Agriculture and Natural Resources

• A new study from researchers with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines how farmers are responding to the increasing threats of weather and climate change. The researchers analyzed data from the 2020 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll survey of 1,059 Iowa farmers. The study examined changes in five major adaptive management practices. The study also examined whether selected factors were associated with changes in adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. The authors highlight a need for research and extension to help farmers address short-term impacts without causing long-term problems.
• In 2020, the Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology – Survey Research Services at Iowa State University was contracted to conduct an online/mail survey with dairy farmers in Iowa to learn about their current operations, needs and expectations for the future. The survey consisted of 903 Grade A and B dairy producers in Iowa and was part of a research effort coordinated by dairy specialists Jennifer Bentley, Fred Hall, and Larry Tranel, who served as principal investigators on this project. Results provide insight on the current state of the dairy industry in Iowa and will be summarized through reports for educators, industry collaborators, elected officials, and the public.

Community and Economic Development

• Registration is now open for the fall Iowa Municipal Professionals Institute, scheduled for Oct. 6-8 in a virtual format. It’s cosponsored by the ISU Extension and Outreach Office of State and Local Government Programs and the Iowa League of Cities. Each year, MPI provides clerks and finance officers from across the state with training that gives them the basic framework of how municipalities function and assists municipal professionals with their day-to-day duties. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI is delivered in a hybrid format, with two-day virtual sessions in winter and fall and a longer, in-person summer session in Ames.
• CED provides goal setting, strategic planning, and action planning services to help local governments and nonprofits address critical issues, identify priorities, and develop plans to accomplish those priorities. In September, CED specialists will facilitate planning sessions for the Veterans n Agriculture, Linn County Community Partnerships for Protecting Children community leaders, the United Way Great River Region Board, the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, the Butler County Extension Council, the Central Iowa Business Network, the ISU Extension and Outreach Crops Team, and Linn County extension staff.

Human Sciences

• Dr. Elizabeth Stegemöller, Department of Kinesiology, received a $9,000 grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation to support A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease. Human Sciences specialists Sara Sprouse, Cindy Thompson, and Lori Korthals will provide monthly virtual delivery of the three-session program from August 2021 through April 2022. They are implementing strategic marketing efforts of the virtual series for regions of the state. Rural areas are a priority.
• For the last nine months, ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County has intentionally engaged Iowans to address mental health by providing research-based information and resources through a variety of programs and by including conversations on mental health during events. The Children’s’ Art in the Garden event allowed ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County to cross program areas and incorporate mental health discussions. Families took a StoryWalk through the garden, which integrated literacy practices in a fun way and encouraged adults to have a kid-friendly conversation about mental health. The featured book, “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas, focused on emotions and helped kids understand their feelings and how to sort through them. Master Gardener volunteers brought the story to life with garden sculptures that represented characters in the book. Families also received a children’s book focused on mental health and a variety of ISU Extension and Outreach resources to continue the conversation after the event. Over 320 participants attended the event made possible by 50 dedicated Master Gardener volunteers and staff.

4-H Youth Development

• The Iowa Space Grant Consortium and 4-H Youth Development have been awarded a NASA In-flight Education Downlink on Sept. 27. Youth from across Iowa will ask prerecorded questions to the astronauts on the International Space Station, Expedition 65. Astronauts will listen to the videos in space and then respond live on NASA TV during the virtual event. The downlink will provide an extension of learning for participants in 4-H Astro Camps that were hosted across the state this summer.
• Over the past year, 4-H Youth Development has been training facilitators across the state on the revised curriculum for Ricochet: An Extreme Leadership Adventure. As of mid-September, 52 4-H staff and school educators had participated in a two-day training for those new to Ricochet, and 17 staff and educators familiar with the program participated in a one-day refresher training. The training prepares facilitators to deliver Ricochet with fidelity and to provide an effective learning experience for the youth to fulfill the expected outcomes. Curriculum revisions included updated activities and photos to reflect diversity and safety for the youth, inclusion of the Iowa and national core standards for education, and connection to social and emotional learning skills.
• Forty Iowa youth are beginning their new terms as State 4-H Council members. These young leaders will serve as ambassadors for the 4-H Youth Development program, as well as organize and implement the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. They serve at the Iowa State Fair and other Iowa 4-H events and visit counties to share how 4-H members can get involved with state and national 4-H opportunities. The council members also coordinate, promote, and oversee the 4-H’ers for 4-H fundraising campaign.

