Those interested in planting black walnuts have lacked information about the best cultivars available for planting in Iowa. This project initiated long-term studies of several varieties of black walnut trees to determine the best cultivars for Iowa growers.

The goal of this initial three-year project was to establish the pawpaw trees and bring them to fruiting stage. This was part of a long-term effort to evaluate the potential for an Iowa pawpaw tree fruit crop.

Increased corn production to fuel Iowa's ethanol plants leads to diversion of cattle pasture land to cropland. This project looked at the value of using distillers' grain (an ethanol by-product) as a supplement for beef cattle feeding in a forage system.

Project investigators tested the potential for production and utilization of the pawpaw as an alternative crop for Iowa fruit growers. Fruit from an ongoing trial was processed and preserved for future marketing.

Weed competition and economics are two common barriers to Iowa farmers' investing in tree plantings. This project examined seven weed control strategies and investigated productivity of small grain/forage combinations raised with trees in an effort to suggest management options that would encourage tree planting in the state.

Non-timber specialty forest products show potential for farmers hoping to diversify their operations. This project and survey evaluated the interest in and obstacles to the production and marketing of these crops.