ISU Extension and Outreach Calhoun County

08/24/2026

Please join us in celebrating Hillaree Meyer, on being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair!

From serving on the Fairboard for twenty-eight years, organizing the Open Class Show, to five years on the Calhoun County Extension Council and now leading The Union 4-H Club, Hillaree has consistently shared her passion, leadership, and vision to create opportunities for youth and families.

Alongside her husband, Kelly, she has also supported their three sons through 4-H and continues to be a strong advocate for the values and opportunities 4-H provides.

Thank you, Hillaree, for your countless hours, unwavering dedication, and commitment to the youth of Calhoun County!

We are truly fortunate to have your leadership and support!

08/19/2026

Our 8-week long Mini Gardener Club wrapped up last week!

We spent the last couple of months learning all about everything plants need to survive, picking LOTS of weeds, identifying bugs, and making so many fun crafts! They grew different kinds of peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and a few different kinds of tomatoes. Each week we journaled about what we did and saw in the garden and even got to try the produce we planted back at the beginning of the summer!

08/19/2026

Iowa cattle feeders: Don't miss Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days, coming to four locations across Iowa August 24-27!
This one-day program is designed to help feedlot owners, employees, and stakeholders navigate today's challenging cattle markets by focusing on data-driven decision making, risk management, technology adoption, and feedlot profitability.
Topics include:
✅ Feedlot SWOT Analysis
✅ Market Outlook & Risk Management Strategies
✅ Maximizing Manure Value
✅ Technology Implementation Opportunities for Feedyards
✅ Research Updates on Feedlot Cattle Resilience
Join us at a location near you!
📅 Aug. 24 – Carroll
📅 Aug. 25 – Monticello
📅 Aug. 26 – Osage
📅 Aug. 27 – Orange City
The program runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch and opportunities to connect with industry experts, sponsors, and fellow cattle feeders.
💲 Registration is $20/person and due by Aug. 17 through the hosting county extension office. See less

08/18/2026

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT for our outstanding summer assistant, Jessica Waller!

We are so grateful for all your expertise, willingness to jump in wherever needed, and positivity throughout the summer. Thank you for all the knowledge and laughs you shared with each participant. We know so much more about butterflies, elephant toothpaste, and vanilla extract because of your time with us! Appreciate all you have done the last few months with Extension and Outreach.

08/18/2026

Thank you Peyton for representing Calhoun County at the Iowa State Fair Queen contest!

08/17/2026

Get Harvest Ready with Combine University!

Join Iowa State University's Digital Ag Innovation Lab for Combine University, a hands-on, one-day workshop designed to help operators maximize harvest efficiency, improve yield data accuracy and reduce grain loss.

August 24, 25 or 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Blomgren Seeds, Boone, Iowa

Participants will gain practical experience in machine setup, yield monitor calibration, grain loss reduction, residue management and preventative maintenance to keep combines operating efficiently throughout harvest.

Registration: $249
Registration deadline: August 19, 2026

Register today: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/digitalag/combine-university/

Questions? Contact Luke Fuhrer at [email protected].

08/17/2026

A HUGE congratulations to all of our Calhoun County 4-H members who exhibited at the Iowa State Fair! We are so proud of each and every one of you for representing Calhoun County at the State Fair. Your hard work, dedication, and preparation truly paid off!

Help us congratulate all of our exhibitors on their accomplishments! State Fair results can be found in the link in the comments.

Feel free to post any Calhoun County State Fair Exhibitor photos below!

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

Gardening camp learned about parts of a seed, planted a succulent, made tasty oven roasted purple potatoes, and planted some herbs to take home.