AMES, Iowa -- An Iowa biology professor and an Illinois educator were named Rural Champions of Change by the White House in recognition of their innovations and ingenuity that are strengthening rural communities. Linda Barnes, Marshalltown Community College (MCC) professor of biology and organic farmer, is the founder of the Entrepreneurial and Diversified Agriculture program at MCC, the first associate degree program in sustainable agriculture in the Midwest. Ruth Hambleton, of Woodlawn Illinois, is the founder of Annie's Project, a nonprofit organization that concentrates on education for farm women. Both women have Iowa State University Extension and Outreach support for their educational programs.

Barnes and Hambleton joined 16 other Champions of Change, President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for a roundtable summit at the White House on July 6. A highlight of the meeting for both women was meeting the President and having conversation that generated many ideas. "I learned what others are doing around the development of local food hubs where regionally produced agricultural products are being aggregated for distribution," said Barnes.

Hambleton was proud to see over half the hands in the room go up in positive response when she asked how many knew about Annie's Project, and even more pleased when a fellow champion provided a testimonial for the program. "When others speak on behalf of Annie's Project, it lends credibility beyond what I could bring to the table," said Hambleton. "Annie's Project survives and grows because it is a demand driven program meeting a very real need for farm women."

Sharing vision for rural America

President Obama shared his vision for economic growth and development in rural areas during the summit. The President emphasized the need for high-speed Internet access and stated that rural areas should expect to have opportunities equivalent to those in other areas of the nation. The President also discussed the importance of identifying rural Americans' success stories and sharing that knowledge across the country.

For Barnes, the summit broadened an awareness of the changes occurring in the perception of place and food. "I'd like to see the Farm Bill name changed to Food and Farm Bill, because that is how the U.S. feeds itself," she said. "The government needs to remove barriers to growing different crops - such as fruits and vegetables. There is a huge disincentive for alternative crops, and yet the U.S. doesn't grow enough fruits and vegetables to feed our own citizens the five-a-day that we know we need for good health."

The vision Hambleton shared was based in part on the Preamble to the Constitution. "I feel it sums up the purpose of government; establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of Liberty," she said. "To promote general welfare, the government has a role to support action that improves conditions for citizens of the U.S. That support can be in the form of regulation to promote fair play or can be fiscal support to get something started that otherwise would not happen."

Continuing the work of rural champions

Participating in the summit gave Hambleton a chance to thank the source of Annie's Project funding and ask for continued targeted support for the program. "New states introducing Annie's Project are grateful for grant funding sources and then are excited about the results this program generates for their states," Hambleton said. "I illustrated with real names and faces from the ranks of Iowa State University, names familiar to Secretary Vilsack, how important and impactful designated funding would be for taking education for farm and ranch women to the next level."

Hambleton went on to say that Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is the reason Annie's Project went beyond the borders of Illinois. Along with help from the University of Missouri the program has expanded to farm women business management education being offered in 26 states. "We also received help from the ISU Foundation to formalize our organizational structure, allowing us to move ahead to make Annie's something more than a good idea in our heads," she said. "Farm women across the country can look to Iowa State for a continued excellent program that will become for farm women what 4-H is to youth."

Barnes said she appreciates the Iowa State University research and outreach that supports regional food systems and consumer education on the health benefits of eating locally. She would like to see research on cropping systems that work for fruits and vegetables.

Find out more about the Rural Champions of Change and read blog posts from Hambleton and Barnes at www.whitehouse.gov/champions/blog. Learn more about the Annie's Project at www.extension.iastate.edu/annie and the Entrepreneurial and Diversified Agriculture Program at www.iavalley.edu/mcc/careers_degrees/images/EntreDiversifedAgM.pdf.

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AMES, Iowa - In past years, sudden death syndrome (SDS) has appeared during the last week of July or the first week of August in Iowa. Therefore, researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) anticipate symptoms of SDS will begin appearing in the state with the next couple of weeks. Although researchers do not expect SDS to be as widespread or as severe as the 2010 growing season, there have been some counties within the state that have received higher-than-normal precipitation. Scientists expect the risk of SDS in these counties to be higher since disease development is favored by wet conditions.