4-H Youth Development

• After instruction from Iowa PBS professionals, a new cohort of Iowa 4-H Reporters is well prepared to cover the Iowa State Fair. These youth will showcase their new media knowledge by sharing fair features and 4-H stories. The Iowa 4-H Reporters program, now in its fifth year, is an opportunity for youth who have an interest in media and communications to learn more about the industry and develop news media during the Iowa State Fair.
• Thirty-six youth in grades 7-12 from across Iowa tested their knowledge of integrated pest management, crop growth, and pest identification during the 11th annual Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition on July 26. The event, hosted by the Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program and Iowa 4-H Youth Development, provided youth with the opportunity to work with and learn from Iowa State faculty, staff, and agronomists, as well as professionals in crop-related careers.
• The 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and State 4-H Skillathon contests will be held together on September 18 at Iowa State. These competitions encourage 4-H youth to develop a more complete knowledge of animals and related subjects. The top senior level 4-H teams in both contests will represent Iowa at the National 4-H Skillathon Contest and National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl competition in Louisville, Kentucky, at the North American International Livestock Exposition.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Crop growers will get an update on the latest advancement in strip tillage at this year’s fall field day at Iowa State University’s Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Research Farms on September 8. Strip-till allows producers to till and plant into narrow strips, leaving crop residue undisturbed between the rows. Participants will learn about its potential for central Iowa farms, how they can get set up for strip-tillage or improve what they are already doing. There also will be field demonstrations of how different manufacturers’ strip-till equipment works in oat stubble.
• Food businesses interested in expanding the processing and retail side of their operation have a new resource published by ISU Extension and Outreach. The “Scaling Up Specialty Crop Processing Toolkit” provides an overview and case study of the different criteria for food businesses interested in processing specialty crops through small scale value-added processing – such as product development, commercial kitchens, increasing sales and more. The publication is being released at a time when local food businesses and small-scale processors are seeing increased demand – partly due to COVID-19. Topics like licensing, retail and processing design, employee health and safety precautions, and standard operating procedures are all covered. This project was funded through the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.
• The emerald ash borer continues to make its way through Iowa. In early August it was confirmed in Calhoun, Winnebago, and Worth counties for the first time. This invasive insect has now been found in 84 of Iowa’s 99 counties since its first detection in 2010. The State of Iowa monitors the spread of EAB on a county-by-county basis. Before a county can be declared positive, a life stage of the insect must be collected and confirmed. ISU Extension and Outreach specialists are part of the Iowa EAB team, along with specialists from IDALS and DNR.

Community and Economic Development

• Regional Small Business and Organization Ecosystem Study: The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Polk County and other regional community partners are working to improve economic stability and recovery from COVID-19. As part of this effort, ISU Extension and Outreach is supporting the project through understanding small business (under 50 employees) and community organizations’ challenges and needs in the current environment. The study region includes Boone, Story, Marshall, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Adair, Madison, Warren, and Marion counties. Input sessions will be offered for individuals to provide feedback on how community elements strengthen and hinder small business and community organizations. In early August CED specialists helped conduct input sessions at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines and at the ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County office in Altoona.
• The 2021 Community Visioning Program is in design phase of the process. In August Emmetsburg will have a design workshop; preliminary design concept reviews will take place in Princeton, Conrad, Shenandoah, Malvern, and Alleman; and design concepts will be presented to the public in Shenandoah and Calamus.
• In August CED is conducting virtual Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops for Rock Valley, Sidney, and Sheldon, through its continuing collaboration with the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Community Development Block Grant technical assistance fund.
• CED continues to facilitate ISU Extension and Outreach’s cultural competency training, Navigating Difference. CED specialists will facilitate the program virtually for Public Health Service Area 6 and for IMPACT, a nonprofit that provides families with access to assistance for housing, food, disaster, etc., in Des Moines.

