Soil Conditions Still Cool For Planting As Farmers Prepare For Spring Fieldwork
(Le Mars) — The calendar says it is time to be doing field work. However, the soil conditions remain a little cool. So, should farmers be concerned? Iowa State University Extension Crops Specialist for Northwest Iowa Joel DeJong says despite the cooler temperatures, soil conditions are showing signs of being ready.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/DeJong1.MP3{/audio}
Ideally, soil temperatures should be at least 50 degrees before planting takes place. DeJong says the four-inch soil temperatures are currently in the low 40’s, but he says the ten-day weather forecast is favorable.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/DeJong2.MP3{/audio}
Many farmers are still applying anhydrous ammonia for their fertilizer needs, and DeJong says conditions are still favorable, if farmers make certain they are applying that anhydrous ammonia at deep enough levels.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/DeJong3.MP3{/audio}
DeJong says southern Iowa farmers have already started with their planting, but he says northern Iowa farmers may want to wait a few more days, even though research studies indicate better yields are obtained with early planted seed.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/DeJong4.MP3{/audio}
The extension crops specialist says farmers still have plenty of time to plant their seed, and there is no reason to rush.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/DeJong5.MP3{/audio}
Plymouth County Republican Chairman Says District Convention Was Civil
(Le Mars) — “Things went smoothly”. That’s how Plymouth County Republican party chairman Don Kass described the activity of the Iowa 4th District Republican convention that was held on Saturday at Fort Dodge.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Kass1.MP3{/audio}
Kass says the Ted Cruz campaign was well organized and well attended at the district political party convention.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Kass2.MP3{/audio}
The Plymouth County republican official says he was surprised at how quickly the district delegates were able to approve the party’s platform and its planks. Kass says when usually it takes hours to discuss and approve, this time it took only minutes. Republican voters will need to decide who they wish to have represent them from the fourth district in the U-S Congress as incumbent candidate Steve King of Kiron will face challenger State Senator Rick Bertram from Sioux City. Kass says it was interesting that Bertram did not make an appearance at the district convention.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Kass3.MP3{/audio}
Senator Chuck Grassley is seeking re-election this fall, and according to Kass, the U-S Senator gave a heart-felt inspirational speech to the district delegates.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Kass 4.MP3{/audio}
Plymouth County has 28 voting delegates for the the Republican convention, and Kass says the state republican convention is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st in Des Moines, and he encourages everyone to stay active.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Kass5.MP3{/audio}
Kass was elected to serve on the electoral college, meaning his vote will count towards the presidential elecion.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/April 2016/Kass6.MP3{/audio}
The Democratic District convention will be held in Ames and is scheduled for April 30th.
Sioux City Elementary School Converted To Become Apartments
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A former elementary school in Sioux City has been converted into 14 loft-like apartments for families to live in.
The 25,000-square-foot building that used to be known as Joy Elementary School now houses two- and three-bedroom apartments.
The more than 100-year-old building has 12-foot ceilings and exposed ductwork, granite countertops and sleek kitchen cabinets. The apartments also include all brand new appliances, such as a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave and in-unit washer and dryer.
Joy Elementary School closed in 2012 when another elementary school opened. Old School Properties LLC bought it for $70,000. The group also recently purchased Whittier Elementary, which closed in 2015, for $102,000 and plans to convert it into apartments as well.