Begin scouting for SDS soon
The first symptoms of the disease are usually found on more compacted and low areas of the field. First symptoms are seen on the leaves of infected plants as scattered, yellow spots between leaf veins. Large sections of leaf tissue between veins turn yellow as spots grow together. These yellow blotches soon turn brown, but the veins remain green. Eventually, the leaves die and drop, but the petioles remain on the stem. Infected plants are also easily pulled from the soil because the roots are rotted. When split lengthwise with a knife, the internal tissue of the main or tap root will be gray to reddish brown, not healthy white.
ISU researchers emphasize that, while there are no in-season management options for SDS, scouting is still important for several reasons. 

  • First, this is a good time to evaluate soybean varieties for resistance to SDS. Growing resistant varieties, or avoiding very susceptible varieties, is the most effective way to reduce losses to SDS.
  • Also, identifying fields or parts of fields with SDS can help with future management practices. These management tactics include reducing soil compaction since the disease has been associated with compacted soil; planting fields with a history of SDS towards the end of a planting schedule when soils may be warmer and drier; and testing for the presence of soybean cyst nematodes.
  • Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is usually, but not always, associated with SDS and may increase its severity, especially in varieties that are SCN-susceptible. Therefore, management practices to reduce SCN populations, including SCN-resistant variety selection and preventing the spread of soil from field to field, may delay onset and spread of SDS.

"Several Iowa State University pathologists and agronomists continue research to improve our understanding the biology of the fungus that causes SDS and develop improved management options for the disease," said Alison Robertson, ISU Extension plant pathologist. "The ISU soybean breeding program continues to develop and release germplasm with improved resistance to SDS that is available to all private soybean breeding companies. ISU scientists collaborate with scientists at other universities."

Most of the SDS research at ISU is funded by soybean checkoff dollars from state, regional and national organizations, namely the Iowa Soybean Association, the North Central Soybean Research Program and the United Soybean Board.

ISU Research

Key advances from the last five years of research on SDS at Iowa State include :

  • Development and release of soybean breeding lines with improved resistance to SDS that can be used by seed companies to develop resistant varieties adapted to Iowa;
  • Discovery, identification and molecular characterization of a toxin produced by the SDS fungus that causes the disease and that the toxin needs to be exposed to light to cause the disease on the leaves;
  • Discovery that the fungus needs to colonize the central part (or vascular system) of the roots so the toxin can be moved up from the roots to the leaves in the cells that carry water up the plant;
  • Discovery that soybean seedlings are most vulnerable to root infection in the first few days after planting, and in cold soils the seedlings are vulnerable to infection for a longer period of time than when planting occurs in warmer soil;
  • Discovery that the SDS fungus can survive in corn residue, including corn kernels dropped in field, and this may be a way the fungus overwinters from season to season.


Several other ongoing projects include :

  • Sequencing of the entire genetic composition (genome) of the SDS pathogen, which will allow scientists to identify the genes involved in the ability of the fungus to cause disease on soybeans;
  • Identifying the mechanisms behind the interaction between the SCN and the SDS pathogen;
  • Identifying soybean genes involved in resistance to SDS using molecular approaches;
  • Continuing to screen soybean breeding populations adapted to Iowa for improved resistance to SDS;
  • Evaluating the impact of crop rotation, planting date and seed treatment for SDS management in Iowa.

Partially funded by the soybean checkoff.


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A budding workshop will be held at the ISU Scott County Extension Office in Bettendorf on August 18 from 7-8:30 pm. The instructor will be Patrick O'Malley, Commercial Horticulturist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The workshop will begin with a presentation overview of grafting methods with an emphasis on chip budding and t-budding. Chip budding is the primary method that ornamental and fruit nurseries use for propagating specific cultivars. This will be followed by a demonstration and hands on practice by the participants of the budding techniques using a variety of plant materials including plum, pear, and apple. Knives and grafting supplies will be provided, however rootstocks will not be available. Those participants that may have rootstocks are welcome to bring them to the class. The workshop has a $10 fee that can be paid at the beginning of the class. To reserve a spot, email Patrick O'Malley at omall@iastate.edu or call 319-337-2145.

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Iowa Master Gardeners (MG) find many ways to volunteer in their communities, from answering horticulture questions that come into county offices to helping manage farmers' markets and community gardens. Public plantings in many Iowa communities are visual signs of the many volunteer hours Master Gardeners provide.

Master Gardener training has been offered in Iowa by Iowa State University Extension since 1979. Over the years, more than 10,000 Iowans have received instruction on a wide range of horticulture and related topics and in return provided a specified number of hours doing volunteer outreach through ISU Extension.

