“Stay Independent: A Healthy Aging Series” is a nutrition and wellness program offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for adults age 60 and older. The program begins June 3^rd, 2020 and runs through June 24^th, in Jefferson.

As we learn more about this deadly virus, we question the impact it may have on our food supply.  I’ve listed just a few of the questions people may have and answers from the FDA: (https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions#food).

AMES, Iowa – Social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine: the changes from COVID-19 can be hard to handle. However, Iowans can turn to Iowa Concern for help, says Tammy Jacobs, coordinator for the long-time service from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic sheep and meat goat weigh-ins are CANCELED.  Rabbit Tattooing will take place at a later date and Poultry Pullorum Testing is WAIVED for the 2020 Fair season. The May 15th livestock ID deadline is extended to June 1st. We will follow-up with more information in the next week and address what these changes will look like in Greene County. Please see below the email from Dr. Debbie Nistler, Iowa 4-H Program Leader. If you have questions, please call the Greene County Extension Office (515-386-2138) and leave a message or email Kayla Willms (khyett@iastate.edu) and she will do her best to answer your questions.

All ISU Greene County Extension programs now through the end of March have been canceled due to the COVID-19 virus.  “Keeping our constituents and staff well and safe is our top priority” stated Lori Mannel, Greene County Extension Director.

Greene County Extension is hosting a series of Ag Coffee events, bringing farmer and other Ag Professionals together for an informal discussion on current Ag topics. Join us March 27^th, 2020 from 9:30 – 11:00 am for coffee, donuts, and “Water Quality-Backyard, City, Farm” with Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension & Outreach Field Specialist. Practices like rain gardens, permeable paving, and bioreactors, applicable to homes, towns, and farms, will be discussed along with potential impacts and practical management advice.  The March meeting is sponsored by Peoples Trust and Savings Bank. No reservations are needed. For more information, call the Extension office at (515) 386-2138.

Jefferson, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Greene County office will be offering another opportunity to attend the Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course, led by Extension Field Agronomist, Mike Witt. This session is scheduled for March 10^th, 2020 from 6:30pm-8:30pm, at the Greene County Extension Office.  No Registration Needed.

Greene County will offer the Ornamental and Turfgrass Applicators Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, March 4, 2020. The program can be seen at locations across Iowa through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) team.

Learn What Foods Can Help You Stay Independent in New Program by ISU Extension

Jefferson, Iowa- Food insecurity reduces an older adult’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Nationally one in four older adults is not getting enough nutrition to improve their abilities.