Buchanan County News
Snouts & Tails - By Mark Storlie, ISU Swine Field Specialist (Posted on 2/7/2012)
Snout & Tails is an e-communication to forward timely topics and provide awareness of upcoming events for the swine industry. Please reply to mstorlie@iastate.edu if you have suggested topics or wish to be added or removed from their mailing list. 
Seminars Set for Hawkeye Farm Show (Posted on 1/31/2012)
State University Extension and Outreach in Region 9 is pleased to announce the topics and speakers for the educational seminars that will be offered at the Hawkeye Farm Show, February 28 – March 1, at the University of Northern Iowa UNIDOME. 
Area Growers Roundtable Discussion Feb. 9th (Posted on 1/25/2012)
Thursday, Feb. 9, the Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach is offering an opportunity for networking and obtaining new growing information for area produce growers. 
Private Pesticide Applicator Classes in Buchanan County (Posted on 1/24/2012)
The Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach Office has set the dates for the Private Pesticide Applicator continuing instruction course (CIC) to be held in Buchanan County. Jim Fawcett, Extension Field Agronomist, will present on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 1:30 p.m. and the final class on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7:00 p.m.. 
Beginning Gardening Classes Offered for the Family (Posted on 1/24/2012)
The Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach will be offering a series of four gardening classes in the spring of 2012. The program titled, “Beginning Gardening 101”, will be gardening programs for the entire family. These family-friendly gardening classes are focused on being “simple and hands-on”. 
R.A. Nelson Memorial Scholarship (Posted on 1/23/2012)
Application for the $250.00 R.A. Nelson Memorial Scholarship may be picked up at the Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach Office. It must include the following and be sent to the Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach Office, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd., Suite A, Independence, IA 50644, by May 1, 2012.
Tax Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks (Posted on 1/23/2012)
"The lure of quick cash before you get your tax refund will cost you big money through high fees and hefty interest rates," states Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Field Specialist. Refund anticipation loan (RAL), which is a loan borrowed against and secured by a taxpayer’s expected tax return, may be a thing of the past after this year. The last bank still funding RALs has agreed to stop after this tax season, under a settlement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 
Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered by Extension (Posted on 1/6/2012)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry manure operators on seven different dates and locations in February. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure. 4-H Exhibit Judges' Training Announced (Posted on 1/6/2012)
Saturday, February, 25, there will e a 4-H Exhibit Judges' Training held in Independence, Iowa at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The training is designed for individuals with an interest in becoming a 4-H judge, along with updating current 4-H judges. 
Public Gardening Symposium Announced (Posted on 1/6/2012)
The Buchanan County Master Gardeners have set the date for the 6th Annual Public Day-Long Gardening Symposium! The Symposium will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence on Saturday, Feb. 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
2011 Farmer's Tax Guide Now Available (Posted on 1/3/2012)
This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming. Use this publication as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your farm tax return. 
November 2011 Dairy Budget for the Central Milk Market Order (Posted on 12/20/2011)
Dairy farms that produce 20K pounds of milk per cow do not cover full economic costs. They do not cover all labor costs but do get enough returns to cover some of those. Tiestall operations do worse than freestall barns at that production level. However those farms that sell 24K pounds of milk per cow are covering all costs and earning some returns to management. So as has been true for some time, economics lead dairy operators to higher milk per cow and to convert to freestall facilities. 
Achieving Financial Goals (Posted on 12/8/2011)
Financial stability and reaching financial goals involves hard work and discipline. “While it’s easy to earn money, it’s oftentimes more difficult to save consistently,” says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Field Specialist. Making smart choices and setting goals is important.
Private Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing (Posted on 11/30/2011)
To become certified initially, you must take the exam offered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). A Study Guide (PAT 1) is available for purchase at the Buchanan County Extension Office. 
IRA Retirement Investing (Posted on 11/28/2011)
Social Security was never intended to be the sole source of income in retirement…it is a supplement, says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist. . “Although some organizations pay a retirement pension, these types of retirement plans are becoming less common. As a result, we are forced to take retirement savings into our own hands,” she adds. 
Fencl's Honored (Posted on 11/11/2011)
Four individuals, a radio station and a TV station were honored as 2011 Friends of Extension by the Iowa Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), a national honorary extension fraternity. Cathann Kress, vice president for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, presented the awards Thursday, Nov. 3, during the organization’s annual conference in Ames.
