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Articles by ISU Extension
The fall rush: Weaning calves
AMES — As the fall approaches, producers are taking their cows and calves off pasture and bringing them back home. When the cows and calves are brought home, the calves are often weaned. This can be a stressful time for calves because they have to adjust to a new diet, new surroundings, and being separated from their mother. Proper preparation and management can help make this transition easier for calves. Calves can be weaned using different methods. The first one is fence-line weaning.
Managing fall leaves in the home landscape
Gardeners don’t need to rake every leaf this fall. A more selective approach is often better for plants, wildlife, soil health and next spring’s growth, according to Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “One of the biggest misconceptions about fall cleanup is that everything needs to be removed before winter,” said Steil.
Asters and Mums: More Than Just Fall Color
As summer flowers fade and many garden plants wind down for the season, asters and chrysanthemums step into the spotlight. Their colorful blooms bring vibrant shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, orange and red to the autumn landscape. “Many gardeners plant asters and mums for their beautiful fall color, but they also play an important role in supporting pollinators,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Use ATVs safely on the farm during harvest season
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is reminding drivers of all-terrain vehicles to operate with safety in mind. ATVs are a convenient way to scout fields, check livestock and move tools and equipment, but they are also involved in a number of farm safety incidents, especially among young riders.
Iowa 4-H Youth Excel in Communications Events at the Iowa State Fair
AMES — Nearly 725 youth from 93 counties participated in 642 communications events at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, held Aug. 13-23. Youth could participate in educational presentations, working exhibits, Share-the-Fun, extemporaneous speaking and communications poster categories.
Explore the Effects and Treatments of Parkinson's Disease
Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go.
Shimek Forest Field Day approaching
LEE COUNTY — The 48th annual Shimek State Forest Field Day will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at Wilson Lake. This long-standing event brings together forestry professionals, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation-minded individuals to explore current issues and practical management strategies for woodlands and natural resources in Southeast Iowa.
Cyclone Kitchen
« All Events Cyclone Kitchen September 3 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 1679383879 Mozilla/5.0 Moreover/5.1 (+http://www.moreover.com) 97ff9cd59dcdb1697e5aa02656aa348d705e7bdf 1
Cracks, spots and slow ripening: Diagnosing common tomato issues
AMES, Iowa – Home gardeners across Iowa are reporting a wide range of tomato issues this summer. While many gardeners first suspect disease, several of the most common problems are physiological disorders triggered by fluctuating weather, uneven moisture and environmental stress.
Cracks, spots and slow ripening: Diagnosing common tomato issues
AMES, Iowa – Home gardeners across Iowa are reporting a wide range of tomato issues this summer. While many gardeners first suspect disease, several of the most common problems are physiological disorders triggered by fluctuating weather, uneven moisture and environmental stress.
Harvest time in the home vegetable garden
Garden harvest time is drawing near AMES — As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity. Proper timing not only improves flavor and texture, but also encourages many crops to keep producing. “Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity ensures the best taste and quality,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Harvest time in the home vegetable garden
As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity. Proper timing not only improves flavor and texture, but also encourages many crops to keep producing. “Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity ensures the best taste and quality,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Harvest time in the home vegetable garden
As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity. Proper timing not only improves flavor and texture, but also encourages many crops to keep producing. “Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity ensures the best taste and quality,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Good Nutrition on a Budget
« All Events Good Nutrition on a Budget August 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm 1177024037 Mozilla/5.0 Moreover/5.1 (+http://www.moreover.com) 7e946351790afe252766d6e322b9ecef6cd445be 1
Farmland leasing arrangements workshop builds stronger lease relationships
DONNELLSON — Are you a seasoned landowner, tenant, or ag business professional? Or perhaps you are new to farmland ownership or taking over the farm operation from an older generation. Regardless of your role in a farm operation, attending a farmland leasing arrangements program is beneficial for you. There is a lot of uncertainty in agriculture going into 2027 and this program supports Iowans who want to build stronger lease relationships.
