ISU Extension and Outreach Dickinson County

ISU Extension and Outreach Dickinson County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach connects Iowa State University’s research to Iowans through practical, community-based learning.

This page is managed by the Dickinson County ISU Extension and Outreach Office. Dickinson County ISU Extension and Outreach Office

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach connects the university’s research to Iowans through practical, community-based learning. This Page is managed by the Dickinson County ISU Extension and Outreach Office. We serve Dickinson County by delivering research-base

d education and resources for families, farmers, youth, and communities. Visit our website: (https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dickinson/
Learn more: https://www.extension.iastate.edu

Beautiful evening at Hometown Heroes! Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a fun community event!
08/06/2026

Beautiful evening at Hometown Heroes! Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a fun community event!

Farmland Leasing WorkshopMake informed farmland leasing decisions with the latest research based information from ISU Ex...
08/06/2026

Farmland Leasing Workshop
Make informed farmland leasing decisions with the latest research based information from ISU Extension and Outreach.
Learn about current rental trends, fair cash rent, communication between landowners and tenants, and how estate and succession planning can impact a lease.
Registration includes the newest Farmland Leasing Arrangements book.
Register TODAY!
$30 per individual $35 per couple

AMES, IOWA—Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Northwest Iowa Ag Stewardship Alliance (NIASA), will host a cover cr...
08/05/2026

AMES, IOWA—Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Northwest Iowa Ag Stewardship Alliance (NIASA), will host a cover crop field day near Spirit Lake on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Boettcher Family Farms. The no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.

“This field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops, including nutrient management. Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, w**d suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased organic matter in the soil,” said Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist with Iowa Learning Farms. “When paired with no-till and strip-till, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.”

Nestled among the Iowa Great Lakes in rural Dickinson County, Boettcher Family Farms is unlike most farms in Iowa. Emily and her father, John, take great pride in taking care not only of the land they farm, but the many water bodies nearby. Growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa along with their beef cattle herd, the Boettcher’s understand the importance that their actions have on the surrounding environment. John began practicing no-till and strip-till more than 20 years ago and has planted cover crops for more than 10 years. Returning to the farm in 2009, Emily quickly learned the ins and outs of the operation. Over the years, the pair has been able to maintain productivity while improving their farming practices to better the environment.

The agenda will also include Gentry Sorensen, ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist, John Wills with Iowa Great Lakes Project, and Alex Slagle, Iowa Soybean Association conservation agronomist. The Iowa Learning Farms will be presenting their Conservation Station rainfall simulator.

The field day will be held at the Boettcher Family Farms, 1200 215th Ave, Spirit Lake, IA 51360. The no-cost event and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or [email protected] by Aug. 19.

Gain knowledge in recent survey trends and market outlookStrengthen tenant and landowner communicationsUnderstand how a ...
07/27/2026

Gain knowledge in recent survey trends and market outlook
Strengthen tenant and landowner communications
Understand how a farmland lease is impacted by a farm estate or succession plan Calculate a fair cash rent with current economic conditions
Registration for the two and one-half hour meeting includes the newest FARMLAND LEASING ARRANGEMENTS book, one per registrant.

REGISTRATION FEE $30 per individual or $35 per couple. Walk-ins or late registrations may require an additional fee.

One of the sweetest traditions of the Dickinson County 4-H & FFA Fair is the Pie Auction! Join us Monday after the Award...
07/18/2026

One of the sweetest traditions of the Dickinson County 4-H & FFA Fair is the Pie Auction! Join us Monday after the Award Ceremony for an evening of homemade pies, friendly bidding and supporting the incredible youth of Dickinson County.

Every bid helps support 4-H programs and you just might take home the best homemade pie of the summer!

Bring your sweet tooth and join the fun Monday, July 20, at 7:00PM!

Looking for a fun and FREE way to spend the day? Admission to the Dickinson County 4-H & FFA Fair is FREE. Come cheer on...
07/17/2026

Looking for a fun and FREE way to spend the day? Admission to the Dickinson County 4-H & FFA Fair is FREE.
Come cheer on our incredible 4-H and FFA youth as they showcase the projects and animals they've worked hard on all year. Fill the stands, support local youth, and make some fair memories with us!

Where community comes together. We'll see you at the Dickinson county Fair, July 17-21! Bring your family, your friends,...
07/16/2026

Where community comes together. We'll see you at the Dickinson county Fair, July 17-21! Bring your family, your friends, and your fair spirit.

https://go.iastate.edu/YFJQAH

One more reason you won't want to miss Family Fun night at the Dickinson County 4-H/FFA Fair! Our friends at Smart Power...
07/15/2026

One more reason you won't want to miss Family Fun night at the Dickinson County 4-H/FFA Fair! Our friends at Smart Powersports Of Okoboji are giving away a scooter!
To enter:
You must register at Family Fun Night Friday, July 17!
Entrants must be under 18 years old
The scooter must be claimed by a parent or legal guardian (18+)

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, games and memories you could even head home with a brand new scooter.

Join us at Dickinson County Fair, July 17-21! From cheering on local 4-H'ers to enjoying Family Fun Night, classic fair ...
07/13/2026

Join us at Dickinson County Fair, July 17-21!
From cheering on local 4-H'ers to enjoying Family Fun Night, classic fair traditions, and homemade pie, there's something for everyone all week long!

Exhibit Hall: Open Friday-Monday from 11:00am-6:00pm

Come make memories, support our local youth, and celebrate everything that makes the Dickinson County Fair special. We can't wait to see you there!

🚨 4-H & FFA FairEntry Deadline Reminder! 🚨Don’t forget — all 4-H & FFA fair entries are due July 1st!Rabbit & poultry 4-...
06/25/2026

🚨 4-H & FFA FairEntry Deadline Reminder! 🚨
Don’t forget — all 4-H & FFA fair entries are due July 1st!

Rabbit & poultry 4-H online entries are also due July 1st!

Be sure to get everything entered on time so you’re ready for a great fair season! 🎉🐰🐓

📅 Deadline: July 1
❗ Late entries will not be accepted

If you have questions or need help, please contact the Extension Office. We’re happy to help, [email protected] or 712-336-3488.

Let’s get ready for a fantastic fair! 💛🌽🎡

Address

1600 15th Street
Spirit Lake, IA
51360

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17123363488

Website

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