Passing a farm operation to the next generation is usually one of the biggest and most challenging decisions farm families will ever make. Many things are at stake – money, emotions, goals and lifestyles – and farm families need to think critically about where they’re at today, and where they want to be in the . . . read more

Practical Farmers of Iowa will hold its 12th annual beginning farmer retreat Dec. 13-14 at Oakwood Road Community Center, located at 2400 Oakwood Road, in Ames. The event starts at noon on Friday, Dec. 13 and runs through 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Beginning and aspiring farmers of all ages, farm enterprises and farm . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist 515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu Willy KleinOrganizational Advancement 515-294-0662wklein@iastate.edu It’s time to think about protecting strawberry plants from the winter elements. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain how to properly mulch strawberries to provide protection against winter injury. To have additional yard and garden questions answered, contact Hortline at hortline@iastate.edu or 515-294-3108. Why is it . . . read more

Ajay NairExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist 515-294-7080nairajay@iastate.edu Produce growers will learn from researchers and experienced high tunnel farmers A high tunnel short course will be held at Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the third year for the course, which is designed to highlight production and . . . read more

Joe HannanCommercial Horticultural Field SpecialistIowa State University Extension and Outreachjmhannan@iastate.edu Rainwater as an irrigation source is continuing to grow in popularity across Iowa.  Since Shawn Shouse and Linda Naeve of Iowa State University designed their first high tunnel catchment system in 2010, the system designs and intricacies have expanded to ever-larger volumes of water collected, collection from . . . read more

Richard Jauron Extension Horticulturist515-294-3108 rjauron@iastate.edu Apple trees are a treat in a home garden, but they are susceptible to a variety of diseases. One of the most common problems of apples in Iowa begins to show up about this time of year – sooty blotch and flyspeck fungi. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and . . . read more

Charles SchwabAgricultural and Biosystems Engineering515-294-4131cvschwab@iastate.edu Farm safety celebrated with proclamation signed by Gov. Reynolds The Iowa Farm Safety and Health Week will be held Sept. 15-21 in conjunction with the National Farm Safety and Health Week. This year’s national theme is “Shift Farm Safety Into High Gear.” This is the 76th observance of the National . . . read more

Practical Farmers of Iowa is now accepting applications for its next class of the Savings Incentive Program, a two-year mentorship and support program for beginning and aspiring farmers. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 11, and must be submitted using the form at practicalfarmers.org/savings-incentive-program.

Landowners and families who want to learn more about planting monarch and pollinator habitat should consider attending a field day Aug. 26 near Creston. The event is being hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Pheasants Forever, USDA-NRCS and the Union County Soil and Water Conservation District.