Dubuque County ISU Extension & Outreach

08/26/2026

💼 WE ARE HIRING: County Director (Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dubuque County) 💼

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on building community partnerships and empowering talented teams? We are looking for our next County Director to champion the land-grant mission of Iowa State University right here in Dubuque County!

🌟 What we are looking for:
We are seeking a collaborative, people-oriented leader with high emotional intelligence to provide high-level administrative accountability for an established, highly independent team of 7 professionals.

As the visible face of Extension in our county, you will spend your time:
✅ Building strategic alliances with local businesses, schools, and elected officials.
✅ Securing diverse funding streams and grants to expand our local impact.
✅ Overseeing operational integrity and county budgets in partnership with our elected Extension Council.
🎯 Key Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field + 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with community relations, public funds, or budget management.
• A supportive management style that respects institutional knowledge and values autonomy.
• Extension ecosystem or public administration experience is a huge plus!

📅 Timeline: This position will remain open for applications through September 16

🔗 Ready to lead? Submit an application, your resume, salary expectations and letter of interest to [email protected].

For more information: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/jobs/dubuque-county-director

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/legal.

08/25/2026

Join us in wishing our County Director, Sandi Helgerson, all the best as she retires on Monday, August 31, after four years with ISU Extension and Outreach!

We are grateful for Sandi’s leadership and the time she has dedicated to serving Dubuque County. We wish her a wonderful retirement and much happiness in this next chapter!

Moving forward, questions or requests that would normally be directed to Sandi can be sent to Marybeth Foster at [email protected].

08/24/2026

Just two weeks away! Now that the kids are back in school, maybe it’s time to finally turn that baking talent into something more. 🧁

Join us for our Cottage Foods Workshop and get the tools you need to take those first steps toward launching your own home-based food business.

📅 Thursday, September 3
⏰ 6:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 ISU Extension and Outreach – Dubuque County
💲 Cost: $10

You’ll learn about:
🥖 Starting a food business from your home or farm
⚖️ Iowa’s cottage food laws
🏷️ Required food labeling
💰 Current funding and grant opportunities

Optional one-on-one consultations with a food business specialist are also available for an additional $15.

Register by August 28: bit.ly/dubuquecottagefoods

08/19/2026

🌱 Along with everything he does here at Dubuque County Extension, Ray Kruse has been putting in some extra work and recently earned his Certified Professional Horticulturist certification! 🎉

This achievement recognizes his knowledge and expertise in horticulture, as well as his continued commitment to serving our community.

We’re proud to have Ray as part of the ISU Extension and Outreach Dubuque County team and grateful for the expertise he brings to our horticulture programs every day.

Please join us in congratulating Ray on this well-deserved accomplishment! 👏🌿

08/17/2026

Caring for family member with special health or behavioral needs can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💚

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week virtual class designed to help caregivers care for themselves while building practical skills to:

✅ Reduce stress
✅ Solve problems
✅ Communicate confidently
✅ Navigate difficult decisions

Classes will be held via Zoom on Mondays from 7:00–8:30 p.m., beginning October 5.

The cost is $60. Caregivers of Iowa cancer survivors may be able to participate at no cost by using coupon code CANCERIOWA when registering.

📅 Registration deadline: September 28, or until the class is filled
🔗 Register here: https://go.iastate.edu/HPD0QD

08/12/2026

UPDATE: Due to the threat of severe weather this afternoon, we will not be at PoP Club today. Thank you for a great season!

🍎It’s our last PoP Club of the season! 🍓

Join us Thursday (8/13) at the Dyersville Farmers Market from 3–5 p.m. for one final local summer taste test!

Participating kids receive $5 in Rooted Bucks to choose their own favorite food from the market.

We hope to see you there!

08/12/2026

🚜 Get ready to make the most of harvest season!

🚜COMBINE UNIVERSITY🚜
📅 August 24, 25 or 26, 2026
📍 Blomgren Seeds in Boone, Iowa
💲 $249 per person
⏰ Registration closes August 19

Iowa State University’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab and ISU Extension and Outreach are launching the inaugural Combine University—a hands-on program designed to help operators, producers and agricultural professionals improve harvest performance and data accuracy.

Participants will learn:
⚙️ Combine setup and automation
🌾 Grain loss evaluation
📊 Yield monitor calibration
📡 Sensor and harvest technology
💻 Machine optimization and data management

Each date features the same one-day curriculum, so choose the day that works best for you. All experience levels are welcome!

Register here:

Combine University is a premier, high-impact educational experience modeled after the success of Planter University to prepare operators for the technical demands of the upcoming season. This program provides expert insights into yield monitor calibration, sensor technology, and the critical relat...