Iowa State University Extension

Newsletter Archives

• 5/8/2012 - May 2012 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Iowa State is north central STEM hub
  • Food safety, sustainability important to West Liberty Foods
  • Extension watershed specialist participates in White House roundtable
  • Growing Strong Families earns Iowa Family Support Credential
  • Online mapping tool brings the community meeting to you
  • Master Gardener, 4-H collaborations under way in 11 counties

• 4/10/2012 - April 2012 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Older Iowans experience LIFE -- Living (Well through) Intergenerational Fitness and Exercise
  • Farm Poll shows challenges to increasing cover crops on farmland
  • Community and economic development extends to Keokuk
  • CIRAS and Burke Corporation focus on continuous improvement
  • Four youth represent Iowa at National 4-H Conference

• 3/5/2012 - March 2012 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Sustainable Economies Program targets rural regional trade centers
  • IACEC Legislative Day is March 21
  • New course helps farm women plan successful farm transition
  • Citizens and ISU Extension and Outreach chart course for Maquoketa’s future
  • Classes help family caregivers take better care of themselves
  • Building robots prepares future engineers

• 2/8/2012 - February 2012 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Buy Iowa Online goes statewide
  • Innovation continues at Hagie Manufacturing
  • Virtual Eco Family Conference connects families, environment
  • 4-H camp counselors grow with campers
  • Farmland value sets record in Iowa Land Value Survey

• 1/10/2012 - January 2012 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Anticipating Issues
  • Acting in Catalytic Ways
  • Staying for the Long Haul

• 12/6/2011 - December 2011 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Beginning Farmer Center’s new partnership focuses on veterans
  • Eco-Family blog shares information on sustainable lifestyles
  • New report examines manufacturing in Iowa
  • Academy builds capacity for community nonprofits
  • Iowa sends 21 4-H’ers to National 4-H Congress
  • Online store now offers e-books and digital downloads

• 11/11/2011 - November 2011 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Horizons program recognized by USDA NIFA
  • Conference targets veterans who own businesses
  • Lenssen named Iowa State soybean production systems agronomist
  • Leadership West Liberty offers training model for small towns
  • ISA pledges $148,000 to Iowa 4-H Foundation

• 10/10/2011 - October 2011 -- From Cathann Kress
  • New face for family finance at ISU Extension
  • Workshops help city clerks, finance officers prepare for fiscal year budget
  • Annie’s Project to develop farm transitioning course with USDA and Farm Credit
  • New blog accounts Iowa 4-H history

• 9/6/2011 - September 2011 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Webinar to address flood recovery for cropland
  • GPS and smartphones lead to safer routes, healthier kids
  • CIRAS assistance leads to focus on growth
  • CYSTEM connects youth with programs, mentors, careers
  • ‘Smart investing’ course reaches rural communities
  • Work begins on new Local Food and Farm Initiative

• 8/9/2011 - August 2011 -- From Cathann Kress
  • CIRAS documents impact of flooding on western Iowa business, industry
  • ‘Common THREAD’ connects Iowa towns to successful future
  • Families apply new communication, planning skills to farm succession
  • Youth make a difference through Reach Out Iowa
  • Preserve foods safely with new ISU Extension program
  • White House Rural Champions of Change are ISU Extension partners

• 7/11/2011 - July 2011 -- From Cathann Kress
  • Extension supports volunteers in Mapleton
  • Farmland leasing workshops set for July and August
  • Leadership development empowers communities
  • Cass County research project helps families learn about and use local foods

• 6/7/2011 - June 2011 -- From Jerry Miller
  • ISU Extension has resources for flood recovery
  • Pattillo is new extension aquaculture and fisheries specialist
  • Educators to boost financial literacy teaching skills
  • 4-H’ers use GIS on iPhones to map trees at wildlife refuge
  • Lake Delhi-area residents explore options

• 5/9/2011 - May 2011 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Extension helps citizens set vision for Hawarden
  • Government contracting leads to more business for Digital Pathways
  • New Master Food Volunteers teach safe food preservation
  • Johnson County 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters combine mentoring and clubs
  • Iowa State is part of People’s Garden School Pilot Program

• 4/5/2011 - April 2011 -- From Jerry Miller
  • April is Month of Military Child in Iowa
  • New corn growth publication available to order
  • Latino entrepreneurs are on track for success
  • Homegrown Lifestyle helps acreage owners reconnect to the land
  • Program offers students opportunity to travel, learn in China
  • CY on tour during Extension Week

