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Iowans urged to be vigilant as Asian longhorned tick spreads across U.S.

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 17th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – There’s another tick to be on the look-out for, especially if you raise cattle or horses in Iowa. The Asian longhorned tick has been found in 19 states, including Missouri. Veterinarian Grant Dewell says “They can bite humans, but they tend to prefer livestock.” Dewell is with Iowa State University Extension, and his research specialty is beef cattle.

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a warning about these ticks due to recently published research about three Ohio cows that died after being bitten tens of thousands of times by Asian longhorned ticks. This tick species was first found in the U-S in 2010. Dewell says a female can produce on her own. “A single female will produce several thousand eggs…so they can really expand exponentially their numbers once they get into a population,” Dewell says, “They can really overwhelm an animal in some cases.”

Asian longhorned tick (Iowa State University Extension photo)

Researchers in Ohio concluded the cattle there died of blood loss. Dewell says it’s important to keep grass cut around feedlots and make sure animals are grazing in pastures, because ticks prefer to live in areas with tall grass.”We’ll see how far north it spreads,” Dewell says. “It is somewhat cold tolerant, but it doesn’t love the cold either. We have ticks in Iowa, but they’re not as severe as in Missouri and Arkansas and those types of (warmer) places.”

While Asian longhorned ticks seem to prefer cattle and horses, they have been found on dozens of animals in the United States. A man from New York is the first known human to be bitten in the U-S by this species of ticks. That happened in June of 2018.

ICA names Eagle Grove man as new CEO

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, is pleased to announce Bryan Whaley as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective December 4, 2023. Whaley brings many years of experience leading successful teams, serving customers, and a deep-rooted passion for the cattle industry that will be invaluable to the future of the association.

Whaley most recently worked as the Director of Field Operations – North for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Before that, he was a regional extension education director for more than seven years. He has also worked with youth development in several roles with 4-H Youth Development through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Upon completing his first college degree, he was a classroom educator. Whaley holds a master’s degree from Iowa State University in agriculture education and a Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College.

The cattle industry is a part of Whaley’s daily life. He and his family own and operate Whaley Cattle in Eagle Grove, Iowa, raising Maine Anjou and Maine Angus seedstock. He has also been involved in many organizations that support the beef cattle industry, including regular membership with ICA, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and American Maine Anjou Association. Whaley is serving as the current president and board member of the Iowa Maine Anjou Association.

Bryan Whaley

“The search committee is very excited for Bryan to join the ICA staff as the new CEO,” said ICA Board President Bob Noble. “Those on the search committee were impressed with his experience leading teams, working with county committees, and his positive attitude toward the work ahead of ICA. The association has just celebrated 50 years, and Bryan’s energy and optimism will bring a renewed perspective to the association and be the perfect way to move us into our next 50 years.”

The hiring of Whaley comes at no better time as ICA heads into one of the busiest times of the year for the association. This will offer many opportunities for him to get out within the state to meet the Iowa beef cattle producers ICA serves.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association,” said Whaley. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the members of the association, but also the entire cattle industry in Iowa, and support the efforts nationally to advocate for the policies set forth by our members.”

The ICA Board of Directors and staff look forward to welcoming Bryan Whaley to the team and continuing our mission of serving Iowa’s beef cattle industry now and in the future.

Youth Swine Judging Contest Awards $4,750 in Scholarships

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Clive, Iowa) November 16, 2023 – Six teams of Iowa youth won scholarships while participating in the Senior Division of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Youth Swine Judging Contest. The event, which invites students from across the state, took place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines last week. There were 120 teams represented in the Senior Division of the competition. The top teams came from Grinnell High School, Alburnett High School, Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School, the Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District, and Woodbury County in northwest Iowa. A total of 517 students participated in both the Senior and Junior divisions.

Cory Van Gilst, IPPA’s producer outreach director, says “We enjoy welcoming students who are really into judging livestock, as well as those who don’t get a ton of exposure to agriculture. This is a day out of the classroom—a chance to see pigs in person and learn about the pork industry.”

Top Senior Teams:

  • The top team was Grinnell FFA 1, earning 761 points. Team members included Tristan Graff, Kolton Kline, Rylee Mauss, and Aden Wolfe, all of Grinnell. Each receives a $500 scholarship. Wolfe had the highest overall score in the competition.
  • Alburnett FFA 1 had 729 points for second place. Team members were Lexi Geistkemper, Brady Hospodarsky, Jaxson Martin, Riggs Martin, all of Alburnett. Each receives a $250 scholarship.
  • Gladbrook-Reinbeck FFA 2 earned 725 points and third place. Team members were Prycely Beard and Dylinn Blohm, both of Reinbeck, and Parker Schmidt, of Gladbrook. Each member earns a $125 scholarship.
  • Grinnell FFA 2 placed fourth with 722 points and wins $125 scholarships for each team member. They are Peyton Davenport, Maggie Dayton, Zane Iverson, and Anthony Wolfe, all of Grinnell.

