Polk County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources programs aim to help all Iowans, from the home hobbyist to the ag professional, make informed decisions through research-based education. Our signature programs include the Polk County Master Gardener volunteer program and the Master Conservationist Program. Other focus areas including farm management education, and technical expertise for crops, livestock and pests. Our work supports clean water and healthy habitats, profitable farms, and a more secure food system.

Using a variety of educational deliveries including newsletters, websites, workshops, conferences, consultation, and clinics, our Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) specialists are engaged with farmers, researchers, organizations, agencies, agribusiness, and communities.

ANR Extension and Outreach plays an important role in providing research-based information and resources to educate Iowa and beyond. Our programs impact all Iowans, whether they live in a rural or urban area, and have been developed to improve our quality of life. Our areas of focus include: agricultural systems and environmental stewardship; crops; dairy production; farm, food and enterprise development; farm management; food safety; horticulture; beef production; swine production; and natural resources stewardship.