[Masthead] Overcast ~ 82°F  
High: 85°F ~ Low: 66°F
Saturday, May 18, 2013
MMC girls play three golf matches (04/25/13)
The Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn girls golf team has competed in just three matches to date due to the inclement spring weather that has decimated the prep aports calendar. At Hawarden, host West Sioux carded 215 and MMC shot 218. Low medal for the Eagles were medalist Kayla Theisen 47, Sarah McDermott 52, Alissa McDermott 54, Alison Meehan 64...
Extension Line (12/14/11)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold thirteen Crop Advantage Series meetings across Iowa from January 4-26, 2012. Locally, a Crop Advantage Series session will be held in Storm Lake at Buena Vista University in the Siebens Forum on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Paul Kassel, Extension Field Agronomist, is hosting this meeting...
Extension Line (12/07/11)
Many Americans were socked with higher-than-usual energy bills this past summer. Unfortunately, winter won't provide much of a break. The Energy Information Administration expects the average household with heating oil will spend a record $2,493 from October through March, up 8% from last year. Those heating with propane will spend as much as $2,979 (up 9%); natural gas $744 (up 3%); or electricity $956 (down 1%)...
Extension Line (11/04/11)
I hope everyone has enjoyed our recent mild weather. Sooner, rather than later, we will get to experience winter driving conditions. With the upcoming holidays and the travel associated with them, it may be a good idea to be ready for the changes in driving conditions. Here are some reminders as you prepare for the winter driving season...
Extension Line (10/28/11)
I have been getting several calls recently about fall anhydrous application. First and foremost -- when should we go? We want to start when soil temperatures are at 50 degrees or lower, and falling. Why? Nitrogen (N) in the ammonium form, stays in place, but when it gets warmer it more rapidly moves into the nitrate form -- which is water soluble and can move when excess water is in our soil profile. ...
Extension Line (10/19/11)
In anticipation of what is to come in weather, here are some chores to prepare the garden for winter. Roses: Modern, bush-type roses (hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras) require protection during the winter months. Iowa's low winter temperatures can severely injure and sometimes kill unprotected roses. ...
Extension Line (10/10/11)
When you do not have enough money to cover your family's basic living expenses and pay all your creditors, you face some difficult financial decisions. When family income is reduced, your spending habits must change. The sooner you change, the more likely your financial problems can be lessened. Your family should be part of the decision-making process, since their cooperation is essential to carry out the plans...
Extension Line (09/30/11)
Research shows that many of us believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet more than half of all Americans do not eat breakfast every day according to the 2009 Foundation Food & Health Survey. Are you one of those non-breakfast eaters? If so, read on to see how this morning meal boosts brain power...
Extention Line (09/21/11)
This week, we bring you some good information about apple harvest and storage from Paul Domoto, ISU Extension Fruit Specialist: The cool temperatures we have been experiencing are optimum for promoting red color in apples. The red color comes from anthocyanin pigments in the skin that are enhanced by good exposure to sunlight and cool night temperatures that drop into the lower 50's and 40's. ...
Extension Line (09/14/11)
"Are you planning a tailgate party?" asks Holly VanHeel, Iowa State University Extension Nutrition and Health Program Specialist. If you are, a few well-planned steps may mean the difference between a food safety nightmare and sure success. Although you can't see or smell them, and often can't taste them, bacteria are everywhere - especially on foods of animal origin. Under the right conditions, bacteria can grow, food may spoil, and food borne illness may occur...
Extension Line (09/09/11)
Working with animals on a farm setting can be a very dangerous task, especially for children. In order to keep kids safe in rural, farm or ranch settings, it is important for adults to teach children of the dangers animals pose and how to safely interact with animals...
Extension Line (09/07/11)
I love harvest time, says Joel DeJong, ISU Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist. I also fear it. Agriculture ranks as the third most dangerous occupation, according to the US Department of Labor. In 2008 for example, over 300 crop farmers died from work related accidents -- nearly double the number of miners who died. ...
