Cedar Valley News

ISU Extension Entomologists Offer Recommendations on Protecting Ash Trees

Emerald Ash Borer Management Options from Iowa State University Extension on Vimeo.

Posted 26 May 2010
The recent discovery of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in northeastern Iowa (Allamakee County) has increased interest in this exotic, invasive insect and what Iowans can do to protect ash trees (Fraxinus species) on their property. Iowa State University Extension is collaborating with Iowa state regulatory agencies and local officials to limit the spread of EAB into other areas of Iowa. For a full list of EAB detection and education activities, please visit here.

Treatment options to protect ash trees from this destructive pest are available, but careful and thoughtful analysis is needed to circumvent spread of false information and excessive and needless use of insecticides. Forest, horticulture and insect specialists with ISU Extension have developed a guide that outlines your management options against EAB.

The first step for many is confirming that you do have an ash tree. Only ash trees are susceptible to EAB attack; all species and varieties of ash trees are at risk. Second is determining if the ash tree is in vigorous health. Trees must be healthy and growing for treatments to be effective.

Compromised trees that have mechanical injuries, loose bark or thin canopy or are struggling to grow in poor sites with limited rooting area, compacted soil or other stresses are not worth treating. If the tree is apparently healthy and is valuable in your landscape, then preventive treatment options may be considered.

Insecticide control measures against EAB should not be used unless you live within 15 miles of the confirmed EAB infestation. Based on today’s announcement, the upper portion of Allamakee County is within this risk zone. However, due to the isolated incidence and associated remote terrain of the infested site, treatment in Iowa is still not recommended at this time.

Protecting ash trees with insecticides is a long-term commitment. Most treatments will need to be reapplied annually or twice per year for an interminable number of years to protect the tree. With that in mind, many would be ahead to remove and replace susceptible trees.

ISU Extension has a publication on the topic, PM 2084, "Emerald Ash Borer Management Options," released June 2009. The publication can be downloaded from the ISU Extension Online Store here. The North Central Region IPM Center’s “Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from EAB” was issued May 2009 and is available on the ISU emerald ash borer website here.

Big Bud Staying at Heartland Acres

Posted 19 July 2010
“Big Bud 16V - 747”, the world’s largest tractor, will be staying at Heartland Acres through August 22.

Arriving in April, Big Bud has representatives of Heartland Acres in Independence expecting big things for visitors who come to the agriculture museum.  “All of us who have worked to get “Big Bud” to come to Independence are very excited”, stated Heartland Acres Board member Craig Johnson.  “This is a great opportunity to bring more visitors to Independence and Northeast Iowa.” 

Built in Havre, Montana in 1977, “Big Bud” was 1 of over 500 “Big Bud” brand tractors that were built by Ron Harmon and the crew of the Northern Manufacturing Company.  “Big Bud” is the only 16V-747 model that was produced and was specifically designed to produce higher horsepower to deep-plow cotton fields for the Rossi Brothers near Bakersfield, California.  The tractor was built to produce 760 horsepower using a 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine but has operated at 980 horsepower. “Big Bud” measures 27 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 14 feet tall and weighs over 130,000 pounds.

“Big Bud” will be making its way to Iowa for the first time in history and with tractor enthusiasts located throughout the Midwest, an increase of tourists to Independence is almost certain.  “Big Bud is known globally so this is not only an exciting opportunity for our area, but for the entire Midwest”, commented Heartland Acres Events Manager Mike McGill.  “We have reached out to the state tourism office as well as over twenty other organizations that we partner with in ag tourism to help us as we plan for Big Bud’s arrival.”    

As a member benefit, Chamber members across the state will receive a discount on adult admission to Heartland Acres while Big Bud is being displayed.  “Participating organizations and their members will receive $2 off the adult admission by showing our staff this article, a membership card or by simply stating that they’re visiting as a member of the Chamber of Commerce”, added McGill. 

Visitor’s to Heartland Acres will be able to see “Big Bud 16V-747” from April 12th until July 31st; making it the longest stop at any site in its tour history.   

For more information about “Big Bud” and Heartland Acres visit www.heartlandacresusa.com or call 319-332-0123.