Human Sciences

• The Financial Security I-Team supports seven counties to help communities address financial security issues. In response, Human sciences specialists hosted eight statewide online series January through May 2021, using three lessons from the FDIC Money Start for Adults. The topics included prioritizing bills, managing debt, and improving credit, and 147 participants attended at least one session. Evaluation results are positive, with the team moving forward to refine the classes and offer them in a face-to-face format. Because of this class, 91% of participants say they better understand their money picture and the consequences of not paying bills in full or on time; 85% grew their financial knowledge and decision making by using a short-term spending plan; and 94% increased their knowledge of how to find reliable resources to make financial decisions.
• Vermeer Corporation (Pella) recently promoted the Preserve the Taste of Summer 101 Online program to employees as a wellness activity. Employees complete wellness activities as incentives for a discount on their health insurance plan. Six employees (and a partner) attended the July 21 class.
• The National Council on Family Relations held its first specialty conference for family life educators on June 25. The Science of Parenting work team was part of that virtual venture, sharing “Research and Reality: Helping Parents Find, Value, and Utilize Trustworthy Information” with 30 educators from across the nation. NCFR is the premier professional association for understanding families through interdisciplinary research, theory, and practice.

Updates from the ISU Extension and Outreach leadership team

Community and Economic Development

• Lee County Intern Connect is a summer-long program designed to immerse participants in the intrinsic benefits of Lee County and the tri-state region. Interns can network with other young people who are engaged in the area. The program promotes the vibrancy of the community and the benefits of choosing to live, work, and play in Lee County. Sponsors include ISU Extension and Outreach, the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce, and the Lee County Economic Development Group.
• “The Five Steps of Excellent Customer Service” train-the-trainer workshop is for county extension staff who want to deliver customer service training locally. The program can be customized to meet local presenters’ teaching styles and community needs and can be tailored to accommodate a lunch-and-learn format or expanded with local information and interactive learning exercises. The audience includes front line employees and managers who interact with the public, including retail, service and hospitality business employees, and volunteers and employees who work at community attractions. Presenting the program locally provides extension county staff with an opportunity to build additional connections with the business community and help revive their local economy. During June CED specialists will be offering the workshop at Atlantic, Spencer, Nashua, and Oskaloosa.
• CED provides goal setting, strategic planning, and action planning services to help local governments and nonprofits address critical issues, identify priorities, and develop plans to accomplish those priorities. In June CED specialists will facilitate strategic planning for the Toledo Community Theater Board and the Cedar Falls Racial Equity Task Force.

Human Sciences

• Stay Independent: A Healthy Aging Series is a nutrition and wellness program for adults age 60+. The lessons were converted to interactive online lessons via Zoom for delivery during the pandemic. It was recently offered from mid-February to mid-March. On average, 42 participants attended each session, with 21 participants attending all six sessions and 81% attending at least half of the sessions. A follow-up survey indicated these outcomes for participants: eating more foods recommended through the MIND diet, fruits, and vegetables; eating meals that have three or more food groups; being more physically active; and participating in brain-stimulating activities. Afterward, participants sought additional resources.
• Nine participants in Delaware County took part in Writing Your Retirement Paycheck. Most indicated engagement in or completion of the following activities after attending: identifying sources for retirement income; determining the Social Security benefit at a planned retirement age; estimating life expectancy; estimating the amount of income needed to save for retirement; and reflecting on how to spend time in retirement and the costs associated with those activities. All agreed they now have the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively plan for and manage income during retirement. All also indicated they will likely adjust current plans for retirement.
• EFNEP and SNAP-Ed resumed in-person instruction in June. A sub-set of educators are teaching the initial in-person lessons to test protocols, followed by the option of opening to all later this summer. EFNEP previously required that participants be eligible based on income and caregiving responsibility for a minor child. Guidance now allows serving participants who are income-eligible and may have caregiving responsibility in the future. We are interpreting this change inclusively, as people in all stages of life have the potential to become caregivers. This opens EFNEP to more Iowans.

