Decatur County Iowa State University Extension and 4-H

08/19/2026

Ever picked a tomato too early and regretted it? 🍅 You're not alone.

Harvest timing can make or break the flavor of your home garden crops, and the signs aren't always obvious. Our consumer horticulture specialist Aaron Steil breaks down exactly what to look for, crop by crop, so nothing goes to waste this season.

Learn more 👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/harvest-time-home-vegetable-garden
Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden

08/19/2026

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

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

Summer means berry season—and with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries comes the occasional stain! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Act fast! Flush with cold water from the back side. Act quickly by rinsing the stain with cold water from the back, applying an enzyme detergent, and letting it sit before washing with warmest water per care label. Air dry, and you're good to go! For more stain removal tips, check out the new Quick and Easy Stain Removal for Clothing guide: go.iastate.edu/2QJJ4P

08/19/2026

🌽 Check out the Fall Field Day at Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on September 10 to see ISU research in action:
✅ Cropping systems and nitrate loss trends
✅ Miscanthus as an alternative biomass crop
✅ Cover crop mixes for forage and soil health

Open to farmers, ag retailers, crop advisers, conservation professionals, and livestock producers. Continuing Education Units available!

Learn more 👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/fall-field-day-be-held-iowa-state-university-southeast-research-farm-sept-10
Washington County Extension, ISU Extension and Outreach: Jefferson County, ISU SE Research and Demonstration Farm

08/18/2026

08/13/2026

It's Iowa State Fair Eve! We can't wait to see you over the next 11 days! Stop by to see us in the Iowa 4-H Building:

🍀Share your story and get a free bag
🍀Check out this year's Hall of Fame inductees
🍀See samples from the updated online apparel store
🍀Read How it Started/How it's Going stories from alumni!

See you at the Fair!

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

Fertilizer and Finance Workshop - Aug. 13, 2026 Aug 13, 2026 - 1:00 PM to Aug 13, 2026 - 3:00 PM Location 714 Main St. Boyden, IA Higher fertilizer prices and the current crop prices have increased the importance of making informed nutrient management decisions. Read More about Fertilizer and Financ...