(Atlantic, Iowa) – The start of the 2025 Cass County (IA) Fair, in Atlantic, is a little less then three-weeks away. Officials with Cass County ISU Extension say Fair week is a celebration of hard work and dedication to 4-H and FFA programs throughout the past year. The week is filled with activities: free entertainment, great food, and projects to view both in the building and barns. Fair week officially kicks off July 24th and ends July 29th, after the livestock sale.

4-Hers have been working hard all year to complete projects and get them ready for this week-long showcase. Their first opportunity for judging starts with the Clothing Event contest along with the Table Setting contest. These events are judged before fair starts and are on display in the building during fair week. Awards for these contests will be given Friday evening as part of the Friday Evening Building Showcase.

Clothing Event involves 4-H’ers across Cass County who will display their skills in purchasing and creating outfits for all purposes. The judging of this contest will take place before the fair starts on July 10th at the Cass County Community Center. Participants competed in three divisions: Fashion Revue, Clothing Selection, the $20 Challenge, and Innovative Design.

Fashion Revue participants made their garments using design elements and principles such as line, shape, color and texture. Members who chose to participate in this event must sew, construct, hand-knit, machine-knit, crochet garment(s). Clothing Selection outfits and are evaluated on overall appearance, as well as their knowledge of selection, including appropriateness, care, and money spent on the outfit. The $20 Challenge is an opportunity for 4-Hers to challenge themselves by purchasing a complete outfit for under $20. Innovative Design is a challenge for participants to create a costume, cosplay, wearable technology, sustainable/upcycled fashion, accessible fashion, or outfits that use unconventional materials.

Table Setting is a fun way to learn how to properly set a table, plan nutritious meals, and express originality and creativity. Exhibitors choose a theme, present to a judge, express knowledge of food, nutrition and food safety, and have fun planning a special occasion meal for entertaining. Exhibitors can enter a casual or formal place setting display, dishes to menus, and decorations to clothing worn during judging! Judging for this event will take place on July 15th at the Cass County Community Center. Entries are photographed and will be displayed at the fair for public viewing in the Community Center.

Awards will be presented during Friday Evening’s Building Showcase in the Community Center. Winners will be chosen from each age division and in each category. Those winners will have the opportunity to advance to the Regional Table Setting Contest in August.

Be sure to check out all the entries from this year’s Clothing Event contest and the Table Setting Contest which will be on display in the Community Center during fair week!

(Des Moines, Iowa) – This holiday weekend, 13 beaches in Iowa have advisories posted with regard to swimming. (More information can be found HERE) Beaches are updated each Friday with advisories Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The Iowa DNR’s State Park Beach Monitoring Program indicated the following:

10 Beaches with an E. coli Advisory:
Backbone Beach (Dundee, Delaware County, IA)* 
Beed’s Lake Beach (Hampton, Franklin County, IA)* 
Denison Beach (Black Hawk Lake, Lake View, Sac County, IA)*
Lake Darling Beach (Brighton, Washington County, IA)*
Lake Manawa Beach (Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA)* 
Lewis and Clark Beach (Blue Lake, Onawa, Monona County, IA)* 
Lower Pine Lake Beach (Eldora, Hardin County, IA)* 
Nine Eagles Beach (Davis City, Decatur County, IA)* 
North Twin Lake West Beach (Rockwell City, Calhoun County, IA)*
Prairie Rose Beach (Harlan, Shelby County, IA)* 

3 Beaches with a Microcystin Advisory
Green Valley Beach (Creston, Union County, IA)*
Lake Darling Beach (Brighton, Washington County, IA)*
McIntosh Woods Beach (Clear Lake, Ventura, Cerro Gordo County, IA)*

3 City and County Beaches exceed the state’s advisory threshold for E. coli.*
(City and County beaches do not report levels of algal toxins) 
View the map on our website to see where.

*Data from the Iowa DNR State Park Beach Monitoring Program
**Data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District

Note: Monitoring has been suspended at Lake Keomah due to renovation activities. George Wyth Park is closed due to flooding.

