Wayne County ISU Extension and Outreach

08/30/2026

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists have shared a new publication designed to help gardeners improve soil fertility, structure and the overall garden microbiome with Cover Crops.
“Cover Crops for Home Vegetable Gardens” is available through the ISU Extension Store at no cost.
Find a link to the download on our website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wayne/ and scroll down to Featured Local News

08/28/2026

Home gardeners across Iowa are reporting a wide range of tomato issues this summer.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists offer tomato care guidance following reports from Iowa gardeners amid variable weather.

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/cracks-spots-and-slow-ripening-diagnosing-common-tomato-issues

08/26/2026

Servsafe Manager Course in Chariton on November 2.

Registration closes on October 12 with a minimum of 10 full registrations (class and exam) required to hold the course.

This will be the only ServSafe in our region this fall.
Contact: Ashlee David at [email protected] or call 641-774-2016 for registration information.

08/25/2026

Congratulations Diane!! 🍀

This weekend we get to celebrate one of our very own at the Iowa State Fair—our 2026 Wayne County Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Recipient, Diane Shields! 🎉

If you’ve been part of the Wayne County Fair for the last 30+ years, you’ve likely heard the name Diane Shields—and probably thought of one thing: the 4-H horse barn.

Diane’s passion for horses began at 14 and eventually became a 19-year commitment to the Wayne County 4-H Horse Project. From organizing weekly meetings and clinics to helping families, loaning horses and equipment, and leading the effort to improve the horse barn, Diane always put the kids first.

Although she may no longer be the project leader, you can still find her in the horse barn come fair time supporting her grandkids!

Congratulations to Diane Shields, Wayne County’s 2026 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recipient!

08/24/2026

Smart Snacking on a Budget

Healthy snacks don’t have to cost a lot! Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bites, Energy Bites, Cowboy Caviar, and Crunchy Apple Roll‑Ups are easy to make, affordable, and perfect to keep on hand when hunger hits.

Check out our recipes at Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

Learn more in the August Words on Wellness Newsletter,
www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/wellness.

08/19/2026

📆Heads up! Farm Lease Termination Notices Must be Sent Before September 1
As production costs continue to rise, farmland owners and tenants may be reconsidering the terms of their farm leases.
Both tenants and landlords should be aware of Iowa’s farm lease auto-renewal statute:
Anyone who does not wish to continue a farm lease into next year should know that their current farm lease will automatically renew under the same terms and conditions if neither party provides written notice on or before September 1.
This auto-renewal provision applies to both written and oral leases.
🫱🫲
Check out the Ag Decision Maker website for more leasing information and downloadable forms or stop in the office and we can help you.
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wdleasing.html

08/18/2026

Checks are void after 60 days! Stop in and get your money this week!

🚨Sale Checks and 4-H Premium Cash ARE HERE 🚨

All livestock sale checks and any leftover premium cash can be picked up at the extension office!

Stop in Monday - Thursday from 8 AM - 12 PM & 12:30 - 4:30 PM to sign off and collect your money!

Wayne County Fair, Corydon, Iowa

08/16/2026

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a class designed to provide you—
the caregiver—with skills to take care of yourself.
The series of six classes, held once each week, offers tools and support to help you reduce stress, solve problems, and communicate confidently when faced with tough decisions.
Upcoming virtual dates are Fridays in September.
Find out more at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/ptc

08/14/2026

Food Safety for Meal Kits

Meal delivery kits are convenient—but food safety matters! Be home for delivery, check that foods arrive cold, and store items right away to keep meals safe and fresh.

Learn more in the August Words on Wellness Newsletter,
www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/wellness

08/13/2026

Thank you Emma!!

Today marks the end of Emma's internship here with Wayne County ISU Extension and Outreach and Wayne County 4-H.

Emma has spent every minute of her summer assisting day camps, lending extra hands for Humeston Public Library and Seymour Community Library programming, and teaching lessons for Wayne Community Schools Summer School with Allyson. From tree planting with 4-H members, learning the ins and outs of Wayne County Fair, tackling FairEntry training and anything else we threw her way - we are incredibly grateful for Emma's hard work, positive attitude, and dedication to serving the youth and families of Wayne County.

Please join us in thanking Emma for all of her hard work and wishing her the very best as she begins her next adventure.