Working with cattle can be an around-the-clock job, especially during certain busy seasons or when help is short. But taking a break is essential, according to past participants of an educational program called “Boots in the Barn,” offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Iowa 4-H is celebrating National Computer Science Week, Dec. 9-13, with engaging, age-appropriate activities for students in grades K-12. Thanks to a generous grant from Google, Iowa 4-H is empowering youth across the state to explore artificial intelligence, an essential technology of the future.
Holiday spending is a common way for people to land themselves in debt and financial stress. However, practicing Money Smart Holiday Sending gives consumers confidence to manage their money and resources throughout the season and into the new year, says Carol Ehlers, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Dairy-beef crossbreds are gaining in popularity, yet some producers are unsure how that might work in their herds. Garland Dahlke, research scientist with the Iowa Beef Center, will present research he conducted the past 18 months examining the nutrition, health and performance of dairy crossbred calves. His presentation is one of five at Feedlot Forum 2025.
Holiday cacti are a beautiful addition to the fall and winter seasons. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips for care and address common issues when growing these houseplants.
NASA flight engineers and astronauts Nick Hague and Matt Dominick aboard the International Space Station Expedition 72 answered questions from Iowa 4-H youth and other students via live downlink on Oct. 21. The event was sponsored by the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program, Iowa State University's Space Grant Consortium and The World Food Prize.
Twelve outstanding student researchers, including four Iowa 4-H members, have been named finalists in the prestigious National STEM Challenge. These young innovators now will create and upload project videos by Dec. 1 for the next round of judging.
Wesley Everman, new assistant professor and extension weed specialist at Iowa State University, is excited to help farmers tackle the many weed management challenges they face. He brings a wealth of experience in identifying and developing management practices for herbicide resistant weed species.
Sarah L. Francis, a professor and extension specialist in Iowa State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, is part of a multistate team awarded a $1,091,218 grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The project will create StrengthenHER, a groundbreaking virtual exercise and nutrition program designed to help women over 50 maintain independence and enhance their health by reducing the risk of sarcopenia.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference takes place Dec. 4-5 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The conference features over 26 speakers, as well as offering five campus tours, Red Cross First Aid Certification and networking with inspiring women in agriculture.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues Dec. 3. The program “What does this season’s corn silage look like?” features a presentation by Neal Wininger, feed and forage consultant with Dairyland Labs, Arcadia, Wisconsin.
High-priced feeder cattle, inflation, volatile markets and weather have pressured the bottom line for cattle feeders. Beth Doran, beef specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said these pressures and methods of coping are the focus of this year’s Feedlot Forum 2025.
First Impressions, a program partnership between ISU Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Economic Development Authority/Iowa Tourism Office, helps communities understand their strengths and weaknesses through the lens of first-time visitors. Community applications for the program are open through Jan. 31, 2025.
The Safe Routes Partnership has released the Making Strides 2024 State Report Cards, providing an evaluation of how supportive each state is of walking, bicycling and physical activity. This year’s report highlights Iowa’s efforts and areas for improvement in promoting active transportation and healthy lifestyles.
With the national beef cow herd at record low numbers and fed cattle numbers still decreasing, marketing and the future of the cow herd expansion is the timely focus of the 13th annual Driftless Region Beef Conference. It will be held Jan. 23-24, 2025, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque.
A new publication from Iowa Pork Industry Center, "Contingency Planning: Feed," explains potential feed supply interruptions and management considerations for developing contingency plans. Iowa State University extension swine specialist Mark Storlie authored the publication, and said daily feed supply is important for the growth and general well-being of sows, piglets and market pigs.
A new program offered by Iowa Beef Center will help cattle feeders and stakeholders prioritize herd health and ease stress on individual animals. Cattle Feeders Day is set for Dec. 10 at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm/Wallace Learning Center, 53020 Hitchcock Ave., Lewis.
The Iowa Beef Center's Genetics Symposium 2024 will focus on female cattle and improving reproduction. The symposium is set for Dec. 16-17 at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames.
The next “Conservation on Tap” event is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30-7 p.m. at Fenceline Beer Lab in Huxley. The casual gathering will provide local farmers, landowners and interested Iowans with an opportunity to listen, share and learn with peers and Iowa State University experts about conservation topics.
With four fairs to be held across the state in 2025, the new Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa offers students in grades 3-5 the opportunity to showcase their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues Thursday, Dec. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Allison Vander Plaats will discuss the topic of extra-label drug use.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff members were honored in October at the Iowa 4-H YouthFest professional development conference. Award recipients were recognized for their impact on local communities, accomplishments in their field and embodiment of the ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H mission.
A five-week lunch-and-learn webinar series starting in January will explore the innovative use of perennial groundcovers in corn and corn/soybean production systems as a cover crop. The series is sponsored by Iowa State University and RegenPCG.
For many Iowa gardeners, herbaceous perennials are some of the most colorful and beautiful additions to the landscape. The theme of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 2025 Garden Calendar is “Perennial Beauty,” which features these garden favorites.
The Iowa 4-H program hosted its annual Meat Judging Contest at the Iowa State University Meat Lab in Ames. Sixty-one youth participants from across the state gathered to showcase their meat evaluation and judging skills.