 No advisories
 E. coli advisory
 Microcystin advisory
 E. coli and microcystin advisories
 Exceeds state advisory threshold for E. coli (what does this mean?)
 Beach closed

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in the middle of its annual Canada goose banding effort across the state.

Geese that nested and had young are currently flightless, allowing staff and volunteers to capture the waterfowl, collect some demographic information, and place a metal band on their leg before being released.

“This is one of the best sources of information on Canada geese – it allows us to monitor where the birds are captured, where they are recovered, either by hunter or by the general public who can report the band, which provides important estimates for demographic rates, such as survival rates, recovery rates – and that’s really the fine scale information that allows us to manage the population,” said Orrin Jones, state waterfowl biologist with the Iowa DNR.

To learn more about the Canada goose banding project, go to the DNR’s YouTube channel

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for help with the annual wild turkey production survey.  During the months of July and August wild turkey sightings are recorded to estimate this year’s nesting rates and nest success.

Participation is easy – just note the date and county in which the turkey was seen, if it was an adult female or adult male – males have beards on their breast – and if and how many poults (baby turkeys) were present. The survey is available online at www.iowadnr.gov/turkey, then click on Wild Turkey Survey. There is also an identification guide on documenting wild turkey broods on the survey webpage, that provides tips on how to determine males from females, and different flock scenarios with poults of different ages.

Annual population surveys conducted by the DNR are an important component of managing the wild turkey. Turkey populations can fluctuate annually across all regions of the state.  All participation is appreciated.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal comments on administrative rules for ginseng harvesting and sale.  Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by the Governor on January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes public engagement with the opportunity for meaningful input.   The Iowa DNR has reviewed 571 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 78 titled Ginseng Harvesting and Sale. This chapter has been revised to eliminate redundancies, improve efficiency, and provide clarification and consistency with federal rules as managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Ginseng in autumn color with the minimum “3 prongs” required for legal harvest (ISU Ext. photo)

The public is invited to provide informal comments on the proposed rule changes. DNR will accept written comments through July 16, 2025. Written comments or questions regarding the proposed rule should be submitted to: Karmin.Klingenberg@dnr.iowa.gov. Comments should be made to specific  portions of the rule.  After receiving and reviewing informal comments, the DNR will create a draft Regulatory Analysis and draft Notice of Intended Action. The DNR will host a formal public comment period for these drafts, followed by a public hearing in September 2025.

Drafts of the rule, including a “clean” copy and a version showing revisions, can be found on the DNR webpage: www.iowadnr.gov/eo10.

(Radio Iowa) – A member of the Iowa Soybean Association’s board of directors says the Trump Administration’s proposed 2026 production mandate for biofuels should spur production this year. Dave Walton, a farmer from Wilton, runs all of his farm equipment on soybean-based biodiesel.

“In Iowa we have a number of biodiesel plants that are either shut down, slowed down or running at far less than their capacity,” Walton says, “so this should send a signal to the marketplace that they need to get those plants turned on again and start using soybean oil.” There are 10 biodiesel plants in Iowa and industry experts say up to five have been shut down.

“Those plants employ about 1600 folks,” he says. “You want to talk about economic impact and keeping our people here and in rural Iowa, there’s a direct link between keeping those biodiesel plants up and running and keeping our rural communities energized.” Walton says production should ramp up due to growing demand from trucking companies for B-99 — the highest blend of biodiesel.

“In the past that hasn’t been possible because of the equipment,” Walton said. “Now we have companies like Optimus Technologies that are making that bolt-on that you can put on virtually any semi to be able to run B99 year round without any other modification.”

The E-P-A is proposing that at least five-point-six billion gallons of biomass-based diesel be produced next year. That exceeds the amount the biodiesel industry was lobbying for. The Renewable Fuels Standard production levels for all biofuels will become final after a public comment period and the E-P-A has the authority to adjust its recommendation based on that feedback.

