Hamilton County Extension

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Farmers market season is exciting for both marketgoers and food business owners. 🍎🌽

If you are a business owner wanting to participate in a local market but unsure where to start, check out these resources from the Extension Store at no cost to you.
https://bit.ly/4epouxT
https://bit.ly/4uyZJFx

Check out this recent publication for more information.
https://bit.ly/4fI93mW

06/17/2026

Fruit float—the tendency of fruit to rise to the top of a jar—is a common and often frustrating issue in home canning. Fruit float occurs because air is trapped in the cells of the fruit. By carefully preparing fruit according to tested canning recipes, much of this trapped air can be removed, helping reduce the chances of fruit float. UCCE Master Food Preservers share some tips: go.iastate.edu/ZJDIUA.

06/17/2026

Questions? Call ISU Extension – Webster County 515-576-2119
***********************************************************************ServSafe® offered in Fort Dodge, Monday, July 13
Restaurants, Schools, Hospital, Nursing homes, Daycare and Preschools, Convenience Stores, etc. need to have at least one person certified in food safety.
Register today to secure your spot! https://www.extension.iastate.edu/webster/
Registration Deadline is June 22.

06/15/2026

Monday, July 13, 2026 ServSafe training is available. Pre-register at: https://go.iastate.edu/RI6YNV

06/11/2026

Cowboy Caviar is a new way to try salsa — give it a go with this Iowa 4-H Clover Power Cooking School recipe! It's packed with veggies and makes a healthy summer snack. 🤠

➡️ shop.iastate.edu/extension/products/4h1325.html

06/11/2026

If you are working or playing outside today, make sure you take frequent breaks in an air conditioned space if possible, and drink plenty of water. Stay safe Hamilton County!

06/11/2026

Looking to start learning options that work best for your farm? Call us to get registered for these two sessions. 515-832-9597

Save the date!
ISU Extension and Outreach Workshop on Farm Succession and Estate Planning
The first workshop will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2026 starting at 5:30 pm-9:00 pm with Eric Weuve, ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Specialist, presenting on Farm Succession.

The second workshop will be held on Thursday, August 19 starting at 5:30 pm-9:00 pm with a staff attorney for Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation and Eric Weuve, ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Specialist to speak about Farm Estate Planning.

During the first workshop, participants will learn the importance of farm business succession planning, farm succession structures, beginning farmer tax credits, and working with an attorney. During the second workshop, participants will learn the language of estate planning, setting goals, gift, estate, and inheritance taxes, and implementing your estate plan.

At the end of both sessions, participants will be equipped with options of legal steps and succession structures to begin conversations and make tough decisions. Having options to make choices that work best for their family and farm business can help ensure that future generations continue the tradition. Creating the carefully considered and thought-out succession plan can be helpful in providing a framework for implementing steps needed for an effective transition.

The workshops will be held at the Webster County Extension and Outreach office located at 822 Central Ave., Suite 102, in Fort Dodge.

Registration fee for both workshops is $150 per family of four or $50 per person. Pre-registration is required by Monday, August 10 and can be made by registering online at: https://go.iastate.edu/SW26UW .

06/11/2026

Have a knack for growing or making your own foods and considering starting a side hustle? Are you already selling products and interested in scaling up your business? Join ISU Extension and Outreach on Wednesday June 17th at the Marion County Extension building. Learn about Iowa’s cottage food laws and home food processing establishment licensing from expert Penny Brown Huber, Iowa State Extension Food Business Specialist.
Scan the QR code to learn more!