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4-H Pen (Unit=25)
Green 4-H pen to help spread the love for Iowa 4-H!
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Pen
$13.00
Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy: Frequent Asked Questions
The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is focused on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus in Iowa waters. This publication addresses frequently asked questions and answers regarding the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and how Iowans are collaborating towards nutrient reduction goals.
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PDF
$0.00
Winter Care of the Cow Herd: Confinement Versus Open Grazing
This study was designed to evaluate whether the effects of winter grazing or confinement for winter care of beef cows in Iowa would have any impact on the physical condition of the cow or the calf born to the cow in spring. It appears that where feedstuff quality is similar between scenarios, there is no difference. The study was funded by the Illinois Beef Association and conducted at Iowa State University’s McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm and the Beef Teaching Farm.
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PDF
$0.00
Iowa Farmland Rental Rates, 1994-2023
Iowa Farmland Rental Rates, 1994-2023, provides an update of cropland rental rates in Iowa.

Cropland rental rates released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service averaged $269 per acre in 2023, a 5.1% increase from 2022, and the second highest percentage increase in the past 10 years. Cash rent for pasture was 1.7% higher at $60.50 per acre. Rent as a percentage of land value remained the same for cropland and pasture, at 2.7% and 1.8%, respectively.
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PDF
$0.00
Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals - 2023 Edition
This guide provides weed identification and control information that turfgrass professionals can use to develop effective weed control programs for golf courses, athletic fields, sod farms, lawns, and other turfgrass systems. The recommendations apply to the majority of the United States, with input from experts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The PDF is available for purchase from Purdue University.
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Publication
$20.00
Liquidity Analysis of Iowa Farms: High liquidity will help Iowa farmers get through low margins
This article explores the evolution of financial liquidity among mid- and large-size Iowa farms in 2022 against a backdrop of strong but declining accrual net farm income. All indicators point to a smaller share of farms in vulnerable liquidity situations, and an overall reduced need for working capital financing in 2023, except maybe for farms with negative working capital.
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PDF
$0.00
Federal and State Regulations on Selling Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are low-acids foods (typically fruits and vegetables) subjected to the action of acid-producing microorganisms to reduce the pH of the food to 4.6 or below. Examples of fermented foods are sauerkraut, some pickles, kimchi, and kombucha.
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PDF
$0.00
Federal and State Regulations on Selling Frozen and Dehydrated Foods
Freezing and dehydrating produce commodities, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, are ways to increase the shelf life of the produce. Freezing can preserve freshness and quality.

Freezing does not kill bacteria on the product but it does prevent microbes from growing. Once a food is thawed, bacteria begin to grow and can spoil the produce, or if pathogenic (harmful), can cause foodborne illness. Be sure to store the fruit or vegetable at 0°F or below for the duration of its frozen life.
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PDF
$0.00
Federal and State Regulations on Selling Jams and Jellies
Jams, jellies, fruit butters, and preserves are shelf-stable food products. They contain high amounts of sugar and acid which lower the water activity and pH, respectively, of the product to minimize the growth of bacteria. Moisture migration, mold growth, and oxidation are reduced by hermetically sealing the jar. Important to the safety of jams and jellies is ensuring the pH of the product is below 4.6. Below this pH, Clostridium botulinum, a very serious human pathogen, cannot produce its deadly toxin.
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PDF
$0.00
Federal and State Regulations on Selling Pickled Vegetables
Pickling is an ancient method of food preservation dating back to 3rd century BC China. Unfermented pickles are typically put into an airtight jar with acid and flavorings and heated to kill any potential bacteria on the fruit or vegetable that may cause illness or spoilage. After a few days, the pickles are ready for consumption. The biggest concern about pickled foods is Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is a microorganism that produces a fatal toxin in anaerobic environments with a pH above 4.6. The toxin causes botulism, a serious paralytic illness that can be fatal and is considered a medical emergency.
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PDF
$0.00
Wildlife Trivia: Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion -- Vibrant Clubs
One common ecoregion in the state of Iowa includes the Tall Grass Prairie. This activity includes cards with "fun facts" about various wildlife species that call the Tall Grass Prairie home. The fun trivia game helps youth identify wildlife species and learn more about specific characteristics of those species.
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PDF
$0.00
Wildlife Trivia: Urban Ecoregion -- Vibrant Clubs
One common ecoregion in the state of Iowa is the Urban Ecoregion. This activity includes cards with "fun facts" about various wildlife species that call the Urban Ecoregion home. The fun trivia game helps youth identify wildlife species and learn more about specific characteristics of those species.
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PDF
$0.00
Wildlife Trivia: Wetland Ecoregion -- Vibrant Clubs
One common ecoregion in the state of Iowa is the wetland ecoregion. This activity includes cards with "fun facts" about various wildlife species that call the Wetland Ecoregion home. The fun trivia game helps youth identify wildlife species and learn more about specific characteristics of those species.
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PDF
$0.00
Iowa Farmers’ Perspectives on Precision Agriculture
This report presents data collected through the 2022 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll (IFRLP) on farmer use of and perspectives on precision farming techniques. Precision agriculture(PA) has been defined by the USDA Economic Research Service as “a suite of technologies that may reduce input costs by providing the farm operator with detailed spatial information that can be used to optimize field management practices.”
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PDF
$0.00
2022 Iowa Farm Costs and Returns
The farm record data utilized in this report were obtained from the Iowa Farm Business Association. The average of all farms in each table represents a weighted average of the values for each size group listed. Weighting factors are based on the number of farms in each size group in the state, as computed from the most recent Census of Agriculture.
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PDF
$0.00
Survey of Iowa Leasing Practices, 2022
The Iowa farmland rental market has undergone considerable change in the past few years. Following the boom years of the land market from 2003 to 2013 and the softening and stabilizing years until 2019, Iowa farmland values rose more than 30% from fall 2020 to 2022, reaching record high values in both nominal and real terms.
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PDF
$0.00
Estate and Succession Planning For the Farm
Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm is primarily designed as an educational resource for farmers and ranchers developing estate and succession plans. The workbook provides thorough discussions on the topics of property ownership, wills and trusts, estate and gift tax, income tax planning, business entity planning, and more. This workbook is designed to educate and answer questions that may arise during the planning process. It is intended to complement, not replace, advice from legal and tax experts.