Extension Line (08/24/11)
How did many of us learn to "parent"? From watching our own parents raise us. For those parents who want to further develop their parenting skills and help their children work through youth issues, there are programs to assist. The "Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14" is a parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum designed to prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems, strengthen parenting skills, and build family strengths...
Extension Line (08/19/11)
Canning is making a comeback! This statement comes from Renee Sweers, ISU Extension Nutrition and Health Program Specialist serving Cherokee County. Preserving the harvest from your garden (or someone else's) is a time-honored tradition that is gaining popularity. Home food preservation is not difficult, but in order to be done safely, specific guidelines must be followed...
Extension Line (08/17/11)
What do you want from your money . . . a home, financial security in later life, college for your children, or another financial goal? The Iowa State University Extension Money Talk course provides an opportunity to learn the language of money and empowers you to work with your financial professionals to plan for your future...
Extension Line (08/01/11)
Cash rent lease agreements for farmland are popular because the lease is simple, the rent is fixed and the landowner is relieved of making operating and marketing decisions. Likewise, the tenant has maximum freedom to plan and develop both the cropping and livestock programs. The risk and returns from changing prices, yields and costs are all borne by the tenant...
Extension Line (07/28/11)
Back to school time presents financial challenges to most families with school-aged children. While there are no magical solutions to those challenges, here are four key actions that will make it a little easier to meet those challenges. 1) Identify and prioritize needs: When it comes to kids' clothing, the picture is always changing, because kids grow and clothes wear out. ...
Extension Line (07/21/11)
Extending family time can be easy -- just add food and fitness. Iowa State University Extension offers the following tips on how to increase family time while encouraging children's healthy development. Science class in the kitchen: Your kitchen can be your child's summer classroom, using your kitchen as a science lab can help children stay in the school-mode several ways...
Extension Line (07/13/11)
Summer vacation for many kids and their parents becomes a test of endurance rather than a special time to enjoy each other...marking off the calendar the days before the kids go back to school. Work to turn your summer into a memorable and rewarding adventure rather than a boring ordeal...
Extension Line (06/20/11)
Baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, swimming and golf are just some of the organized sports children may be involved in this summer. The hours spent may be a time of fun or a time of stress. This largely depends upon how you, the parent, approach your child's participation. Remember, you are a role model and your actions and attitudes will impact your child's actions and attitudes...
Extension Line (05/19/11)
Nearly all spring home improvement and landscape projects require some planning. Selecting the best plant species, finding the appropriate location in the landscape, and selecting the appropriate materials and equipment needed for the project are all part of the planning process. Depending on the project, a critical and mandatory activity may be missing; a phone call...
Extension Line (05/04/11)
With five of the six counties in ISU Extension's Region 6 recently being declared "disaster" counties (Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Pocahontas, and Sac), I was reminded of the need for disaster preparedness. How prepared are you and your family? No matter what the disaster, big or small, following some simple preparedness steps can help to minimize the event's impact on your family. ...
Extension Line (04/28/11)
This week I am turning Extension Lines over to Dr. Mike Duffy, ISU Extension Economist, to discuss the comparison of the stock market and Iowa land values. The recent decrease in Iowa farmland values and the turbulence in the stock market have resurrected this perennial question. Which is a better investment - the stock market or farmland?...
Extension Line (04/11/11)
On March 25, Iowa State University President, Gregory Geoffroy, announced his intention to leave his post no later than July 31, 2012. He will remain president of Iowa State until a successor is named. He cited the accomplishment of key goals and a desire to spend more time with his family as primary factors in his decision. He became the 14th president of Iowa State University on July 1, 2001. How many of these previous ISU Presidents have you heard of before now?...
Extension Line (03/30/11)
Recently, ISU Region 6 Extension Council members met to review the objectives and goals of the Iowa 4-H program. It was great to hear the passion for 4-H in the room and to discuss the business objections for program expansion with local Extension decision makers. ...
