Adair County News
Adair County 4-H Youth Council Bake Sale (Posted on 2/6/2012)
The Adair County 4-H Youth Council will host a bake sale on Saturday, February 11th from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at Pamida in Greenfield. This experienced group of teen bakers is planning to offer a wide variety of pies, breads, cakes, cookies, bars, and trail mix.The teens are raising money to support the Kelly Laughery Memorial Community Service Scholarship Fund and service projects. 
Clover Kids Program to Begin at Stuart Public Library (Posted on 2/3/2012)
The Stuart Library is partnering with ISU Extension- Adair County and AmeriCorps State of Promise to start a Clover Kids program. The program is open to all kindergarten through third grade students and will meet the first and third Thursday of each month beginning on March 1st. Each session will run from 3:45-5:00 p.m. at the Stuart Library. 
4-H Alumni Speak Out (Posted on 2/2/2012)
4-H alumna, Connie Frank, shares advice to Adair County 4-H'ers and their parents. Also catch-up on Adair County 4-H alumni, Beth Davenport, Carey Noland, Teresa Noland (Friend of 4-H), Christine (Schwartz) Rubio, Austin Buckner, Traci (Kordick) Erickson, Sarah Noland, Mike Nelson, Jessica (Rohrig) Kiesling,Sindra Jensen, Matt Rohrig, Pam Jensen, Bobbi Williams, Beth (Lilly) Gregory, Mandi (Sorensen) Eisbach, Sieanna Rawlings,Toby Stalter, Jodi (Mensing) Harris, Emily (Ford) Balvanz, Matt Wedemeyer, Angela Johnston, Chris Nelson, and Dan Dreher as they share their thoughts on the 4-H program. Mid- to- Late January 2012 Hay Price Update (Posted on 2/2/2012)
These are hay prices paid at auction in the recent past weeks. Much of the price information is obtained from USDA Hay Market News. Personal contacts of local Iowa hay auctions secured price information for these market outlets. Auctions were chosen to reflect prices across Iowa. Other nearby auctions may exist. No endorsement of the listed auctions is intended. Adair County 4-H Newsletters (Posted on 2/2/2012)
Click here to view the last twelve issues of the Adair County 4-H Newsletter prepared monthly to keep you up-to-date on Adair County 4-H. Achieving a More Profitable Operation (Posted on 2/1/2012)
2012 Crop Fair offers Management Information. It is designedto help local growers deal with the volatility in modern agriculture. Program will be Wednesday, February 15, 11:45 am-2:45 pm at the Orient United Methodist Church. Registration needed by Friday, February 10th to ensure enough food and supplies. RSVP to Adair County Extension at 641-743-8412 or krohrig@iastate.edu. See details here. 
Evaluating Your Estate Plan - A workshop for farm families (Posted on 1/24/2012)
Talking about estate planning can be difficult, and implementing an estate plan can be even harder. The Evaluating Your Estate Plan workshop provides an opportunity to learn about these options. Workshops are running across the state, with a local one slated for February 22, 2012, at the Adair County Extension office in Greenfield. 
SW Iowa 4-H Junior Camp (Posted on 1/23/2012)
SW Iowa 4-H Junior Camp for 5th & 6th graders will be June 10 - 13 at the Iowa 4-H Camping Center near Madrid. Experience camp favorites like canoeing, nature hikes, crafts, campfires, and making new friends. Teen counselor applications are due April 6th. Camper registrations are due May 25th. 
Help Children Get Enough Sleep (Posted on 1/23/2012)
“If you think one hour less sleep for kids shouldn’t make much difference, you will be interested to learn how it can impact them,” says Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist. Mrs. Donald talk about reasons kids need to get enough sleep and how much is needed for each age. 
