Prepare your plants for winter
(Posted on 10/26/2009)
Plants that are well maintained during the year (proper pruning, watering and fertilizing) and that are healthy, will be better candidates for winter survival. Winter conditions can kill plants in many ways, even some cold hardy plants. Their tops or roots may freeze. Some evergreens that do not have enough water supply in the soil may dry out when subjected to persistent winds.

Livestock producers facing explosing hazards with manure pumping
(Posted on 10/26/2009)
News reports have surfaced again detailing flash fires and explosions in livestock buildings while liquid pit manure was being agitated and pumped. Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineers say these episodes highlight the caution needed when agitating and pumping manure from pits beneath buildings.

Families Can Build Strengths, Cope with Stress during Tough Times
(Posted on 10/26/2009)
“Layoffs, state budget cuts and overall economic uncertainty can chip away at a family’s ability to cope. Just when they need each other’s support the most, stress may push family members apart,” says Mary L. Hughes, an Iowa State University Extension family life program specialist.

Deck the Agri Hall
(Posted on 10/7/2009)