Tying for fifth place were Winfield-Mt. Union FFA 1 and Woodbury County 4-H 1, both with 717 points. All of those team members also receive $125 scholarships. Representing Winfield-Mt. Union were Eli Miller and Katie Miller, both of Winfield; and Kurt Beard and Quinlyn Smith of Morning Sun. Students on the Woodbury team included Grace Flannigan, Salix; Jacob Mitchell, Oto; and Kara Nelson, Pierson.

Top Junior Teams:

The top five junior teams are Buena Vista County 4-H 1 — first place; Greene County 4-H 2 — second; Carroll County 4-H — third; Creston 2 — fourth; and Greene County 4-H 1 — fifth. Each of the junior teams wins a plaque.

Points were awarded for each of the following activities: tests on meat quality and knowledge of commercial pork production; as well as judging four classes of hogs that required students to test their commercial gilt selection and market hog evaluation skills; score a keep-cull gilt class; and do a live carcass evaluation, which involved examining 10 pigs individually to determine each animal’s weight, loin eye size, and back fat, then comparing and ranking them on carcass value.

The day also included a demonstration of pork carcass fabrication and a seminar about careers in the pork industry. This is the 15th year for the event. Eldon C. Stutsman Inc., Iowa State University, the Pork Checkoff, Producers Livestock, and Smithfield Foods all partnered with IPPA for this year’s contest.

HPAI confirmed in another Iowa County

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) –  Officials with the Iowa Department of Agriculture have confirmed a case of bird flu (HPAI – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) – in Benton County. The case affects a mixed-species backyard flock of 86 birds.

According to a news release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the recent detections of bird flu “do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products.” Since last month, cases of bird flu have been confirmed in 10 Iowa counties:

  • Benton County
  • Buena Vista County
  • Cerro Gordo County
  • Clay County
  • Guthrie County
  • Hamilton County
  • Jones County
  • Kossuth County
  • Pocahontas County
  • Taylor County

More information about biosecurity can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s website.

Cass County Extension Report 11-15-2023

Ag/Outdoor, Podcasts

November 15th, 2023 by Jim Field

w/Kate Olson.

Play

Harrison County Extension Educator Recognized

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – Carter Oliver, Director of ISU Extension and Outreach in Harrison County, was recognized for his excellence in county extension work during the 2023 Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach conference held Oct. 16-17 in Ames.

With a background in conservation, Oliver is passionate about bringing natural resource education to Iowans of all ages. Officials say Oliver has worked tirelessly to deliver programs on conservation topics ranging from water to fire. Over the last four years, he has delivered the Water Rocks! curriculum to fourth and fifth grade students in four schools across Harrison County, with pre- and post-surveys indicating an average increase in watershed knowledge from 49% to 94% following participation.

“Water quality is an important focus in Iowa with the creation of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy,” added Terry Torneten, regional director for ISU Extension and Outreach. “He educates the students on watersheds and does hands-on activities showing the effect of pollution in rivers.”

Jay Harmon (Left) presents Carter Oliver with his award.

Another youth program that Oliver helped bring to Harrison County is the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), which meets biweekly throughout the winter and spring to prepare for the state competition. Oliver serves as co-leader for the program and was a volunteer for the National WHEP competition held in Iowa this summer.

Oliver has also brought multiple adult natural resources education programs to Harrison County, including the Master Conservationist Program. Oliver has hosted the program for the past three years and was able to triple attendance between years one and two. He also hosted the first annual Master Conservationist Program alumni statewide meetup this past September.

In addition to his work with Water Rocks!, WHEP, and the Master Conservationist Program, Oliver has helped to design a new program on prescribed fire for landowners, which was attended by participants from multiple states.

“Western Iowa has had multiple large wildfires over the last few years and having landowners who understand fire is valuable,” said Torneten. “The program was created to educate landowners by providing insight on creating burn plans, understanding the role of weather, and covering the tools of the trade.”

For more information on ISU Extension and Outreach’s Harrison County office, including upcoming events, visit them online.

Cass County 4-H’ers Receive Awards at County Convention

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County 4-H’ers and their families, volunteers and supporters gathered on Sunday, November 12th to celebrate the 2022-2023 4-H year at the 2023 County Convention. Cass County 4-H Youth Coordinator Katie Bateman says 4-H leaders reaching milestones were recognized at the convention, for their service.