4-H'ers Planning Soup Luncheon to Benefit Those in Need (Posted on 1/16/2012)
The Adair County 4-H Youth Council will be hosting a Soup Luncheon on Sunday, February 5th, at the 4-H/FFA Building on the Adair County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue to 1:30 p.m. In addition to chili and creamy potato soup the menu will include relishes, bread sticks, assorted pies and bars and drink. Private Pesticide Applicator Classes Set for Adair County (Posted on 1/9/2012)
Adair County Extension will be hosting private pesticide continuing education classes at three locations this year - Thursday, January 26th, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at 4-H/FFA Center, Adair County Fairgrounds; Wednesday, February 15th, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Orient Methodist Church; and Monday, March 5th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Adair Community Centre in Adair. 
Reach Out to Homeless Families (Posted on 12/30/2011)
The MICAH House is an emergency homeless shelter in Council Bluffs, IA. They provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment for families and single women who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness. Each year the Adair County 4-H Youth Council volunteers an afternoon at Micah House. We take all the supplies and make a meal for about 60 people, host a party with gifts for all the children, and clean. We would like to invite 4-H clubs and individual members to consider projects to benefit Micah House. 
When Siblings Fight, Teach Healthy Ways to Handle Conflict (Posted on 12/28/2011)
“Brothers and sisters spending too much time indoors this winter can result in sibling arguments and fights,” says Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist. Mrs. Donald offers some tips to help parents cope with sibling conflict.
Youth Identify Beef for County Fair (Posted on 12/28/2011)
Adair County 4-H and FFA members, parents and volunteers worked in beautiful weather Monday, December 26th weighing and tagging beef animals at the Adair County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. The 92 head identified by 27 potential exhibitors at the weigh-in are now eligible to be exhibited at the Adair County Fair scheduled for July 18-22nd, 2012. 
Farmland Value Reaches Historic $6,708 Statewide Average (Posted on 12/16/2011)
Average Iowa farmland value is estimated to be $6,708 per acre, an increase of 32.5 percent from 2010, according to results of the Iowa Land Value Survey conducted in November. This is the highest percentage increase ever recorded by the Iowa State University annual survey.
Your Money Your Future (Posted on 11/23/2011)
Your Money, Your Future ONLINE Begins December 5
You’ll learn how to
• understand your spending,
• use financial management resources, and
• build your personal financial management skills.
Representing Iowa at National 4-H Congress (Posted on 11/15/2011)
Twenty-one 4-H'ers have been selected to represent Iowa as delegates for the National 4-H Congress entitled "Become a Catalyst of Change," in Atlanta, GA., November 25 - 29. Kysa, an Adair County 4-H'er and a junior at Nodaway Valley High School will be part of the Iowa delegation. 
Get Answers to Holiday Food, Stain Removal Questions (Posted on 11/15/2011)
What’s the best way to thaw a frozen turkey? Is it safe to make pies and vegetable dishes a couple days before the big family gathering? And what’s the best way to deal with the leftovers? To get answers to these and other holiday food questions, call Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Answer Line, 800-262-3804. 
4-H Awards Day 2011 (Posted on 11/14/2011)
Six Adair County 4-H'ers were honored with 4-H Spirit Awards during their annual Awards Day program held at the Nodaway Valley High School Auditorium. Spirit Awards are presented to any age 4-H'er who has gone above and beyond to make the 4-H pledge a reality. 
Holiday Mail for Heroes (Posted on 10/28/2011)
Keep this wonderful tradition started by Hank Bohling alive. Make or purchase holiday greeting cards. Write a holiday greeting to the service person. Sign cards and put in envelope, but don’t write on envelope or seal. Bring cards to Awards Day or drop off at the Extension office by December 2nd. 
Nodaway Valley Middle School Service Club to Begin New Year (Posted on 10/28/2011)
Middle school students at Nodaway Valley can get involved in making their school and community a better place by joining the NVMS Service Club. The group is open to all 5th-8th graders and will meet on early-out Wednesday’s beginning on November 9th. The meetings will begin at 11:15 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. New 4-H Volunteers Invited to 4-H Training Event (Posted on 10/27/2011)
Beginning this fall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H staff across Iowa will join together to provide new 4-H club/project and Clover Kids volunteers with a newly designed training program. Plan to join us now to meet other 4-H volunteers, learn about the Iowa 4-H program and have fun! 
