If you have ever wanted to grow your own succulents instead of purchasing them, or wondered why certain plants flourished in your yard while others perished, or even dreamed of growing masses of blooms or veggies using your small deck, patio or raised bed, then tomorrow (Saturday, March 7th), is your chance to learn all about growing. Cass County Master Gardeners are giving you the opportunity to receive short, small group learning on those topics and many others during the “Lightning Learning” portion of the Spring Garden Seminar. The seminar, “Garden Inspiration, Old & New” will be held Saturday, at the Cass County Community Center.

Master Gardener Jan Steffen says “The ‘Lightning Learning’ portion of our seminar gives participants the opportunity to move around and visit 10 minute demonstrations on a variety of topics. They’ve been popular at our seminars before, and we are excited to bring them back in 2020.” Topics for the “Lightning Learning” sessions include Hosta Highlights, Propagating Succulents, Small Space Gardening, What’s New at the Garden Centers, Soil Testing, Seed Lending Libraries, Faux Finish Pot Painting and more. This fast, fun-filled portion of the seminar will last an hour with participants choosing the topics they want to participate in. Steffen says that with the variety of topics offered, everyone should find inspiration for their garden.

“Garden Inspiration Old & New” is a half day seminar designed to help discover what’s new in the garden and heirlooms that continue to delight gardeners. In addition to the Lightning Learning sessions, participants will hear from two guest speakers. To start the day, Kathy Johnson, owner of local business “Flowers For You”, will share her insight into growing cut flowers, knowledge of floral design and tips for selecting and growing flowers for your own bouquets.

The second speaker is Cody Egan from the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa. Cody will teach attendees about heirloom plants and how to preserve them. Cody believes that heirloom seeds have the ability to reconnect us to a specific time and place, a certain soil and season during which that seed, and the memories associated with it, were grown.

“Garden Inspiration Old & New” will be held at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. Doors open at 8:30AM, and a light continental breakfast will be served. The program begins at 9AM and will conclude by 12:30PM. Cost for the seminar, including continental breakfast and refreshments is $20. A schedule and registration form are available at the Cass County Extension office, or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. Questions can be directed to Kate Olson at 712-243-1132 or by email at keolson@iastate.edu.

(Radio Iowa) — To best prepare for outbreaks of any foreign animal diseases, the Iowa Pork Producers Association is partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture in asking state lawmakers for money. Drew Mogler, the association’s public policy director, says funding is needed to help the ag department prepare for diseases like foot and mouth disease or African swine fever. “They’ve ramped up some funding efforts for activities,” Mogler says, “and this year, again, we’re supporting them for another half-a-million dollars, for some of those activities as they continue to build up their planning and preparedness efforts alongside the industry.”

He notes that’s the primary state agency for battling any foreign animal diseases, should they reach Iowa. “The department of ag plays a pretty critical role in movement of animals and permitting,” Mogler says. “It’s important that they have the resources at their disposal to be able to make sure that continuity of business for producers and they have certainty as we respond to an incident like that.” Mogler says Iowa lawmakers are wrapping up their talks on policy bills after the recent “funnel” deadline. “Now, they’re turning to appropriations and putting budgets together,” Mogler says. “It’s one of those things that we’re pretty confident that we’ll be able to get some of that money but continue to remind legislators of the importance of proper planning and preparedness in the state.”

Mogler says while neither foot and mouth disease or African swine fever has shown up in the United States, it’s critical officials are vigilant with protection efforts against any possible outbreaks.