Extension Line (03/23/11)
On Wednesday, March 16, four members of the Ida County Blaine Clovers 4-H Club gave a presentation on the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project ® to the Ida County Extension Council. It was great to see the passion and commitment that these young people had for this program. ...
Extension Line (03/02/11)
Recently, there has been interest in testing homes for radon. Let's do a quick review. Radon is a gas you can't see, taste, or smell. It is a gas that is found throughout the state of Iowa and in many homes. It comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil, and water and gets into the air you breathe. It is found in varying amounts in Iowa soils and is considered the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the U.S...
Extension Line (02/17/11)
In December, 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the 2010 Census showed the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538. This was an increase of 9.7 percent over the 2000 U.S. resident population of 281,421,906. ...
Extension Line (01/31/11)
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension in Region 6, including Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Ida, Pocahontas, and Sac Counties provides relevant programs that support healthy people, healthy environments, and healthy economies. Program areas include agriculture/natural resources, 4-H youth development, families, business/industry, communities, and continuing education. ...
Extension Line (01/26/11)
There is additional research information for parents to be concerned about how much time their kids spend playing video games. A new study by an international research team, including Iowa State University psychologist, Douglas Gentile, found further evidence that video game "addiction" exists globally and that greater amounts of gaming, lower social competence, and greater impulsivity were risk factors for becoming pathological gamers...
Extension Line (01/19/11)
This note from Rich Pope, Harrison County Extension Program Coordinator, crossed my computer screen and I wanted to share this information with you. On January 1, 2011, a new regulation went into effect in Iowa requiring that anyone who sells or distributes firewood in the state must have it labeled with the county and state of origin. ...
Extension Line (01/10/11)
A recent report authored by researchers at Iowa's three public universities says climate change is already affecting the way Iowans live and work. The report makes seven policy recommendations that begin to protect the state's economy, environment and residents from changes in climate...
Extension Line (01/06/11)
I was asked recently to define "economic development". The assignment sounded easy enough until I put pencil to paper to give a response. I believe the program described below is part of Iowa State University Extension's effort to impact the long-term economic development of northwest Iowa...
Extension Line (01/03/11)
On Tuesday, Dec. 21, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the 2010 Census showed the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538. This was an increase of 9.7 percent over the 2000 U.S. resident population of 281,421,906. ...
Extension Line (12/27/10)
With the number of wind turbines in our six-county region, this article caught my eye; "Wind Turbines on Farmland May Benefit Crops". Below are portions of the research article written by Gene Takle, researcher from the Ames Laboratory. Wind turbines in Midwestern farm fields may be doing more than churning out electricity. ...
Extension Line (12/16/10)
What would the holiday season be without the traditional poinsettia? However, the poinsettia is a relative newcomer to the American Christmas tradition. They were practically unheard of 60 years ago. The poinsettia, a native of Mexico, was brought to Europe by Franciscan priests after the Spanish conquests. The colorful flowers were used in their nativity processions...
Extension Line (12/09/10)
Retirement is something many long for with plans of traveling, more family time or relaxation in mind. But for the majority of Iowa farmers, full retirement is hardly considered. According to the publication, "Iowa Farmers Business and Transfer Plans" (PM 2074), only 23 percent of Iowa farmers plan on retiring, and 30 percent say they never will. ...
Extension Line (11/29/10)
By the time you read this, "Black Friday", the day after Thanksgiving, is behind us. This week, I want to share portions of a recent article written by Liesl Eathington, Iowa State University Department of Economics Assistant Scientist, discussing the 2010 holiday retail sales outlook...
Extension Line (11/24/10)
Bed bugs have gotten increased media coverage the past couple years. This week, I want to share portions of a recent article written by Ken Holscher, Iowa State University Extension Entomologist. Holscher has been monitoring the level of bed bug reports for almost three decades, and has noticed an increase in the number recently. ...
