Join the Bus Trip to the 2009 Manure Handling Expo
(Posted on 7/2/2009)
Iowa State University and the Iowa Commercial Nutrient Applicators Association will present the 2009 Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo in Iowa on July 22 at the Central Iowa Expo center in Boone, Iowa. To encourage more participation, a bus reserved for those interested from the NW part of the state.

Tip of the Week
(Posted on 6/16/2009)
Extension Tip of the Week (TOW) is sent directly by e-mail. Tips are sent weekly covering a variety of subjects. To subscibe to Tip of the Week, send an e-mail to caroljo@iastate.edu with TOW in the subject line and we will add your name to the list.

NW Experimental Farm Day to be Held on June 30th
(Posted on 6/16/2009)
Weather, corn planting populations, fungicides for crops and GPS technology for Iowa will be among the topics at the Northwest Iowa Experimental Farm Field Day on Tuesday, June 30 at the farm near Calumet in O’Brien County. Iowa State University Extension specialists will team up with farm staff in presentations during the event.

2009 Farmland Leasing Meeting in Le Mars
(Posted on 6/15/2009)
The 2009 Farmland Leasing Meeting will be held on August 20th at 1:30 p.m. in the lower level of Primebank in Le Mars at 37 1st Ave NW. This leasing meeting is designed to assist land owners, tenants, and agri-business professionals with leasing agreements and management.

Community Foundation of Plymouth County Grant Application
(Posted on 6/8/2009)
The Community Foundation of Greater Plymouth County is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people of the local area. This foundation was created in 2005 to provide support for community betterment projects in Plymouth County. Since 2005 this foundation been giving to the people of Plymouth County by grantmaking.

State Officials Scouting NE Iowa for Emerald Ash Borer After Larva Found, Infestation Not Confirmed
(Posted on 6/4/2009)
ELKADER - Efforts to scout portions of northeast Iowa for the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) have intensified following the submission of an EAB larva to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The larva was reportedly from Clayton County, however no additional EAB larvae have been found and no signs of infestation have been spotted in the immediate area.

Strawberries in Your Garden
(Posted on 6/3/2009)
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits consumed. Here in Northwest Iowa, June is the month they are big, red, and juicy. Along with being one of the most popular fruits, they are also one of the easiest to grow. Strawberries date back to the 234 B.C. in Italy.

Iowa Resource for International Service is Looking for Host Families
(Posted on 6/3/2009)
Looking for new experiences and cultural immersion for you and your family? Want to open your home to an exchange student or do you know someone who would? Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is looking for host families for their exchange program.

Extension’s Energy Tip for May 2009
(Posted on 6/3/2009)
Let there be light — with solar powered outdoor lighting. Installation is quick and easy, with no wires or electricity costs. Learn more about renewable energy options.

Plymouth County Writes Proposal for Regional Extension Education Director
(Posted on 6/2/2009)
Community leaders prepare a proposal for the Regional Extension Education Director to be house in Plymouth County at a proposed relocation of the Extension Office to the Le Mars Convention Center.

Pork Quality Assurance Plus & Transport Quality Assurance Training
(Posted on 6/1/2009)
The Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension are teaming up to provide training for pork producers and others who need certification in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus™ (PQAPlus™) and the Transport Quality Assurance programs in June.

Mid to Late April - 2009 Hay Price Update
(Posted on 5/28/2009)
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.

Rhubarb in your Garden
(Posted on 5/18/2009)
Enjoying the vegetables and fruits of early spring are a treat after a long cold winter. Rhubarb is a wonderful treat in many deserts and drinks during May.

Laundry Tips
(Posted on 5/18/2009)
Washing clothes is one of the first skills to master when living on your own. Keeping clothes looking new and free of stains can also help with keeping spending low. Use these ISU Extension publications to learn new tips in cleaning clothes.

Help Kids Track Their Spending in Tough Times
(Posted on 4/13/2009)
Many moms and dads are keeping track of their spending as they try to make their money stretch in today’s economy. It’s a good practice for adults to acquire, but it’s also a good habit for children. Iowa State University Extension has a publication that can help.

Iowa Beef Center Newsletter
(Posted on 3/9/2009)
Here is this month's newsletter from the Iowa Beef Center. The topic for the March issue was manure value, and IBC nutrient specialist Joe Lally wrote a piece on improving the value of your manure; he was also the featured staff member. Software specialist Garland Dahlke gave an overview of the Manure Nutrient Value Calculator that producers can access through the IBC Web site.

Eat Smart by Smart Planning
(Posted on 1/22/2009)
Check out Extension's website about spending less and eating better. This website features meal planning, smart shopping, receipes and snacks, and many more tips.

Barn Quilts of Plymouth County
(Posted on 1/12/2009)
Looking to add a little character to your barn. Barn quilts are becoming the lastest barn craze in Plymouth County. The barn quilts not only add to your interest but also the interest of people driving by your barn.

Looking to Become a Master Gardener?
(Posted on 11/12/2008)
Do you want to become a master gardener? What defines a master gardener? If you are asking yourself some of these questions you should consider becoming a master gardener. The spring session for Master Gardeners is coming quickly. The local session begins January 2009.