Receiving ten-year recognition were Jeff Anderson of Washington GEM, Tarah Anderson of Washington GEM, Beth Henderson of Benton Franklin, Eva Jensen of Grant Guys & Gals, Kristy Pellett of Pymosa, Windy Smith of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids. Recognized as a club leader for five years was Troy Retallic of Bear Grove Blazers.

The 4-H Alumni Award, given to 4-H alumni that have stayed active in supporting the local 4-H program, was presented to Dawn and Donnie Dreager. Dawn and Donnie are long-time supporters of the 4-H program who always encourage youth to do their best. Donnie is instrumental in the Swine Department at County Fair supporting the superintendent and helping wherever needed. Both are alumni of the Pymosa Club, who have continued to contribute time in support of Cass County 4-H.

Dale and the late Pam Kuehl were recognized as Honorary Members; an award given to non-4-H members that offer support and assistance to the local 4-H program. They have been long-time contributors to the fair livestock sale. Dale is a former fairboard member and Pam was a leader of the Brighton Bluebells 4-H Club. They have helped many youth with livestock projects over the years.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to NISHNANET. The team at NISHNANET work hard to provide free Wi-Fi on the fairgrounds during fair week. This service allows data to be entered quickly for shows after weigh-ins, networks to live stream county fair events, and communicate throughout the grounds. 4-H and FFA members, staff, and everyone who comes to the fair is grateful for the services that NISHNANET provide. They are quick to respond to the need and move on a moment’s notice to help all throughout the year.

Youth Council installation (Photo courtesy Katie Bateman

Members and leaders of all eleven 4-H clubs in Cass County were presented on stage to receive recognition for club activities throughout the year and project awards. Intermediate and Junior 4-H members who completed a record book received project awards based on leaders’ recommendation. High school members turn in their record book at the club level to be reviewed then leaders nominate records to be reviewed again at the county level. Record books are rated on organization, appearance, goals and learning, spelling and grammar. Senior project awards were also presented. These project records should be well organized, neat, and show evidence of solid Citizenship, Communication, and Leadership activities. Points received determine if platinum, gold, silver, or bronze awards are given.

Awards given by clubs are as follows:

Bear Grove Blazers: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item, Banner Club

Project Awards:

Elizabeth Anderson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Photography: Platinum

Catherine DeBord: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Rabbit, Swine

Aly Dreager: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Food & Nutrition, Sheep, Swine

Dylen Dreager: Project awards in Swine: Silver

Keagen Dreager: Sheep, Swine, Woodworking

Walker Gary: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Sheep, Swine, Woodworking

Michael Hocamp: Overall Record: Star.

Maggie Jacobsen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Home Improvement, Visual Arts

Hunter Kardell: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Photography, Rabbit, Swine

Lynsie Kardell: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Photography, Sewing, Swine, Visual Arts

Macie Kloewer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Rabbit, Visual Arts

Maggie Kloewer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Rabbit, Visual Arts

Mia Kloewer: Project Awards: Rabbit: Silver

David Retallic: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition: Bronze, Rabbit: Bronze, Swine: Silver

Sophia Retallic: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, Rabbit, Sewing, Swine

Nolan Sunderman: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Visual Arts

Carter Witzman: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Swine: Platinum

Benton Franklin: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Brock Henderson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Platinum

Ada Nichols: Overall Record: Silver.

Brookelyn Steffen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Swine

Brylee Steffen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Sewing, Swine, Woodworking

C&M Champions: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item, Swine Herdsmanship

Cowpokes: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Shelby Hansen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Horse

Garret Stetzel: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog

Kaylee Stetzel: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Horse: Gold

Kayedance Sturm: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Horse

Grant Guys and Gals: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item, Rabbit Herdsmanship, Sheep Herdsmanship

Project Awards:

Kinsey Burg: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, Photography, Sewing, Visual Arts

Macy Burg: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Home Improvement, Photography, Sewing

Brayden Dawson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Woodworking

Ashton Hagen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Meat Goats

Graham Hagen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef

Tiana Hagen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Ada Hansen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Citizenship, Clothing, Food & Nutrition

Isaac Hansen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Health, Swine, Woodworking

Jenna Jensen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Health, Home Improvement, Leadership, Photography, Swine, Visual Arts

Emma Meyer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Kennedy Meyer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Eden Ohms: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Sewing, Sheep, Visual Arts

Leah Ohms: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Health, Photography, Sewing, Sheep, Visual Arts

Kylee Wessling: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Leadership, Photography, Rabbit

Griswold Clubsters: Club Awards: Silent Auction Item, Goat Herdsmanship

Project Awards:

Raylea Amos: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Visual Arts

Josie Millikan: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Consumer Management: Gold, Food & Nutrition: Gold, Health: Silver

Grove H.O.T.: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item, Top Community Service Poster

Project Awards:

Parker Brock: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Dog: Platinum, Meat Goat: Gold.

