Pocahontas County News
Valentine’s Day “From Scratch” Brownies (Posted on 2/8/2012)
February is known for two holidays, Ground Hog Day and Valentine’s Day, but only one of these tempts our sweet tooth (and our pocketbooks). Valentine’s Day is known for its expensive indulgences: eating out, flowers, alcohol, and chocolate. For this Valentine’s Day, try some low-cost and healthier ways to celebrate like opting for a romantic homemade dinner rather than eating out or baking low-fat chocolate treats instead of buying expensive chocolate candy. 
Just a Bite – Managing Food Allergies in Childcare is March 1 (Posted on 2/8/2012)
Iowa State University Pocahontas County Extension and Outreach is offering training for child care providers that helps to identify signs and symptoms of food allergies and common food allergens for children. The incidence of food allergies is on the rise, increasing the chances that childcare providers will have a child with food allergies in their care. 
Iowa Pork Regional Conferences offer Wealth of Information (Posted on 2/8/2012)
Iowa pork producers are invited to learn more about pig health and growth numbers, and get updates on ventilation management and disease research projects at the 2012 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences scheduled for March 6-9.
Mid‐ to Late‐ January, 2012 Hay Price Update (Posted on 2/3/2012)
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. 
Yard and Garden: Tomatoes (Posted on 2/3/2012)
Home gardeners can chose from a variety of sizes, shapes and colors when growing tomato plants. ISU Extension horticulturists share information about tomato varieties that growers can use in selecting tomatoes.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children (Posted on 2/2/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults (Posted on 2/2/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield Iowa State University associate professor, state nutrition extension specialist.
Iowa 4-H Foundation Gala Is Feb. 25, 2012 (Posted on 2/1/2012)
Iowans can make a positive impact for Iowa’s youth by attending the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s 3rd Annual Gala on Feb. 25, 2012, at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Registration is now open. 
Barn Quilts of Pocahontas County (Posted on 1/31/2012)
The Barn Quilts of Pocahontas County committee are proud to share their progress throughout Pocahontas County. Enjoy your driving tour! 
GEAR Tech-21 (Posted on 1/31/2012)
Are you interested in working with youth and 4-H with an emphasis on technology but feel you need some help before you get started? 
Use MyPlate to Make a Better Pizza (Posted on 1/31/2012)
One food with the potential to include all the food groups is pizza. But can this well-loved entree that is notoriously high in fat, sodium and carbohydrates fit on MyPlate? Yes it can, with a few modifications,says an ISU Extension and Outreach nutrition specialist. 
Extension Offers Workshop for Evaluating Estate Plans (Posted on 1/30/2012)
“Evaluating Your Estate Plan” is a one-day Iowa State University Extension and Outreach workshop that will be held at five Iowa locations during February. The workshop will provide farm families and others with information about estate planning options.
Yard and Garden: Vegetable Seeds (Posted on 1/30/2012)
Selecting seeds is one of the first steps in planting a home garden – along with preparing the seedbed and deciding when to plant. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists share information that will guide gardeners as they select vegetable seeds. 
ISU Extension Volunteers Offer Tax Help to Rural Iowans (Posted on 1/27/2012)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a program that provides free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income Iowans. ISU Extension and Outreach works with local partners to recruit and train volunteers and provide technical support for VITA sites in 42 rural counties. 
New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Has Iowa in Zone 5 (Posted on 1/27/2012)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the new version of the plant hardiness zone map this week — the first update since 1990. Much of Iowa now is considered Zone 5.
Field & Feedlot Newsletter (Posted on 1/26/2012)
The Field & Feedlot Newsletter- is a monthly newsletter to help with of your Crop, Livestock, and Farm Management questions and updates. 
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists (Posted on 1/19/2012)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance. 
Annual Forest Stewardship Conference Is March 10, 2012 (Posted on 1/19/2012)
The 2012 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference is Saturday, March 10 at Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sinsinawa, Wis. One of the largest private woodland owner conferences in the nation, it will cover a wide range of forestry and wildlife topics including timber marketing in today’s economy. 
Field Crop Insects Publication Added to Crop Reference Series (Posted on 1/19/2012)
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) have released a collaborative publication, Field Crop Insects, the latest in a series of practical and valuable reference tools for farmers.
Plan to Attend the Garden Extravaganza (Posted on 1/17/2012)
The Pocahontas County Master Gardeners and ISU Extension & Outreach will sponsor a Garden Extravaganza April 14 at the Expo Center in Pocahontas. 
Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered by Extension (Posted on 1/12/2012)
Manure applicator certification workshops for dry manure operators are planned for 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.
Financial Getting Organized (Posted on 1/12/2012)
You know how good it feels when your house is clean? It feels just as good when your personal financial and business papers are well organized. 
ServSafe (Posted on 1/12/2012)
Did you know that there are estimated 76 million food borne illnesses each year and 225 to 300 million cases of acute gastroenteritis? That figures out to be once a year for each of us. How do you know the food you are being served has been handled and prepared with safety in mind? ServSafe is arguably the most recognized and renowned certification a food service manager can acquire to verify a complete knowledge of food safety practices. Research shows that training employees in safe food handling practices significantly improves food safety. Sign-up for a class today! 
Phone App is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists (Posted on 12/15/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Yard and Garden: Houseplant Pests (Posted on 12/8/2011)
Just as there are different types of indoor plants – foliage, flowering, succulents and florist’s plants – there are different pests that can invade houseplants. ISU Extension horticulturists explain how to recognize and manage pests on houseplants.
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