News Release Archive
December 14, 2010
AMES, Iowa --An Audubon County farm couple who have a diversified organic grain, hay and livestock operation have earned the 2010 Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture. Vic and Cindy Madsen will receive the honor on Friday, January 7 during the annual conference of Practical Farmers of Iowa in...
November 15, 2010
AMES, Iowa --Nearly half of Iowa farmland is owned by women, who also have strong attitudes toward conservation because of their concern for future generations. However, reaching women with the education and tools they need to more actively manage farm operations has been a difficult task for...
November 10, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa has a plethora of mom-and-pop stores, family-owned farms and traditions. Sometimes, especially in this economy, these types of businesses need financial assistance. Iowa MicroLoan has a program that provides capital for small entrepreneurs who are building new businesses and...
October 26, 2010
MAXWELL, Iowa--Loren Lown manages parks and green spaces and Bruce Carney raises cattle. Typically their paths would not cross, but at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt near Maxwell in Polk County, they work together in a public-private partnership that uses farm animals to restore and rejuvenate...
October 13, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State agronomist Matt Liebman has been studying various aspects of extending the conventional corn-soybean rotation with small grains and forages for eight seasons. He has documented many benefits, including the need for fewer purchased inputs made from fossil fuels while...
October 7, 2010
AMES, Iowa--The nation caught a glimpse of Iowa organic farming when President Barack Obama visited Morgan Hoenig and MogoOrganic last April as part of his Main Street Tour. Now, participants at the 10th Annual Iowa Organic Conference will learn even more about MogoOrganic and organic production on...
October 6, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- The concept of “life cycle assessment” was first applied to manufacturing processes but is increasingly being used to examine agriculture. It’s a technique to analyze the environmental impacts associated with a product, process or service.
October 4, 2010
AMES, Iowa --The tallgrass prairies that once covered Iowa contributed to the state’s fertile soil, but Iowa State University researchers say this endangered ecosystem offers so many other benefits to landowners.
A prairie can reduce soil erosion and nutrient pollution, help stabilize the...
September 27, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- If you are a farmer, the age-old question of “how much of a market is there?” has plagued you forever. A new tool may help Iowa farmers answer that question, at least if they grow fruit and vegetable crops.
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Iowa State...
September 16, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Bill McKibben, described as the “world’s best green journalist” by Time Magazine, will lecture at Iowa State University as part of the Pesek Colloquium on Sustainable Agriculture. He will speak on “Sustaining Life on a Tough New Planet,” which parallels...
September 3, 2010
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The statewide Farm Energy Working Group will meet Friday, September 17, at Farmers Electric Cooperative (FEC) near Kalona from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. to discuss on-farm energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
August 12, 2010
AMES - By planting switchgrass and using certain agronomic practices, farmers can significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen and nitrates that leach into the soil, according to Iowa State University research.
Matt Helmers, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, and...
July 30, 2010
CHARITON, Iowa — Join the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension tour on Sept. 1 to view Creston-area examples of ways livestock pasture grazing can be used to enhance wildlife habitat. “We’ll travel the region by Iowa State vans to look at different systems where wildlife and...
July 30, 2010
CHARITON, Iowa — Evaluating pasture for compatible cattle grazing and deer habitat is the topic of a Wayne County pasture walk Friday, Aug. 27. The walk starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Waters farm at 2837 25th St., Lineville, Iowa.
“We’ll walk through the pasture and evaluate the...
July 28, 2010
AMES, Iowa – Fields of winter wheat underseeded with red clover are not a familiar sight in Iowa, but it could become a favored rotation if energy costs continue to rise. Jeremy Singer, a research agronomist with the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA, is looking to find viable crop...
July 27, 2010
GRINNELL, Iowa – A hoe and a rototiller can get the job done in a home vegetable garden, but commercial and direct-market growers need more complex tools to produce and move larger volumes of vegetables to market, a topic that will be explored at an August 22 workshop.
July 26, 2010
AMES, Iowa--Iowans who visit farmers markets in seven cities this summer will see the connection between local food and local energy when they meet Steve Fugate and his biodiesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta.
July 26, 2010
Maxwell, IA – To see how cattle and goats are being used to increase biodiversity on reconstructed prairie and oak savanna and provide a win-win for farmers and the environment, a field day will take place on Sunday, August 1. The field day will be from 1:30pm-7:00pm and include a potluck...
July 26, 2010
Mt. Vernon, IA – Seed corn prices have increased dramatically in recent years. As a result, some farmers are interested in developing their own open pollinated varieties, and saving and storing seed on their farms. Find out how to improve corn, and also tour a large CSA garden at Abbe Hills...