Farmland leasing arrangements workshop builds stronger lease relationships
DONNELLSON — Are you a seasoned landowner, tenant, or ag business professional? Or perhaps you are new to farmland ownership or taking over the farm operation from an older generation. Regardless of your role in a farm operation, attending a farmland leasing arrangements program is beneficial for you. There is a lot of uncertainty in agriculture going into 2027 and this program supports Iowans who want to build stronger lease relationships.
Mike and Evelyn Filson receive 2026 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame award
Mike and Evelyn Filson live near Birmingham. They have two sons, Michael and his wife Courtney and Adam and his wife Lisa, and two grandchildren, Keaton and Kinzey, all of whom have been involved with Jefferson County 4-H and the Jefferson County Fair in many ways. Mike’s first interaction with Jefferson County 4-H was as a parent but then grew into volunteering by serving two terms on the 4-H Youth Committee.
Advice on helping gardens survive summer heat
AMES – Periods of high temperatures can be challenging for both plants and gardeners. Understanding how heat affects plant growth and taking a few practical steps can help maintain a healthy landscape during stressful hot summer conditions. Plants respond to rising temperatures in ways that are not always immediately apparent.
Parasite Patrol Tour kicks off Aug. 4
DECORAH—Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension are launching the 2026-2027 Parasite Patrol Tour. This multi-state educational workshop series officially kicks off on Aug. 4 in Decorah. Parasites are a costly threat to livestock. Traditional sheep and goat deworming methods are losing effectiveness due to parasite resistance.
Why Dart Guns Should Be An Absolute Last Resort
Previous Next Up Molly Schoen The use of remote drug delivery (RDD) systems such as dart guns is an increasingly popular method of treating cattle. Although this method of drug delivery may seem like a reasonable option, RDD should be used only when there is no other alternative. RDD should be reserved for situations where it is the only viable option to ensure animal welfare of a severely sick or injured animal when capture and restraint for a traditional injection is impossible.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Clarke County Council offers candidates opportunities to educate and serve
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Clarke County council soon will begin the process to fill available seats on the council. The elected council, like the hundreds of others across the country, are the grass roots governing body for the Cooperative Extension System.
Clippings: Understanding Iowa cash rental rates
The ISU Extension and Outreach Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2026 Survey is now available. With half of Iowa farmland under a rental agreement, this is a very popular publication. The survey shows typical cash rental rates by county for acres in corn and soybeans, as well as for land devoted to hay, oats, and pasture at the crop reporting district level.
Crop Diagnostics in-season training June 23 at ISU Southeast Research Farm
Crop Diagnostics in-season training will be June 23 at the Iowa State University Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville. Unlock the rest of the article with a subscription.
Nominations open for 2026 Iowans Impacting Agriculture recognition
AMES – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Ag Management and Leadership Program is accepting nominations through June 30th, for the annual Iowans Impacting Agriculture recognition. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to Iowa’s agricultural industry and the communities it serves. The Iowans Impacting Agriculture recognition showcases leaders who demonstrate innovation, vision and a strong commitment to advancing agriculture.
Nominations open for 2026 Iowans Impacting Agriculture recognition
AMES – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Ag Management and Leadership Program is accepting nominations through June 30th, for the annual Iowans Impacting Agriculture recognition. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to Iowa’s agricultural industry and the communities it serves. The Iowans Impacting Agriculture recognition showcases leaders who demonstrate innovation, vision and a strong commitment to advancing agriculture.
Growing clematis in the home garden
AMES — Clematis, often called the “queen of vines,” is a reliable choice for trellises, fences and perennial borders across the Midwest. With more than 250 species and hundreds of cultivars, gardeners can select types that bloom from May until frost in a wide range of forms and colors. “I always tell gardeners not to worry too much about the pronunciation,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University.