Extension Line (11/15/10)
Last week I shared a portion of a recently completed ISU Extension needs assessment. This week we share additional needs assessment information collected from 18 focus groups held this past summer. Extension is broadly perceived as serving youth and agricultural interests. ...
Extension Line (11/04/10)
Last week we shared information from the 2010 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll concerning changes in the social fabric and quality of life in rural communities. This week we continue to review the poll results dealing with population loss. More than three-quarters of Iowa's counties have lost population since 1980, and half have seen their populations drop by more than 10 percent. ...
Extension Line (10/21/10)
This week's Extension Lines summarizes a portion of the data collected by ISU Extension Sociologists J. Gordon Arbuckle Jr. and Paul Lasley in the 2010 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. More than 1,300 farmers participated in the poll offering their views on community and economic development issues affecting rural communities across Iowa and the Midwest. Conducted every year since its establishment in 1982, the Farm Poll is the longest-running survey of its kind in the nation...
Extension Line (10/18/10)
Last week we shared information on poverty in our region. As a follow-up, I wanted to share that on October 12th, the World Hunger Summit was held in conjunction with the World Food Prize in Des Moines. This conference's focus was to "enhance public attention to both causes of and solutions to hunger, as well as to encourage increased action and partnership among Iowans."...
Extension Line (10/13/10)
The nation's poverty rate climbed to 14.3 percent, the highest level since 1994, according to the Census Bureau's annual report on the economic well-being of U.S. households recently released in September for the calendar year 2009. That means one in seven Americans now live in poverty; nearly 43.6 million people. How does Iowa fare as we look at poverty? Specifically, how do the six counties that make up ISU Extension's Region 6 look when discussing poverty...
Extension Line (09/20/10)
As we see birds flying overhead this fall, I want to share insight on bird migration from Dr. Jim Pease, retired ISU Extension Wildlife Specialist. Migration is the movement of animals from one place to another. People have been fascinated with this annual migration of birds for thousands of years. ...
Extension Line (09/13/10)
The 2010 National Farm Safety and Health Week observance takes place September 19 - 25. The theme for 2010 is "ATV's - Work Smart. Ride Safe." According to the Farm Safety 4 Just Kids website, today's use of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) goes beyond the limits of recreation and leisure. More and more ATVs are being used as significant components of the farm fleet...
Extension Line (08/30/10)
With fall approaching, a critical chore needing to be done around my home is to prepare for the annual invasion of the uninvited "multi-colored Asian lady beetle". The multicolored Asian lady beetle has become permanently established throughout the U.S. ...
Extension Line (08/19/10)
Recently, over 2,800 Iowa Army National Guard soldiers left home for a scheduled year-long deployment to Afghanistan. This has been called the largest Iowa National Guard deployment since World War II. The nearly 30 public send-off ceremonies took place across Iowa from July 30th to August 9th...
Extension Line (08/09/10)
On July 29 I had an opportunity to participate in the North Central Region Administrative Leadership Conference Webinar. Our afternoon keynote speaker was Steve Siemens, "Siemens People Builders" of Des Moines. His presentation was entitled "When You're Through Changing, You're Through!" Since so many organizations, including our own Iowa State University Extension, are going through change, I thought it was appropriate to share some notes from his presentation...
Extension Line (08/02/10)
With all of the recent stormy weather, how prepared are you in case of a natural disaster? While you should prepare an emergency kit in case you need to protect yourself or leave your home quickly, it's important to remember that natural disasters don't just affect people physically and emotionally, they also affect families financially. ...
Extension Line (07/29/10)
It is hard to believe that, as of August 1st, the current structure of Iowa State University (ISU) Extension has been in place. We are located in what is called "Region 6," which includes the six counties of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Ida, Pocahontas, and Sac Counties...
Extension Line (07/22/10)
Last week we shared the process for obtaining your free credit report. This week we will cover the information contained in a credit report and what to do when any of that information is incorrect or inaccurate. As you may recall, there are three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. These agencies monitor your credit activity with lenders, your public information, and collection agency accounts, and then compile that information into your credit report...
