County News

The Annual Spring Field Day at the Borlaug Learning Center features many topics.  Discussion will be held on corn growth and development from the planting date trials and expectations on pollination.  Updates on crop and soil fertility issues from the drought in 2012 to the late start in 2013, nitrogen management, sulfur and micronutrient recommendations, weed control challenges, weed resistance management and updates on the latest plant diseases.

Day camps offer the chance for hands-on experiments, activities, games, adventures, and most of all - FUN! This year Clayton County Extension is offering 5 different day camps for youth completing grades K – 3.   All camps run from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and cost only $15 each. Multi-camp discount available. Registration is due one week prior to camp. All materials are provided - just bring a sack lunch and drink. You do not have to be a 4-H member to participate, so invite a friend and join the fun!

Iowa State University Extension’s 4-H volunteers from Clayton County participated in training on March 19 where they learned how to put the Experiential Learning Model to work in their clubs. This training is part of ISU Extension and Outreach’s 4-H Youth Development annual training for volunteers.

Specialized vegetable production farm equipment will be showcased at a field day and open house hosted by Kymar Acres and Windridge Implement on June 8.

Attend the 4th Annual Breakfast on the Farm.  It's a fun, educational event for the whole family.

Results from the most recent survey of farmland rental rates conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach showed that the average estimated cash rent for corn and soybean land in the state for 2013 was $270 per acre, an increase of $18 per acre or 7 percent from last year.

Thirty-five Clayton County 4-H and FFA members weighed in 194 head for the 2013 swine derby show at the Clayton County Fair on Saturday, April 6.  This county fair competition uses the rate-of-gain and lean-gain-per-day along with visual appraisal by the judge for evaluation.

Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Region 4 is hosting junior and intermediate overnight camps at Pine Bluff near Decorah in June.  4th-6th grade youth will experience  “4-H: An Olympic Experience”, a two-day one night action packed camp. 7th & 8th graders   will enjoy a “A True Reality Experience”.  Registration deadline is April 15.

Expanding knowledge of state government and communicating with legislators in Des Moines was the focus of the March 6 visit to the Iowa State Capitol by twenty-eight 4-H’ers and nine adults  representing Chickasaw, Clayton and Fayette Counties.