July 8, 2010
AMES, Iowa-- Bees and wasps might not be the first thing that Iowans think about when it comes to agriculture and wildlife, however, declining populations of these important pollinators have captured attention across the country.
“Pollinators play an essential ecological role,” says...
June 29, 2010
CHARITON, Iowa--Iowa State University Extension will sponsor the third session of the Greenhorn Grazing series on July 22 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the ISU McNay Research Farm. The meeting will be conducted at the McNay headquarters located 6.5 miles southwest of the Chariton airport.The first two...
June 28, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University wants to work with Iowans who have innovative ideas for sustainable agriculture alternatives. The 2010 Request for Pre-proposals (RFP) outlines the process for submitting potential projects in the Center’s...
June 21, 2010
AMES, Iowa — Mirroring the growing national movement in regional food production, Iowans have shown increased interest in the availability of locally produced fruits and vegetables. Work in the state to develop regional food systems is providing new farming and community development opportunities,...
June 16, 2010
DECORAH – Due to popular demand, another high tunnel workshop has been scheduled in Decorah for July 19. Current commercial fruit or vegetable growers, gardeners interested in expanding into commercial production and traditional farmers interested in diversifying may benefit from this workshop...
June 16, 2010
AMES, IOWA—Rivers and streams connect all of us. Sources of abundance and destruction, life and death, creativity and imagination, rivers, and the fresh flowing waters, are at the heart of human existence.
June 15, 2010
CALUMET, IOWA—Plan now to attend the annual Iowa State University Northwest Iowa Research Farm field day on Wednesday, June 30. The day will be a full of information and presentations, but divided into two distinct parts. The Research Farm is located south of Calumet in O’Brien County.
June 14, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Findings from six recently completed agricultural alternative research projects are now available on the web site of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Summaries (both four-page and one-page versions) can be read and/or downloaded at the Leopold Center's website here.
June 9, 2010
Cherokee, Iowa-How do you renovate a pasture that has been continuously grazed for a long time? Find out how at PFI's "Improving a Perennial Pasture" field day on Thursday, June 24 at 3:00pm in Cherokee, Iowa. Field day hosts Nathan Anderson and father Randy Anderson will explain...
June 8, 2010
AMES, IOWA— The Iowa Learning Farm (ILF) and the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District will co-sponsor a field day at the Tom Vaske farm, rural Masonville, Thursday, June 17, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The field day includes a complimentary supper and features discussion of no-till management...
June 7, 2010
AMES, Iowa – A University of Iowa geography professor and an associate dean at Iowa State University will serve four-year terms on the advisory board for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The 17-member board includes representatives from various institutions, agencies and farm groups...
May 25, 2010
AMES, Iowa --The “next generation” of farming in Iowa could include growing crops or harvesting residue that can be used for energy production. But how do these cropping systems affect soil quality, and could the right combination of crops actually improve Iowa’s fertile soil?
May 21, 2010
CEDAR FALLS – The Iowa Farm Energy Working Group has awarded $15,000 in demonstration grants to eight Iowa farmers to demonstrate how they will meet their energy needs through energy efficiency or the use of renewable energy sources on their farms.
The University of Northern Iowa Center for...
May 6, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- In partnership with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development will host a website-building workshop for local food producers and farmer networks.
May 5, 2010
AMES, Iowa --While most people see cows when they look at a pasture, Iowa State animal scientist Jim Russell sees the potential for improving cattle production as well as a way to conserve soil and water.
For the past three years, Russell has been studying cattle preferences as part of a research...
April 23, 2010
Update-The nomination due date has been extended to July 15.
AMES, Iowa -- Many Iowans have made important contributions to the vitality of family farms in the state. A unique opportunity to honor them is through the 2010 Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture. Nominations currently are being...
April 16, 2010
CHARITON, Iowa -- Livestock producers with an interest in beginning or transitioning grazing practices can sharpen their skills by attending Greenhorn Grazing workshops offered by Iowa State University Extension. The Greenhorn Grazing short course consists of five day-long modules taught over a...
April 16, 2010
Ames, IA--Practical Farmers of Iowa and Iowa Cover Crops Working Group will hold an on site seminar about managing and increasing soil fertility by planting cover crops. PFI's Cover Crops Field Day takes place on Tuesday, April 27. Coffee and registration begins at 9:00 AM at the ISU Agronomy...