4-H Youth Development

• Camera Corps 2021 currently has 291 youth participants, who represent 82 counties. The program has been hosting virtual county-based photography workshops and is looking forward to holding in-person workshops in late June. Their exhibit “Exploring Texture” is at the Green Hills Art Gallery in Ames through July 15. Iowa 4-H also worked with the New Jersey 4-H Program to help them create a 4-H Camera Corps Program.
• Iowa is one of 10 states piloting the Soccer for Success program in partnership with National 4-H Council and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The program helps youth establish important life skills and health behaviors through recreational soccer instruction. Iowa’s goal is to reach 100 youth this spring/summer and then grow into more counties next year. At this point 4-H will exceed this goal, as there are summer and fall programs lined up in Dallas, Louisa, and Wapello counties.
• The 4-H LGBTQ+ Champion Group was a sponsor for the Iowa Safe Schools Governor’s Conference in April, and with that sponsorship the group had representatives at a virtual “table” to share their message and answer questions. This team, along with members from other champion groups, are also planning a retreat at the Boone YMCA in July for roughly 20 youth who have expressed interest in the Teen Equity and Inclusion Influencer role.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Marsh Madness is the new Conservation Station developed and operated by Iowa Learning Farms and Water Rocks! The new trailer combines sight, sound, and science to engage Iowans about the values of the state’s wetland ecosystems. Marsh Madness will travel across the state to schools, county fairs, and other events. Reservations are free and include educational programming and materials for all ages and backgrounds, The Conservation Station trailers have appeared at 769 events since 2010, engaging with some 103,600 Iowans. They log an estimated 18,000 to 24,000 miles each year.
• Most farmers in Iowa are seeing a significant increase in what they pay for land rents this year. According to the Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2021 Survey, rates have increased an average of 4.5%, an increase of about $10 per acre, for a total per-acre rent of $232. Extension economist Alejandro Plastina says this is the first substantial increase in cash rents since 2013, when rents peaked, followed by four years of declining rents and three years of relatively stable rents.
• The “Soil Judging in Iowa” handbook and the “Iowa Soil Judging Scorecard” have been updated. Both are used by youth soil judging teams and were produced in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and FFA. Both publications help contestants look at soil properties and potential problems or opportunities with different soils. The publications are updated from time to time to ensure that terms and explanations are consistent with the soil industry, NRCS, and university education. Both publications provide useful information, regardless of whether the user is planning to go to college, return to the farm, or do something else.

Updates from the ISU Extension and Outreach leadership team

Agriculture and Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development

• The 11th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Iowa Youth will be held July 26 at the Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone. The in-person event is presented by the Integrated Pest Management program and 4-H Youth Development is a sponsor. Students completing grades 7-12 are invited to put their crop scouting skills to the test against other Iowa youth teams across the state. This event provides youth an opportunity to obtain knowledge and skills helpful in future careers related to agricultural and environmental sciences.

More Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Our Agriculture and Natural Resources program provides clients, policy makers, agencies, agribusiness professionals, and other stakeholders the opportunity to learn from research-based education to inform their decisions, which leads to a sustainable agriculture and environment. In turn, this benefits all Iowans by ensuring clean water, profitable farms, thriving communities, and a more secure food system. Take a look at our 2020 ANR by the Numbers.
• The derecho that swept across Iowa and the Midwest in August 2020 caused extensive damage to forests and woodlots – but not all of it was negative. Billy Beck, assistant professor and extension forestry specialist, has put together a series of YouTube videos that explain how woodland owners can recover, and make their forests more resilient than before.
• For the first time in two years, the Beef Improvement Federation’s annual meeting and research symposium will be held in person. Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director and extension beef specialist, said Iowa State faculty and staff are excited to host this year’s event, set for June 22-25 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