Using "Dollar Cost Averaging" (Posted on 11/9/2011)
Dollar cost averaging is a technique designed to reduce market risk by purchasing securities at predetermined intervals and set amounts. This system tends to reduce market risk and eliminate some of the guesswork of deciding when to invest, explains Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist.
Expertise Directory (Posted on 11/8/2011)
Check the new ISU Expertise Directory to find a specialist that can answer your questions. 
Mid- to Late-January 2012 Hay Price Update (Posted on 11/4/2011)
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. 
Determine Your Asset Allocation (Posted on 10/19/2011)
Asset allocation – how much money is invested where – is the single most important factor in determining your return. Consensus among most financial professionals is that asset allocation is one of the most important decisions that investors make, shared Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist. Your selection of individual securities is secondary to the way you allocate your investment in stocks, bonds, and cash.
On My Work Workshops (Posted on 10/4/2011)
A series of free hands-on workshops promoting youth building skills that will last a lifetime. 
Dare to Excel Newsletter (Posted on 9/26/2011)
The new Dare to Excel newsletter will provide parents research-based information related to the "proven practices" identified on the right hand side of each newsletter, and tips/strategies of things they can do at home to strengthen student learning. 
Septic System Design and Maintenance (Posted on 9/13/2011)
The purpose of this slide show is to inform you, as a rural home owner or rual renter, of the basic operation, design, and maintenance of a septic system. 
Welcome to Ag Decision Maker (Posted on 9/13/2011)
Ag Decision Maker gives you information and analysis tools for making better business, economic, and financial decisions. 
Loans: "No" means no, but what does "yes" mean? (Posted on 9/6/2011)
Once upon a time, when you applied for a loan the answer was either “yes” or “no.” In recent years, shades of gray have been introduced. Now when someone applies for a loan, “no” still means NO. But all “yes” answers are not created equal. One person may get a “yes,” with a very good interest rate. But another “yes” answer may involve an interest rate that is 2-3 points higher. And third “yes” may offer a rate that is higher still.
Tax Tips for Students and Parents Paying College Expenses (Posted on 9/6/2011)
Most students have arrived on campus, unpacked their belongings, shopped for books and supplies, and attended their first classes for the fall semester. Soon payments will be due on University bills. Erin Ludwig, ISU Extension Family Finance Program Specialist reminds students and parents paying college expenses to keep receipts and be aware of tax benefits that can help offset college costs.
Join us on Facebook (Posted on 8/22/2011)
Are you a regular user of Facebook? Learn about the ways ISU Extension is making a difference in Region 9 (Buchanan, Black Hawk, Tama, Grundy, Bremer, and Butler counties). 
Newsletter from the Iowa Beef Center (Posted on 8/12/2011)
In this issue: Managing Food Costs; Backgrounding Calves; From One Extreme; Making the Most of Weaning; Announcements and Updates. 
Barn Quilts of Buchanan County (Posted on 8/10/2011)
The Buchanan County Barn Quilts project continues to thrive after coming on board in April 2006. A total of 92 blocks have been added to date. Of those blocks, 55 eight-foot quilt block designs are listed with their corresponding locations on the attached map, for an easy self-guided tour. 
Trouble Paying Back Your Student Loan? (Posted on 8/5/2011)
If you are having trouble repaying student loans, it is important to act quickly…before you are in default. The government can garnish your wages or offset your income tax refunds if you fail to make payments on federal loans for nine to 12 months. Private loans are turned over to a collection agency which can cause long-term damage to your credit. 
Grazing News (Posted on 8/2/2011)
Learn from the ISU experts about the Iowa Horse Council Annual Meeting, winter care for horses, equine health and prevention diseases, Management of the Mare and Foal Workshop, NCR Equine Business Management Conference, agriculture pavilion update, upcoming events, and much, much moe. 
One-on-One Financial Coaching Available (Posted on 7/12/2011)
Are you in need of a financial tune-up? Are you struggling to manage your finances? Are you not sure what bills to pay first? Don’t know where to look for help? No matter what your income level is, there may be times when we need to seek help, especially when it comes to managing our finances.
Want to Get into Farming? (Posted on 7/12/2011)
Beginning Farmer Center conducts programs for farmers who want to transition their farm business to the next generation or people who want to get into farming. 
Be Safe - Test Your Pressure Cooker Lid Free (Posted on 7/12/2011)
The Buchanan County Extension Office will test your pressure canner lid to see that the gauge is accurate. Simply bring only the lid to our office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. thru 12:30 p.m. or 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. This service is free and takes only a few minutes. 