However, there are Iowans that would like to have the training, without the commitment of providing community service. To better serve this group of people, ISU Extension Scott County is offering the ProHort Certification for the first time this year. The ProHort Certification program will be delivered through the Iowa State University Master Gardener training program this fall in three locations. It is different from the Master Gardener program because it is a fee in-lieu-of volunteer service version of the program.

"ProHort participants will train alongside Iowa Master Gardeners," said Jennifer Bousselot, Iowa MG coordinator. "However, without the volunteer commitment, participants do not become Iowa Master Gardeners."

The Iowa Master Gardener (MG) training includes sessions on animal ecology, botany, entomology, fruit culture, herbaceous ornamentals, home landscape design, houseplants, integrated pest management/pesticides, landscape plants, plant pathology, soils, turf grass management, vegetables and weed management.

Upon completion of the program requirements, ProHort participants receive an official ProHort Certificate of training from Iowa State University, which may be displayed in a place of business.

To find out more about the ProHort Certification program being offered in Scott County this fall, contact Duane Gissel, ISU Scott County Extension 563-359-7577.

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AMES, Iowa -Thirteen films by Iowa teens and preteens will compete at the 2011 4-H Film Festival during the Iowa State Fair

The participants had the choice of working on a film individually or as a team. At least one team member must be in 4-H. Film submissions were due July 1 and the review and judging process is under way.

"It's exciting to see the youth of Iowa grabbing their cameras, gathering friends and making such creative and fun films for all to enjoy," said Jed Findlay, a communications specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and one of the judges for the film festival. "I'm looking forward to the day of the festival to see which films get picked."

The top films will be shown at the 2011 4-H Film Festival in the 4-H Exhibits Building on Aug. 12. Teams are competing for a spot in the line-up and for the grand prize of an Apple iPad.

"These films are a great example of the kind of talent and creativity that youth are capable of and it is outstanding," says Film Festival coordinator Karen Frank.

KCWI, Blank Park Zoo, Traviss Audio Video and Taco Johns are sponsoring the event.

4-H Film Festival Entries

Iowa youth who completed any of grades 5 through 12 were eligible to submit a film in one of three categories:

Educate - Videos intended to provide information or training on a specific topic

Inspire - Videos intended to raise awareness about an important issue or call viewers to action

Just 4 Fun - Videos intended to entertain

Films from the following teams are being reviewed and judged for the 4-H Film Festival.

Educate

A Rocket, a Crew and a Trip to the Moon by The Tech Rollers - Spencer Campbell, Story County

Origami Ocean: Paper Creations That Won't Wash Up In Water by Fold-It-Up Productions - Hunter Brehm, Dubuque County

The Dangers of Texting While Driving by IDHT Productions - Sarah Braun, Warren County

Inspire

Running the Race by 4 Kids and a Camera - Joel Stephenson, Emma Stephenson, Victoria Litwiller and Matthew J. Litwiller, Hardin County

2011 South Africa Mission Trip by Films 4 Christ - Colton Bishop, Polk County

Just 4 Fun

Super Spy Granny by Barr and Padlock Productions - Alan Barr, Alicia Barr, Paul Swanson, Zack Paddok, Emilie Paddok and Bethany Paddok, Decatur County

Trisha's Lullaby by Jaden Ramsey - Tonya Ramsey, Sac County

Blue and Green by Arthur - Arthur Behnke, Scott County

Starry Eyed Surprise by Andrew Smith - Andrew Smith, Story County

Kidnapped by Kids on Scene - Callie Forgy, Madison County

The Journey to the Clover Queen by Eyes on the Child Baby Sitting Club - Mikayla VanderHeiden, Bekah Nau, Megan Garrison, Alaina O'Connor, Paige O'Connor, Amanda Ryner, Tyanna Forgy and Kendra Kirkland, Madison County

10 Weirdest things to Trip Over by ZUM Movies - Alex Zumwalt, Linn County

Hairball Revenge by French Fries - Rayna P. Buxton, Henry County

For more information, contact Karen Frank at kmnaig@gmail.comor Holly Bignall at hbignall@iastate.edu.