Replaces the previously available Estate Planning (PM 993). PM 0993
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Publication
$15.00
PDF
$0.00
Foods for Iowa 4-H Fairs - Quick Reference Guide (2023)
Plan ahead for a successful fair experience. Use these guidelines to help select an acceptable product for exhibit, find an approved recipe source, and identify the appropriate preparation method.

This replaces 4H 3023 - Inappropriate Food Exhibits For Iowa 4-H Fairs.
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PDF - English
$0.00
PDF - Spanish
$0.00
4-H Trivia Human Tic-Tac-Toe -- Vibrant Clubs
An interactive tic-tac-toe game with a focus on 4-H facts and trivia!
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PDF
$0.00
Analyzing Health Disparities -- Vibrant Clubs
We often discuss habits and behaviors we can practice to keep ourselves healthy. These include getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and being active daily. These are all important components of physical well-being. Have you ever thought about what things may impact your ability to practice these healthy habits? These factors that impact our behaviors and health may be unique based on the community or area where we live, the resources we have access to, and the education and information we’ve been provided. This activity will help us take a closer look at the county we live in and assess the health status within that community. This lesson will focus on learning how to assess the health status in a community through data. We will also grow our awareness of factors that impact one’s health.
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$0.00
Rule of Thirds -- Photography
An overview of the photography "rule of thirds" with some example photographs to demonstrate the concepts. Great for 4-H members to use while learning the basics of photography and composition.
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PDF
$0.00
White Balance -- Photography
A visual chart demonstrating photography concepts related to white balance. Includes a description, kelvin scale, color temperature, preset, and light source.
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PDF
$0.00
Swine Vaccination Considerations
This publication offers considerations for swine vaccinations based on disease, stage of production, and time of administration. These are general guidelines and not one-size-fits-all protocols for swine vaccinations. Producers should work with their veterinarians in a valid veterinary client patient relationship (VSPR) to create a final protocol for their operation.
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PDF
$0.00
Nutcracker Light and Sound Challenge
In this challenge, youth work to code their very own light show using block coding and the micro:bit or circuit playground.
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PDF
$0.00
Elements and Principles of Design Cards
Elements and principles of design cards can be used as a visual reference for 4-H members and volunteers, or be used in a variety of educational activities and challenges.

The PDF download of these cards can be printed as a full sheet card, or you can use the "print multiple pages per sheet" feature to create smaller cards that can be cut out.

The last page includes some challenges that you can try!
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Publication
$12.00
PDF
$0.00
Lease Supplement for Obtaining Conservation Practices to Control Soil and Nutrient Loss
With more than half of farmland in Iowa under a rental agreement, cooperation between tenants and landowners is essential for establishing and maintaining needed conservation practices on a rented farm. Rents should be adjusted to reflect costs and risks incurred by both parties. Rent can also be adjusted to reflect your value set, such as when prioritizing soil and water conservation. Conservation practices and improvements will not be made unless they are agreed to in advance and the tenant has the necessary machinery and management ability to establish and maintain them.
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PDF
$0.00
Field Crop Insects
Field Crop Insects contains descriptions and images of more than 50 pest and beneficial insects, as well as information on insect life cycle, crop injury, scouting and management options. There is also information on integrated pest management including scouting, degree days, and a defoliation estimation guide. This guide covers corn, soybean, and alfalfa insect pests.

Looking to purchase multiple copies? Field Crop Insects is also sold in boxed quantities of 25 at a reduced price ($6.00/copy).

