Clayton County News
97 Sheep & Goats Weighed for County Fair (Posted on 5/12/2008)
Clayton County 4-H and FFA members enrolled a total of 54 lambs and 43 meat goats at the weigh-in held May 10 at the fairgrounds in National. These lambs and meat goats are now eligible to compete in the market show at the Clayton County Fair on August 1, 2008. 
Safety Day Held May 9 (Posted on 5/12/2008)
The Clayton County Extension Service hosted a Safety Day on May 9 at the Clayton County Fairground in National. 271 fourth grade students from Elkader Central, MFL MarMac, Clayton Ridge, Ed-Co, Valley, and Postville schools attended the daylong event. 
Central Students Participate in Iowa's Dairy Story (Posted on 5/12/2008)
On May 8 Central Elkader 4th graders visited the NICC campus in Calmar to take part in Iowa’s Dairy Story. Iowa’s Dairy Story is an Iowa State University Extension, Northeast Iowa Community College and the NE Iowa Dairy Foundation collaboration for youth in grades 3, 4, & 5. 
4-H & FFA Horse Clinic Held May 4 at Fairgrounds (Posted on 5/6/2008)
Marion Finnegan hosted a 4-H & FFA working horse workshop on Sunday, May 4 at the Clayton County Fairgrounds. Halter, showmanship, pleasure class, trail class and games were covered. 
The 2008 Pasture-Walk Schedule is Now Available (Posted on 4/22/2008)
If you are seeking hands-on grazing management information in an informal atmosphere,consider attending one or more of the 2008 Pasture-Walk grazing field events. These events are mostly farmer-to-farm discussion on their management experiences in
rotational grazing. The 2008 events include 13 in northeast Iowa, 3 in southeast Minnesota, and 9 in southwest Wisconsin. Program Builder is Now Available to Communities (Posted on 4/22/2008)
Community leaders attended an educational session on ISU's Program Builder. Program Builder is an online 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 their communities. 
Clayton County 4-H to Offer Shooting Sports (Posted on 4/21/2008)
Clayton County 4-H is now offering Shooting Sports. Six volunteers have been trained and the Shooting Sports program is scheduled to kick off on May 18 at the Osborne Conservation Center. Five disciplines will be availabe to youth – Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle, Shotgun and Wildlife Skills. 
240 Derby Swine Enrolled for 2008 Fair (Posted on 4/7/2008)
Clayton County 4-H and FFA members enrolled a total of 240 head of pigs at the derby swine project weigh-in on April 5 in Elkader. These projects are now eligible for the derby swine division of the Clayton County Fair swine show to be held on August 2, 2008 at the National fairgrounds. 
Annual 4-H Bowling Tournament Held April 6 (Posted on 4/7/2008)
Clayton County 4-H held their annual bowling tournament on Sunday, April 6 at CJ Lanes in Elkader. Eighty-two youth from 13 clubs competed in the tournament. 
2008 Clayton County Fair (Posted on 4/4/2008)
The 154th edition of the Clayton County Fair will be July 30-August 4. The fair is a great place to gather with family and friends fo enjoy the exhibits, entertainment and food. Make plans now to attend. 
Two Clayton County 4-H Clubs Awarded Pioneer Grants (Posted on 4/1/2008)
The Ful-O-Pep and Giard Future Farmers 4-H Clubs are two of the 31 Iowa 4-H Clubs to receive 2008 Pioneer Community Improvement Grants. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, in cooperation with Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development, granted $50 to $250 to each awarded club. 
4-H Basketball Tournament Held March 29 (Posted on 3/31/2008)
A team of members from the Giard Future Farmers and Lodomillo Leaders 4-H Club captured the senior team championship at the Clayton County 4-H Basketball Tournament held March 29 in Elkader. Marion Happy Hustlers won the junior division title. 
