News Releases

10/10/2008 - New Manure Nutrient Management Research Available
To help producers make the most of Iowa’s available manure nutrient resources, Iowa State University Extension recently developed an updated publication, Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production - PMR 1003.

10/9/2008 - ISU Extension Publications Address Farm Financial Management topics
Recent updates of six publications provide current information on farm income and net worth statements, financial statements, cash flow budgeting, farm lease agreements and the annual farm building rental rate survey.

10/9/2008 - Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
This week's topics include tips on how to force daffodil bulbs indoors for some bright winter color and some suggestions for shubbery that has bright fall foliage.

10/9/2008 - 2008 State 4-H Project Award Winners Announced
A state 4-H project award is the highest achievement 4-H’ers can receive in project work. See stories on the individual award winners.

10/8/2008 - 4-H Experience Steers Johnson to Pioneer Corporate Counsel
Chad Johnson is Corporate Counsel at Pioneer Hi-Bred and he says that his 4-H experiences helped him reach this position through leadership and project experiences.

10/7/2008 - Protect Rural Wells from Flooding
Many older wells in Iowa are located inside subsurface frost pits which are at risk from floods. Coliforms can enter wells through the wellheads when they are submerged – a situation that occurred more frequently than normal in Iowa this year due to widespread flooding and saturated soils.

10/7/2008 - Economic Recession Creates Challenges, Opportunities in Iowa’s Retail Sector
Analysis by Iowa State University economist offers insight on what may lie ahead for retailers and consumers.

10/6/2008 - Research Proves What Iowans Know: 4-H Builds Youth Skills Long-term
A recent Tufts University study shows that 4-H’ers contribute more to their families and communities, achieve higher grades in school and are more likely to go to college than youth who are not in 4-H, or even youth who participate in other out-of-school programs.

10/6/2008 - SowBridge Educational Series Continues to Offer Distance Learning Flexibility and Convenience
Registration for the 2008-09 SowBridge program is now available. See the Iowa Pork Industry Center Web site for more information and the registration form.

10/6/2008 - Garden Lessons for 2008 -- My Own Story
ISU Extension horticulturist Cindy Haynes takes a retrospective look at the 2008 gardening year and what happened in her own landscape.

10/3/2008 - Rebuild or Relocate? Conference Covers Neighborhood, Community Issues after a Flood
The last of four Iowa State University Extension online conferences on flood cleanup and rebuilding issues is Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

10/2/2008 - Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
Tuberous begonias, powdery mildew and Christmas cactus are topics for this week's questions.

10/2/2008 - Heat Your Home Safely after the Iowa Floods
Until their flood-damaged central heating systems are replaced, some Iowans may be tempted to use unconventional means to heat their homes. ISU Extension Housing Engineer Tom Greiner explains the health and safety risks of using unvented space heaters.

9/29/2008 - 4-H Quilt Shows How Life Can Change for Parkersburg Youth
Laura Edeker was working on her 4-H quilt in Clarksville, so she and her family weren't home in Parkersburg when the tornado destroyed their home.

9/29/2008 - Masses of Meandering Millipedes
The masses of millipedes migrating this time of year are harmless and will only wander into houses by mistake. Learn the benefits of the creepy crawlers and how to live with them.

9/29/2008 - Grain Safety: Avoid the Grain Flow
Farm Safety Week may be over, but the need for safe practices continues throughout the harvest season, especially as related to the handling and storing of grain.

9/25/2008 - Ask the ISU Gardening Experts
Yellowing pine needles and when to stop mowing the lawn are topics for this week's questions.

9/25/2008 - Production, Processing and Marketing Organic Crops Covered at Extension Workshop
The basics of transitioning to organic crop, vegetable and fruit production were covered at a recent Extension workshop at Neely-Kinyon Farm and the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center.

9/24/2008 - Dairy Information Easy to Locate on ISU Extension Web Site
People involved in the dairy industry and those who want to know more about it can easily access information at the redesigned ISU Extension Dairy team Web site.

9/24/2008 - Oct. 8 Free eXtension Webinar Features Nebraska Success in Growing Entrepreneurs
A University of Nebraska leader will share strategies for success and tips for working with entrepreneurs based on recent program evaluation data. The hour-long session is designed for extension professionals, community development professionals, economic development professionals and business coaches.

9/24/2008 - Preserving Your Bounty -- Jams and Jellies
Jelly, jams and preserves are all made from fresh fruit that has been processed to form a firm gel when cooled. The mechanism for the firm gel involves the plant material pectin, which is the glue that sticks plant cells together. The sugar content of jellies, jams and preserves is the reason we can use a low temperature preservation technique such as boiling water baths.

9/22/2008 - Overwintering Geraniums
With a little effort, you can enjoy these bright blooms again next season.

9/19/2008 - Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
Forcing tulip bulbs to bloom indoors, fall maintenance for rhubarb plants, and how often to water jade plants are this week's topics.

9/19/2008 - Strengthen Relationships through Stressful Times
Whether it’s a fall hurricane in Texas or a summer flood in Iowa, the stress of a natural disaster can strain relationships. An ISU Extension specialist offers tips for strengthening relationships in stressful times.

9/18/2008 - Use Garbage Disposals Sparingly
Garbage disposals offer convenient processing and disposal of soft food scraps, but they should be used sparingly in homes with private septic systems. Why? Consider where those food particles go.

9/18/2008 - What is Needed to Maximize the 2008 Corn Crop
ISU Extension agronomist discusses the conditions needed in September and October for Iowa's 2008 corn crop to reach maximum yield.

9/16/2008 - Disposable Diaper and Water Conservation Are Keys to 4-H National Youth Science Day
A clean disposable diaper can unlock the secret of water conservation. Who would have guessed? Only the hundreds of Iowa 4-H’ers who will be participating in the first National Science Experiment during National 4-H Week. Oct. 5-11.

9/15/2008 - San Jose Scales on Apple Trees
What you often see on apples at this time of year is an insect infestation, even though scales don't look like typical insects.

9/12/2008 - Rebuild ‘Green’ After a Flood
If you can’t save your flood-damaged home, perhaps you can build a better, “greener” one. That’s the topic for an ISU Extension online conference Sept. 17.

9/12/2008 - Training will Address Demand for Organic Food and Feed Grains
The increasing demand for organic food and feed grains could be a market for Iowa producers. A Sept. 23 workshop at the Neely-Kinyon Farm will provide hands-on information about the skills and knowledge needed to meet that demand.