Story County News
The 2008 Custom Rate Survey Is Now Available (Posted on 2/28/2008)
The information received from the Custom Rate Survey was updated in March 2008 and provides recent rates expected to be charged or paid for custom machine work. 
Average Value of Iowa Farmland Tops $3,900 an Acre in 2007 Survey (Posted on 2/18/2008)
The average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa increased by just over $700 during the past year, to an all-time high of $3,908, according to an annual survey conducted by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. The land boom is being driven by the developing biofuel economy, according to Mike Duffy, ISU Extension farm economist who conducts the survey. High-Risk Loans: Tax Refund Anticipation (Posted on 1/22/2008)
For many years consumer educators have been warning about tax refund loans – the “quick refunds” that put money in consumers’ hands the day after they file their tax return, but with high risk and excessive fees attached. These refunds are not guaranteed, however, and can have significant consequences. 
USDA Grants and Guarenteed Loans (Posted on 1/20/2008)
Grants and guaranteed loan financing are available for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to help business related facilities (not residential) reduce energy costs and plan for and market value added products. 
Time to Buy New Appliances? (Posted on 1/19/2008)
If you haven’t been in the market for new appliances during the past several years, you’re going to be surprised at how innovative and energy-efficient appliances have become. You’ll find energy-smart appliance choices in almost all price ranges. 
Cash Rental Rates Jump in 2007 (Posted on 1/19/2008)
As anyone who is involved with the rental market for Iowa farmland knows, rental rates have been jolted by the sharply higher corn and soybean prices that have been available since last fall. Recent ISU Extension surveys indciate a great deal of uncertainty this year. 
2009 International Master Gardener Conference (Posted on 1/19/2008)
The Master Gardeners of Southern Nevada invite you to join us in Las Vegas from March 22-26 in 2009 for the 2009 International Master Gardener Conference, New Frontiers in Horticulture and Gardening. 
Master Gardener Summer Session (Posted on 1/19/2008)
The Iowa Master Gardener Program will host its first Summer Session on July 11 and 12, 2008, on the Iowa State University campus. These two action-packed, fun-filled, educational days will feature a hands-on approach with plant examples to study and identify. 
SCMGA Newsletters (Posted on 1/16/2008)
The Story County Master Gardeners' Association (SCMGA) newsletters detail their hard work on several projects and provide information about opportunities for garden enthusiasts. 
Central Area Tech Team (Posted on 1/10/2008)
The Central Area Tech Team is a new 4-H club formed in October 2007. The group has 16 members from throughout the Central Iowa area, bringing together 4-H youth who have a mutual interest in all things tech-related! 
Myths of Garden and Lawn Care (Posted on 1/10/2008)
Five of the eleven Myths of Lawn and Garden Care presentations are now available to view on the web through Adobe Flash Player. 
Hay Pricing Update (Posted on 12/31/2007)
Extension's latest information about hay pricing. 
Clover Kids Newsletters (Posted on 12/21/2007)
What kinds of new and exciting things can Clover Kids explore and learn about? There are so many fun things to do in these clubs for kids in kindergarten through third grade! 
Family Matters Newsletters (Posted on 11/1/2007)
Parenting tips, nutrition advice, and other ideas from ISU Extension. In this issue: The ABCs of Love, Online Home Buyer Education, High-Risk Loans: Tax Refund Anticipation in November, Talking Turkey, Easy Ways to Downsize Portions, Lighten Up Iowa, Iowa's Food Deserts. 
Story County 4-H Newsletters (Posted on 10/11/2007)
Get up-to-date on your 4-H news by reading current and past issues of the Story County 4-H Newsletter. 
Crop Happenings Newsletters (Posted on 8/27/2007)
Water Everywhere, SDS Update, Soybean Rust Update, Top Die Back in Corn, Training Opportunities Still Available 
Helping Your Garden Grow (Posted on 8/9/2007)
ISU Extension publications can be great resources when planning and tending your garden! 
Tips for Homemade Ice Cream (Posted on 7/12/2007)
Homemade ice cream is a summer time treat that can be made safely if you know a few facts about ice cream recipes. 
A Place of Your Own (Posted on 7/10/2007)
For $45, Iowans can learn valuable information on selecting and financing a home through a new interactive online course. Successful participants also receive a certificate that may qualify them for lower interest rates. 
Free Family Nutrition Program (FNP) (Posted on 6/11/2007)
Iowa State University Extension -- Story County offers free nutrition education to low-resource families with children younger 10 years old or expecting a newborn. Iowans Speak Out on the Bioeconomy (Posted on 6/5/2007)
Some Iowans believe the state’s emerging bioeconomy is “the biggest change in agriculture since the plow,” while others expressed “cautious optimism” or suggested “stay objective” when asked their opinions by Iowa State University Extension. 