ABC's of Vegetable Production (Posted on 10/20/2011)
Whether growing vegetables for sale for the first time or a seasoned veteran ready to expand, there are strategies and tools available for increasing your production and putting more profit in your pocket. On November 15, 2011, Joe Hannan, Horticulture Field Specialist, will show you where to start and help you improve your production. The program will is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. at the Union County Extension office. 
Cooling Stored Grain (Posted on 10/17/2011)
In just the past couple of weeks a lot of corn and soybeans went into storage with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. With grain this warm, moisture migration within the grain mass and spoilage can occur very quickly, even with fairly dry grain. 
4-H Clover Kids Program to Begin (Posted on 10/10/2011)
The Clover Kids program will start up for 2011-12 on Saturday, November 5. The group will meet from 10:00-11:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Greenfield City Hall meeting room. Any K-3rd grader interested in enrolling in the program should contact the Adair County Extension office at (641)743-8412 or 1-800-ISUE399. Pre-registration is required. 
Adair County 4-H'ers Win Purples at Ak-Sar-Ben (Posted on 9/30/2011)
Tyler Long and Kysa Downing both earned championship honors at the Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Exposition. Long earned his championship with his Simmental breeding heifer. Downing claimed the top spot in the steer division of the feeder calf show. Both of the teens won with home-raised animals. 
2012 Citizenship Washington Focus (Posted on 9/12/2011)
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a nine-day trip for 4-H youth in grades 10, 11 and 12. The trip provides a setting to experience leadership and citizenship in a whole different way at the National 4-H Center. Youth who have participated in previous trips have returned to report that it has been the single most educational highlight of their 4-H career. 
Remember Tax Tips When Paying College Expenses (Posted on 9/9/2011)
Mary Beth Kaufman, a family finance program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, reminds students and parents paying college expenses to keep receipts and be aware of tax benefits that can help offset college costs. Choose less sceen time and more time for family f un (Posted on 9/9/2011)
Children often spend more hours a week with electronic devices and screens than in school. Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist offers tips for choosing less screen time and enjoying more family time. Save Money with a Healthy Credit Score (Posted on 9/9/2011)
Lending money isn’t easy, but the risk of not receiving payments is decreased if lenders find you have a good credit score. Consumers can follow several steps to ensure their score is high enough to reduce the cost of borrowing. 
Leasing Meeting Held (Posted on 9/8/2011)
Eighty people attended the Farm Leasing Meeting taught by Tim Eggers. Leasing Arrangement booklets are available for $5 at our office. 
Teens Spark Their Future in Agriculture (Posted on 9/2/2011)
Speak Out for Agriculture (SOFA) celebrated 17 years of giving young people a chance to explore careers in agriculture and develop communication skills to promote agriculture. The program planned by teens, for teens included a packed two day trip to central Iowa with stops in Des Moines and Ames. Twenty-six Adair County and fourteen Cass County 7th - 12th graders participated in SOFA XVII. 
Congrats Lisa (Posted on 8/19/2011)
Congrats to Lisa for finishing in the Top 10% at the Iowa State Fair Awardrobe event in the $15 Challenge Division 
Children and Sports: Fun or Stress? (Posted on 6/1/2011)
Many children are involved in organized sports during the summer months. Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist, says the hours spent may be a time of fun or a time of stress. 
Reach Out Iowa Fairgrounds Improvement Project (Posted on 4/11/2011)
Adair County 4-H clubs and FFA chapters have received Reach Out Iowa funds to make fairgrounds improvements. Each club/chapter is asked to complete and submit a planning sheet for the project they selected by May 15th. 
ISU College of Ag and Life Sciences Ag Woman of the Year (Posted on 4/7/2011)
Elizabeth Baudler of Fontanelle was honored by ISU College of Ag and Life Sciences as Ag Woman of the Year. Baudler, an Adair County 4-H Alum and a graduate of NV, has served as the president of the ISU Block and Bridle Chapter and was part of the President's Leadership Class. She will graduate this spring with a degree in animal science. Also pictured is Jacob Hunter who was named ISU Ag and Life Sciences Man of the Year. 