(Radio Iowa) – Despite outcries about high grocery prices, an American Farm Bureau Federation survey finds the cost of a typical Independence Day meal for a family of ten fell slightly from last year. Christopher Pudenz, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau, says they based the study on an array of foods many of us will be enjoying on a picnic table beside the grill this weekend. “There are about a dozen items total, things to make hamburgers, hamburger buns, cheese, ground beef. There’s some items for desserts,” Pudenz says. “There’s some side items like chips, potato salad, things like that, and of course, you’ve got to have your lemonade for your July 4th cookout.” While some items are more expensive than during the 4th of July weekend last year, the prices on others have dropped.

“The price this year for ten people total was $70.92,” Pudenz says. “That comes out to $7.09 per person, and that is the second highest that they have registered since 2013, when the American Farm Bureau started doing this informal survey.” That total is down 30-cents from last year, which was the highest priced meal at $71.22. Tariffs impacted the costs on some items this year, while other market influences brought more price stability. “There were several items that had year-to-year increases,” Pudenz says. “Fewer cattle available meant beef prices were higher. Steel and aluminum tariffs caused the price on canned goods, specifically pork and beans, to be higher. Some of the items that went down though, greater pork availability meant that the pork chop was cheaper this year than last year.”

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation photo

The price also fell from last year on potatoes and wheat, meaning the prices for potato salad and buns were cheaper. He notes how higher prices at the grocery store don’t necessarily translate to farmers making more money. “It’s important to keep in mind that the share of the retail food dollar, so the dollar spent at the grocery store, only about 15 cents of that makes it back to the farmer,” Pudenz says. “There are lots of other components that get a little bit of that dollar along the way.” Despite that, he says Iowa farmers remain resilient, continuing to meet demand and provide a stable food supply.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters and anglers to check for unwanted hitchhikers on their boats and equipment this Fourth of July to help protect Iowa lakes and streams.

Aquatic invasive species move from one water body to another by hitchhiking on boats, in bait buckets and on other equipment used in the water. They can create serious problems for Iowa waters and negatively impact the quality of outdoor recreation experiences.

“Aquatic invasive species can reduce native species and make lakes and rivers unusable for boaters, anglers and swimmers, “said Kim Bogenschutz, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Iowa DNR.

These invasive species often grow quickly and spread fast when brought to another lake or stream due to a lack of natural predators or competitors.

Boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species to new water bodies by cleaning, draining and drying their boats and equipment after each time on the water.

• CLEAN any plants, animals, or mud from your boat and equipment before you leave a waterbody.
• DRAIN water from all equipment (motor, live well, bilge, transom well, bait bucket) before you leave a waterbody and leave drain plugs out during transport.
• DRY anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, boots, clothing, dogs). Before you move to another waterbody either: Spray your boat and trailer with hot or high-pressure water; or Dry your boat and equipment for at least five days.
• Never release plants, fish or animals into a water body unless they came out of that waterbody and always empty unwanted bait in the trash.

These steps are not only recommendations; they are the law. It is illegal to possess or transport aquatic invasive species, transport any aquatic plants on water-related equipment, and transport boats with drain plugs intact in Iowa. It is also illegal to introduce any live fish or plants, except for hooked bait, into public waters.

Learn more about aquatic invasive species, including a list of infested waters in the current Iowa Fishing Regulations or at www.iowadnr.gov/ais.

DES MOINES – The Fourth of July holiday weekend draws thousands of people to Iowa state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. Follow these tips and precautions to keep you, your friends and family safe this holiday weekend.

Beach & Swimming Safety

Water is refreshing and fun, but it’s essential to know how to stay safe in and around water to prevent accidental drownings. Stay safe wherever you choose to swim, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool.

