AMES, IOWA (August 6, 2026) — To help producers, crop advisers, and agricultural lenders make informed nutrient management decisions amid high fertilizer costs, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering four Fertilizer and Finance workshops across Iowa this August.
Workshop topics will include understanding fertilizer cost trends; interpreting soil test results to make better phosphorus, potassium, and lime recommendations; and fertilizer budgeting strategies to get the most value from every fertilizer dollar. Participants will learn practical strategies to maximize nutrient management while protecting farm profitability. The workshop is designed for farmers, agricultural lenders, crop advisers, and other agriculture professionals seeking to evaluate fertility investments from both agronomic and financial perspectives.
"The goal is to help producers make confident decisions about where fertilizer dollars will have the greatest impact," said Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomist at Iowa State.
“By combining fertility management principles with financial analysis, participants will gain tools they can use to evaluate costs, manage risk, and maximize returns.”
Workshop locations and dates
- Northwestern Iowa: August 13, 1-3PM, at the Demco Community Center, 714 Main Street, Boyden. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Leah Ten Napel and extension farm-management specialist Tim Christensen. To register, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Lyon County office at 712-472-2576.
- Northern Iowa: August 25, 9-11:30AM, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Cerro Gordo County office, 601 South Illinois Avenue, Mason City. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Angie Rieck-Hinz and extension farm-management specialist Eric Weuve. To register, call the Cerro Gordo County office at 641-423-0844.
- Eastern Iowa: August 26, 1-3PM, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office, 3109 Old Highway 218 South, Iowa City. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe and extension farm-management specialist Ryan Drollette. To register, call the Johnson County office at 319-337-2145.
- Central Iowa: August 27, 9-11:30AM, at the Town Craft Gallery, 1122 Willis Avenue, Perry. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Meaghan Anderson and extension farm-management specialist Patrick Hatting. To register, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office at 515-993-4281.
Registration is $60 per person. Pre-registration is requested three business days before each workshop.