Can You Spoil a Baby? (Posted on 4/6/2011)
Is it possible to spoil a crying newborn? Learn what research tells us about responsiveness of parents, trust issues, and adapting to the environment. Donna K. Donald, an ISU family life program specialist, reminds parents that newborns can never get too much love. 
The 2011 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey (Posted on 3/22/2011)
The 2011 Iowa Custom Farm Rate Survey is now available. Check out the average custom rates for all types of tillage, planting, spraying, fertilizer application, and harvesting operations. The survey also includes rate information for machine rental, bin rental, and custom farming. 
Stocking Food Pantry Shelves (Posted on 2/6/2011)
Adair County 4-H Youth Council members present precooked bacon and beef gift certificates to Phyllis Lane for the Greenfield Methodist Church Food Pantry. The teens used the money they raised during a soup luncheon to purchase the products for all four food pantries located in Adair County. Special support for their project was provided through a Reach Out Iowa grant.
4-H Youth Council President Presents Beef Certificates and Pre-Cooked Bacon (Posted on 2/3/2011)
4-H Youth Council president presents the Adair County Food Pantry with beef certificates and pre-cooked bacon. The group of teens raised the money to help supply food pantries with meat products by hosting a soup luncheon. Special support for the project came from a Reach Out Iowa grant. 
2010 Land Values (Posted on 12/31/2010)
The average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa increased 15.9 percent in 2010, according to an annual survey conducted by Iowa State University Extension. Mike Duffy, ISU Extension economist who conducts the survey, said the statewide average land value as of Nov. 1 this year was $5,064 an acre, up $693 per acre from 2009.
Holiday Mail For Heroes Collects Over 1000 (Posted on 12/14/2010)
A big thanks to all the community members and organizations that helped surpass the goal of collecting over 1000 holiday cards as part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. The final count was 1030 cards. A special thanks to Hank Bohling for providing leadership for the project. Special funding was provided by Reach Out Iowa. 
4-H Awards Day 2010 (Posted on 11/8/2010)
Five Adair County 4-H'ers were honored with 4-H Spirit Awards during their annual Awards Day program held at the Nodaway Valley High School auditorium. Spirit awards are presented to any age 4-H'er who has gone above and beyond to make the 4-H pledge a reality. Union State Bank of Greenfield and Bridgewater are the local sponsor of the 4-H Spirit Awards. 
Moms Gain Ideas to Encourage Science and Math Learning (Posted on 11/1/2010)
The power of hands-on science is not lost on moms at the Greenfield Moms Night Out for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Adair County Extension and Greenfield Library were the local sponsors of the event. Adair County Extension has a number of excellent science and technology resources available for check-out. 
Essay Contest Won by Adair County 4-H'er (Posted on 5/13/2010)
Adair County 4-H'er, Hailey G won $50 to help purchase a bucket/bottle calf as a 4-H project. She topped the bottle calf division of a special essay contest in which contestants were asked to describe why they would like a bucket/bottle calf and how they would care for their animal. Adair County Hot Shots Take Four Divisions in Postal Match Shoot (Posted on 5/10/2010)
Katey Havens topped both the senior air rifle and archery-recurve divisons in the statewide 4-H Shooting Sports Winter Postal Match. She earned top rankings with her target shooting at meetings of the Adair County Hot Shots 4-H Club between November and March. Sydney McElfish was also a double winner in the competition. Sydney won the junior air rifle and archery-recurve division. 
Adair County 4-H'er Wins Essay Contest (Posted on 5/10/2010)
Blake was the winner of a special essay contest sponsored by Adair County Extension. Contestants described why they would like a lamb project and how they would care for their animal. 
Lambs and Meat Goats Weighed for 2010 Adair County Fair (Posted on 5/3/2010)
Twenty-two youth are set to exhibit lambs at the 2010 Adair County Fair. Potential exhibitors weighed and tagged 117 market lambs. In addition, seven youth weighed and tagged 15 meat goats at the county-wide weigh-in. 