Conner Johnson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Photography: Platinum, Poultry: Platinum

Lily Johnson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Clothing: Platinum, Communications: Platinum, Dairy Goat: Platinum, Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Poultry: Platinum, Sewing: Platinum

Rio Johnson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Clothing: Platinum, Communications: Platinum, Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Photography: Platinum, Poultry: Platinum, Sewing: Platinum, Visual Arts: Platinum.

Claire Schroder: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Sewing: Gold

Pleasant Noble United: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Conlan Amos: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, Poultry, Veterinary Science

Zoey Amos: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Photography

Emma Ritter: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Visual Arts

Gage Ritter: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Woodworking

Kailey Swain: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Meat Goat: Platinum, Rabbit: Platinum, Swine: Platinum.

Trista Swain: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Meat Goat: Platinum, Rabbit: Platinum, Swine: Platinum

Pymosa: Club Awards: Silent Auction Item, Beef Herdsmanship

Project Awards:

Makayla Atkinson: completed a record book.

Dayna Dreager: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Swine: Platinum

Keira Olson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Leadership: Platinum

Olivia Olson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Photography: Bronze, Woodworking: Bronze

Callee Pellett: Overall Record: Gold.

Claire Pellett: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Platinum, Dog: Platinum, Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Health: Platinum, Home Improvement: Platinum.

Oakley Skow: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition

Miraylie Stuart: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Beef: Gold

Teague Stuart: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Union Leaders: Club Awards: Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Oliver Becker: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Sewing

Rachel Becker: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Silver

Reilly Becker: completed a record book.

Tristan Becker: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Silver

Bay Erickson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Rabbit, Visual Arts

Bryson Lee: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, STEM, Woodworking

Lane Mills: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Meat Goats

Washington GEM: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item, Top Secretary Book, Top Treasurer Book, Top Historian Book

Project Awards:

Colton Anderson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Maddy Anderson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Swine: Silver.

Natalie Boose: Overall Record: Star.

Bentley Bruck: Overall Record: Star.

Jacquelyn Freund: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Child Development, Home Improvement, Sewing

Macy Freund: Overall Record: Star.

Gracelyn Larsen: Overall Record: Star.

Grant Petty: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Lane Robinson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Quincy Robinson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Gentry Waters: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Visual Arts

Paxton Wickard: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Woodworking

Zach Zellmer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Rabbits and Swine

Senior 4-H’ers could also apply for County-Level awards, which required a special application and information regarding their overall 4-H experiences. Receiving county level award recognition were Lily Johnson of Grove H.O.T – Merit Award, Parker Brock of Grove H.O.T – Achievement Award, Maddy Anderson of Washington GEM – Citizenship Award, Claire Pellett of Pymosa – Leadership Award, Kailey Swain of Pleasant Noble United – Learning through Livestock Award, Rio Johnson of Grove H.O.T. – Danforth “I Dare You” Award.

Bear Grove Blazers was recognized for the top window display during National 4-H Week and as the Banner Club winner for all the activities completed this past 4-H program year. Grove H.O.T won top community service project poster. Club officers keep records throughout the year and turn in books to be reviewed. Top books in the county are selected for Secretary, Treasurer and Historian. Washington GEM took home all three of these officer book awards.

The afternoon concluded with the installation of fifteen senior level 4-H’ers onto the 2023-2024 County 4-H Youth Council. Members are: Maddy Anderson of Washington GEM, Makayla Atkinson of Pymosa, Parker Brock of Grove H.O.T., Alyson Dreager of Bear Grove Blazers, Jacquelyn Freund of Washington GEM, Ada Hansen of Grant Guys & Gals, Brock Henderson of Benton Franklin, Lily Johnson of Grove H.O.T., Leah Ohms of Grant Guys & Gals, Olivia Olson of Pymosa, Callee Pellett of Pymosa, Claire Pellett of Pymosa, Claire Schroder of Grove H.O.T., Miraylie Stuart of Pymosa, and Kailey Swain of Pleasant Noble United.

For more information about joining the Cass County 4-H program as a 4-H member or adult volunteer, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass, call 712-243-1132, or email kbateman@iastate.edu to contact the Cass County Extension office.

