Tickets on Sale Saturday for Craig Morgan
and Lonestar at the Delaware County Fair
Posted
19
March
2010
The Delaware County
Fair will welcome Craig Morgan and Lonestar to the Main Stage Thursday,
July 15, 2010. The show will start at 7:00 PM and will feature
full performances by both acts. Tickats will go on sale Saturday,
March 20 at 9:00 AM at the Fairgrounds Office or by calling
563.927.6449
Plain Jane’s Misadventures: The WAVA
Conference
Posted
18
March
2010
By Plain Jane Green
“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never goes back to its
original dimensions,” Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Well, I certainly had a mind stretch this past weekend. I attended and
was the luncheon speaker at the 3rd annual WAVA Conference held in
Decorah, Iowa at the Hotel Winneshiek. This gathering emphasized Women
Adding Value to Agriculture in ways that I had never dreamed of. I
always knew that we women were pretty important to our farming
operations, but hold unto your hats and let me fill you in on the
details from this event sponsored by Iowa State University Extension,
Farm Service Agency, Women, Land & Legacy, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Northeast Iowa Community College, Northeast Iowa
Food & Farm Coalition, and Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness
Initiative.
Informative Workshops…
Three workshop sessions were held throughout the day on Friday, March
5. Each session consisted of two different presenters with topics
ranging from estate planning to gardening. The first session that I
attended included some new techniques for gardening such as the
benefits of a rain garden, how to promote bird and butterfly friendly
flower gardens, and it also covered the watershed projects for clean
water for our streams, communities and farms. Both presenters had lots
of handouts and talked in laymen’s terms.
After lunch, I headed for a program that I thought would help me with
my winter weight problems. It was titled, “Making the Healthy Choice
the Easy Choice.” Ah-ha-- just exactly the type of program that I
needed to get me going on doing some exercising, trying a new diet, and
maybe even giving me some new recipes. None of this happened, but my
mind was positively stretched to the max with all the new data that was
impressed upon me. Whew! Little did I realize the overhaul that I was
in for.
Disconnect between business and farmer…
The instructor got right down to the nitty-gritty from the get-go. She
honed in on the disconnect between the local businesses and the local
farmers. Her first question struck a nerve with we farm gals. Her
question was, “Since we live in the farming heartland, why don’t we
grow our own food?” She continued by stating that this particular
region grew lots of corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa, so why couldn’t
it grow food for human consumption? She also informed the group that
80% of the food sold in the local grocery stores came from outside the
area. Humpf?
Her question and information certainly got the attention of the
audience and then she explained the money side of the equation.
Cha-ching...millions of dollars being spent on food bought from outside
the area. Wow! And by shifting a mere 25% of that food dollar to buying
locally grown fruits and vegetables, millions of dollars could be kept
in the area. Granted it would be a change for what farmers planted and
grew but it would be a definite solution to the economic woes of the
region.
Old ideas with a new slant…
Direct marketing of locally produced food is not a new concept. But
with the new emphasis by the consumer of buying organic, healthy food
for their families—well, the idea of locally produced food being
locally available for purchase is a good one. The end result is an
improved economy for the entire region. Keeping the food dollar working
in the home community is the whole idea.
And as I cogitated over her program it reminded me of former times.
Remember how our parents and grandparents sold or traded their cream
and eggs to the local grocer? The money never left town, but was spent
right there. Hm?
Our presenter had many handouts and graphics along with the concerns
and regulations to meet in order for the program to go forward, but
many of the ideas and implementations are already in the works. Good
outcomes are happening in her local area and are serving as a model for
other regions to adopt.
Getting rid of the baggage…
Our presenter than switched gears on us and explored the personal side
of the food and fitness program. I thought, now I will get some help
with my winter weight blues. Yes, I did get some help, but in a much
different format.
Her talk included unloading childhood baggage. This didn’t mean some
old baby fat that I have had around for 60 plus years. She meant that I
had to change some of the old ideas that had been fostered on me as a
child. Such things as, “You have to clean your plate before you are
excused from the table!” I could change this by using a smaller plate
or serving smaller portions of food in order to have a clean plate. The
idea being that less food consumed yields fewer calories resulting in
weight loss.
I tried this idea on my men for the noon meal today. Result…they used
two small plates: one for their salad and one for their goulash.
Possibly they ate less. Time will tell on this one…
Many good ideas for losing weight and staying healthy were given. She
also suggested an online course entitled, “Small Steps to Health and
Wealth.” I think I’ll try to this online course and see what
happens. It touts that “this course will help one take charge of one’s
future by identifying small progress steps to reach health and wealth
goals.”
Diamonds in the Rough…
My luncheon program, “Diamonds in the Rough,” involved reminding the
women on just how important they are to the whole scheme of things in
the agricultural world. Farm ladies are tough and strong, they are
rare, and they are valuable just like diamonds. We had a good time and
it was wonderful to visit with other farm ladies.