Swine Tagged for Adair County Fair (Posted on 4/12/2010)
Adair County 4-H and FFA members tagged 176 pigs as part of the countywide tagging. These pigs are now eligible to exhibit at the 2010 Adair County Fair. The county fair swine show is slated for Thursday, July 22nd. Organizers report that both pig and exhibitor numbers are up over 2009. 
New Credit Card Rules: What You Need to Know (Posted on 3/26/2010)
The Federal Reserve Board’s web site will help answer consumer questions about new credit card protections that took effect on February 22. The new rules ban several harmful practices. eXtension Just in Time Parenting (Posted on 2/26/2010)
Check out national extension website that brings quality, reasearch-based information to families at the time it can be most useful and make the biggest difference. 
Help Endow Kelly Laughery Community Service Scholarships (Posted on 12/29/2009)
Each year Adair County 4-H’ers are recognized for their community service work with college scholarships. The scholarships are named in honor of the late Kelly Laughery. A special endowment has been established to ensure the continuation of this program. To date, $21,965. has been raised. Additional gifts are welcome. Iowa residents can also qualify for a 25% tax credit for gifts made in 2010. Checks can be made payable to the Kelly Laughery Adair Co Scholarship Endow Iowa Fund and sent to the Adair County Extension office at 202 South 1st Street, Suite B, Greenfield, IA 50849 Agriculture: Food and Jobs (Posted on 10/15/2009)
Iowa agriculture puts healthy, affordable food choices on the table of today’s consumers and it boosts county and state economies, according to a recently-completed economic analysis sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). Production agriculture and ag-related industries directly and indirectly employ one of every six Iowans (or 17 percent of the state’s workforce), based on 2007 Census of Agriculture data. Check out the impact of agriculture in Adair County. 
Youth Leadership Deadlines Fast Approaching (Posted on 9/4/2009)
High school teens wishing to develop and use their leadership skills have a number of options through the 4-H program. Sign-up deadlines for these leadership opportunities are rapidly approaching. 
Adair County Shines at State Recognition Event (Posted on 9/1/2009)
Adair County 4-H'ers - Ben Baudler, Emily Bingaman, Joanna Blomquist, Kelsie Cass, Rachel and Susan Herr, Joceline Holliday, Laura Marnin, Velista Martin, and Gina Wallace - were among the 100 4-H members invited to participate in the Iowa 4-H Recognition Day, August 29, at Iowa State University Preschool tuition assisstance for Adair County children (Posted on 6/19/2009)
Tuition assistance, in the form of FACT Empowerment need-based scholarships, is available for Adair County children enrolling in preschool this fall. A child must reside within Adair County and be at least three-years-old and no older than five to be eligible. Children must enroll in a preschool served by the FACT Empowerment area that has achieved or is working towards a quality rating. Fill out an application. 
Lambs and Meat Goats Weighed for County Fair (Posted on 5/12/2009)
Numbers contninue to rise for both the 4-H and FFA sheep division and meat goats division at the 2009 Adair County Fair. Twenty-four exhibitors weighed and tagged 137 market lambs. This is up 35 head from last year. Ten exhibitors weighed and tagged 42 meat goats, up 10 head from last year. 
Adair County 4-H Youth Leaders are Active (Posted on 4/27/2009)
Adair County 4-H Council member, Steven P., shares his love of robotics with others during a day-long workshop. Science and technology is a 4-H project area that has experienced a surge of interest. For more information about how to get involved in youth science activities contact the Extension office. 
Free Field Guides Available for Farmers (Posted on 4/22/2009)
Farmers can pick up free pocket size field guides at the Adair County Extension office. One guide can be used to maintain field records needed for pesticide application. Additional pocket guides are available for soybean cyst nematode management, soybean aphid management, and soybean disease and pest management. Each of the guides feature color photos that make identifying insects, diseases, and herbicide injury easier.
Iowa 4-H Center 2009 Summer Camp (Posted on 2/20/2009)
There are twelve new camps for 2009! Discounts are available for 4-H members and early-registrations postmarked by April 1. Financial aid forms for Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships are due to Adair County Extension by May 1. 