Extension Line (07/19/10)
How do you know when "free" credit reports are actually free? Many of the free credit reports offered by companies often come with strings attached; hidden fees or enrollment charges after a free trial period ends, for example. In April 2010, a new rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) went into effect that requires web sites advertising "free" credit reports to direct people to the only government-approved site for free credit reports: HYPERLINK "http://www.annualcreditreport.com" www.annualcreditreport.com.. ...
Extension Line (06/28/10)
Earwig specimens have been coming in to various Extension offices in our region for identification. They are easy to recognize by the prominent pincers or forceps on the end of the abdomen. Adults are about 5/8 inch long and dark brown with a reddish head and pale yellow-brown legs...
Extension Line (06/18/10)
With the weather heating up and the desire to use the home air conditioner, I realize that there will be a cost to being cool and comfortable. How can I reduce other electrical needs in the house to feel less guilty running the air conditioner? The average American home is brimming with consumer electronics and appliances (e.g. ...
Extension Line (05/26/10)
The recent discovery of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Allamakee County has increased interest in this invasive insect and what Iowans can do to protect ash trees (Fraxinus species) on their property. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension is collaborating with Iowa state regulatory agencies and local officials to limit the spread of EAB into other areas of Iowa...
Extension Line (05/17/10)
The temperatures dipped below freezing in the early morning hours of Sunday morning May 9th with some thermometers seeing temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit. With those early morning cold temperatures, we experienced a "radiation freeze"...
Extension Line (05/12/10)
There have been some questions and related discussions about a presentation given by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) at the National 4-H Conference in Washington DC on March 23, 2010. The session was entitled "Animal Instincts: Service Learning and Animal Welfare" and was one of fifteen small-group sessions at the Conference...
Extension Line (05/03/10)
This past week I was asked about getting rid of snakes in the home yard. To address this question, I am sharing an article from Dr. Jim Pease, retired Iowa State University Extension Wildlife Specialist. "Arrgh! There's a snake in the yard!" This is often the reaction of people who come into contact with these common Midwestern wildlife. ...
Extension Line (04/28/10)
Springtime brings out the "big, black ants". "Big, black ant" is not a technical description, but it is a fairly common and accurate way for people to describe the insects they see walking on the kitchen counters, crawling across the pantry floor, or trudging up and down the old tree trunk next to the house...
Extension Line (04/21/10)
Spring is a great time of year to revisit some essentials to having and maintaining a healthy lawn. Many gardeners spend considerable time and money to produce a healthy, attractive lawn. Proper mowing and frequency are important aspects of lawn maintenance. In fact, many turfgrass problems can be traced back to improper mowing...
Extension Line (04/08/10)
This week I'm turning the Extension Line over to J. Gordon Arbuckle Jr., Iowa State University Extension Sociologist, to present information concerning the impact of rented farmland on Iowa. More than half of Iowa's farmland is owned by people who do not farm it, and the further they live from the land, the less involved they are in its management, according to data from the 2009 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. ...
Extension Line (04/01/10)
With the recent warm weather, I'm going to take a chance to discuss spring garden chores. Some important springtime chores include applying preemergence herbicides to lawns, dividing perennials, pruning roses, and many others. Applying Preemergence Herbicide to Lawn: The key to successful control of crabgrass in lawns is the correct timing of the preemergence herbicide application. ...
Extension Line (03/31/10)
As the weather warms up, homeowners may notice an increase in the number of boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles that "mysteriously" appear inside their homes. All accidental invaders found inside at this time of the year entered the building last fall through cracks and openings, and spent the winter hibernating behind exterior siding and in attics, wall voids, window/door casings, and similar protected areas. ...
Extension Line (03/24/10)
Last week we discussed the damage being done to the landscape plants in our yards by rabbits and deer. Below are excerpts from an article that crossed my desk from Paul Domoto, Iowa State University Extension Fruit Specialist, that discusses other damage to our fruit crops because of the severe winter...
