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THE BUZZ<br />
Although the flowering stage of the soybean<br />
plant is fairly short, producers have been looking<br />
at new practices in hopes of increasing the<br />
number of bees in their fields during this time.<br />
One way is by installing prairie strips. Prairie<br />
strips are buffer pieces in fields that are seeded<br />
with prairies grasses and wildflower mixes and<br />
provide food and habitat to wild bees and other<br />
pollinators.<br />
Schulte Moore has conducted previous research<br />
as part of the ISU Prairie STRIPS team<br />
showing that planting sections of pollinator<br />
habitat among agricultural fields creates biodiversity<br />
and slows nutrient runoff from the soil,<br />
among other benefits. The new study suggests<br />
prairie strips might also strengthen production<br />
by attracting insects that can then pollinate<br />
nearby soybean plants.<br />
Hayes, who has 20 acres of pasture and<br />
currently raises a few pigs and chickens, also<br />
talked about the value of the practice.<br />
Prairie strips “not only save the soil from<br />
erosion, but also provide housing to wildlife<br />
and pollinators that need the nectar and pollen<br />
from the crops to feed their hives,” explained<br />
EASTERN IOWA FARMER PHOTO / JACKIE MILLER<br />
Pollinators such as honeybees play a necessary role<br />
in flower and crop production because they make<br />
plant reproduction possible.<br />
Hayes, the former 4-H leader whose four<br />
grown children all showed sheep at the Clinton<br />
County Club Show.<br />
Prairie strips “not<br />
only save the<br />
soil from erosion,<br />
but also provide<br />
housing to wildlife<br />
and pollinators that<br />
need the nectar<br />
and pollen from the<br />
crops to feed their<br />
hives.”<br />
— DAVID HAYES<br />
The Friedman Group,<br />
Your Partner in Confinement Insurance<br />
New programs mean new opportunities. Contact us today to<br />
find out about our new confinement insurance program options.<br />
The Friedman Group, protecting what is important to you.<br />
Pictured: Eric DeSousa,<br />
Friedman Group<br />
account executive<br />
880 Locust Street, Suite 200 Dubuque, IA 52001 | Phone: (563) 556-0272 | www.friedman-group.com<br />
eifarmer.com FALL 2022 | EASTERN IOWA FARMER 89
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