Plan for Playground Safety before Kids Play in the Backyard (Posted on 1/2/2009)
Spring weather and backyard playgrounds are beckoning children. “But be sure the playground equipment is safe before you let them play on it,” says Donna K. Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life field specialist. Mrs. Donald offers suggestions to improve the safety of your backyard play area. 
Adair County 4-H Youth Council 2009-10 (Posted on 12/15/2008)
Keep up-to-date with Adair County 4-H Youth Council by looking at current members, meeting minutes, agendas, and special projects. 
2008 Adair County 4-H Awards Day (Posted on 11/12/2008)
Adair County 4-H Clubs, members, volunteers, and community friends were recognized for their outstanding work during the group's annual Awards Day held Sunday, November 9th. See complete results and photos here. 
Become a Friend of 4-H Record Keeper (Posted on 9/23/2008)
Recordkeeping skills are an important life skill. The Youth Action Committee encourages recordkeeping by offering a $10.00 incentive to every 4-H'er that completes a record book in addition to providing recognition for outstanding project work based on their records. Individuals and businesses can support this effort by becoming a Friend of 4-H Record keeper. 
Join NV Early Out Club (Posted on 9/22/2008)
Join the NV Early Out Club and have fun with friends while you complete cool projects. Learn new games, complete service projects, and make and eat great snacks. NV Early Out meets on early out Wednesdays at the NV Middle School in Fontanelle. 2008-09 Southwest Iowa Area 4-H Council (Posted on 8/20/2008)
Applications are being taken for the 2008-09 Southwest Iowa Area 4-H Council. Representatives from each county are chosen to serve on the council. Applications are due to the Adair County Extension Office by Friday, September 12th. 
Citizenship Washington Focus (Posted on 8/19/2008)
High Schoolers should consider going on the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip. CWF is a week-long trip, June 6-13, to Washington, D.C. and the National 4-H Conerence Center. Registrations due November 17th. 
Stretching Food Dollars (Posted on 8/8/2008)
Food prices are increasing. Here are some tips to save money at the grocery store. 
Career Adventure Trips (Posted on 5/8/2008)
Exploring career options is one important component of the career development process. Area students used their spring break to master new skills and explore options in the field of natural resources during the Springbrook Overnight Adventure. A group of students also traveled to ISU to visit the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Career adventures for middle school students are a joint effort between ISU Extension-Adair County and Nodaway Valley AmeriCorps State of Promise Initiative. Special funding is provided with a grant from the Creston Cluster Decat project. 
Time for a Fruit & Vegetable Check Up? (Posted on 4/3/2008)
Spring is here and it's time to start thinking about planting a garden and all the wonderful fresh produce that will be available. But before then, are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? 
Put Some "Fun" in Your Relationship (Posted on 3/27/2008)
When was the last time you did something together with your spouse or partner that was fun? With a little effort and planning, couples can put some fun into their relationship, says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. Kelly Laughery Memorial 4-H Community Service Scholarships (Posted on 3/20/2008)
Kelly Laughery was a member of the Adair County 4-H Youth Council from 2000-2001 to 2003-2004. In her short life she reached out and served the Adair County community in many ways from spearheading a cemetery restoration project to working at literally hundreds of day camps. The Adair County 4-H Community Service Scholarship has been renamed in her honor. 
Skies Still Can Be "Friendly" If You Plan Ahead for Air Travel (Posted on 1/7/2008)
"Airline travel is more complicated than it used to be," says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. But traveling by air can be a good experience if you take time to plan ahead and prepare for those little unexpected delays. 
"Time Out" for Kids (Posted on 12/5/2007)
Football teams aren't the only ones who can benefit from a "time out," says Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. Many parents use time outs to discipline their children. Time out can be a good way for both parents and children to cool off and prevent further misbehavior. Used properly, time out can be a learning opportunity, and that's the true meaning of discipline. 
