Explore Iowa's natural world through a series of new publications by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Read more about Iowa Nature Series Provides Fresh Look at Iowa's Outdoors
Learn about the options for controlling lawn and garden weeds from horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Read more about Controlling Weeds in the Home Lawn and Garden
The growth and development of alfalfa is affected by many factors, including temperature, soil moisture, stand age and even cultivar. Alfalfa growth has been slower than normal due to cool conditions in April. This is a good reminder that using a calendar date to determine when to harvest the first crop of alfalfa may not the best method. In order to accurately predict the optimal time for the first cutting, the University of Wisconsin developed the Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) method. Read more about Estimating First Crop Alfalfa Harvest Using PEAQ
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers online training in food safety, food preparation and Iowa regulations designed specifically for cottage food producers – people who prepare foods to be sold out of their home or at a farmers market. Read more about Online Food Safety Training for Home-based Food Operators in Iowa
In few weeks growers will be planting sweet corn in Iowa. Sweet corn is an important commercial crop in Iowa. Based on the 2017 Agriculture Census, sweet corn is planted across 329 farms in Iowa with a collective acreage of 2,739 acres. Of the total acres, 1,743 is harvested for fresh market and the remaining for processing. For the fresh markets, growers practice succession planting of sweet corn to have a continuous supply for their customers during the growing season. Read more about Sweet Corn Planting
The World Wildlife Fund, Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve released its 2020-2021 overwintering monarch population report on February 25, 2021. Read more about Size of Monarch Overwintering Population Underscores Continued Need for Conservation in the Midwest and North America
Significant presence of mud can increase energy requirements by as much as 30%. Wading through mud burns more calories, resulting in reduced gain for developing breeding stock and fed cattle as well as reduced milk production for cows. Confounding things further, cattle to tend eat less by simply avoiding putting in effort to get to feed. Read more about Managing March Madness: Mud in Iowa
The environment inside our livestock and poultry houses is important for maintaining a productive and healthy herd or flock. Ventilation or fresh air exchange is important to remove undesirable moisture and noxious gases during winter months and in summer, make sure the indoor temperature is not too much warmer than outdoors. Read more about Optimizing Ventilation in Small Scale Production
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Iowans can expect next year to be bright and colorful – at least according to the images found within the 2021 Garden Calendar produced by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Read more about Iowa Native Plants Featured in the 2021 Garden Calendar