Extension Line (03/05/10)
This winter's weather has been difficult for plants, wildlife, and humans. With the recent snow melt, the extent of the damage to landscape plants is just now being uncovered. It isn't just the amount of snow, but also the extended period of snow cover that caused serious problems for wildlife. When denied access to food on the ground, rabbits and deer were forced to feed on unprotected trees and shrubs in windbreaks, home orchards, and landscape plantings...
Extension Line (02/22/10)
A new black walnut tree disease has been identified as a potential threat to Iowa's walnut trees. The recently-recognized disease called thousand cankers of black walnuts has not been found in Iowa. Thousand cankers disease is present in the western United States and remains a potential, serious threat to black walnut trees throughout the country...
Extension Line (02/15/10)
In November, I shared information from the Federal Reserve concerning the credit card laws that went into effect on August 20th, 2009. The Iowa State University Financial Counseling Clinic recently shared the following update information on the revisions that have been made to the August 20th phase that will take effect on February 22nd, 2010...
Extension Line (02/08/10)
Looking ahead to the time when we can get to the trees in our yards, the late dormant period (February to early April) is a great time to prune deciduous trees. The absence of foliage at this time of year gives the home gardener a clear view of the tree and allows them to select and remove appropriate branches. This will also give everyone a chance to prune out the storm-damaged limbs and branches. Then you can evaluate the future existence of some of the more heavily damaged trees...
Extension Line (02/01/10)
Wow. Just opened the monthly utility bill and was quickly reminded of the need to review some winter energy tips offered by the U.S. Department of Energy. Some things we can do yet for this winter and other suggestions we can address during the coming year...
Extension Line (01/25/10)
There are several farmers markets operating during the summer in our region. During the 2009 farmers market season, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Iowa Field Office conducted two surveys throughout Iowa. The first survey was of farmers market customers and the second targeted farmers market vendors. Highlights from both surveys are listed below...
Extension Line (01/20/10)
Here's an opportunity for area farmers to assist non-profit organizations, such as the young people involved with the 4-H program, in each of our counties. A program sponsored by Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow Communities™ Project will give nearly $250,000 to organizations in Iowa...
Extension Line (01/08/10)
With the winter weather we are experiencing and questions on what effect it may have on our landscape plants, I am turning this week's Extension Lines over to Richard Jauron, Iowa State University Extension Horticulturist, to share his thoughts on "winter perils for trees and shrubs"...
Extension Line (12/28/09)
I always enjoy learning how farm operators answered the questionnaire for the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. The highlights of the 2009 poll were recently released and looked at the topics of farm succession, their children's career paths, their own decision to farm, and the different programs for beginning farmers. This annual survey has been conducted annually since 1982 using basically the same set of questions every two years. For the 2009 poll, 1,268 farmers responded to the survey...
Extension Line (12/18/09)
Why do we find poinsettia, Christmas cactus, and mistletoe in many homes during the holidays? The poinsettia and Christmas cactus have colorful flowers and mistletoe is hung in the home for those wishing to kiss under the mistletoe. While the all three plants are recognized by nearly everyone, many people are unaware of some of the interesting facts of these plants...
Extension Line (12/11/09)
Because we have so many ash trees in our region, I am turning this week's Extension Lines over to Dr. Jeff Iles, Iowa State University Horticulture Department Chair, to share an update on living with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). While not an "official" resident of the state of Iowa, yet, the highly destructive emerald ash borer has been found within a stone's throw of our northeastern border. ...
Extension Line (12/04/09)
This week's Extension Lines is sharing portions of an article from Iowa State University (ISU) on promoting healthy video game choices. I hope parents find it useful as they venture out for their holiday shopping. Parents often find themselves in a holiday quandary when deciding on which video games to purchase for their kids. They know that their children want video games, but they also want to ensure that they are giving gifts that are good for their children...
