Changes in health insurance raise many questions for consumers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a FREE online two-hour unbiased, research-based educational workshop for consumers on December 10 from 6 - 8 PM. The Smart Choice Health Insurance Education program will equip consumers with tools they need to make the best possible decision when choosing health insurance plans for themselves and their families. Register for this free online class at http://tinyurl.com/pvmceb7. For more information, contact Phyllis Zalenski, Human Science Family Finance Specialist, at 319-465-3224 or zalenski@iastate.edu

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Farmers and landowners will learn about the new programs authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (commonly referred to as the Farm Bill) at an informational meeting conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and local USDA Farm Service Agency staff members. Meetings will be held in Davenport, Iowa on November 25.

The Farm Bill - Program Overview meetings will focus on the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) that will be administered by USDA Farm Service Agency, and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) administered by USDA Risk Management Agency through federal crop insurance providers.

"We are prepared to discuss decisions farmers and landowners will need to make in the coming months as they consider all their options," said Ryan Drollette, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. "We'll cover the timeline for when decisions need to be made along with information about our online Farm Bill decision tools."

The main topics that will be covered during the meetings are: Base Reallocation; Yield Updating; Price Loss Coverage (PLC); Ag Risk Coverage (ARC); Implications of PLC and ARC on participation in the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO); Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP).

Meetings will be held at the Golden Leaf Banquet Center, 2902 E. Kimberly Road in Davenport, IA on November 25, 2014. Two times will be available, 2:00pm or 6:00 pm. To register call the Scott County Extension office at 563-359-7577. Pre-registration 48 hours in advance is recommended. There is no fee to attend the program.

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The Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are teaming up to provide training for pork producers and others who need certification in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus^© (PQA Plus^©) program. One certification session has been set for Thursday, September 25th in Cedar County.

Cedar County Office Manager, Joyce Coppes said the session will be held at the Cedar County Extension office, 107 Cedar Street, Tipton, Iowa 52772 and will be taught by ISU Extension and Outreach swine program specialist Tom Miller.

"The PQA Plus^© session is set for 1:00?3:00p.m.," she said. "Anyone who plans to attend should let us know as soon as possible to ensure that we have adequate materials for everyone."

Cost for this certification program is $25 per person and is payable at the door. To preregister, contact the Cedar County Extension office at 563-886-6157.

To learn more about PQA Plus^© please see the National Pork Board Web site at http://www.pork.org/certification/default.aspx

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Cattle prices are at an all-time high, but high prices don't necessarily equate to high profits. With tight margins, it's important for cattle feeders to focus on the management and marketing skills needed to maintain profitability. That's why Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is helping sponsor a Cattle Feeders Summer Seminar next month.

Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist, said the program emphasis is on marketing opportunities and management to optimize cattle performance and profitability. The seminar will be Monday, Aug. 11, from 3 to 9 p.m., starting at the Jones County Extension Expo hall in Monticello and concluding with an on-farm demonstration.

"It will include industry updates related to animal care and sustainability, marketing opportunities in eastern Iowa, and animal handling techniques," Schwab said. "Speakers include IBC director Dan Loy, Doug Bear of Iowa Beef Industry Council and Dave Rueber of Innovative Ag Services."

Loy will talk about high quality cattle marketing, Bear will offer Beef Quality Assurance training and certification, and Rueber will share his observations on beef finishing facilities.

Tom Noffsinger, consulting feedyard veterinarian from Benkelman, Neb., who is well known for his work with low-stress handling techniques, will present information and a demonstration.

"Animal disposition and stress has a direct impact on gain, feed efficiency and health, and numerous research studies show that stressed cattle have higher health treatment rates and costs, increased mortality rates and lower quality grades," Schwab said. "Dr. Noffsinger's demonstration will focus on ways to acclimate cattle to human handling that reduces stress and improves cattle behavior and performance. Calmer cattle also result in fewer injuries to farmers."

Partners joining IBC to offer this seminar are Merck Animal Health, Iowa Beef Industry Council and Innovative Ag Services. Cost for the seminar is $10, which can be paid at the door. Preregistration is requested by calling the Benton County Extension office at 319-472-4739 or emailing Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu. For more information contact Schwab at 319-721-9624.

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