• Keep a close eye on others, especially children. Assign a designated adult to watch over children, and never assume someone else is watching them. Be close enough to touch the child at all times. Even in ankle deep water, the current can be strong enough to sweep you off your feet and out into deeper water.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Avoid swimming or wading in rivers.
• If you haven’t swam in a long-time, refresh your abilities. All children should learn to swim with formal lessons.
• Always wear a life jacket. Make sure kids wear their life jackets before getting in the water.
• Avoid alcohol while swimming.
• Stay within the roped-in area of the lake.
• Obey posted signs and flags.
• Learn how to perform CPR. If you are already certified, learn the latest techniques and refresh your skills by recertifying. Check with your local hospital, workplace or doctor’s office for training opportunities.
• Take a water bottle with you and keep it nearby throughout the day. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you’re active and sweating.
• Note that
  • Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
  • Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
  • Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
  • Pets are prohibited on beaches.

Boating Safety

• Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boating.
• Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
• File a float plan with a friend, including your destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
• Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
• Before leaving the house, check the trailer lights, wheel bearings and the hitch.
• Make sure there is a current fire extinguisher and horn/whistle, a wearable life jacket for everyone and a USCG approved throwable device onboard.
• Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft, have patience.
• Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
• Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
• Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species to new water bodies.
• Take a boater education course. Iowa law requires any person 12-17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or a personal watercraft, to successfully complete the education program.

State Park and Forest Campground Safety

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times to visit a state park as people enjoy beaches and outdoor activities in the summer sun.

• Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products to bring along for hiking and other recreational activities in state parks. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Pack bug spray and sunscreen.
• Keep pets on leashes.
• Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
• Share the trail – be aware of hikers, bikers and equestrians when using multi-use trails. Bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders. Give plenty of space and communicate your presence to keep everyone safe.
• If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point. If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas, along roadways or any other area that is not a designated parking lot. Violators will be cited.
• If a park is busy, consider visiting a nearby state park that is less populated. Or visit the park during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
• “Carry In, Carry Out”—pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park.
• Don’t transport firewood; buy it locally. Burn all the firewood at your campsite rather than leaving it or transporting it to a new area.
• Use designated fire rings or grills, and fully extinguish fires when done. Don’t burn trash.
• Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you. Keep noise levels low, especially at night.
• Check the DNR website for current alerts and closures.
• If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters. You can purchase one by visiting: https://gooutdoorsiowa.com/, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your mobile device through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also buy your fishing license at some retailers in your area.

Paddling Safety

Whether it be tubing, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Many new paddlers are getting out on the water for the first time this summer.

• Always wear your life jacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway. Iowa law requires life jackets on every watercraft, whether it’s a motorized boat, jet ski, kayak, canoe, or even a paddleboard.
• Never paddle rain swollen rivers, rapids or streams that are at or near flood stage.
• Paddle with a group, not by yourself.
• Tell a friend or loved one where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.
• Know and understand your river levels and flows, as well as the weather forecast.
• Avoid swimming, wading, paddling or boating near low-head dams. Often difficult to see from upstream, low-head dams have deadly recirculating currents. Watch for warning signs, listen for rushing water, and get out and scout when in doubt.
• Learn about and study your route in advance. Know where your take-out access is located, how many river miles downstream, and how long it is going to take to get there.
• Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water. Bridge construction projects across Iowa could close some sections of rivers this summer.
• Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes you can change into if you get wet, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
• Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear light, loose fitting clothing that dries quickly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
• Find individual water trail maps, including access points at iowadnr.gov/water-trail-maps.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a spectacular and traditional way to celebrate the Fourth of July.

• Fireworks are strictly prohibited in state parks; only sparklers are allowed.
• Fireworks can cause serious burns and eye injuries. The Iowa Department of Public Health encourages families to make sure an adult supervises fireworks and keeps young children from playing with or igniting them.
• Keep fireworks pointed away from you and others when igniting them, and back up quickly after lighting. If fireworks don’t ignite or burn fully, don’t try to relight them or pick them up. Keep a bucket of water or hose on hand to respond to a fire or mishap.
• If you have asthma or other lung impairments, be aware of air quality conditions following firework shows, which can temporarily emit smoke and small particulates in the air, impacting breathing.
• Pick up litter and dispose of any unused fireworks in a safe manner.