Water-focused nominees sought

The Conservation Learning Group is seeking nominations for the New Voices in Water Quality in Iowa awards program. CLG is a think tank at Iowa State University dedicated to addressing conservation and environmental challenges.

Jacqueline Comito, CLG program director, notes: "There has been tremendous growth in action and interest in the area of water quality over the past 10 years, and CLG is looking to encourage those new voices in the conversations to continue — or increase — their efforts through this recognition."

She adds that Iowans from many backgrounds and age groups have entered the water quality conversation and invested time and effort.

Nominees must be Iowa residents who will be at least 18 years old by April 15, and been actively working (paid or volunteer) in the water quality field between 2012 and 2022 (with the earliest actions no later than 2019). They should also have participated in outreach and education during this period. Nominations close at 5 p.m. Central time April 15.

Nominations should indicate how the nominee has furthered water quality advocacy in one of the following broad categories:

• Water quality research
• Water quality in public policy and government
• Youth and/or community water education
• Water quality and wildlife
• Urban water conservation

Nominations must be submitted in the form of letters from two individuals detailing the impact a nominee has made on water quality improvement. Nomination letters should highlight the nominee’s creativity, innovation, demonstrated knowledge, sense of community and future potential in advancing water quality initiatives.

To learn more about the New Voices awards or to start the nomination process, visit bit.ly/clgnewvoices.

Crop program elections for 2022

Crop farmers have until March 15 to make their annual election for Price Loss Coverage or Agriculture Risk Coverage at the individual or county levels. These are programs initiated in the 2018 Farm Bill.

This annual decision impacts the 2022 crop year. Similar annual decisions for the 2023 crop year will coincide with the final year of the bill.

To help Iowans understand their 2022 options, ISU Extension and Outreach is holding a variety of meetings with support from USDA's Farm Service Agency. Meeting options include in-person and virtual events. Those who would prefer to attend virtually can visit the Ag Decision Maker and Farm Bill information and resources webpage at bit.ly/arcplcinfo.

“The key decision is between Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage [county or individual],” says Gary Wright, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “A farmer’s choices will depend on the type of operation, where located and their price outlook.”

Wright explained that PLC payments are triggered when the marketing year average price falls below the reference prices of $3.70 per bushel for corn and $8.40 per bushel for soybeans, while ARC-County payments are triggered when actual county revenue for the crop is less than the guarantee. Wright says current USDA price projections for 2022 are $4.80 per bushel for corn and $10.50 per bushel for soybeans.

In-person meetings in northwest Iowa include:

• Feb. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach Palo Alto County office, 2008 10th St., Emmetsburg. Preregister at 712-852-2865.
• Feb. 16, 1 to 3 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach Cherokee County office, 209 Centennial Drive, Cherokee. Preregister at 712-225-6196.
• Feb. 17, 9 to 11 a.m. Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, Room 117, 603 W. Park St., Sheldon. Preregister at 712-957-5045.
• Feb. 18, 9 to 11 a.m. Grace United Methodist Church, 311 Second Ave., Spencer. Preregister at 712-262-2264.

Additional questions can be directed to Gary Wright at 712-223-1574 or [email protected].

Here are February Ag Marketing Club meetings in central Iowa with a focus on 2022 Farm Bill and crop insurance decisions:

• Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. Leonard Good Community Center, 114 SW Eighth St., Ogden. Preregistration required at 515-432-3882.
• Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. Conrad American Legion, 102 E. Center St., Conrad. Preregistration required at 319-824-6979.
• Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. at First State Bank in Lynnville, 413 East St., Lynnville. Preregistration required at 641-623-5188.

Additional questions can be directed to Patrick Hatting at 515-957-5790 or [email protected].

Source: Iowa State University. The source is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.