(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.

(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.

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/).

(Radio Iowa) – State and federal officials have announced confirmed cases of bird flu at four sites in the past three days. On Saturday, the Iowa Department of Agriculture announced a hatchery in Kossuth County for game birds like pheasants and quail had been hit by the highly contagious virus.

A backyard flock of mixed species in Cerro Gordo was also identified. On Friday afternoon, officials revealed bird flu had been confirmed in a commercial operation in Taylor County. One-point-two million chickens were laying eggs in the facility. There was also confirmation Friday the virus had been confirmed in a small flock of birds in Jones County. So far this fall, officials have identified bird flu — or highly pathogenic avian influenza — at 13 sites around the state.

The governor has issued proclamations that authorize state agencies to assist in the proper disposal of birds that are being euthanized to try to contain the spread of the virus.

DES MOINES – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds today (Friday) announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Taylor County, Iowa effective immediately through December 10, 2023. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial egg layer site there. 

This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.   

The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. 

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Utilities Board’s public hearing on Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed carbon pipeline has concluded. Over eight weeks, the Utilities Board convened for 26 days, hearing testimony from over 100 landowners who object to having the pipeline on their property Utilities Board members are letting hundreds of additional public comments be entered into evidence.

Summit waived its right to offer rebuttal witnesses yesterday (Thursday). In a written statement, Summit said the hearing’s conclusion is a critical step forward for its project. Summit’s proposed pipeline would capture carbon emissions from more than 30 ethanol plants in Iowa and four other states.

There’s no deadline for the board to make its decision on Summit’s application for a permit to construct and operate a carbon capture pipeline in Iowa. The board’s three options are to grant the permit, deny it, OR grant the permit with some modifications.

(Adams County,  Iowa) – Officials with the Corning Fire Department said in a social media post, that on Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023), they were dispatched to a combine fire. Once on scene, it was discovered that the field the combine was in had started on fire as well.

Mutual aid was requested from the Cumberland, Grant, Massena and Villisca Fire Departments. Montgomery County EMA provided aerial drone photos during the incident, as well as assistance with finding hotspots.

No injuries were reported. (Photos via Montgomery County EMA)

DES MOINES –  Governor Kim Reynolds has signed an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.  The proclamation is effective immediately (11/9/23) and continues through December 11, 2023. It allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.  

The proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (a) and (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.  

See the proclamation here.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says he remains hopeful Congress will act on a new Farm Bill before the end of the year. Feenstra and some colleagues sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, urging action on the measure, what could end up being the first trillion-dollar Farm Bill. Feenstra also spoke with Pennsylvania Congressman G-T Thompson, chair of the House Ag Committee, regarding the need to act. Feenstra says the bill’s critical components are hanging in the balance.”We’ve got to open new export markets,” Feenstra says. “We’ve got to strengthen crop insurance, we’ve got to fight against animal disease. These are some big things. Ban China from buying our farmland. This farm bill’s critical. We’ve got to get it passed. So, we’re trying to figure out any way that we can try to get it done in late December yet, but it sounds like it may dip into January. So, we might have to do a two-month C.R. on this.”

A C-R is a continuing resolution, or a stopgap measure that extends the deadline. Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, says the flap over the House Speaker’s position delayed work on the Farm Bill and other important issues. “All of a sudden, we did no work for three weeks,” Feenstra says. “We didn’t pass any budget bills. So, that’s taken the forefront right now, is doing all the budget appropriation bills, to try and create a budget that was due September 30th that we haven’t got to yet. That’s all the floor time, that’s all we’re doing is debating right now–which is unfortunate.”

Feenstra says a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill — which expired in late September — would be harmful to Iowa farmers and to certain programs. “Our farmers need certainty,” he says. “They need certainty in the programs. These programs have all lapsed since September 30th. I’m just fearful if we go another year with some of the old programs, that’s going to be a problem. I really think about what’s happening with fighting against an animal disease. We cannot have African swine fever get into your hog production.”

Last week, Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn expressed confidence the House would avoid a one-year extension of the old farm bill.