Farmer-Led Research

In a Nutshell Over time, grazing management is expected to improve forage quality, mass, and diversity. Thirty-one acres of perennial pasture in Cherokee County IA were transitioned from continuous to rotational stocking in 2010. Field characteristics were monitored …

In a Nutshell Accurate estimates of fly populations help producers evaluate the level of stress cattle are experiencing. Accurate estimates are also needed to evaluate the efficacy of fly control methods. We compare measurements across farms and fly …

In a Nutshell Interest in pasture-raised livestock has risen in part because of health benefits to the animals and to the consumer. Raising poultry on pasture allows the birds to express natural behaviors, exercise, and increase intake of …

In a Nutshell Hogs were fed one of two rations to determine if an alternative ration could reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable growth rates and carcass quality. Thirty hogs from each group were selected for evaluation of …

In a Nutshell Energy use in agriculture varies across cropping systems. This project explores the differences in energy use between two practical Midwest cropping systems. Diverse cropping systems, those with three or more crops, use a fraction of …

Abstract Corn (Zea mays) is a major crop across the Midwestern U.S. Yields have been steadily increasing in Iowa from an average of 48.5 bu/ ac in 1950 to an average of 171 bu/ac in 2011 (USDA NASS). …

Abstract Soil quality indicators were compared in different farming systems at eight “pods” of neighboring farms around Iowa. Samples were collected for three years and analyzed for organic matter, total carbon and nitrogen content, bulk density, stable aggregate …

Abstract Cover Crops are an important addition to any farming system to improve soil quality and decrease soil erosion or nutrient loss. Farmers are concerned that a winter rye cover crop could negatively impact their cash crop yields. …

Abstract Cover crops have been increasing in popularity because of the benefits they provide to the soil and the environment, among others; however, they are rarely harvested. Not only can a cover crop protect Iowa’s soil from erosion …

Abstract Many PFI vegetable producers grow sweet potatoes. To increase the marketable yield of sweet potatoes, some have heard that it is effective to remove roots formed by sweet potato runners to help concentrate energy growth to the …

Abstract Jill Beebout and Sean Skeehan of Blue Gate Farm have kept records in their high tunnel for the past three seasons to create Iowa-specific scheduling and marketing information to determine which high tunnel crops generate the most …

Abstract Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a pest to soybeans in Iowa. In certain years, it can be economically devastating to a farming operation. Conventional farmers can use insecticides to control soybean aphid populations but …