Youth Attend 4-H Day at Legislature (Posted on 3/28/2008)
Five members of the Peppy Pals/Mendon Hustlers 4-H Club spent March 26 at the “4-H Day at the Legislature” in Des Moines. On Capitol Hill they were able to talk to people about their 4-H experience and spend time with their legislators. 
Gardening is More than Seeds (Posted on 3/27/2008)
Planting a garden involves more than putting the seeds in the ground. ISU Extension has resources to help with all your gardening needs. 
Tips to Help You Care for Your Easter Lilies (Posted on 3/27/2008)
Easter lilies prefer daytime temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit with slightly cooler night temperatures. Avoid drafty locations. Place the Easter lily in bright light, but out of direct sunlight.
4-H Lock-In Held March 14 (Posted on 3/18/2008)
70 middle school students spent the night at Hoffman Hall in Prairie du Chien at the 4-H Lock-In. The evening was spent swimming, playing basketball, dancing, watching movies and playing games. 
Clover Kid Fun Day Held February 23 (Posted on 2/26/2008)
Clayton County Extension hosted a Clover Kid fun day for K-3rd grade students on Saturday, February 23 at Johnson's Reception Hall in Elkader. 85 youth enjoyed a fun and educational county fair themed day. (Check out the photos) 
Clayton County 4-H & FFA Members Enroll 223 Beef Projects (Posted on 1/10/2008)
Clayton County 4-H and FFA members enrolled 223 head of market beef projects for 2008. The projects were weighed and ear tagged at designated sites on December 22 & 29 and are now eligible for youth shows during 2008. 
4H is for Everyone (Posted on 8/28/2007)
4H is made up of a community of young people across America who are learning life skills and are supported in this developmental process by caring adult leaders. Youth K-12th grade may join 4H. NE Iowa Food & Farm Coalition (Posted on 5/16/2007)
The Northeast Iowa Food & Farm Coalition has been formed to begin implementation of the strategic plan designed to build a stronger local food and farm economy in Northeast Iowa. The Coalition’s mission is to support the development and marketing of locally grown agriculture products to enhance the lives of local citizens. Shopping at Farmers’ Markets (Posted on 5/16/2007)
Shopping at a Farmers’ Market can be a very pleasant and tasty way to enjoy fresh produce. It connects you to the community, the seasons, and to local farmers. With the current dietary recommendations to enjoy five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day, farmers’ markets are a treasure chest of tasty and colorful choices. To enhance your visit to the Farmers’ Markets here are some shopping hints and tips. 
Financial Topics for the New Year (Posted on 11/1/2006)
Need help getting control of your spending? Or help dealing with bills and debt? Are you trying to build financial security? If so, ISU Extension has resources to help you. 
Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Posted on 10/2/2006)
Dietary Guidelines for Americans is published jointly every 5 years by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
The 2005 edition of the Guidelines was released January 12, 2005.
Check out the new Dietary Guidelines and Food Guide Pyramid at www.MyPyramid.gov. 
Tips to Save Gas and Money (Posted on 9/29/2006)
Gas prices are soaring. Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use. 
Kids Can't Go the Distance Alone (Posted on 9/28/2006)
It's up to parents to help their children deal with weight problems. Children need strong role models and a support system to provide proper nutrition, physical activity and motivation. ISU Extension has resources available to help parents and children develop better eating habits and improve physical activity. 
Dealing with Plant-eating Pets (Posted on 9/1/2006)
Does your cat have a habit of nibbling on your houseplants? Experts agree some plants may be hazardous to your pet's health. 
MFL MarMac 3rd Graders Visit Iowa Dairy Story (Posted on 1/3/2006)
The third grade classes from MFL MarMac visited the Dairy Center at the Northeast Iowa Community College on October 13 to participate in a school enrichment program called "Iowa's Dairy Story". Iowa State University Extension, Northeast Iowa Community College and the NE Iowa Dairy Foundation collaborate on this special hands-on dairy field trip as part of a Dairy youth curriculum. For more information about Iowa’s Dairy Story contact your county extension office.
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