Agriculture Digest

Eighty-five counties adopt Master Matrix
DES MOINES -- Eighty five of Iowa's ninety nine counties adopted the livestock Master Matrix for the upcoming 12 months.
Confinement sites who need a construction permit in those counties must meet additional requirements before they can build, modify or expand.
County supervisors in the participating counties can provide input to producers and make recommendations to DNR on approving construction permits.
Find detailed information on the matrix on DNR’s AFO construction permitwebpage; under Additional Construction Information: Master Matrix.

Iowa Phosphorus Index Calculator update
DES MOINES -- Manure management planners should note that the Iowa NRCS updated the Iowa Phosphorus (P) Index calculator in April of 2024. 
This updated calculator must be used for any P Index updates to application fields contained in a manure management plan (MMP), and can be downloaded from the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide. 
All fields must be updated to the new calculator at the time a full plan is due. The use of the outdated calculator will result in the MMP being considered incomplete.  Please note that the Detailed Report now has a different look, but it is still the report that should be submitted with an MMP. 
Visit the DNR's AFO web page or contact your local DNR Field Office with any questions.

Livestocks water quality conservation loans available

DES MOINES -- The State Revolving Fund (SRF) offers conservation loans to landowners for installing water quality practices via Linked Deposit loan programs. Landowners can borrow up to $500,000 at a maximum interest rate of 3%. These loans can solely finance projects or be combined with existing state or federal cost share funds such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality (DSCWQ), in collaboration with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), administers the program. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) serves as the financial agent.
The Livestock Water Quality Program (LWQP) extends low-interest loans to livestock producers to prevent, minimize, or eliminate non-point source pollution from animal feeding operations in Iowa’s rivers and streams. Eligible practices include manure management lagoons, roofed manure management structures, and fencing for rotational grazing.
The loan is available for existing operations under 1,000 Animal Units and could involve closing existing open feed lots depending on the scope of the project. Producers can borrow up to $500,000 with loan terms of up to 15 years.
To initiate the process, visit your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office to discuss the loan program and your operation with staff. You’ll complete an application and collaborate with staff to determine eligible items for the loan. Upon approval, you’ll work with an approved lender of your choice to establish loan terms.
For more information, contact Derek Namanny at the Iowa Department of Agriculture at (515) 281-6148 or Derek.Namanny@IowaAgriculture.gov.

Manure Applicator Certification renewals due by March 1
DES MOINES -- Certificates expire annually on March 1 for commercial manure applicators. Confinement site certificates are viable for three years ending on Dec. 31, with a two-month grace period for renewals.
All applicators renewing certificates – commercial and confinement site -- need to complete, and pay fees prior to March 1 to avoid a $12.50 late fee. The late fee does not apply to new applicants. 
In-person training sessions continue through February 24 for commercial and February 28 for confinement site applicators.  Online training is an option if you are unable to attend a live workshop. Testing is also available at any local DNR Field Office.