• 3/7/2011 - March 2011 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Never underestimate people power and pork niche marketing
  • New radio program podcast examines ‘science’ of parenting
  • Design West offers summer workshops for very young designers
  • Robotics and 4-H help kids become future industry leaders

• 2/10/2011 - February 2011 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Support the troops — and their families here at home
  • CIRAS instrumental in launch of new biobased product label by USDA
  • New ISU Extension course sharpens financial coaching skills
  • Iowa State provides ‘state of the science’ on eggs

• 1/10/2011 - January 2011 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Economic developer helps Iowa cities, companies innovate for future
  • Virtual 4-H club offers digital storytelling experience
  • Food Assistance outreach targets older Iowans and food pantry clients
  • Average value of Iowa farmland reaches $5,064 in 2010
  • Citizens Advisory Council members honored

• 12/6/2010 - December 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Corning is site of ‘groundbreaking’ sustainable and affordable housing
  • eXtension launches Web resource for cooperatives
  • Big, red #4 protects consumers from bad leftovers
  • Extension’s new ‘house’ strengthens families and youth programs
  • Managing supply chains helps companies compete

• 11/8/2010 - November 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Grant focuses on education about floodplain management
  • Poll shows Iowa farmers support investment in conservation
  • Online conference takes closer look at food systems
  • Educational efforts expand as severe weather causes crop damage
  • 4-H provides life lessons: Thoughts from an Iowa teen
  • Three counties approve extension referendum

• 10/11/2010 - October 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • ‘Smart investing’ courses under way at rural Iowa libraries
  • Iowans share ‘My 4-H. My Commitment.’
  • Extension connects VeraSun corn suppliers with legal experts
  • Studio links Iowa COGs with regional planning students
  • Iowa State eases consumer fears about egg safety with research-based information

• 9/10/2010 - September 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Extension is partner in Hunger Summit Oct. 12
  • Recycling and CIRAS resources are good mix for remanufacturer
  • Parents turn to Science of Parenting online resource for latest research
  • Eight Iowa towns are part of ISU post-flood housing assessment
  • Search begins for next vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach

• 8/12/2010 - August 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • Speak Out for Military Kids helps kids, families, communities face deployment
  • Students propose solutions to companies’ design challenges in capstone program
  • Extension workshop helps educators build financial literacy skills in youth
  • 4-H films, food and fashion at State Fair — and 3,800 exhibits!
  • Working together at the Farm Progress Show
  • Iowa State receives grant to expand prosperity-building work in rural communities

• 7/6/2010 - July 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • ISU helps National Guard team prepare for Afghan agribusiness assignment
  • CIRAS counsels veterans for Federal Contractor Certification
  • 4-H gets academic home in ISU College of Human Sciences
  • Girls develop health and confidence through ISU Extension programs
  • Backyard Conservation saves water, soil and energy in Fairfield
  • Mark calendar with ISU Extension gardening webinars, workshops, other events

• 6/2/2010 - June 2010 -- From Jerry Miller
  • It starts with Extension
  • Thanks for your input
  • Young filmmakers build skills through 4-H Film Festival at State Fair
  • Entrepreneurs invited to Renew Rural Iowa seminar
  • ISU alum coordinates Extension Master Gardeners
  • Nancy Franz joins ISU Extension
  • One year later, ISU Extension regions thrive

• 1/4/2010 - January 2010 -- From Jack Payne
  • 4-H is creating more options for youth and their families
  • Business continuity plans help companies handle disasters
  • New Working K9 Handler Academy provides search and rescue training
  • Bioeconomy e-conference examines biochar’s potential
  • Iowa Land Value Survey shows 2 percent decline in average value for 2009

• 11/30/2009 - December 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness gets new W.K. Kellogg grant
  • Nutrition specialists support local foods, promote ISU Extension, get noticed by Today Show
  • Federal government contractors must verify employees are authorized to work in U.S.
  • Extension thinks and acts globally through international development opportunities
  • New ISU Extension specialist helps Fairfield ‘go green’
  • Teens endorse new Iowa 4-H Web site
  • Humboldt County 4-H club sponsors a veteran’s honor flight

• 11/5/2009 - November 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Task force to boost farm energy conservation and efficiency efforts in Iowa
  • Extension shares facts about Iowa hunger in Meals from the Heartland Learning Lab
  • Cox named assistant dean for economic development
  • CIRAS links Metalcraft to ISU research — and a better radio-frequency identification tag
  • Study shows volunteering through 4-H benefits volunteers too