More 4-H Youth Development

• SWITCH Facebook Live events reached 2,470 families virtually this spring. Each month, SWITCH (School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health) team members demonstrated how to make a Spend Smart. Eat Smart. recipe using a featured fruit of the month (which SWITCH students taste-tested in school that month). Local 4-H staff worked with the school core teams to provide to-go bags that included ingredients to prepare the recipe at home, as well as an activity for families to complete together. The goal is to get students to switch to consuming more fruits and vegetables. SWITCH registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open.
• Youth will participate in Astro Camp events across the state June 14-18. Astro Camp gives youth the chance to experience STEM and inspires future astronauts and engineers to learn about space with activities unique to NASA. Activities include creating a mission patch and building a space habitat, as well as a statewide rocket launch. The camp is a great way to help youth foster career dreams of tomorrow and develop life-changing goals through Next Generation science, math, and engineering skills.

Community and Economic Development

• The Great Iowa Road Trip took place April 30 and May 1 in Marion and Mahaska counties. Community residents and visitors followed a mapped route featuring a self-guided tour of 42 cool places and special activities in towns such as New Sharon, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, and Pella. Tourism specialist Diane Van Wyngarden led this special weekend event cosponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach to assist small communities.
• The 2021 Community Visioning Program completed community assessment work in April and local steering committees are reviewing the assessment data provided by the ISU research team. During May assessment reviews will be conducted in Alleman, Emmetsburg, Conrad, and Malvern.
• During May, Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops continue for Harrison County, Glenwood, Pacific Junction, and Malvern. CED specialists will facilitate Leading Communities for Osceola and Wayne counties. Navigating Difference will be conducted for Region 6 Public Health and Centro Latino.

Human Sciences

• Buy, Eat, Live Healthy education continued during the pandemic. The SNAP-Ed and EFNEP team taught 1,864 lessons virtually over the past year, and group-based lessons with long-standing partners have been part of this success. For example, the YWCA in Fort Dodge is home to women experiencing substance abuse recovery and 49 women at the Y have completed Buy, Eat, Live Healthy education with technology support from the Y staff. In April the Metro High School in Cedar Rapids initiated a group class for soon-to-be independent teenagers.
• Two Human Sciences Extension and Outreach outcomes were featured as part of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences IMPACT 2021 reports shared with national legislators and stakeholders. In the “Protecting Our Resources – Family Life” category, Iowa offered “Stress on the Farm: Strategies to Help Each Other” to 4,376 participants; 86% agreed they were able to recognize risk factors and warning signs that someone is distressed or potentially suicidal. Additionally, 79% agreed they were more willing to engage with someone who is distressed. In the “Improving Children’s Lives” category, Early Childhood Education Trainings in Iowa increase educators’ ability to identify strengths and limitations and prioritize changes. Of 570 participants, 96% indicated growth in these areas and initiated a workable plan for program development.
• The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative operates the Double Up Food Bucks project in Iowa. An Iowan who shops with SNAP dollars at a participating site can receive $1 of Double Up Bucks for every $1 of SNAP benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. The currency is redeemable at participating farmers markets and grocery stores. Beginning with the summer distribution, Double Up Food Bucks currency will feature a QR code to the Spend Smart, Eat Smart Produce Basics page. This partnership will provide resources related to produce selection, storage, and use to all Double Up Food Bucks shoppers.

