Sunshine and warm weather are finally back and that means time for a new season to begin! Spring is always a busy time on the farm. From planting season jumping into full swing and calving season for others, farms are buzzing with activity.
Iowa’s corn farmers work every day to provide consumers like yourself with feed, food, fiber and fuel. This all starts with a successful planting season. Consumers might not realize the number of ways that corn impacts their lives. From the over 4,000 everyday products in the grocery store that include corn ingredients to the fuel in their vehicles, corn is everything.
So, this spring season as you see the tractors and planters rolling out into the fields, remember these are the individuals working to feed and fuel our world. Support your local farmers by purchasing corn-fed meats, dairy and egg products and by fueling up with Unleaded 88/E15!
Water quality is a responsibility of all Iowans. Just like Iowans who live in urban areas, Iowa’s farm families want pure-tasting water, and we take care of the land to keep the water clean.
Meet our farmers and learn about their stories here!
It is nearly patio and picnic season! Enjoy these warm-weather inspired corn- fed-recipes!
The Ultimate Pork Burger
With grilling season coming up, it is time to break out our grills and put our grilling skills to the test! As the number one pork producing state, Iowa is a powerhouse when it comes to pork! Pork is also the #1consumer of Iowa corn. Now that’s something to get excited about! Enjoy this juicy and delicious recipe from the Iowa Pork Producers Association here.
Classic Midwest Chopped Salad
Corn-fed bacon, ham, eggs and delicious 1% sweet corn! What could be better on a tasty salad? This salad screams Midwest classic, find the full recipe from Iowa Food and Family Project here.
Shine-a-Rita with Country Gal Corn Moonshine
Country Gal Moonshine is distilled and bottled by Iowa Distilling Company, based in Cumming, Iowa. As fifth generation corn farmers they know a thing or two about making a perfect corn whiskey. Try their Shine-a-Rita recipe here and find other cocktail recipes to use their Country Gal Moonshine in!
Farmers Care About the Water We Share
Farmers who grow Iowa’s corn know how important our state’s water is; they depend on every drop and not just for crops to grow. They have families just like yours and want to be sure the water we all drink is as pure as it can be. Here in Iowa, farming is more than a career, it is a way of life, and for farmers water and water quality play an important role in their ability to grow crops and livestock. This is why they ensure they are doing what is best for the land, air and water.
Farmers today use a variety of conservation and nutrient management practices to improve water quality and soil health. On farm, practices such as cover crops, buffer strips, wetlands, waterways and more are implemented to ensure soil is staying in place and water is staying clean. All Iowans share the responsibility of protecting our water. Here are a few guidelines you too can follow in your house.
Storm water runoff
Iowa receives 34 inches of rain a year on average. Rain or snow runoff can carry sediments and contaminants into surface or groundwater. Cleanwater Iowa encourages all Iowans to take steps to better manage the rain that falls on their property by focusing on preventing runoff and promoting infiltration.
Pet waste
Pets outnumber children 4 to 1 in America. Many municipalities encourage their residents to remove and dispose of pet waste away from the water supply. Improper disposal of pet waste raises the risk of contamination from parasites and bacteria.
Cleaning products
For the products we use to clean our home, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says to follow label directions for proper use, storage and disposal. Do not pour hazardous chemicals into storm sewers, as it impacts drinking water quality.
Vehicle washing
On average, 38 gallons of water are used per vehicle at the car wash, according to WashMyCar.org. The DNR says if you wash your car at home, it’s better to do it on your front lawn than driveway to avoid runoff. But it says using a car wash is an even better option for the environment, as that water is properly treated.
Lawn and garden products
Did you know Iowa is the only state completely within the tallgrass prairie formation? Because of its rich soil and yearly rainfall, gardeners enjoy planting a wide variety of plants. The DNR says to minimize fertilizer use and don’t overwater your lawn. Most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, so only water enough to make up for the lack of rainfall.
Together we can make a difference. Learn more about what farmers are doing and what you can do to protect water quality by visiting iowacorn.org/h2o
DIY Rain Guage
Nothing is more important in the early growing stages of corn than ensuring the plant has enough moisture. Which makes it equally important for farmers to track
how much rainfall we are getting during the growing season. One tool that farmers use to track their moisture is rain gauges. Make your own rain gauge with items from around your house to help measure how much precipitation your area is getting.
What you will need:
Empty 2L soda pop bottle (washed, dried, with labels removed)
Scissors
Utility Knife
Duct Tape
Permanent marker
Ruler
Read the full directions here.