• 9/8/2009 - September 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Meet ISU Extension’s New Regional Directors
  • Softronics moves from ‘too small’ to ISO certified with help from CIRAS
  • New initiative helps Iowans make decisions about long-term care
  • Web-based tool helps Iowa schools map safe walking, biking routes
  • Middle schoolers ‘Ricochet’ into leadership with ISU Extension 4-H

• 7/7/2009 - August 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • CIRAS helps companies cut costs, increase sales to get through tough times
  • Extension publication offers options on managing emerald ash borer
  • Partnering in Communities takes action for student achievement
  • Iowa teen tells farm injury survival story in new DVD
  • Iowa 4-H Foundation kicks off 60th anniversary at State Fair

• 6/3/2009 - June 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Good places become great places with community and regional planning
  • Food, housing or health care: Latino immigrants face quandary, research shows
  • Study shows caring adults are key to positive youth development
  • Corn and Soybean Initiative reaches growers through agribusiness partnerships
  • Feasibility audits help businesses increase profitability
  • Odyssey of the Mind kids take creative route at Iowa State

• 4/6/2009 - April 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • WE-LEAD takes the lead for economic development
  • Small meat processors and Extension help consumers select locally raised meats
  • Government contracts mean more business for Iowa companies
  • It’s significant: 4-H’ers become better citizens, leaders and communicators
  • Sioux County families to tend community Garden of ARC

• 3/10/2009 - March 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Iowans are ‘managing tough times’ – with help from ISU Extension
  • Extension and Iowa State seek Engineering Talent in Every County (E-TEC)
  • Iowans tell ISU Extension bioeconomy is complex
  • Community planning + Iowa State + Red Oak = Progress and pride
  • 4-H legislative day moves closer to home
  • Extension’s energy tip: Cut energy costs while doing laundry

• 2/4/2009 - February 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Extension’s bottom line: Healthy people, environments and economies
  • Extension helps Iowans save money and eat healthy
  • CIRAS coaches Iowa manufacturers to ‘winning ways’
  • Human health screenings become a tradition at Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference
  • Citizens Advisory Council takes up Geoffroy’s challenge
  • 4-H club service project assists disabled, provides learning
  • Extension’s energy tip: Lower your lighting costs

• 1/2/2009 - January 2009 -- From Jack Payne
  • Iowans think -- and talk -- about the bioeconomy
  • Iowa land value upward trends may be slowing, survey says
  • Iowans: Take the challenge to live healthy
  • 4-H’ers become future scientists with robots and FIRST LEGO League
  • Farm incubator connects immigrant farmers and local food system
  • Iowa State receives community engagement classification from Carnegie Foundation
  • Extension’s energy tip: Audit your home office for energy savings

• 12/4/2008 - December 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • This little product went to market — with help from Buy Iowa Online
  • Renew Rural Iowa helps Iowans work on their business
  • Quality of life is high for Iowa farm families, survey shows
  • Elder friendly communities attract and keep older residents
  • Good health is habit-forming with new ISU Extension nutrition program
  • Extension’s energy tip: Keep your energy bill out of hot water

• 11/5/2008 - November 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Community conversations take on food, feed and fuel issues
  • Extension helps Iowans get the facts about wind energy
  • CIRAS-arranged connection results in a slew of pleasant surprises
  • 4-H alum nominated as Board of Regents student representative
  • Communities can raise healthy kids
  • Extension’s energy tip: Take whole-house approach to heating

• 10/2/2008 - October 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Greiner returns to handle structural, other issues with flooded homes
  • Study shows Iowans approve of bioeconomy, agree on energy policy issues
  • Iowa Hunger Summit tackles food, fuel debate
  • Iowa youth say celebrate 4-H all year long
  • Small farms have big potential, ISU Extension specialist says
  • Wood manufacturers learn about lean from all the right places
  • Extension’s energy tip: Insulate your home against high energy bills

• 9/3/2008 - September 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Longping comes to Iowa for English, management and ISU Extension
  • Don’t ‘fix’ families; partner with parents
  • CIRAS plays leading role in Stellar becoming ‘CSI’ star
  • Middle schoolers say ‘I can do it’ at Iowa State
  • Clerks and more: Institute reaches many municipal professionals
  • Dynamic leaders make things happen in Iowa communities
  • Iowa teens tell 4-H story with 4-H TV
  • Track Your Energy Costs with a Home Energy Audit

