewart, State Agron-
Natural Resources Conservation Ser- drilled in crop residue. omist, NRCS at (515) 323-2260. Life Insurance Tom Alexander
vice (NRCS) said that planting dead- •Allow cover crop to add growth & Annuities Financial Consultant
line for cover crops for farmers par- as long as possible in the spring prior
ticipating in state cost share programs to termination to maximize benefits. Dr. Todd D. Hocraffer Securities America
Member FINRA/SIPC
and most federal financial assistance Must be allowed to grow until at least Chiropractor
641-357-7106
888-357-7106

programs has been extended. 6 inches for those participating in fed- 641.357.7189 Located at Clear Lake Bank & Trust
“We have seen significant growth eral programs. 322 Main Ave • PO Box 8, Clear Lake
in the number of farmers using cover •The extension does not apply
crops and number of acres that they for all federal programs. Contact your [email protected]
are used on. There are an estimated NRCS office if you have questions. www.investmentcenterclearlake.com

236,000 acres of cover crops sup- Farmers approved for cost-share Not FDIC/NCUA Insured. May Lose Value. No Bank Guarantee
ported by just state cost share pro- assistance who are still unable to plant Not a Deposit. Not insured by any Federal Government Agency.
grams. Some crops were delayed by cover crops should contact their local
wet weather this spring and this exten- Soil and Water Conservation District Securities offered through Securities America Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, Tom Alexander, Representative.
Investment Center and the Securities America Companies are unaffiliated.

sion will help farmers still be able to (SWCD) office.
use this important water quality prac- For questions on the extension of
tice even if their harvest is delayed,” the seeding date for State funded pro-
Northey said. grams such as Iowa Financial Incen-
Farmers intending to plant win- tive Program (IFIP) or Water Quality
tery hardy cover crops that are North Incentive (WQI) Program contact the
of Highway 20 now have until Nov. 1, Iowa Department of Agriculture and
2015 to get the cover crops planted. Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5851.
Farmers south of Highway 20 now For questions on the extension of the
have until Nov. 15 to plant and still seeding date for Federal funded pro-
qualify for assistance. grams such as Environmental Quality
The following applies to cover
crops planted during the extension Check out our website
period: www.clreporter.com
•Cover crops will be seeded as
soon as possible after harvest of the
principal crop.
•The cover crop to be seeded Serving the Clear Lake & Ventura area since 1869.

12 N. 4th Street, Clear Lake • (641) 357-2131