Harnessing Student Talent to Benefit Communities
When an Iowa State University dietetics major, architecture major, and graphic design major enter an Iowa community, it’s not a set-up for a punchline. Instead, when those students are Rising Star interns, it’s a formula for community action and success. Each summer, the Rising Star internship program places Iowa State students in ISU Extension and Outreach county offices across the state, Andrea Welchans, assistant vice president for county services, said.
Adopting innovation across the state
Through campus and regional specialists and staff in 100 county extension offices, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach carries out the university's land-grant mission of discovery, learning and engagement. Extension connects Iowans with opportunities to innovate, including youth engaging in hands-on AI education, food entrepreneurs trying a mobile processing cart and farmers examining livestock tech in the field.
Yes, You Can Insure That: LRP and LGM
Katelyn Steffens Cash outlay for feeders, replacement heifer calves, yearlings, bred heifers, and bred cows is certainly higher than ever in all sectors. No doubt, two important programs supporting the market are Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and Livestock Gross Margin (LGM). Recent updates have made these programs more attractive and less expensive to a much wider audience in the supply chain. Here’s how: LRP – Unborn calves can now be insured for a future sale date.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach crop cart available for fruit and vegetable processing needs and education
Author Allie McIntyre, Program Director, Master Gardener Coordinator; ISU Extension, Winneshiek County Published 4/6/2026 Members Only Content Join Iowa Farm Bureau or login to view all members only content and receive other member benefits. Send to Email Address Please enter an email address Your Email Address Please enter an email address Subject Subject is required Message Message is required
Celebrate ISU Extension and Outreach Week in Clarke County
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 6-11. With county extension offices, specialists and staff located in all 99 counties, ISU Extension and Outreach connects Iowans throughout the state with education and resources.
Spring Weather Conditions Create Challenges
steverts We have all probably heard the old cliché about places with variable weather conditions, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes, and it will change.” That can certainly apply to springtime in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. We can experience just about anything: freezing temperatures, snow, ice, rain, thunderstorms, wind, sunshine, etc., and sometimes several of those things within a pretty short duration of time.
Iowa Master Conservationist Program Offered in Buchanan County
INDEPENDENCE – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Iowa Master Conservationist Program beginning Monday, March 23 at Heartland Acres in Independence. Landowners, farmers, community leaders, gardeners, and anyone interested in Iowa’s natural resources are welcome to participate.
Iowa State University College of Design students hosting Community Workshop
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. Students and faculty from the College of Design at Iowa State University are working with the Fairfield community to explore ideas for improving neighborhoods, housing, and the overall living environment. All community members are invited to participate in an upcoming workshop to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas.
Webinar Series for Iowa Food Businesses Begins in March
Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2026 3:33 pm ISU Extension and Outreach AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Food Innovation and Business Hub, a resource that helps Iowa entrepreneurs develop successful food businesses, will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” webinar series in 2026 to support current and aspiring Iowa food entrepreneurs. The webinars are offered at no cost and open to all.
ISU Extension and Outreach in Clarke County elect’s county extension officers
Osceola- Four officers were elected during the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Clarke County extension council organizational meeting January 19, 2026. The nine-member county extension council annually elects officers to comply with federal and state laws to aid in disseminating useful and practical information from the state’s land grant university to the people of Iowa. Leslie Ruby, Murray is the re-elected chairperson.
Bull Care in the Winter so They Work in the Summer
Brittney Cliburn Owning bulls during the idle months is not all sunshine and rainbows. Broken fence, beat up hay rings, injuries from fighting …. And all that comes with bored boys - I mean bulls - in the winter. However, bull management must be held to high standards in order to get a good return on your investment, because quality bulls are not cheap. Winter management puts a large emphasis on periods of cold stress and temperature fluctuation.