Mind Stretches for the Soul…
All in all it was a great conference upon which I have many thoughts to
ponder. We farm gals sometimes get in a rut, and with this winter’s
deep snow ruts, I definitely needed a breath of fresh air with a new
outlook. The WAVA Conference gave me just that, and thus I encourage
all of you to take in a conference, a meeting, or a get-together to
renew your spirits and expand your minds. Mind stretches work wonders
for the soul.
Photo Caption: Plain Jane Visits Iowa
Plain Jane Green was the luncheon speaker at the 3rd Women Adding Value
to Agriculture Conference held recently in Decorah. Plain Jane
delighted a group of 45 farm wives and partners as she told of her
misadventures of being a South Dakota farm wife, mother, and
grandmother. Jane has written two books titled “Plain Jane’s
Misadventures, Volumes I and II.” She also writes for three ag
newspapers in SD and submitted the accompanying article about her visit
to Iowa and the WAVA conference.
World's Largest Tractor Coming to Iowa
Posted
8
March
2010
“Big Bud 16V - 747”,
the world’s largest tractor, will be making its way to Iowa for the
first time ever this spring.
Arriving in April, Big Bud has representatives of Heartland Acres in
Independence expecting big things for visitors who come to the
agriculture museum. “All of us who have worked to get “Big Bud”
to come to Independence are very excited”, stated Heartland Acres Board
member Craig Johnson. “This is a great opportunity to bring more
visitors to Independence and Northeast Iowa.”
Built in Havre, Montana in 1977, “Big Bud” was 1 of over 500 “Big Bud”
brand tractors that were built by Ron Harmon and the crew of the
Northern Manufacturing Company. “Big Bud” is the only 16V-747
model that was produced and was specifically designed to produce higher
horsepower to deep-plow cotton fields for the Rossi Brothers near
Bakersfield, California. The tractor was built to produce 760
horsepower using a 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine but has operated
at 980 horsepower. “Big Bud” measures 27 feet long, 20 feet wide, and
14 feet tall and weighs over 130,000 pounds.
“Big Bud” will be making its way to Iowa for the first time in history
and with tractor enthusiasts located throughout the Midwest, an
increase of tourists to Independence is almost certain. “Big Bud
is known globally so this is not only an exciting opportunity for our
area, but for the entire Midwest”, commented Heartland Acres Events
Manager Mike McGill. “We have reached out to the state tourism
office as well as over twenty other organizations that we partner with
in ag tourism to help us as we plan for Big Bud’s
arrival.”
As a member benefit, Chamber members across the state will receive a
discount on adult admission to Heartland Acres while Big Bud is being
displayed. “Participating organizations and their members will
receive $2 off the adult admission by showing our staff this article, a
membership card or by simply stating that they’re visiting as a member
of the Chamber of Commerce”, added McGill.
Visitor’s to Heartland Acres will be able to see “Big Bud 16V-747” from
April 12th until July 31st; making it the longest stop at any site in
its tour history.
For more information about “Big Bud” and Heartland Acres visit www.heartlandacresusa.com
or call 319-332-0123.
From Sap to Syrup: Interest in Making Maple
Syrup Grows in Iowa
Posted
1
March
2010
More and more Iowans
are seeking what literally has been an untapped resource — the sap in
the state’s maple trees, says Jesse Randall, a forester with Iowa State
University Extension. They want to make maple syrup, and Randall and
Iowa State’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management are
showing them how, just in time for the 2010 syrup season.
Iowa DOT Asks Iowans to Put Safety First
Posted
4
February
2010
A series of winter
storms this year has caused many Iowans to become stranded or their
vehicles to run off the road. No one can predict when he or she might
become the next victim of bad weather, but we can all be prepared just
in case.
It can happen to you. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has
developed a short video that identifies the basic necessities that you
should carry in your vehicle, and describes what you should do if you
become stranded.
To survive, stay inside your vehicle and use the resources in your
survival kit. Do not attempt to walk for help or try to remove your
vehicle from the snow.
Don’t put if off any longer. Now is the time to assemble your survival
kit. Learn what to carry and tips to survive by watching this new video
at http://www.iowadot.gov/ or http://www.youtube.com/iowadot
Upper Iowa Accepting Applications for UIBD
Grant
Posted
3
February
2010
Upper Iowa University
is accepting applications for its Upper Iowa Business Development
(UIBD) grant until March 1. This year’s UIBD grant will make available
a total incentive package of up to $100,000 for an entrepreneur
interested in starting-up, managing, and operating a restaurant and
sports lounge in Fayette.
The two-story restaurant and sports lounge will be housed in a newly
constructed, University-owned property on Fayette’s Main Street. In
addition to a $40,000 cash award from the UIBD grant, the successful
applicant will also be eligible for financial assistance in the form of
rent abatement.
“University faculty, staff and students have identified a greater
variety of dining and entertainment establishments as a critical need
in Fayette,” said Andrew Wenthe, vice president for external affairs.
“As a result, we decided to add a few incentives to specifically
solicit proposals from entrepreneurs committed to establishing a
destination restaurant and sports lounge in the community.”
The new two-story building is approx. 7,900-square-feet. Half of the
first floor will be taken up by Upper Iowa’s merchandise retail store
and a coffee shop. The plan is to have the other 4,500 to 6,000 square
feet be the restaurant/sports lounge.
