Author: Theresa Rose

October 31 – November 1, 2022

DES MOINES, Iowa (November 7, 2022) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November.

“Soybean harvest is nearing completion with corn close behind and farmers are also busy with other fall field work as conditions allow,” said Secretary Naig. “Portions of the state received nearly a month’s worth of badly needed moisture last week. Looking ahead, we will see a few more days of warm and dry conditions before a weather pattern change ushers in colder air.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Warm and dry conditions early in the week helped accelerate row crop harvest, which remained ahead of average with 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 6, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting row crops, completing fall tillage, anhydrous application, baling stalks, seeding cover crops, and applying manure.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 37 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 25 percent very short, 39 percent short, 36 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop reached 89 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained 17 percent.

Soybean harvest was virtually complete at 97 percent, 8 days ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of the average.

Livestock were mostly doing well, with some reports of calves being treated for pneumonia.

The 4-H Family of the Year helps continue the strong tradition and history of Washington County 4-H.  They have helped make our 4-H program one to be proud of.  Receiving the 2022 4-H Family of the Year is the Steve and Pam Davis Family.

What is so unique and special about Pam Davis and her family is they are now five generations deep being involved with Washington County 4-H!  While we can congratulate Pam and her husband Steve, their children and grandchildren and nephew and his children – what isn’t visible are the generations before them.  Pam’s grandma started one of the first clubs in Washington County and her mom and dad were both club leaders.  Pam was a member of the Eager Beavers and Washington Hustler clubs.  She has followed in her mom’s footsteps in being a club leader now of the Crooked Creek club for 23 years.  Steve and his brother were once fair board members.  Steve and Pam raised their children (Arial, Eric, Mindy, and Kim) in the sheep department and the entire family is still active working with the sheep committee for weigh-ins, check-ins, show day, and the auction.  The list is just endless. This family answers the 4-H call.

As a volunteer, Pam is at all the leader meetings – even the optional ones.  She will be there early and will stay there late to fill in any gaps or needs.   She has years of wisdom that has come in useful to new leaders and new staff.  Anyone who knows Pam knows she has a firm list of expectations (just ask anyone in her club) but we also know that they come from the purest of heart.  She wants all 4-Hers to make the best better.  She believes in the 4-H family.

It is evident this family (all five generations of them) take pride in 4-H.  They have been or are being raised into the 4-H way of life.  Pam said this is a place she believes in, they all do, because it teaches discipline, communication, cooperation, and is a place to make lifelong friendships.  Pam and Steve even met in 4-H and she shared she has a 50 year old friendship today that all started in 4-H.

What is special about this Davis family is they really have never sat out. They never took a few years off after one graduated or one moved away.  They keep coming and helping and answering the call.  They are not in it just for their own kids but for all the kids.  They have been here long enough to see many first-year members turn in to graduating members and to become some of their best fans.  They believe in the growth kids make in 4-H.  Steve and Pam continue to stay busy in the 4-H family now as active 4-H grandparents.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA APHIS Confirm Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Non-Commercial Backyard Flock in Louisa County and a Commercial Layer Flock in Wright County

DES MOINES, Iowa (November 7, 2022) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Louisa County, Iowa and in Wright County, Iowa.

The virus was found in a non-commercial backyard flock in Louisa County and a commercial layer flock in Wright County.

“Migration is expected to continue for several more weeks and whether you have backyard birds or a commercial poultry farm, bolstering your biosecurity continues to be the best way to protect your flock from this disease,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Our coordinated response team, comprised of state and federal professionals working with the affected producers, will continue to move swiftly to limit the spread of this virus.”

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.

About HPAI

HPAI is highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil.

Signs of HPAI include:

• Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
• Lethargy and lack of energy and appetite
• Decrease in egg production
• Soft- or thin-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
• Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
• Stumbling or falling down
• Diarrhea

For additional information on HPAI, please visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza

AGENDA

 November 8, 2022

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

Appointment to the Civil Service Commission

9:00 Jake Hotchkiss, Engineer Weekly Update

Motion to approve Right-of-Way Contract for Project on Old Hwy 34

10:00 Meeting with DHS in Regard to Remodel

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates