465 Clayton County 4-H and FFA members have entered 2948 exhibits for the county competition according to Tammy Muller, County 4-H & Youth Program Coordinator. This is down 8 exhibitors and down 15 exhibits from last year. Entries are up in breeding beef, dairy, bucket bottle calves, meat goats, Clover Kids and Static exhibits. The annual Clayton County Fair will be held August 5-9 at the fairgrounds located at the village of National (5 miles north of Garnavillo).

The exhibits that will be displayed include:

15 Advanced Feeder Class

173 Market Beeves

109 Breeding Beef

212 Dairy

23 Bucket/Bottle Calves

Swine-20 Derby pens, 6 non-derby pens, 50 derby individuals, 46 non-derby individuals, and 17 breeding gilts

Sheep- 13 market pairs, 30 market individuals, 23 breeding sheep

Horses - 33 halter classes, 57 performance classes, 70-timed events

Meat Goats -40 breeding and 48 market

23 Dairy Goats

Dogs- 43 agility and 45 obedience

115 Rabbit exhibits

89 Poultry

300 Showmanship entries

23 Pets & 39 Clover Kid Pets

1104 Non-Livestock Static Exhibits (Agriculture & Natural Resources, Expressive Arts, Family & Consumer

Sciences, Personal Development, and Science, Mechanics, & Engineering)

129 Clover Kid Exhibits

57 Fashion Revue/Clothing Selections/$20 Challenge Exhibits

11 4-H Communications

2026 Farmland Leasing Arrangements Meetings Offered Across Iowa

July 6, 2026 |
- Ann Johanns

Landowners and tenants are invited to attend a local meeting or virtual webinar to strengthen lease agreements

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a series of farmland leasing arrangements meetings across the state in late July and August, as well as a statewide virtual webinar on Aug. 19. The annual meetings are designed to address questions that landowners, tenants, agribusiness professionals and those involved in farmland ownership have about leasing farmland.

Workshop topics will cover land values, market outlook and cash rent trends, costs of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, legal updates regarding leases and strategies for effective communication with tenants or landowners. ISU Extension and Outreach farm management field specialists will also address common questions regarding leases affected by a farm estate or succession plan.

According to Ann Johanns, program specialist for Ag Decision Maker at ISU Extension and Outreach, the 2026 annual survey of cash rental rates for Iowa farmland showed little change overall, with the state average rate decreasing by 0.4% in 2026 to $270 per acre. This is the second decline in cash rents since 2019, after a peak of $279 per acre in 2023 and 2024.

“While the trend in rental rates is fairly flat, every lease agreement is unique, and attending a workshop is a great way to learn more or ask questions on specific aspects of farm lease arrangements,” said Johanns. “More than half of Iowa’s farmland is rented, and strong landowner/tenant relationships are important for the long-term viability of Iowa’s valuable farmland.”

Attendees often participate in this meeting series annually, each with different goals. In post-session evaluations in 2025, 100% of respondents reported satisfaction with the program’s ability to meet their needs. Past participants shared that they attended to deepen their understanding of factors affecting farmland leases. After attending, many made improvements to their own lease agreements or reported that the session confirmed their current leases aligned with all parties’ needs.

Attend a local meeting

Registration for local county farmland leasing meetings is $25 per person, which includes workshop materials. Pre-registration is encouraged, as an additional fee may be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date. To register, call the hosting ISU Extension and Outreach county office.

Attend the statewide webinar

If you are unable to attend an in-person meeting, a statewide virtual webinar will take place on Aug. 19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Online registration is required, and the registration fee is $25 per individual.

For more information, contact your farm management specialist or county office.

Additional Stories Published Online

The following news releases have been published on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website.

Iowa State University Fruit and Vegetable Field Day Is July 29Published: July 8, 2026

The horticulture team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold the 2026 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Wednesday, July 29.

Community Matters Live Adds APA Credit Option for PlannersPublished: July 8, 2026

American Planning Association members now have a new professional development option through the Community Matters Live webinar series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Six Iowa 4-H Youth Gain Global STEM Experience in South AmericaPublished: July 7, 2026

Through Iowa 4-H’s STEM in Motion program, six Iowa youth explored Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands and Peru, experiencing evolution, engineering and culture through hands-on global learning.

Iowa Youth Delegation Competes at 2026 4-H Shooting Sports National ChampionshipPublished: July 7, 2026

Twenty Iowa 4-H youth competed against nearly 700 participants from 42 states at the 2026 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, demonstrating skill, leadership and sportsmanship.

Dairy Pasture Walks To Be Featured in Iowa Grazing AcademyPublished: July 7, 2026

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will offer two pasture walks in August as part of the Iowa Grazing Academy.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Publishes Comprehensive On-Farm Forestry Field Guide for Iowa Published: July 6, 2026

Iowa Learning Farms has published the On-Farm Forestry Field Guide for Iowa, which is available at no cost.

On-Farm Dairy Processing Field Days to Showcase Niche Market Opportunities for ProducersPublished: July 6, 2026

On-farm dairy processing field days from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach highlight successful niche-market herds in Iowa. Regional dairy producers can learn from producers investing in cheese, fluid milk and gelato.

2026 Farmland Leasing Arrangements Meetings Offered Across IowaPublished: July 6, 2026

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a series of farmland leasing arrangements meetings across the state in late July and August, as well as a statewide virtual webinar on Aug. 19.

ISU Extension Workshop Helps Grant Writers Put Data to WorkPublished: July 6, 2026

For grant writers, strong proposals often start with data. A new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach workshop is teaching participants not just where to find it, but how to use it.