Weather is still a wild card, but we've shown that we can factor in weather conditions to give a good idea of what final yield will be. No central registry of farm injuries to children exists in the United States, but safety experts estimate that more than 100 children die and almost 22,000 are seriously injured each year on farms. Iowa State University Extension has published a new book designed to help families talk about farm hazards and discuss family rules. ISU Extension farm safety specialist Charles Schwab helped write and develop the book. Two ISU Extension field specialists, Dennis DeWitt and Kris Kohl, are working with several producers on a composting demonstration project in northwest Iowa.
Most participants are pork producers from several types of operations.
DeWitt said the project offers valuable information for producers who seek a biologically and environmentally safe method of livestock disposal. The Iowa Pork Industry Center funds the project. ISU wants to test the concept with students who never come to campus. Adult learners in the groups will begin pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in professional agriculture this fall or next spring. ISU will partner with Kirkwood Community College to deliver the programs via videotape, ICN and classes at Kirkwood.