Upper Iowa is in the midst of a sustained growth period. Enrollment at
the Fayette campus is up 40 percent over five years, and an enrollment
goal of 1,100 has been set for fall of 2010. The University recently
embarked on a $75 million construction plan on the Fayette campus, with
the first phase started in summer 2009 that includes construction of a
new Student Center, Liberal Arts building, suite-style Student
Residence Hall, and the University-owned downtown facility.
Construction projects scheduled to continue over the next four to six
years include a technology center, science building, and additional
student housing. Wenthe stated, “It is the ideal time for an ambitious
and dedicated entrepreneur to start a business in Fayette.”
Applicants should also include in their business plan proposals that
demonstrate how their establishment will become a destination spot for
the approximately 32,000 residents living within a 20-mile radius of
Fayette. For a complete list of requirements or questions, please
contact Wenthe at 563-425-5348 or wenthea@uiu.edu.
Download
the
RFP.
Entrepreneurs interested in submitting a UIBD grant application for a
non-restaurant business idea are still encouraged to contact Wenthe.
Photo Caption: Architectural
rendering of Upper Iowa-owned property on Fayette’s Main Street.
Source: Samuels Group.
RAGBRAI Overnight Towns Announced
Posted
31
January
2010
The overnight stops
for RAGBRAI XXXVII have been announced.
This year's RAGBRAI participants will encounter one of the flatest and
shortest routes in the event's history. RAGBRAI 2010, which will
cover 442 miles from Sioux City to Dubuque July 25th through the 31st,
is ranked the 3rd easiest as far as hills and mileage is
concerned.
Overnight towns include Storm Lake, Algona, Clear Lake, Charles
City, Waterloo and Manchester.
Cool Video: Bionic Contact Lenses
Posted
25
January
2010
The wave of the
future!
Blanchard Discusses Marketing Strategies
for Produce
Posted
14
January
2010
Chris
Blanchard
was
the
featured
speaker at a recent workshop in Calmar
hosted by the Northeast Iowa Food & Farm Coalition (NIFF) and the
Oneota Community Food Coop. Over 40 people listened as Blanchard
talked about his experience working with produce buyers, pricing
product for wholesale markets, and quality assurance.
Blanchard owns and
operates Rock Spring Farm, on the state line between
Decorah, Iowa, and Spring Grove, MN. Rock Spring Farm offers CSA shares
to 200 shareholders, and provides organic herbs and vegetables to
natural foods grocers and a wholesale distributor in the Twin Cities,
Rochester, and Decorah. For more information about the NIFF
Coalition, visit www.iowafreshfood.com.
Two New 'Wild' License Plates
Revealed
Posted
12
January
2010
Two
new
Iowa
license
plates
to
help
fund
natural
resources
will
be
available
for
purchase
at
county
treasurers'
offices this spring. The
plates were unveiled by Lt. Gov. Patty Judge Saturday at the State
Capitol during the Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) Congress.
The two new designs,
featuring a brook trout and a deer, will attract
two of the largest groups of Iowan outdoor enthusiasts, anglers and
deer hunters, said Ross Harrison, DNR REAP coordinator. The license
plates were designed by Cedar Rapids artist Greg Bordignon. At a
purchase price of $45, and annual renewal of $25 for the numbered
plates, the REAP program receives $35 from each purchase and $10 from
renewals. The DNR's Wildlife Diversity program gets $10 from the
purchase and $15 from renewals.
The two new plates
join three others dedicated to those natural
resource programs: the goldfinch/rose, pheasant and eagle plates which
together generate about $1 million a year and outsell all of the
state's other specialty plates. Bordignon also designed the current
pheasant and eagle plates.
Harrison predicted
the two new plates may double the current income
within two years because of the popularity of the designs. "The brook
trout is Iowa's only native trout, and is the best indicator of water
quality of any fish species."
REAP provides funding
to cities, counties and state conservation
efforts, as well as to landowners and conservation organizations and
individuals. Currently funded at $18 million in appropriations from
state gaming revenues, the license plate income is added on top of that
amount. REAP's public participation component includes a congress every
two year for citizen input into running the program.
The DNR's nongame
wildlife program uses its license plate revenue to
match federal money for projects dealing with wildlife that are not
hunted or fished, and therefore not managed by use of hunting and
fishing license revenue.
Resource
Enhancement
And
Protection,
plate
information
Cool Internet Video
Posted
11
January
2010
The
24/7
Network
is
proud
to
present
a
new
feature
for
2010.
It
will
not
come
as
a surprise that the crew at JJC Media spends a lot of time
on the internet. We come across a lot of really cool stuff and
will share it with you using a couple of new features: Cool Internet
Video and Cool Internet Tools. If you come across cool things to
share please let us know at jjcmedia@jjcmedia.com.
Today's Cool Internet
Video: Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian
artist who just won Ukraine's version of "America's Got Talent." She
uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and "sand painting"
skills to interpret Germany's invasion and occupation of Ukraine during
WWII.
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