• 8/4/2008 - August 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Relive RAGBRAI via the Extension CY-Riders Web site
  • Horizons program launches citizen-leaders in Iowa communities
  • Community leaders to learn from peers at small towns conference
  • Standing in this line brings revenue to Iowa businesses
  • Grow old in your own home with smart home technology
  • Farm Progress Show features Iowa State opportunities for Iowa’s future
  • Edwards’ goal: Help public understand ag economics issues
  • It’s sausage to go at annual meats short course
  • Extension’s energy tip: Close the window on high energy bills

• 7/1/2008 - July 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • First tornados, then floods
  • Acreage Living newsletter helps manage rural non-farm life
  • Wanted: A program to help youth survive and thrive
  • Federal reviewer says project strengthens Buena Vista, Waterloo
  • Citizens Advisory Council experiences agri ‘culture’
  • Iowa Association of County Extension Councils celebrates 10 years
  • Iowa AmeriCorps State of Promise seeks volunteers
  • Extension learning community grows healthy food — and businesses
  • Extension’s energy tip: Stay cool this summer while saving energy

• 5/30/2008 - June 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • After the tornado, Iowans pull together to pick up the pieces
  • Biotechnology education connects science to ordinary things
  • New state biobased law started with a simple Extension lunch
  • Geiken goes green to boost 4-H enrollment
  • Iowa Master Farmers have Extension connections
  • Iowa State is ‘destination for designers’ and more
  • Positive youth development and 4-H get results
  • Extension’s energy tip: Don’t let high fuel costs drive you nuts

• 4/23/2008 - April 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Iowa’s green industry is growing -- the economy
  • Integrated Crop Management News is online and on time
  • Have trailer, will demonstrate universal design
  • Morrill Act on display at Iowa State
  • 4-H’ers say clubs build communication, citizenship, leadership skills
  • Care for Yourself/WISEWOMAN helps reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Iowa State’s 150th comes to a close

• 3/26/2008 - March 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Work group to help farmers improve energy conservation, efficiency
  • Proposal takes agricultural odor mitigation to next level
  • 4-H Day at the Legislature ignites action
  • Production agriculture vs. outdoor recreation is economic balancing act
  • Entrepreneurs on farms improve local economies
  • e-85 Inc. plants stimulate economic growth in southwest Iowa
  • Iowa’s CARET representatives meet with Sen. Harkin
  • Extension looks at the future of the bioeconomy in Greene County

• 2/22/2008 - February 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Looks like mulch, must be — tires?
  • Winegrape 101 grads add to industry growth in Iowa
  • Plan to stay ahead — and survive bankruptcy
  • Community leaders take a look at Program Builder for economic development
  • 4-H’ers use GPS/GIS to map barn quilts of Sac County
  • Regional leaders cross boundaries for economic growth

• 1/24/2008 - January 2008 -- From Jack Payne
  • Rastetter discusses future of U.S. ethanol industry
  • Communities check ‘speed’ of economic development with ReCAP
  • New Elderhostel program demonstrates successful Iowa tourism
  • Communities take action for quality child care
  • Cut the ribbon, open the door: eXtension launches Feb. 21-22
  • Leibold shares Iowa State perspective in China and Germany
  • 4-H volunteer training is online and on DVD

• 12/18/2007 - December 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Use your credit cards with care during last minute shopping
  • Iowa likely to follow U.S. trend: Slow decline in manufacturing
  • Latino immigrants to pilot health care discussion guide
  • 10 communities selected for Community Visioning Program
  • Parents can get answers online ‘just in time’
  • International program promotes ag understanding — with Iowa style

• 11/19/2007 - November 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Bioeconomy not a cure-all, Iowa farmers say
  • Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll shows some changes in farming plans
  • E-commerce attracts entrepreneurs, small business owners
  • Program prevents substance use; receives national award
  • Safety and Education in Shooting Sports: Skills for life, activity for a lifetime

• 10/23/2007 - October 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Summit demonstrates Iowans’ fight against hunger
  • Do you have enough food? Researchers ask Latino immigrants
  • Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit celebrates 75 years
  • Tax school is ‘perennial’ favorite from Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation
  • Why they leave, why they come, why they stay: Study looks at moving in nonmetro Iowa
  • The biggest change in agriculture since the plow: Conference continues the bioeconomy conversation
  • Culver proclaims 4-H Week; 4-H’ers respond with community service