Some credit card hints & tips (11/27/09)
With holiday shopping season here, did you know that parts of the new credit card law took effect in August with additional changes planned for February and July, 2010? The new law contains the biggest changes the credit card industry has seen in decades...
Extension Line (11/19/09)
In many homes after Thanksgiving, adults and children alike get excited to purchase that perfect Christmas tree for the holidays. The Christmas tree is a holiday tradition that began in Germany in the seventeenth century. German immigrants and Hessian soldiers hired by the British to fight the colonists during the American Revolution brought this tradition to the United States...
Extension Line (11/09/09)
You can avoid gaining pounds over the holidays With the holiday season just around the corner, there will be lots of family and friends gathering to celebrate. Some people accept the myth that most people gain 5 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's and just figure they'll do the same and lose it later. ...
Extension Line (11/02/09)
Why is my Evergreen tree not green forever? The term "evergreen" used to describe conifer (cone-bearing) trees isn't 100% accurate. This is the time of year some "evergreens" begin showing symptoms of seasonal needle loss as conifers do not keep their needles indefinitely. ...
Extension Line (10/26/09)
The Rural Brain Drain, part 3 For the past two weeks I shared portions of an article entitled "The Rural Brain Drain" found in the October 6th edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education. This week's Part 3 focuses on actions that can be taken to address the concern. Part 3 of 3: What can be done to plug the brain drain?...
Extension Line (10/21/09)
The Rural Brain Drain, Part 2 Last week I shared Part 1 of the article entitled "The Rural Brain Drain" found in the October 6th edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education. This week's Part 2 focuses on northeastern Iowa. In next week's final segment, the article highlights actions that can be taken to address the concern. Part 2 of 3:...
Extension Line (10/14/09)
An article entitled "The Rural Brain Drain" written by Patrick J. Carr and Maria J. Kefalas in the October 6th edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education was brought to my attention. In this week's Extension Lines, I want to frame the situation described in the article and see how it relates to our region. ...
Extension Line (09/28/09)
Every fall specimens start appearing at our Extension offices. They are called "worms," "armyworms", "wireworms," or much worse, but the pest is always the same -- millipedes. Usually the complaint isn't about just one millipede, but lots of them...
Extension Line (09/23/09)
Life and Times of the Asian Lady Beetle - How many are coming? Hundreds? Thousands? Millions? A prediction on a number is a wild guess at best. No matter the number of these accidental invaders, most people don't like to see even one in their homes. The invader I'm talking about is the uninvited "multi-colored Asian lady beetle"...
Extension Line: Another one of those Accidental Invaders in your Home (09/11/09)
Fall is the bountiful time of year. The farmers markets have had lots and lots of produce coming to town, the lawn mowers have had plenty of grass to mow, and it seems to be another great year for cricket production. ...
Extension Line (08/20/09)
Have you ever questioned some of the folklore shared among gardeners that gets passed down from one generation to the next? Some of this folklore may make some sense. One example has to do with members of the cucurbit family - squash, melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers. ...
Extension Line (08/13/09)
Across the area, crabapple trees have been dropping leaves this summer. What causes these trees to drop their leaves mid-summer? The answer is a fungal disease called apple scab that infects crabapple leaves early in the spring. As the fungus grows in the developing leaves, it causes purplish-brown spots, often clustered along the leaf veins...
Extension Line (08/05/09)
This is the first weekly Extension Lines article that I will write as the first Region 6 Extension Education Director. This position was created as part of the restructuring of Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. Region 6 includes Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Ida, Pocahontas, and Sac Counties. ...
ISU Extension selects Regional offices, directors (07/13/09)
Sac City will be Regional office for this area AMES - Iowa State University Extension has selected office locations for the 20 Regional Extension Education Directors. ISU Extension has also entered into memorandums of understanding with county extension councils that will provide office space and support staff for the directors...
Jerry Chizek, ISU Regional Extension Education Director
Extension Line