News Releases

3/4/2009 - Equine Manager Quiz CD for Sale at Horse Jamboree and Iowa Horse Fair
Master Equine Manager Quiz CDHorse enthusiasts of all ages can test their horse knowledge with the Master Equine Manager Quiz. The CD will be available at the 2009 Iowa State Youth Horse Jamboree March 28-29 and the 25th Annual Iowa Horse Fair April 3-5.

3/4/2009 - Legislative Day Moves Closer to Home for 4-H Families Under Economic Pressure
4-H Day at the Legislature has been postponed. In its place the “Power of Youth, Iowa 4-H,” planning team is asking counties to create their own experiences to tell the powerful stories of 4-H.

3/4/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Evergreens, Daylilies and Martagon Lilies
This week's answers discuss winter injury to evergreens, when to divide daylily plants and the characteristics of the Martagon lily.

3/4/2009 - On First Day of Spring Celebrate Agriculture’s Economic Benefit to Community
Iowa agriculture production is making significant contributions to the economy of the state and nation. Take time to honor that during National Ag Week March 16-22.

3/4/2009 - Aronia - A New Crop for Iowa
The U.S. aronia berry industry is in the early stages of development. Production is centered on Harrison County in western Iowa. Currently, demand exceeds production. Most growers are planning to at least double their acres in 2009.

3/2/2009 - How to Be Savvy about Early Retirement Offers
Sometimes it’s the employer who suggests now would be a good time for retirement. Evaluate your options carefully and critically.

3/2/2009 - Iowa State Offers Technical Sessions on Nutrient Management
Iowa State University is offering farm nutrient management consultants two training options in April. One is a three-day Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Development Course; the other a one-day session on the Environmental Protection Agency's Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Final Rule.

3/2/2009 - Anhydrous Ammonia Applicators Have New Safety Issue
Producers and anhydrous ammonia applicators should heed safety precautions when using modified anhydrous ammonia applicator equipment.

3/2/2009 - Can a Vegetable Garden Save You Money?
ISU Extension horticulturist offers tips and suggestions on how gardening can help you save on your grocery bill.

2/26/2009 - Online Seminar Shares Real Stories about Improving Accessibility in Existing Homes
Iowans will share stories about changes they made in their homes to improve accessibility in a free Iowa State University Extension online seminar (webinar) March 5.

2/26/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Eggplant, Soil Mixes, Blueberries and Black Knot
This week’s questions discuss starting eggplant seedlings, soils for raised garden beds, pruning blueberries and black growths on branches of chokecherry plants.

2/25/2009 - 4-H Night at Cyclone Women’s Basketball Game
More than 700 Iowa 4-H’ers and their families will be cheering on the Iowa State University women’s basketball team during 4-H Night March 7 at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclone women will be playing Kansas at 7 p.m.

2/25/2009 - Dairy and Manure Handling Tours March 10, 11 and 13 in Northeast Iowa
Farm visits organized by Iowa State University Extension will give producers and agri-business operators who serve the dairy industry insight into new methods for how dairy operations meet requirements for handling manure.

2/24/2009 - Humboldt Workshop to Discuss Farm Tiling Issues
March 20 workshop will cover basics of building new systems or retrofitting current systems that reduce the negative environmental effects of tiling.

2/23/2009 - Emerald Ash Borer Monitoring: Keep up the Good Work, Iowa!
Entomologist says Iowans have earned a reputation for paying attention when disaster threatens.

2/20/2009 - 2009 Wind Energy Conference March 20 in Fairfield
Learn about wind energy opportunities, resources and threats to the wind energy industry at the 2009 Wind Energy Conference March 20, presented by Iowa State University Extension.

2/20/2009 - ISU Extension Offers RUSLE2 and P Index Workshops for Manure and Nutrient Plan Writers
Livestock producers and service providers wanting practice and guidance using RUSLE2 computer software should register to attend the April 1 workshop at the Polk County Extension office.

2/20/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Seed Germination and Fall Raspberries
Seed damping-off and spring pruning of fall raspberries are topics for this week's answers.

2/20/2009 - Sign up Now for 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Training
The 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification workshop March 27-29 helps adult volunteers be successful in leading youth shooting sports programs as well as in teaching youth to apply that knowledge to everyday life skills.

