Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

We're in the home stretch with only 3 days left of the Iowa State Fair! 🚨

Learn something new seeing the horticulture displays, 4-H projects, and/or ag exhibits at the fair? The learning doesn't stop when the fairgrounds close! Your local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office is in every Iowa county, all year long.

Find your county office and continue learning!📍

Nearly 3,700 families, $2.7 million in tax refunds, $737,000 saved in prep fees, and an estimated $9.3 million in economic impact for Iowa.

Thanks to ISU Extension and Outreach's 150 VITA volunteers, who served a combined 10,237 hours in the program, low-to-middle-income Iowans were able to seek help for their taxes at no cost to them—saving them money and reducing stress. Their voluntary contribution equated to $369,965 in value according to Independent Sector, an organization that annually gathers data and conducts research on volunteerism in the nonprofit sector.

VITA volunteers prepared participants' tax returns and educated them on the tax process.

To learn more about VITA and its impact, click the link below.

https://bit.ly/4xicC8K

The emojis we have vs. the emojis we deserve. What other emojis does Iowa State Extension and Outreach need? ❤️💛

Another round of storms later this evening. Make sure you stay weather aware today and through weekend. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/disasterreadiness/tornadoes-and-severe-weather

***OUTDATED POST*** Another round of strong to severe storms is expected today, particularly across central and southern Iowa! Storms are expected to form this afternoon and evening and could bring flash flooding, strong wind, hail, and a tornado or two. Stay weather aware today!

Happy first day of the Iowa State Fair! 🎡🥳

What iconic Iowa State Fair stick food are you? Classic corn dog or pork chop on a stick? 😋

Please review our severe weather resources and stay safe Iowa.
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/disasterreadiness/tornadoes-and-severe-weather

***OUTDATED POST***

[8/13/26 5:00AM] As this line of severe storms pushes into Iowa, here is our best estimate for timing through the morning.

These testimonials reflect the real experiences of Iowans who used ISU Extension and Outreach's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

From navigating tax questions with confidence to avoiding costly filing services, participants found support, guidance, and peace of mind through the help of dedicated VITA volunteers.

We congratulate the inaugural graduating class of Cultivate 360, including Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s very own graduates:

Carter Oliver - Harrison County Director
Randall Vos - State Horticulture Field Specialist - Commercial Fruit Crops
Eric Weuve - Farm Management Specialist
Sara Wollner - Region 24 Director

Kudos to you and all of your fellow graduates for your dedication and hard work throughout the program! 🎓🥳

A special thank you to America's Cultivation Corridor for hosting Cultivate 360—a program designed to deepen understanding of Iowa’s food and ag sector, refine leadership skills, and expand professional networks.

Thank you to everyone who supported this cohort along the way. Here’s to the next generation of ag leaders!

The latest news from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at a glance: 4-H crop scouting, finance education for local officials, Iowa State at the Farm Progress Show, and Master Gardener training.

Tax season can be stressful for Iowans--but it doesn't have to be. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program gives thousands of Iowans trusted, free guidance so they can keep more of what they earn.

Learn more about the impact of VITA here - https://bit.ly/4wsglk3