• 9/21/2007 - September 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Got shovels? Iowa State breaks ground for Borlaug Learning Center
  • Latino business networks help small businesses start, expand
  • When a horse is more than a horse: Therapy for military families
  • Kellogg Foundation checks on its investment in northeast Iowa
  • Value-added ag businesses get help with agritourism and ‘agri-tainment’
  • Extension employees named to 4-H Hall of Fame

• 8/14/2007 - August 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • STEM gets to ‘root’ of improving student learning
  • Horizons communities are taking action for rural prosperity
  • It’s a farmers’ market online: Iowa MarketMaker
  • It’s about parts -- and increasing competitiveness of Iowa manufacturers
  • Design comes to the urban frontier
  • No horse? No problem in 4-H Horseless Horse project
  • Final issue of Extension Connection available online

• 7/19/2007 - July 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Manufacturer + workforce + CIRAS = 12,000 units of deer repellent
  • Take it from ‘Penny Wise’: Listen up and ‘Invest Wisely’
  • What’s next for the Community Vitality Center?
  • Co-ops can check ‘data warehouse’ for financial information
  • Intern is Extension’s ‘eyes and ears’ within Waterloo Latino community
  • Get farmland leasing information via Web or workshop

• 6/22/2007 - June 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Online homebuyers course helps Iowans catch the ‘American dream’
  • CY loves a parade -- and other events
  • Young hunters return for an educational challenge
  • How does your garden grow? With ISU Extension!
  • Extension gets a new home in Carroll County
  • Get ‘license to succeed’ from 4-H
  • The year in review: Comments from our directors

• 5/29/2007 - May 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Extension: The jewel of the land-grant system
  • Extension helps Iowans get ‘money smart’
  • Coalition adds value, economic development -- and a Kellogg Grant -- to northeast Iowa
  • The bioeconomy: What Iowans think
  • Extension is prime source of information on distillers grains
  • Expect growth spurt in Iowa urban 4-H

• 4/18/2007 - April 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Small towns have a future in the bioeconomy
  • Use Web site, build economic development program
  • VEISHEA co-chair draws on 4-H leadership skills
  • Elected councils and ISU Extension set next partnership

• 3/22/2007 - March 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • A grand opening for Rural Development Resource Center
  • Project targets economic research and assistance for southwest Iowa
  • Corn-following-corn gets exposure for ICM newsletter
  • Inner city youth visit Union County
  • Iowa State grad credits Extension for media career

• 2/20/2007 - February 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Workshops for planning officials explain land use process
  • Iowa offers ‘Better Kid Care’
  • Operation: Military Kids receives additional grant
  • Seminars address Iowa farm income tax issues
  • Grandma’s kitchen and 4-H inspire food science student
  • From Extension's online store

• 1/22/2007 - January 2007 -- From Jack Payne
  • Discuss latest research at Crop Advantage Series, Winter Crop Schools
  • They’re not ‘just horsing around’
  • ISU Extension begins 6th year with Lighten Up Iowa
  • Iowa State a good choice because of 4-H
  • Work begins on ISU studio space in Perry
  • From Extension's online store

• 12/19/2006 - December 2006 -- From Jack Payne
  • Happy holidays to you all!
  • Iowa farmland value at record level
  • Statewide bioeconomy discussions planned
  • Student athletes benefit when they 'Eat to Compete'
  • Youth leader credits 4-H, caring adults for honors
  • Will emerald ash borer infest Iowa?
  • From Extension's online store

• 11/20/2006 - November 2006 -- From Jack Payne
  • Maintaining Iowa's leadership in the bioeconomy
  • 25 Iowa communities selected for Horizons program
  • Ten county extension districts approve referendum
  • Service projects say ‘Happy 150th birthday, Iowa State!’
  • Iowa State student puts a face on world hunger
  • From Extension’s online store

• 10/19/2006 - October 2006 -- From Jack Payne
  • Extension programs bring outstanding student to campus
  • Value Added Agriculture program takes on Croatia, Romania projects
  • ISU Extension to run eXtension virtual newsroom
  • China delegation discusses cooperation with Iowa State
  • Of field corn and ISU fleece
  • From Extension's Online Store

• 9/18/2006 - September 2006 -- From Jack Payne
  • ISU Extension receives 4-H Afterschool awards
  • Finishing Cattle for Economic Development
  • Strengthening Families and PROSPER receive national awards
  • 87 and still going
  • From Extension's Online Store