Des Moines, Lee, and Henry Counties are partnering together to host the Responsible Expansion of the Cowherd program on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Houghton, Iowa. The event begins at 6:00 p.m., with a meal provided at 5:30 p.m. courtesy of the Lee, Henry, and Des Moines County Cattlemen and Quality Plus Feed.

This educational program, led by Iowa State University Extension Beef Field Specialists, will provide valuable insight for cattle producers considering herd expansion.

Topics of discussion will include:

• Nutritional management of first-calf heifers
• Breeding strategies for yearling heifers
• Animal selection
• Raising replacements versus buying

Producers will have the opportunity to learn strategies and best practices to make informed decisions for long-term herd success.

Registration is required. To sign up, call your local Extension office:

• Des Moines County: 319-671-7165
• Lee County: 319-835-5116
• Henry County: 319-385-8126

Or register online here: https://form.jotform.com/252176277374161

Iowa farmers had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 24, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The week began with warm temperatures before giving way to a much cooler weekend. Field activities included oat and hay harvests, while reports noted rising levels of crop disease across the state.

Topsoil moisture levels were reported at 1% very short, 5% short, 74% adequate, and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture was similar, with 1% very short, 5% short, 77% adequate, and 17% surplus.

Corn progress remained slightly behind average. Eighty-eight percent of corn has reached the dough stage, one day behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. Corn in the dent stage reached 45%, a day ahead of last year but one day behind the average. Overall, corn condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 56% good, and 28% excellent.

Soybeans also showed steady progress, with 90% setting pods. That’s one day ahead of last year, but four days behind normal. Soybeans coloring reached 8%. Crop condition was rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 17% fair, 59% good, and 20% excellent.

Oat harvest is nearly complete, with 97% of the crop harvested for grain. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 78% complete. Pastures continued to hold strong, with 80% rated in good to excellent condition.

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center’s West Burlington campus will host A Time To Heal, Survivorship 101, a nine-week program designed to support cancer survivors as they adjust to life after treatment. The program begins Tuesday, September 17, and will run weekly through Tuesday, November 12.

The program provides cancer survivors with the tools and support needed to embrace their “new normal.” Led by specially trained facilitators, the program offers a safe and welcoming space for participants and their caregivers to share experiences, build community, and gain practical strategies for moving forward.

Each week, participants will explore topics rooted in current research, including nutrition, exercise, intimacy, stress management, and reducing anxiety. In addition to evidence-based guidance, the program emphasizes fellowship and encouragement among survivors.

“This program helps survivors take the next step in their healing journey,” said program coordinator Carey Wellington. “It’s about giving people the confidence, community, and knowledge they need to thrive.”

Registration for Survivorship 101 is free but required. The deadline to reserve a spot is September 10. To register, call 319-768-4248.

Derek Mullin announced today that he will be taking out papers to run for the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board Director District 2 position for a four year term.  He will begin gathering signatures on August 25th.

Director District 2 encompasses the areas of the school district outside of the city of Mt. Pleasant.  However, all residents of the Mt. Pleasant Community School District vote for the entire slate of candidates.

Mullin is currently serving on the school board, and has served since 2021. He has served on the Ag Task Force which started the current Ag Education program and FFA at the high school.  He and his wife, Tina, have three children that attend MPCSD: Caden, a Junior in high school; Charlize, a Freshman in high school and Cuyler, a 6th grader in middle school.

“As a parent with three children in the district, I have focused on making the best decisions for all students.  I am supportive of our teachers and staff, so that they can give our students the best education.  I also want to ensure that we make strong financial decisions for our district taxpayers.”

“As a former Industrial Technology teacher at the Mt. Pleasant Community High School, I am also committed to helping the Career and Technical Education offerings in our District.”

School board elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4th.  

MOUNT PLEASANT—The Fellowship Cup is asking for the community’s help to restock its pantry shelves with canned fruit.

Donations are welcome from individuals, churches, businesses, youth groups, schools, and anyone who would like to lend a hand in supporting local families. Items may be dropped off at The Fellowship Cup, 203 N. Jefferson Street, Mount Pleasant, on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For drop-offs on other days, please call ahead at (319) 385-3242 to ensure the pantry is open.

All donated canned fruit will be distributed directly to clients, helping supplement groceries and providing much-needed support as families work toward self-sufficiency.

Students in grades 4 through 12 will have the opportunity to learn quilting skills this fall through an Entry Level Quilting Workshop, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Van Buren County.

The program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Room at the Fair View Barn on the third Monday of each month, beginning September 15.

Participants will start by constructing a rag quilt. Members may purchase their own materials or select from supplies available through the Extension Office. Before the first session, instructor LaTisha will meet individually with members in August or early September to discuss quilt layouts and determine fabric needs.

Once the rag quilts are completed, the workshop will introduce additional beginner projects, such as a quilted tote bag, quilted table runner, and—if time allows—a pieced lap quilt.

Sewing machines are provided by the Van Buren Extension Council, and two machines are available for checkout with a $25 deposit.

While attendance at every session is not required, members are encouraged to participate as much as possible, as skills will build from one month to the next.

There are only eight spots available, and pre-registration is required. To register, email latishas@iastate.edu