August 5                               
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

August 23                             
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

September 2                       
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

September 27                     
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 5                             
Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

October 7                             
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

October 25                           
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 27                           
Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 4                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

November 9                        
Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm 

November 16                      
Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that
$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 29                      
Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,
9am-11:30am 

December 2                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

December 7                        
Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension
Office, 9am-11:30am 

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

Le Claire, Iowa, July 19, 2011 - Mississippi River Distilling Company is excited to announce the release of their first seasonal product, a 100% wheat whiskey called Wide River Wheat.  Whiskey enthusiasts will be able to purchase the limited release product on Friday, August 5.  In total, there will be approximately 3,000 hand numbered 375 ml bottles for distribution.  This wheat spirit uses 100% organic wheat from farmer Tracy Doonan of Reynolds, Illinois. The spirit was aged in oak barrels and during the last month was transferred to oak used to age wine at Wide River Winery of Clinton, Iowa.  This leaves consumers with a light summertime sipper with a wonderful hint of red wine.

In conjunction with the wheat seasonal release is MRDC's First Friday Fiesta on Friday, August 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  The "First Friday" feature event is open to the public and was started in May as a chance for anyone who can't make it during regular business hours to come see what they're all about, try the products, and have a little fun!  Features in August include unique twists on some standby favorites.  There will be free samples of margaritas made with River Baron Vodka and mojitos made with River Rose Gin.  MRDC's "Spirited Chef" Stephanie will be sampling a Mexican shrimp and citrus dish called Caldo de Camerones.  Plus, there will be retail specials in the shop.  The rest of Le Claire is also joining in on the First Friday fun with an art stroll down Cody Road with artists and musicians in the street.  Shops and restaurants will be open for a fabulous night in Le Claire!

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

 

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The 2nd Annual Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon, sponsored by AEGON, will be held at 8 AM on Sunday, August 7, 2011. Over 250 athletes competed in last year's event and even more are expected for 2011. This is a U.S.A.T. sanctioned event and is once again part of the Heartland of American Triathlon series. Registration is available online at www.campcourageous.org until Saturday, August 6th.
The 2011 Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon starts off with a 500 yard swim at Central Park near Amber, IA. Swimmers will transition from swim to bike at Central Park and then set off for a 16 mile bike ride through scenic Grant Wood country to Camp Courageous. At a second transition area bikers switch to a run that has changed from 2010. Runners will enjoy a 4K course that takes them through Pictured Rocks camp, around Pictured Rocks State Park, and then through and finishing inside Camp Courageous. The run course is a mixture of scenic paved surfaces and dirt trails.
Packet pick-up for all athletes and teams will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 3 PM to 7 PM at Camp Courageous. Athletes will pick-up their race materials during this time. A pre-event dinner will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM in the camp's lodge that is free for all entered athletes and $5 for all guests. Bikes can be dropped off in the transition area at Central Park from 3 PM to 7 PM in an area that will be secured until race time on Sunday. Online registration will close at noon on Saturday, August 6th. In-person registration will close at the conclusion of packet pick-up on August 6th at 7 PM.
All ages of athletes are welcome to compete in the the Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon. Athletes can enter as individuals or as a team. Awards are given out immediately following the event. Enter online at www.campcourageous.org or download an entry form. All proceeds from this event go to Camp Courageous, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
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WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. has received a $242,655 Homeless Prevention Grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

The funds are distributed through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.  They are not earmarks determined by Congress.  Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. can use the funds to provide services to approximately 125 households in Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island County, Illinois.  Services include case management, assistance in obtaining VA and/or public benefits, and temporary critical financial assistance.

"We owe a great deal to the men and women that serve our country.  These funds can help veterans who find themselves in a tough situation get back on their feet," Grassley said.

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WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the Department of Education secretary to provide details of any policies governing how department employees should handle contact with private investors seeking to profit from non-public agency information.  Grassley's inquiry comes after revelations of contact between investors tracking federal regulations affecting for-profit colleges and high-level Department of Education employees.

"Certain investors contact government agencies to try to gain any advantage they can over other investors," Grassley said.  "Since that's inevitable, the question is how federal employees respond.  Do federal employees give out information that short sellers can use to make money?  Are the employees influenced in their rule-making by investors who don't disclose their financial interests?  The Department of Education should account for how it handled investor contacts leading up to the regulations affecting for-profit colleges and going forward.  An accounting is necessary to establish confidence in the integrity of government management."

Government watchdog groups have obtained documents through the Freedom of Information Act that show contacts between Department of Education employees and short sellers who make money by betting against certain stocks, including a known short seller who publicly criticized the for-profit education industry.  The Department of Education inspector general reportedly is conducting an investigation of the propriety of the department's conduct.

In a letter today, Grassley asked the Department of Education secretary whether the department has any policies for employee contact with financial speculators looking for non-public information to profit in the securities markets.  The text of Grassley's letter is available here.

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