'Tis the Season for Itchy Cattle
Iowa State University, Iowa Beef Center For beef cattle producers in the Midwest, the hope of the new year is often accompanied by itchiness and hair loss in their cattle. Lice are common parasites of cattle that often show up in late winter because the pathogens tend to thrive in winter conditions. Lice are tiny, wingless insects that are common external parasites of cattle. There are two general types of lice: sucking and chewing lice.
Timely Calving Tips
Kansas State University, Beef Cattle Institute With calving season just around the corner, now is a good time to double-check all your calving supplies and equipment BEFORE it is needed. Our team has put together a calving preparation checklist for your consideration. - Whenever we get some warm weather, get the calving yard/close-up area cleaned and bedded. - Clean, disinfect, and bed any pairing stalls and chute area.
Siouxland Garden Symposium Set for April 11
AMES, Iowa – The Siouxland Garden Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City. The annual event offers valuable, research-based information applicable to both home gardeners and small-scale growers. This year’s symposium will feature a dynamic lineup of experts covering innovative topics in horticulture, including the use of artificial intelligence in the garden, foundational soil health and practical fruit tree cultivation.
Farm Couple Getaway Offers Time Away to Focus on Farm, Family
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'Money Smart' statewide virtual series begins Jan. 22
Beginning Jan. 22, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host "Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt," a free, three-part virtual series that provides practical tools to help you regain control, reduce stress and set yourself up for success in the year ahead. ISU Extension and Outreach will host the virtual series on Thursdays, Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb.
'Boots in the Barn' Series Offered in Dallas County in February
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer Boots in the Barn, an educational opportunity for central Iowa beef cattle producers, this February. Hosted by Dallas and Boone counties, the four-part meeting series has been set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the Towncraft Gallery, located at 1122 Willis Ave., Perry. Chris Clark, extension beef specialist, said the program will include some interactive learning and hands-on activities.
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Iowa farmland values inch up in market readjustment
AMES - The annual Iowa State University Land Value Survey found that average farmland values increased 0.7%, or $83, to $11,549 per acre. The nominal value of an acre of farmland this year increased over last year's nominal value, but is still about $286 per acre lower than the 2023 peak of $11,835. Rabail Chandio, assistant professor and extension economist at Iowa State University, is responsible for the annual survey.
Breed Back Better Workshops Planned for January 2026
ISU, IBC Courtesy Photo Amidst volatile markets, historic low herd numbers indicate an imminent cow-herd expansion. During this expansion, reproductive efficiency, intentional record keeping and sound financial management will set apart industry leaders that expand successfully without compromising quality. Iowa Beef Center has planned six workshops across Iowa to help producers learn about proactively planning to take advantage of market conditions and animal reproductive efficiency.
Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference 2026 to Feature "Taste the Difference" Cookoff
The Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference (CCCC), Iowa’s premier educational event for Iowa’s cow-calf sector enters its 54th year, and the trade show and program set for January 23-24, 2026, will certainly continue that tradition. The Bridge View Center in Ottumwa will again be hosting the CCCC, and admission will continue to be free thanks to ag industry vendors that will fill the exhibit hall.
Home Gardening Webinar Series Returns Jan. 8
AMES - The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will again host its annual Home Gardening Webinar Series, which will begin in January 2026 and end in March. Sessions will take place every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. CT, concluding on March 12. Designed for anyone interested in gardening or horticulture, the series aims to inspire and educate.
Holiday Plant Care
AMES – Holiday plants bring color and life to our homes during the winter months. From the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree to the bright bracts of poinsettias and the bold blooms of amaryllis, these plants are a big part of seasonal decor. Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, offers care tips to keep holiday plants healthy and appealing throughout the holidays and beyond.
Home Gardening Webinar Series Returns Jan. 8
AMES – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will again host its annual Home Gardening Webinar Series, which will begin in January 2026 and end in March. Sessions will take place every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. CT, concluding on March 12. Designed for anyone interested in gardening or horticulture, the series aims to inspire and educate.
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