An Iowa State University Extension demonstration project indicates the design of farrowing crates may impact piglet survival rates. The project, which included nearly 400 farrowings, was conducted at the Kirkwood Community College with funding from the Iowa Pork Industry Center. For novices who want to attract birds, ISU animal ecologist Jim Dinsmore has a couple tips. Different feeds attract different species. Goldfinches and small birds are partial to thistle seed, blue jays and woodpeckers to peanuts and morning doves to safflower seeds.
Sunflower seed attracts several kinds of birds.
Local extension offices and wildlife specialty stores can provide more information, Dinsmore said. By 1909, the state ranked sixth in U.S. apple production. Many growers decided not to replant. Today Iowa ranks 31st among 36 states that grow apples commercially. Iowa growers supply only 8 percent of the fresh and processed apples consumed by Iowans each year.