Updates from the ISU Extension and Outreach leadership team

4-H Youth Development

• Iowa 4-H members participated in virtual interviews for the annual State 4-H Recognition Day on March 27. State 4-H Recognition is the process in which senior 4-H members in grades 9-12 can apply to be selected for special statewide opportunities including awards, trips such as National 4-H Conference, State 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Reporters Program, and Iowa 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors. The 2021 award winners are listed by county on the Iowa 4-H website
• Every other Wednesday State 4-H Council Members offer an inside look at Iowa 4-H through the Iowa 4-H CloverCast, sharing personal insights and stories, as well as talking with professionals and experts. Council members host the guests, share 4-H opportunities, and edit and transcribe the audio for each podcast. This podcast is made possible by a partnership with the Iowa 4-H Foundation and ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.
• In partnership with the Iowa Education Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, State 4-H Council members worked together to prepare and sew nine tactile blankets for Iowa youth who are blind or visually impaired. The tactile blankets can be used by infants, young children, and older children who are blind or visually impaired, to help engage them in their cognitive development. Council members were encouraged to take this service project idea back to their own counties and 4-H clubs to help spread awareness and to encourage their fellow 4-H members to participate.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

• The optimum planting window for Iowa corn has been April 11 to May 18, with a shorter window in the northern part of the state compared to the south. And the risk for a heavy frost (temperature below 28 F) remains above the 50th percentile until about mid-April. This Integrated Crop Management blog post provides more information on planting date considerations.
• Madeline Schultz, program manager for the farm management team’s women in ag program was recently awarded a $300,000 grant focused on “Enhancing Conservation, Access, and Generational Transition of Iowa Farmland through Women Landowners.” The first part of the project will consist of collecting more data and analytics about women farm ownership. From there, the team will assemble area meetings of women landowners and stakeholders, to discuss and gather concerns. Finally, the team will hold online and face-to-face workshops to deliver information and resources that improve women’s knowledge of land ownership.
• For 25 years, Ag Decision Maker has provided a decision-oriented agricultural business website designed for farmers, lenders, farm managers, agriculture instructors, and others. Ag Decision Maker is coordinated, written, and distributed by the farm management team within ANR. Since 1996, there has also been a monthly newsletter distributed to provide timely analysis and insight into many of the issues facing modern agriculture. Join us in celebrating 25 great years with such a useful resource to Iowans and beyond.

Community and Economic Development

• In April Community and Economic Development continues to collaborate with the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Community Development Block Grant technical assistance fund, conducting virtual Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops for Glenwood, Malvern, and Pacific Junction. CED is collaborating with Ohio State University to offer RHRA for Noble County, Ohio.
• CED continues its work to enhance community leadership structures and broaden community engagement through leadership training. During April CED specialists are facilitating Leading Communities: A Place-based Leadership Program for Osceola, Howard, and Wayne counties. The program is designed to promote community engagement and increase capacity among community members for addressing common issues and problems. CED specialists will facilitate Developing Dynamic Leaders in Webster County. This program focuses on leadership skills at the individual level.
• Navigating Difference cultural competency training enables participants to create a safe and welcoming environment for all learners with activities that respect and support individual learning styles. In April, CED specialists will conduct Navigating Difference with Region 6 Public Health and Centro Latino.

Human Sciences

• The Science of Parenting team (Lori Korthals, Barbara Dunn Swanson, Mackenzie DeJong, and Mackenzie Johnson) received first place for a single program in the Epsilon Sigma Phi Elevate Extension Talk. Their winning video is posted on the National ESP YouTube Channel.
• The Van Buren County Extension Council will reimburse 10 businesses who send their staff to ServSafe classes before the end of the fiscal year. Two participants received scholarships for the March 16 class. The council is offering scholarships to other Human Sciences Extension and Outreach educational offerings as well. The council is taking this action as part of their “Reviving the Iowa Economy” priority recovery initiative.
• During federal FY 2020, the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. app had 2,468 new users and the website had 128,685 total users. Sixty-three percent of users were age 44 or younger; 69% were female. Most users accessed the website in English, but 2,362 used the live translation feature. This is 2.5 times the number who used this feature in 2019: 549 accessed it in Spanish, 304 in Portuguese, and 232 in Chinese. A September 2020 user survey showed that 52% of users access the website or app weekly or daily. Users reported that recipes, meal planning resources, and fresh produce preparation information were the most helpful types of content. Users also reported these top 3 behavior changes they made: cooking healthy recipes (most frequent response), eating more fruits and vegetables, and trying new foods.