Outdoor burns are strongly discouraged Tuesday and Wednesday

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

November 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Shenandoah, Iowa) – Authorities in southwest Iowa are discouraging open burning due to extreme fire danger and high winds. Field fires were reported over the weekend in this area, after a combine caught fire and someone decided it would be a good time to burn timber in windy conditions between Wiota and Anita.

The National Weather Service issued a statement saying elevated fire weather conditions are expected…due to combination of windy conditions, low relative humidities, and cured agriculture fields and prairie grasses. Strong and gusty winds, gusts up to 35 to 45 mph, will be experienced across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa today (Tuesday) through Thursday. Any fire that does start may spread quickly. The gusty winds may cause hazardous travel conditions for high profile vehicles on east west roadways, as well.

Please hold off on burning of trash and keep an eye on any recent burning. Also please properly and responsibly discard your cigarettes.

USDA report shows much of 2023 harvest activity in Iowa completed

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The latest U-S-D-A crop and weather report shows Iowa’s soybean harvest is nearly complete and 94 percent of corn that’s harvested for grain is out of the fields. The 2023 corn harvest in Iowa is about 10 days ahead of the five year average.

According to the U-S-D-A, 58 percent of Iowa’s topsoil is short or very short of moisture. Subsoil moisture levels are worse, with only 30 percent considered adequate. Just one percent of subsoil in the state is considered to have excess moisture.

Temperatures over the past week averaged seven degrees above normal across the state. The high spot for precipitation was Clinton County, which recorded two-tenths of an inch.

10th Annual Harvest Market Features Food Vendors

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

ATLANTIC, IA (November 14, 2023) – Produce in the Park’s 10th Annual Harvest Market 2023 is being held at the Cass County Community Center on Monday, November 20 from 3-6 pm. This fall farmers market offers local and handmade foods and crafts, and local foods will be making a strong showing.

3 Bee Farms will be at Harvest Market with honey, jams, jellies, syrups, popcorn, eggs, and a variety of produce.

Food vendors at Harvest Market 2023 will include:
● Bridgewater Farm – lots of produce such as greens, sweet potatoes, and squashes
● 3 Bee Farms – honey, eggs, jams, jellies, syrups, popcorn, squash, turnips, onions,
potatoes, and garlic. Frozen apple pies are available by preorder only by calling (402)
677-2460.
● Brun Ko Farm – chicken, lamb, granola, honey, garlic, and onions. Pies are available by
preorder only while supplies last at https://www.brunkofarm.com
● Noble Provisions – beef and more
● Neighborhood Bakehouse – breads
● Piper’s Brae Farm – aronia berries, jellies, and eggs
● Corn 4 a Cause – popcorn on the cob
● Frosting Inc. – gourmet cupcakes and other baked goods
● Kringleman Pastries – Danish kringle, letters, creamhorns, rye bread, and pastries
● Cakes, Cookies, and Confections – cookies, cupcakes, brownies, bars, and flavored
breads
● Sugar Mama Cookie Co. – pastries and desserts
Craft vendors:
● 360 Design & Landscape – Live gradlands, wreaths, swags, and artificial center pieces
● Imagine Garden Gift – Garden-inspired gifts, holiday decorations, plants in festive pots
● Solis Wolf Woodworking – Cutting boards, coasters, and wood decorations
● Aubrey’s Bows – Hair boys for infants and children
● Creekside Crystal and Crafts – Crystals, crystal jewelry, and macrame items
● Sharon Johnson – Baby blankets and dish cloths
● Crawleys Christ-Centered Creations – Wooden decor
● DeLaine’s Designs – Doll clothes
● JD Crafters – Cutting boards, charcuterie trays, coasters, cribbage boards, gifts, and
keepsakes
Food Truck: Game Time Eats – Cheesesteaks, burgers, and nachos with a variety of toppings

Harvest Market is held the Monday before Thanksgiving, so shoppers can pick up local foods and more to enjoy at holiday celebrations. Produce in the Park continues to accept vendor applications for Harvest Market, and additional holiday markets planned for winter 2023-2024. Vendor applications can be found online at  www.ProduceInTheParkAtlanticIowa.com; printed copies of the application are available at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022).

Produce in the Park seeks vendors selling handmade or homegrown products, including local foods, as well as beauty products, candles, crafts, art, and decorations.

Harvest Market 2023 is sponsored by Cass County Farm Bureau, Cass Health, Gregg Young of Atlantic, 1st Whitney Bank & Trust, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Atlantic.

For the latest information on Harvest Market, and all Produce in the Park markets, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/).