2/20/2009 - Judges Needed for State Science + Technology Fair of Iowa
Volunteers can sign up to be judges for this event that is expected to bring more than 450 youth in grades six through 12 and their research projects to Ames March 27-28.

2/19/2009 - Ways You Can Stop the Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide -- you can't see, smell or taste it -- but it can be lethal. Follow the advice of ISU Extension housing engineer Tom Greiner and reduce your exposure to carbon monoxide.

2/17/2009 - Healthy Eating Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive
You don't have to sacrifice good nutrition when trying to watch your food budget, an Iowa State University Extension nutrition specialist says.

2/16/2009 - Spring Pruning of Small Fruits in the Home Garden
Prudent pruning can help you get maximum yields from raspberries, grapes, gooseberries, currants and blueberries.

2/13/2009 - Iowa Water Conference to be held March 9-10
Stormwater and environmental groups to hold joint meeting to discuss urban and agricultural water issues.

2/12/2009 - Scholarships Available for Engineering Talent in Every County (E-TEC)
The Iowa State University College of Engineering is offering a $500 Engineering Talent in Every County (E-TEC) scholarship to high school seniors and transfer students from across Iowa who have declared engineering as their program of study at Iowa State.

2/11/2009 - Iowa Learning Farm Offers Planter Clinic
The Iowa Learning Farm is hosting a planter clinic at Iowa Lakes Community College, Emmetsburg, on March 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to demonstrate how to convert a traditional planter to a no-till planter.

2/10/2009 - Fruit and Vegetable Working Group Seeks Proposals for 2009
Iowa-based individuals or groups that are interested in conducting a fruit or vegetable industry research or development project during 2009 are invited to submit a 2-3 page proposal to the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Working Group by March 9.

2/10/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Cold Weather Impacts and Care of Miniature Roses
Answers predict what the effects may be of this year's cold winter on trees and shrubs, and offer suggestions on what to do with miniature roses received as Valentine gifts.

2/9/2009 - Marlin Rice Resigns as Extension Entomologist
Marlin Rice, extension and research entomologist, recently resigned his position with Iowa State University to take a position with Pioneer Hi-Bred.

2/9/2009 - Brinker Speaks Out for Military Kids
Brooke Brinker, 15, talks about life as a military kid and how her family has dealt with her father's deployment.

2/9/2009 - Human Health Screenings Become a Tradition at Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference
ISU Extension will provide free human health screenings during the Feb. 28 conference in Ottumwa.

2/9/2009 - CIRAS Coaches Iowa Manufacturers to ‘Winning Ways’
CIRAS and "Eureka! Winning Ways” bring manufacturing employees together to generate ideas for business growth.

2/9/2009 - Do You Have a Welcoming Home?
As you think of home fix-it projects, consider whether you need changes to create a more welcoming home. Overnight guests - especially those who use wheelchairs - will enjoy their stay more if you have a no-step entrance, a bedroom or sleeping area and a full-sized bathroom on the main level.

2/9/2009 - ISU Extension Offers Information about New Farm Bill Programs
The 2008 Farm Bill will be the topic of discussion at county informational meetings that feature Iowa State University Extension and Farm Service presenters. Presentations are also archived on the Web for individual viewing.

2/9/2009 - Learn How to Make Grocery Shopping a Positive Experience
If you dread grocery shopping, especially while trying to stay on a budget, Iowa State University Extension's Spend Smart. Eat Smart can help. Visitors point out site features that are helping them save money and eat healthier.

2/9/2009 - Bagworms: A Review and a Prediction
Infestation has been moving north in Iowa, but this year's cold winter may have an impact.

2/6/2009 - Crop Insurance Has Some Changes for 2009
An extension agricultural economist provides information that crop producers need to carefully calculate their insurance coverage needs before meeting with their crop insurance agent.

2/6/2009 - Finalists chosen for ‘Iowa’s Next Top Inventor’ contest
Two inventors are vying for the honor of "Iowa's Next Top Inventor." The winner will be determined at the Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference on Feb. 28.

2/6/2009 - Dairy Beef Feeding Meeting in Oelwein Feb. 26
Extension specialists will share information about dairy steer nutrition, risk management strategies, packer expectations and more at the dairy beef meeting Feb. 26.

2/6/2009 - Proposals for Healthy Living Activities Sought by Food and Fitness Initiative
People in the five county area of the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative are encouraged to submit activity requests to be considered as part of the initiatives 2-year plan.