Reciprocity: Rural Communities & the Retail Marketplace (Posted on 5/24/2007)
Many people today are willing to drive many miles to get what they want. Research shows that communities differ in their ability to attract customers. Why do some communities appeal to consumers more than others? 
Ethanol Feeds Newsletters (Posted on 5/19/2007)
The Iowa Beef Center offers a monthly newsletter series on feeding Ethanol Feeds. This resource provides expert perspectives on timely topics and a list of upcoming meetings for beef producers. 
Beware the Lawnmower (Posted on 5/19/2007)
Mower-related injuries are an everyday occurrence. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 57,000 operators and bystanders require medical treatment each year for mower-related injuries. However, safe mowing practices can prevent many such injuries. 
Crop Marketing, Insurance and Weather (Posted on 4/3/2007)
Steve Johnson, Elwynn Taylor, and other Iowa State University Extension Specialists have recorded presentations on current topics in agriculture. These work in any Web browser that supports Flash Media (for example, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari). 
Talk to Your Teen about Driving (Posted on 3/24/2007)
One year before your teenager is ready to get their permit, sit down and talk about the major points of driving. Use these strategies to help prepare future drivers. 
Asian Soybean Rust Services (Posted on 3/19/2007)
Asian soybean rust was found on Iowa soybean plants grown during the 2006 crop year, stirring interest in preparing for its possible return in 2007. The Iowa Fast Track System will facilitate fast, accurate diagnosis of the disease. Producers incur no charges for using this service. 
Parenting Teens with Style (Posted on 3/1/2007)
Parents have a resource when it comes to knowing how to parent adolescents - over twenty-five years of research! Key research findings can guide parents through their child’s teen years. 
Raising Kids with Love and Limits (Posted on 2/6/2007)
Authoritative parents deals with misbehavior by using discipline to teach rather than force or ignoring the misbehavior. They demonstrate respect for a child’s individuality by listening, explaining rules and expectations, and helping a child learn to problem solve. Parenting Styles (Posted on 1/30/2007)
Have you ever witnessed a parent trying to hush a whiny toddler by continuously offering him candy if he behaved? Or overheard an angry voice in the grocery say, “Shape up, or else!” to a wide-eyed, silent preschooler as the adult roughly yanked her by the elbow? Studies indicate there are essentially broad patterns of parenting or “parenting styles” which are related to a child’s future success and well-being - permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. 
2008 4-H Communications Contest Results (Posted on 12/1/2006)
Nearly 110 Story County 4-H youth including Clover Kids participated in the 4-H Communication Contest. Judges evaluated each entry and award state fair rosette, alternate state fair rosette, top award rosette, purple, blue, red, or white ribbons. 
Energy-Saving Can Save Big Dividends (Posted on 10/4/2006)
The Iowa Energy Center has published three free resources. Filled with everyday energy-saving tips, the Home Series collection suggests practical ways to ease the demands of heating and electric bills. 
Finding Funds for Emergencies (Posted on 3/13/2006)
Does it surprise you when your car needs new tires? Are you shocked when your refrigerator, furnace, or stove quit working? Do you worry about your children needing larger shoes or clothes? These are all good reasons to have an emergency fund! Plan Now, Spend Later (Posted on 3/13/2006)
Would you like to take a vacation this summer? Do you want to give gifts to special friends and family this year? Would you like new furniture, car, or home remodeling project? These are all examples of family goals for which you can plan. Master Gardeners Forum (Posted on 12/22/2005)
Got a yard or garden question? The Master Gardeners Forum allows you to ask horticultural questions and receive answers from Master Gardeners throughout Iowa! 
Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity (Posted on 11/16/2005)
Research shows that infants have critical periods for brain development. Find out why these “windows of opportunity” are critical to helping a child learn. 
Money for Life: Is College in Your Child’s Future? (Posted on 10/24/2005)
Now is the time to talk to your high school student about financing a college education. If a student lives like a professional in college, she will live like a student as a professional! What does your child’s future look like? Seeds of Hope Offers Help for Farm/Rural Familes (Posted on 5/6/2005)
If you or someone you know is experiencing major change or stress associated with rural life, the Sowing the Seeds of Hope program may be able to help. The program offers no-cost mental health services – up to five one-hour sessions with a professional provider – for eligible farm/rural family members who do not have insurance coverage or who are underinsured. Acreage Living Newsletter Available (Posted on 1/3/2005)
Do you live on an acreage in Story County? Are you thinking of moving to an acreage? Every other month the Acreage Living Newsletter is mailed to over 60 acreage owners in Story County.
News from Iowa State University Extension [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/]
News from Iowa State University [http://www.iastate.edu/news/today/today.shtml]