The annual Clayton County 4-H Pizzazz Night was held at Johnson’s Reception Hall in Elkader on Sunday, November 16. The year-end celebration honored both 4-H club members and adult volunteers.

Club Community Service Awards were presented to the Monona Jr. Feeders, Woodberry Clovers, Scenic Valley and Lodomillo Leaders 4-H Clubs.

The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Norby’s Farm Fleet, Elkader. Bob Schilling of Colesburg was honored as the 4-H Alumni member and Ron Sass of Luana was named this year’s Honorary 4-H Member.

This year the Awards of the Clover were presented to dedicated 4-H volunteers who have served 5, 10, 15, 25 and 30 years. Recognized for five years were Chad Fritz, Garnavillo; Dan Keehner, Monona; Steve Schilling, Colesburg; and Lisa Thein, Colesburg.

Our ten-year volunteers were Jill Herman, Elkport; Kathy Kugel, Luana and Morgan Taake, Postville. Honored for 15 years of service was Matt Gaul, Strawberry Point. Lori Vlazny, Farmersburg was honored for 25 years. Linda Zuercher of Postville received recognition for 30 years of volunteering.

A Club Officer award was presented to Jenna Hamman, secretary of the Woodcenter Eagles 4-H Club. Jenna Hamann also was presented with project awards in Food & Nutrition, Clothing and Communications.

22 4-H members received record keeping awards. Top junior record keeping honors went to

Jace Hudson, Jessa Meyer, Raela Kraus, Adalee Knipper, Gannen Fritz and Isabell Carroll. Top intermediate award winners were Natalie Kregel, Kiptyn Knipper and Jenna Hamann. Top Senior award winners were Ashley Schilling, Bella Battin, and Evelyn Fritz.

The Mallory Minks 4-H Club won the top honors in the 4-H Week club promotional contest with their display at the Ed-Co Elementary School.

For more information on 4-H & Youth programs contact the Clayton Extension Office at 563-245-1451.

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Clayton County 4-H County Council member Maxwel Schantz recently presented Bernie Kuhse of Norby’s Farm Fleet with the Meritorious Service Award. Norby’s Farm Fleet has been a generous and consistent supporter of the county 4-H program. Their staff is always helpful, offering guidance and advice whenever needed. This award recognizes their outstanding commitment to youth development and community service.

At the 4-H Awards Night on November 16, Bob Schilling was presented with the 4-H Alumni Member Award by his daughter, Abigail. Bob grew up as a member of the Mallory Minks 4-H Club and has continued his commitment to 4-H throughout the years. Today, he remains actively involved by chaperoning overnight trips and serving as a dedicated 4-H volunteer leader. His ongoing support and leadership exemplify the spirit of 4-H and inspire future generations.

County Council member Katie Royer presented Ron Sass of Luana with the Honorary 4-H Member Award. Each year, Ron generously volunteers his time to assist with the Sheep Show at the fair, ensuring the event runs smoothly and is a positive experience for participants. His dedication and enthusiasm make him a strong advocate for the 4-H youth program, inspiring young members and supporting the growth of agricultural education in our community.

Jenna Hamann of the Woodcenter Eagles was recognized with the Club Secretary Award. Officer Awards are given to 4-H members who currently hold a club office and demonstrate personal growth in knowledge, citizenship, and leadership. In addition, Jenna earned Project Area Awards in Food & Nutrition, Clothing, and Communications. These awards celebrate 4-H members who show leadership, communication skills, and community involvement through activities, events, and self-directed learning in their chosen project areas.

Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm – Dairy-Focused Workshop Coming to Edgewood

EDGEWOOD, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Delaware and Clayton Counties will host a Dairy-Focused Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Workshop on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Woods Edge Golf Course, 504 W. Union St., Edgewood, IA 52042.

This workshop is designed to help farm operators and families begin or advance their farm estate and succession planning goals. It will also highlight the new ISU Estate and Succession Planning Portal, developed by the ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation and ISU Extension Farm Management Specialists.

Participants will learn about:• Estate and succession planning considerations• Setting goals and improving family communication• Building a complete succession plan for the farm• Navigating and using the ISU Estate and Succession Planning Portal

Joseph Lensing, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will lead discussions on estate and succession planning fundamentals, including ownership structures, legal and tax considerations, communication strategies, and the steps to begin or update a transition plan. Lensing will also demonstrate how to use the new ISU Estate and Succession Planning Portal to access resources and tools designed to help families plan confidently for the future.

Dairy specialists Jennifer Bentley and Larry Tranel will share information and real-world examples tailored specifically for dairy producers, focusing on the unique financial, operational, and family dynamics involved in transitioning dairy operations to the next generation. Participants will gain practical insights on facility transfer, herd management, and balancing ownership and labor across family members as part of their long-term transition plans.

Each registrant will receive a workbook and a free lifetime subscription to the ISU Estate and Succession Planning Portal (a $75 value). The four-hour program also includes a meal.

Registration Details

Registration is $50 per person.Pre-registration is encouraged by November 24 to ensure materials and provide portal access the day of the workshop.

Please contact Clayton County Extension at 563-245-1451 or Delaware County Extension at 563-927-4201 with any questions.

This program is supported by the ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation and ISU Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources, with additional local sponsorship from the Delaware County Dairy Promoters and the Clayton County Dairy Promotion Board.

The fees for service will be used to offset direct expenses and support local Extension agriculture programming.

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Additional Stories Published Online

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

11/19/2025 Advanced Beef Cow Calving Clinics to Prepare Producers for Calving Season

The Iowa Beef Center is offering four Advanced Calving Clinics to help Iowa cattlemen and women prepare for a successful calving season and subsequent breeding period. Clinics will be offered at four locations across Iowa: on Jan. 6 in Fayette and Clinton counties and on Jan. 7 in Greene and Montgomery counties.

11/18/2025 Iowa 4-H Launches New AI Bootcamp for High School Youth

Registration is now open for the new Iowa 4-H Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp, taking place Dec. 29–31 at the Digital Ag Innovation Center in Ames. Iowa high school youth in grades 9–12 are invited to explore artificial intelligence, computer science and emerging technologies through practical, hands-on learning.

11/18/2025 Iowa 4-H Staff Honored with National Awards

Several 4-H youth development professionals with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach were recognized by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals for their impactful contributions to Iowa youth.

11/13/2025 Virtual Field Day to Explore Impacts of Residue Management on Crop Yield and Fertilizer Inputs

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. Central time. The event, which is available at no cost, will feature a live discussion with Mike Castellano, William T. Frankenberger Professor of soil science at Iowa State University.

11/12/2025 Upcoming Women in Ag Leadership Conference Inspires Resilience

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference is open to all. Early bird registration is available through Nov. 14. The two-day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

11/12/2025 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Revises Pesticide Training Materials Ahead of 2026 Iowa Rule Changes

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will implement updated pesticide applicator certification and training rules beginning Jan. 1, 2026. In preparation for the new rules, the Iowa State University Pesticide Safety Education Program is revising several applicator manuals and exams to ensure compliance and provide accurate resources for commercial and private pesticide applicators.