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Western Research and Demonstration Farm

Map of Western Research and Demonstration Farm located in Monona County, IowaLocation


Monona County

Directions:

Go 4 miles east of Castana on County Road E-34.

Western Research Farm 
36515 Hwy E34 
Castana, IA 51010

(712) 885-2802

Map view of Western Research and Demonstration Farm

Size


280 acres

Owners


Western Iowa Experimental Farm Association

History 


The association purchased the farm in 1946. In 2002, an additional 40 acres was given to the farm.

Soils


Gently sloping ridges and steep side slopes that gradually change to well-defined valleys characterize this reFields of the Western Farmgion. Sloping soils are very erosive and require terracing, contouring and other conservation practices. Predominant soils are:

Ida:
6-30 percent slope, well drained, occurs on narrow divides and steep side slopes

Monona:
5-14 percent slope, well drained, occurs on ridges and s strongly sloping side slopes

Research and Demonstration


Cattle on the Western FarmSwine. Research focuses on alternative pig production. The ISU Hoop Research Complex is located at the farm. Studies on animal density, pork quality, alternative feeds and wean-to-finish approaches are conducted with finishing pigs. Researchers include scientists from animal science and extension.

Forage. Performance of young cattle is evaluated using various rotational grazing systems. Cover crops are studied for their potential as a grazed forage and their impact on crop yields, soil quality and nutrient management properties. Native plants in the Loess hills also are being researched. The farm staff helps with research projects in area farmers’ fields.

Facilities


Western Research Farm Cattle ShelterExtensive pastures support grazing and forage studies. Deep-bedded hoop structures are used in the alternative swine production project. The Hoop Research Complex consists of three full-sized hoop barns equipped with six pens for six pigs each.

 

Farm Reports


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