Clayton County ISU Extension and Outreachg Information for December 11th
- kctn28
- 3 days ago
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Clayton County ISU Extension & Outreach Media Packet for 12/11/25
December 20
10:00AM 4-H & FFA Market Beef Weigh-In Edgewood, IA
December 24
8:00AM Clayton County Office Closed Elkader, IA
December 25
8:00AM Clayton County Office Closed Elkader, IA
December 26
8:00AM Clayton County Office Closed Elkader, IA
4-H & FFA Market Beef Weigh-In Will Be December 20
Clayton County 4-H and FFA members planning to exhibit market beef projects during 2026 need to have their animals weighed and ear tagged to make them eligible for competition. The weigh-in will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Edgewood Livestock Commission in Edgewood from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A maximum of 10 head can be identified. State Fair qualifying animals will be retinal imaged.
Market beef classes for the 2026 Clayton County Fair will be in three divisions--Market Steers, Market Heifers, and Straight-Bred Dairy Market Steers. County fair classes within each division will be established from the beginning weights (weight of the calves on December 20, 2025).
Any 4-H or FFA member who has questions about the market beef project requirements should contact their 4-H club leader or FFA advisor. They can also obtain a copy of the project regulations at the Clayton County Extension Office in Elkader (phone 563-245-1451).
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Additional Stories Published Online
The following news releases have been published on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website.
The National 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge has announced its 2025 fall winners, with Iowa youth taking center stage. The challenge celebrates youth innovators nationwide, inviting youth to design AI-powered solutions that tackle real-world agricultural challenges, support farmers, strengthen food systems, and advance the future of agriculture.
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Iowa communities have the chance to see themselves through the eyes of first-time visitors by applying for the 2026 First Impressions Tourism and Community Assessment program. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 18.
Nonprofit, government and education professionals working on grant proposals can attend the Grant Proposal Boot Camp Jan. 27–28 in Ames, offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development program.
12/9/2025 Iowa 4-H Advances Artificial Intelligence Education during 2025 National Computer Science Week
Iowa 4-H is celebrating National Computer Science Week, Dec. 7–13. This year, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is engaging youth across all counties in computer science and introductory artificial intelligence activities throughout December and beyond.
The Iowa 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 American Royal Livestock Judging Contest, earning multiple top 10 finishes and placing fifth High Overall Team among some of the nation’s strongest competitors.
12/8/2025 Holiday Plant Care
Holiday plants bring color and life to our homes during the winter months. From the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree to the bright bracts of poinsettias and the bold blooms of amaryllis, these plants are a big part of seasonal decor. Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, offers care tips to keep holiday plants healthy and appealing throughout the holidays and beyond.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development is launching Community Matters Live, a new monthly webinar series for people involved in housing, planning and community development work across Iowa. Sessions for early 2026 are being finalized.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development has launched Critical Governance, a new program to help Iowa public officials build the skills they rely on to serve effectively. Critical Governance includes five, two-hour virtual sessions offered throughout the year, beginning in January 2026.
Confinement site manure applicators and anyone interested in learning about manure issues should plan to attend a two-hour workshop offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in January or February 2026. These workshops are offered in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will again host its annual Home Gardening Webinar Series, which will begin in January 2026 and end in March. Sessions will take place every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. Central time, concluding on March 12.
The annual Iowa 4-H Meat Judging Contest brought a surge of excitement to the Iowa State University Meat Lab as 39 youth competitors from 10 counties showcased their skills in retail meat identification and meat cut evaluation.
Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator Training from 9 a.m. to noon at 72 locations across Iowa.
The 2026 Crop Advantage Series will take place at 12 locations across the state Jan. 6–29. Each meeting will feature tailored topics selected based on local growing conditions and challenges, presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists.
12/4/2025 2026 Three-State Beef Conference: What Producers Need to Know to Stay Ahead in Today’s Beef Industry
The Three-State Beef Conference provides beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry with a regular update on current cow-calf and stocker topics. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach organizers of the annual event say each year's content is based on prior attendee feedback and current industry economic conditions. The 2026 event is set for Jan. 13-15, at locations in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

