Extension Crop News
The following crop news items are from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Iowa teams earned international recognition for innovative lunar agriculture research. Now, new youth can explore plant and space science through the 2027 Plant the Moon Challenge and SPIN Club.
- The Iowa State University Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, the Boone River Watershed Management Authority and conservation partners will host an edge-of-field conservation practices and cover crop tour.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has released the Iowa Conservation Professionals Map, an online resource that helps farmers and landowners easily connect with conservation professionals.
- Iowa youth crop scouting teams earned top honors at the 2026 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition, taking first and tying for second while showcasing advanced crop science and IPM skills.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is reminding families that farm safety needs to evolve as family members grow up and grow older.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Commercial Horticulture program will hold the 2026 High Tunnel Short Course at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, Iowa, on Nov. 11.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach reminds Iowans to prioritize health and wellness during the busy harvest season.
- As part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 21–25, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is reminding drivers of all-terrain vehicles to operate with safety in mind.
- During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 21-25, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is urging all drivers to use caution on Iowa’s roads this fall.
- September is National Preparedness Month. It's a great time to visit Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Disaster Readiness website. It's a one-stop hub for trusted information and resources to help Iowans prepare, respond and recover from disasters.
- The 2026 Iowa Grain Harvest webinar is set for Monday, Sept. 21 at noon. The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach webinar will cover grain quality concerns and potential issues, harvest losses and equipment set up and planning for successful grain storage.
- A record 50 exhibitors from 18 counties brought 804 exhibits to the 2026 Iowa 4-H Horticulture Show at the Iowa State Fair, overcoming a challenging growing season to showcase their skills.
- As global demand for bio-based products continues to rise, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Ag Decision Maker has released a new resource to help Iowa producers evaluate their role in this emerging market.
- Farmers, ag retailers, crop advisors and conservation professionals can explore current Iowa State University research at the upcoming Fall Field Day at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on Sept. 10.
- The Iowa State University Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an open house on Sept. 10, from 2 to 7 p.m.
- Beef and forage producers interested in strengthening their fall management plans are invited to a Sept. 9 pasture walk hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- This past weekend, a severe hailstorm ravaged parts of eastern Iowa, destroying what was expected to be a record-contending corn crop. Garland Dahlke, research scientist with ISU Extension and Outreach, discusses how to salvage it for feeding livestock.
- Upcoming Combine University Workshops to Help Farmers Optimize Harvest Performance and Data AccuracyIowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State will offer Combine University on three dates.
- Twelve teams of Iowa youth in grades 7-12 competed in the Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition on July 27 at the Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone, testing their knowledge of integrated pest management and crop production through hands-on field challenges.
- Iowa State University will feature cutting-edge farmer resources and agricultural research at the 2026 Farm Progress Show, Sept. 1–3 near Boone, Iowa.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering four Fertilizer and Finance workshops across Iowa this August.
- Midwest commercial vegetable growers can access two new resources from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on Napa cabbage and eggplant production.
- The horticulture team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold the 2026 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Wednesday, July 29.
- The annual Iowa State Fair Weed Identification Contest will return to the Iowa State Fair on Friday, Aug. 14, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in front of the Agriculture Building.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab will host the ISU Hay Day, an educational event for hay producers, on July 13. The event is designed to help hay producers improve the health of their fields and the reliability of their equipment.