April 14, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Local and regional food systems are not only alive and well in Iowa, they also can be profitable for farmers and the communities they serve. That’s the message from a recent marketing workshop sponsored by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.
April 14, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- An Iowa State University sociology professor has been named the interim director of ISU’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, following a nationwide search that ended without a candidate being selected.
Lois Wright Morton will begin her appointment on July 1. She will...
April 13, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Fred Kirschenmann is a third-generation farmer, theologian, sought-after public speaker, national leader in sustainable agriculture and Distinguished Fellow at the Leopold for Sustainable Agriculture. With the publication of a new book of essays, Kirschenmann adds “author...
April 9, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Thinking about trying a new enterprise? Before taking the plunge, you’ll want to check out the capital, labor and management requirements for the alternative agricultural production possibilities.A new series of crop and livestock enterprise budgets available from the Leopold...
March 31, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- The search for the next director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture ended in March without a candidate being chosen for the position.Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy has instructed Dean Wendy Wintersteen of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to...
March 30, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Expanding the fruit and vegetable industry in the upper Midwest could have a huge economic impact in the region.
A new analysis from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University in collaboration with regional partners estimated potential state and regional...
March 19, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Fruit and vegetable growers can learn more about high tunnel production at an April 29 workshop in Decorah. Current commercial fruit or vegetable growers, gardeners interested in expanding into commercial production and traditional farmers interested in diversifying may benefit from...
March 18, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Global climate change and its effects on crop growing conditions pose major questions for the future on Iowa farms. Researchers at Iowa State University are looking at how perennials (plants that continue growing from year-to-year from the same roots) might be used within annual corn...
March 17, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- As the saying goes, it’s not “your father’s kind of grazing.” The latest in grazing techniques will be the focus of a workshop sponsored by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Iowa Native Lands. The workshop will feature recent findings about...
March 11, 2010
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Projects addressing critical food-system issues are underway at the Iowa Center on Health Disparities (ICHD) at the University of Northern Iowa. The ICHD projects will focus on food system issues that increase access to health-promoting foods, especially to children, improve...
March 10, 2010
AMES, Iowa – Iowans pride themselves on being good neighbors. The importance of personal connections in Iowa agriculture is highlighted in the 2008-09 annual report from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. The focus on “Neighbors” reflects the...
March 9, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- The latest research and tools on building and managing niche enterprises, local food distribution networks and other market opportunities for farmers will be presented Thursday, April 1 at a no-cost workshop hosted by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State...
March 5, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- If turnout at the annual workshop of the Midwest Cover Crops Council is any indication, the use of cover crops could be on the rise. More than 120 people from 13 states and provinces attended the March 3 event and nearly half were farmers, some who had never used cover crops in their...
March 3, 2010
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Iowa farmers with small to midsize operations may apply for grants to demonstrate energy efficiency and conservation measures or how they are using renewable energy from their farm to meet energy needs. This opportunity is from the Farm Energy Working Group of the Leopold...
February 24, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- The Leopold Center has awarded grants for 19 new projects covering a wide range of activities to help farmers take advantage of new opportunities related to local foods and renewable energy, and encourage a transition to alternative systems that protect the environment while using...
February 23, 2010
AMES, Iowa - A new, free, online tool to help farmers make better-informed operational decisions has been developed by software experts at Iowa State University.The program -- I-FARM, found at http://i-farmtools.iastate.edu, -- assists farmers, bankers, extension and cooperative people, and anyone...
February 17, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- “The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land.” These words, written by Iowa native Aldo Leopold over 60 years ago, lay the groundwork for today's land stewardship and conservation. The land...
February 15, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Here’s a quick environmental quiz: What conservation tool works for corn-soybean as well as vegetable growers, can cut nitrate and erosion losses by 50 percent, yet is little used by Iowa farmers?
February 8, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Iowans weary of the endless winter will enjoy hearing about the more lyrical side of agriculture from David Mas Masumoto, a third-generation Japanese-American farmer from California. In addition to the bountiful fruit harvest on his farm, his life work includes sharing stories of...
January 27, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Increased demand in metropolitan areas for locally grown food could have a positive impact on neighboring rural economies in southwest Iowa, a new report from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture shows.
January 25, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- Where there’s smoke, there’s fire — and in Iowa fire seldom is viewed as positive, even on the southern Iowa expanses of the Grand River Grasslands.
The Patch-Burn Grazing Team, an Iowa State University restoration ecology team whose work is funded in part by the...
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture |
Ames, Iowa 50011 |
(515) 294-3711 |
leocenter@iastate.edu