Home

Articles

Strategies to Manage Cows in Dry Conditions

Denise Schwab

 et al.

As dry conditions continue, cattle producers need to look at numerous management practices to help stretch their feed supply and maintain performance and reproduction in the cow herd. Iowa State University Extension beef specialist Denise Schwab offers a few strategies that may help.

Stretch Pastures in Drought Conditions

Denise Schwab

 et al.

As the drought continues, cattle producers are asking how to stretch their pastures. There are two major techniques that may be pursued, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Denise Schwab.

Iowa Learning Farms Offers Tour of Emmet County CREP Wetlands

John Lundvall

 et al.

A tour of Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program wetlands in Emmet County will be held on Tuesday, July 24, beginning at 1:30 p.m. CREP specialists with IDALS, will lead the tour and talk about the benefits, installation and financial incentives for these structures.

Drought Adds to Plant and Fish Problems in Ponds

Allen Pattillo

 et al.

Due to this summer's extreme heat and dry weather, many pond owners are having issues with submerged plants, floating plants and filamentous algae, which are leading them to using aquatic herbicides that may be problematic for fish. Pond owners have a couple of aeration options according to Allen Pattillo, extension aquaculture and fisheries specialist.

Blue-green Algae a Concern for Livestock

Sherry Hoyer

 et al.

Blue-green algae blooms are already being reported in Iowa lakes, ponds, rivers and streams this summer and creating a risk to livestock. During blue-green algae blooms, toxin concentrations can reach very high levels and can produce severe adverse reactions, including human and livestock fatalities, if that water is consumed.

New Research and Development Partnership Launches in Dubuque

Timothy Borich

 et al.

A unique, new partnership in Dubuque, Iowa, hopes to strengthen development efforts in the area, as well as share successful strategies with other communities across Iowa and Wisconsin to support more sustainable economies.

Insurance Coverage for Drought-damaged Crops

William Edwards

 et al.

Drought damage is an insurable loss under multiple peril crop insurance, which covers nearly 90 percent of the corn and soybean acres in Iowa.  Producers should consult with their crop insurance agents before harvesting or destroying any drought-damaged crops. 

4-H Youth Development Team Welcomes New Coordinator Cayla Taylor

Brenda Allen

 et al.

Cayla Westergard Taylor participated in 4-H as a youth and continued involvement in college as a communications intern with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Now, she has joined 4-H Youth Development on the Iowa State campus as the newest state staff member of this pre-collegiate outreach program from ISU Extension and Outreach.

Yard and Garden: Summer Trees

Richard Jauron

 et al.

Iowans are noticing changes in their trees this summer and asking Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists about symptoms that may indicate stress or decline in the health of their trees.

Ag Ventures Alliance Gifts $25,000 for New Projects

Christopher Weishaar

 et al.

A $25,000 gift from Ag Ventures Alliance is helping Iowa State University Extension and Outreach launch new research and training projects in 2012.

Trees Stressed by Lack of Water

Jesse Randall

 et al.

Dry conditions are putting stress on Iowa trees. Trees on marginal sites are dying all over the state, said Jesse Randall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach forester.

Plan Ahead for Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 3-4

Susan Taylor

 et al.

Iowa’s Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 3-4. Consumers should plan ahead to get the most for their money during this annual sales tax exempt shopping weekend, said Susan Taylor, a family finance specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Science of Parenting: Family Fun Time

Donna Donald

 et al.

When people describe their happy childhood memories, they usually talk about time spent with family. In July the Science of Parenting blog from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explores the importance of family fun.

Avoid Heat Stress in Cattle with Proper Planning

Grant Dewell

 et al.

With continuing weather forecasts of temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s and heat index topping 100 degrees in Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef veterinarian Grant Dewell reminds beef cattle producers that properly preparing for these weather conditions is vital to maintaining herd health.

Yard and Garden: Sweet Corn

Richard Jauron

 et al.

Sweet corn is one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden, roadside stands and farmers' markets. This summer’s hot, dry weather has growers asking Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists about sweet corn.

Six Iowa Counties Add History to 4-H Blog

Shelly Greving

 et al.

Clayton, Dickinson, Hamilton, Ringgold, Story and Worth counties have added to Iowa 4-H history by County, a blog detailing the history of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development. The history blog is a partnership of the Iowa 4-H program and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Celebrate Badger Creek Watershed on July 14

Carol Brown

Badger Creek Watershed is one of the oldest publicly owned lakes in Iowa. A picnic and wetland tour to celebrate the lake will be held Saturday, July 14, from 5-8 p.m. at the Ron and Jenny McBroom barn, Winterset. The celebration is open to the public and includes a tour of the CREP wetland, the McBroom-Hargis barn, the Conservation Station and an evening dinner.

Physical Activity, Healthy Environments Part of Immersion in Wellness Camp Experience

Ruth Litchfield

 et al.

Youth can boost their level of physical activity during the Immersion in Wellness camp experience at the Iowa 4-H Center this summer. Youth enrolled in Everything Camp and Counselors in Training Camp will have the opportunity to participate in the immersion experience, a research study conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach targeted toward lowering childhood obesity in the state.

New Residue Testing Procedures Announced by FSIS

James McKean

 et al.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced new methods with increased efficiencies for testing residues in meat products. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine veterinarian James McKean urges pork producers to review their operational and management decisions regarding drug usage.

2012-2013 Iowa 4-H Youth Council Members Announced

Cayla Taylor

 et al.

Forty Iowa teens are beginning their terms as members of the Iowa 4-H Youth Council. The young leaders will serve as 4-H ambassadors in their home counties and throughout the regions they represent in the state. They also will participate in various statewide functions.

News Archive