The 2009 growing season was challenging for many Iowa farmers. Northeast Iowa producers faced cool temperatures, wind and hail damage and poor drying conditions in the fall.
To help producers make decisions about this year's crop, Iowa State University Extension is hosting two workshops to 'Manage the Grain Challenges for 2010' on Monday, March 15. The workshop will be offered at the Borlaug Learning Center in Nashua from 10 am to noon and at the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation Center in Calmar from 1 to 3 pm.
ISU Extension Ag Engineer Greg Brenneman will talk about evaluating the condition of the 2009 crop in storage. The challenging harvest conditions left the crop more vulnerable to improper storage conditions. Brenneman will discuss strategies to maintain grain quality going into the spring months.
This is also the time of year to evaluate crop insurance coverage. Crop insurance was critical during last year's growing season. Kelvin Leibold will discuss new features in crop insurance policies and help producers determine their coverage level and risk management level for the 2010 season.
The workshop costs $5. Pre-registration is required. Call the Winneshiek County Extension office to register, 563-382-2949 or register online at www.extension.iastate.edu/winneshiek.