Statewide 4-H Recognition (Posted on 11/12/2007)
Adair County 4-H was well represented at the statewide 4-H Recognition Event. Elizabeth Baudler, Natalie Bohling, Kelsie Cass, Rachel Herr, Velista Martin, and Katrina Schulteis all advanced to the state level from SW Iowa 4-H awards competition. 
Help Your Children Succeed At Learning (Posted on 9/26/2007)
Parents can make a big difference in the attitudes their children have about school and learning. You can model to them that learning is an ongoing and enjoyable experience. Donna Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life specialist, says one place to start is by making the home an interesting and fun learning place. 
Support Children's Connection to Nature (Posted on 8/27/2007)
In our busy society, children are often on tight schedules of school, extracurricular activities and child care. Recent research suggests that children are exposed less and less to the world of nature. “However, children who interact with nature learn a wide range of valuable skills that will help them in school and life,” according to Donna Donald, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension family life specialist. 
Reading Readiness Starts Early (Posted on 8/9/2007)
Three simple strategies can help children prepare for reading when they start school. "Using these strategies daily along with reading books and other printed materials with children will put them on the road to success in school," according to Donna
Donald, Iowa State University Extension family life specialist. 
Alfalfa Harvest Reminder (Posted on 8/1/2007)
Alfalfa plants cut immediately after a partial freeze (non-killing
frost) and which experience further normal growing temperatures
will start new regrowth from crown buds, using accumulated proteins and carbohydrates that would otherwise be used for over wintering and regrowth the following spring. When these late-recovering plants experience a killing freeze a few days or weeks later, they will be physiologically weaker and more susceptible to winter injury. 
Negotiating the Step-Parent Role (Posted on 4/17/2007)
Step-parents can feel like second class citizens. An important step to family harmony is for both the biological parent and the step-parent to decide on house rules. Rules must be worked out as a partnership or they will not work. Then hold a family meeting where the biological parent presents the set of rules. 
Helping Teens Make Good Decisions (Posted on 2/26/2007)
Why don't teens and adults see eye-to-eye on "risky" behaviors involving drugs, alcohol and sexual activity? Given differences parents can still help their teens make good decisions. Tax Deductions for 4-H Adult Volunteers (Posted on 2/1/2007)
Your contributions to a 4-H club, the county 4-H program, or the 4-H foundation, whether made in cash or in goods contributed, are tax deductible if you itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. Some expenses you incur in your 4-H work are also deductible. 
Awards Day 2006 (Posted on 1/10/2007)
Approximately 275 people attended Adair County 4-H Awards Day, Sunday, November 12th. 4-H clubs, individual members, and adult volunteer leaders and alumni were honored for their outstanding work during the group's annual event. Click here to view award results and photos. 
Thrive By 5 (Posted on 12/13/2006)
Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving--free activities and other resources for parents who want to encourage healthy attitudes about money in young children. 
What About Grandfathers? (Posted on 12/11/2006)
Grandparents play an important role in the development of their grandchildren. According to recent studies, 95 percent of people over age 65 who have adult children also have grandchildren. This means men today can expect to spend the majority of their adult years in this important role. Researchers have found that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem and have a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships. 
Wind Energy Production: Legal Issues and Related Concerns for Landowners (Posted on 9/30/2006)
Wind farming presents numerous legal issues that landowners must consider carefully before entering into an agreement with a wind development company. Read information presented by Roger A. McEowen, Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, Iowa State University, on wind energy production. 
Adair County Community Directory (Posted on 9/28/2006)
Check-out the new community directory. The Adair County Community Directory has been updated with important information from Child Care to a listing of Important Phone Numbers that everyone should have at easy reach. 
Time with Grandparents Still Can Be Grand (Posted on 8/22/2006)
Being a grandparent is not what it used to be; but it is one of the greatest roles you will play, and the payoff is priceless. Grandparents remain a vital connection between the past and the future, no matter the circumstances. 
Conquer Your Time Traps (Posted on 3/3/2006)
Families tend to over commit their time and energy and end up having too much to do and too little time in which to do it. We cannot manufacture more time, but we can make better use of the time we have.
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