Horticulture & Home Pest News (Posted on 7/12/2011)
This newsletter is filled with articles on current horticulture, plant care, pest management, and common household pests, written by Iowa State University Extension specialists in the Departments of Entomology, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology. 
Stretch Your Food Dollar (Posted on 7/11/2011)
Are you spending a reasonable amount of money on food? Iowa State University Extension can help you stretch your food dollar in a healthy way! 
ISU Hotlines (Posted on 6/20/2011)
ISU Extension's purpose is to provide information to Iowans. To better do that, Extension has established Hotlines. Many are toll-free to provide answers and support to Iowans. Iowans communicate one-on-one with ISU Extension every day. Give us a call!
Farm Leases and Rental Agreements (Posted on 3/24/2011)
Find the most requested farm leasing and rental agreements, such as a Cash Farm Lease, Crop Share, Pasture Lease, Termination of Lease, etc. 
WORDS ON WELLNESS FREE NEWSLETTER (Posted on 9/27/2010)
This free monthly newsletter promotes a healthy lifestyle for Iowans. In each issue you’ll gain reliable, research-based information about nutrition, exercise, finances, and explore the power of incorporating healthy practices into daily living for you and your family. 
CHEF CHARLES MONTHY NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE (Posted on 9/8/2010)
A monthly newsletter, Chef Charles is a fun way to help older adults learn more about nutrition and food selection. Each issue contains interesting articles, puzzles, and a recipe. The newest Edition of Chef Charles may be viewed here. Or search for past articles as well. 
DIAGNOSING PLANT AND INSECT SAMPLES IN BUCHANAN COUNTY (Posted on 8/25/2010)
Home Visit Guidelines: Due to budget restrictions I am unable to visit everyone’s home/location to make an in-person assessment. A small fee of $20, payable to the Buchanan County ISU Extension upon arrival at your location, is charged when diagnosis at this level is requested. 
PARENTS TURN TO THE SCIENCE OF PARENTING ONLINE RESOURCE FOR LATEST RESEARCH (Posted on 8/9/2010)
AMES, Iowa – Parents with inquiring minds want to know more than just buzz words about cyberbullying, video gaming and other hot topics related to raising kids and teens. Now they can get the latest research from the Science of Parenting, a new online resource from Iowa State University Extension. 
Extension Office Closed (Posted on 5/25/2010)
In observance of the holidays in 2012, the Buchanan County Extension Office will be closed on the following days: 
Iowa Farm Outlook (Posted on 3/1/2010)
Important information for farmers, provided by ISU Extension specialists - Dr. Chad Hart, Assocate Professor, Grain Marketing; Shane Ellis, Extension Livestock Economist; David Swenson, Economist; and Leisl Eathington, Economist. 
PROGRAM BUILDER (Posted on 2/4/2010)
Welcome to the Community and Economic Development Program Builder. We are a web based marketplace where community leaders can review and make selections from a variety of technical assistance, consulting and educational programs that will improve the quality of life in your community. 
Employer Plans for Retirement (Posted on 5/19/2009)
It is important to personally save for retirement. However, one in three workers report they have not started. “A good way to save for retirement is to take advantage of retirement options through your employment,” says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist. There are several types of plans available. 
Myths of Lawn and Garden Care (Posted on 2/24/2009)
The Myths of Lawn and Garden Care presentations are available to view on the web through Adobe Flash Player. Click on the link to "Yard and Garden", then click on the "Myths of Lawn and Garden Care" title and view your presentation of choice by clicking on the appropriate link. 
BUCHANAN COUNTY 4-H WEBSITE (Posted on 5/8/2008)
Up-to-date Buchanan County information available including the Newsline Newsletter, 4-H forms and other important information. 
PME Schedule for 2012 (Posted on 4/16/2008)
Buchanan County will offer Continuing Instructional Courses (CICs) for 2012. The programs will be shown across Iowa through the Iowa State University Extension Pest Management and the Environment program (PME) and will provide continuing instructional credit for those who attend. All courses are $35 (unless otherwise stated) if paid up to a week prior to viewing, or $45 after that, and must be paid before viewing the CIC. Additional information for courses offered by the PME program can be accessed at www.extension.iastate.edu/PME/
Answerline (Posted on 2/6/2008)
Iowa State's Answer Line Fields 'Need to Know Now' Questions 
Ag Decision Maker (Posted on 9/13/2006)
Business solutions for farms and agaribusiness from Iowa State University Extension. Visit them at www.iastate.edu/agdm/
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