Previously known as CSI 14. CSI 0014
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Publication
$8.00
PDF
$5.00
Evaluating Record Keeping Systems
The purpose of 4-H record keeping is to teach how to keep records, which is an important life skill. In 4-H, using a record keeping system is a recommended practice for youth in grades 4-12 to track participation, goals, achievements, and reflections throughout their 4-H journey.

Record keeping systems are one way youth might be asked to show evidence of their learning, goal setting, reflection, and growth in project area learning, leadership, civic engagement, or communication to meet award criteria. This guide outlines the information that will help staff and volunteers prepare for the evaluation of record keeping systems for these purposes.
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PDF
$0.00
Housing Readiness Fact Sheet: Building Codes and Restrictions
This housing fact sheet presents information regarding building codes and provides helpful links to chapters of the Iowa Code related to building codes, restricted-residence districts, flexibility in dimensional requirements, code updates, and code enforcement. Links to additional resources are also included.
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PDF
$0.00
Housing Readiness Fact Sheet: Childcare
This Rural Housing Readiness Assessment fact sheet has suggestions for dealing with the shortage of childcare facilities and providers, links to useful resources, and an example of a childcare success story from Hamilton County, Iowa.
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PDF
$0.00
Housing Readiness Fact Sheet: Incentives for Developers/Builders
Housing is developed where and when it is profitable. This fact sheet outlines incentives that city governments can implement to prepare them for rural development, along with financial incentives to entice developers and builders to rural communities.
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PDF
$0.00
Housing Readiness Fact Sheet: Incentives for Home Buyers
Offering incentives aimed at home buyers is an effective way to encourage new constructions and reduce the risks of unsold properties or value gaps that make new housing unaffordable. This fact sheets provides information on homeownership programs, down-payment assistance programs, and other opportunities, and presents examples of assistance programs created by Iowa communities.
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PDF
$0.00
Housing Readiness Fact Sheet: Housing for Older Adults
Because nearly one-third of Iowans are 55 years old or older, developing housing for this demographic is a smart investment for communities. This fact sheet describes opportunities and challenges related to housing development for older adults, identifies several funding sources available, and present examples of older-adult housing developments in three Iowa communities.
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PDF
$0.00
Mood Music -- Vibrant Clubs
Music can be very powerful. It has the power to inspire and move us emotionally, reduce stress, as well as help us feel connected to others. Intentionally listening to music can have positive benefits for our overall well-being. Music can be utilized easily if a playlist has been created.
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PDF
$0.00
Flexible Farm Lease Agreements
This publication provides information needed to develop flexible farm lease agreements, where the actual rent is not determined until after the crop is harvested. Included is a flexible lease agreement worksheet and multiple examples.
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PDF
$0.00
Computing a Cropland Cash Rental Rate
This publication guides owners and renters through the process of computing a cash rental rate for farmland.
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PDF
$0.00
Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2023 Survey
Typical cash rental rates for high, medium, and low quality cropland, as well as land devoted to hay production, oats, pasture, and cornstalk grazing. This information can be useful in comparing rental rates among counties and farms of different levels of productivity.
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PDF
$0.00
Livestock Risk Insurance Plans for Cattle Producers
Two revenue insurance products are available to help cattle livestock producers manage risk: livestock gross margin and livestock risk protection. Both are described and examples are provided.
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PDF
$0.00
$20 Challenge -- Vibrant Clubs
This learning experience will introduce young people to virtual clothing shopping options for personal use or the $20 Challenge. Young people will learn about a tool to use to shop for their $20 Challenge exhibit.
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PDF
$0.00
Nutcracker Circuit Challenge
Youth will create paper circuits using copper tape, a 3V coin battery, a few LEDs, and paper. These circuits will then be a part of a holiday card or Nutcracker set piece.
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PDF
$0.00
Preserve the Taste of Summer
Stocking a cupboard or freezer with home-preserved fruits and vegetables is a great way to enjoy delicious, local food all year long. Learn how to can, freeze, and dry foods safely at home in this food preservation series.

Topics Include:
  • Canning vegetables, fruit, fruit spread (jam, jelly), salsa, pickles, meat, poultry, and wild game
  • Freezing fruit, vegetables, and tomato products
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Canning and Freezing Tomatoes
$0.00
Canning Vegetables
$0.00
Canning Salsa
$0.00
Canning Pickles
$0.00
Canning Meat, Poultry, and Wild Game
$0.00
Canning Fruits
$0.00
Canning Fruit Spreads
$0.00
Freezing Fruits and Vegetables
$0.00
Food Preservation Resources
$0.00
Innovative Design -- Vibrant Clubs
The Iowa 4-H Clothing Event Innovative Design class challenges youth to think beyond traditional garment selection and production. This vibrant club activity helps brainstorm ideas for designing an outfit that doesn’t easily fit into the clothing selection and fashion revue classes. When the activity is completed, youth will have design plans that they can independently bring to life with their choice of materials using their preferred construction method.
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PDF
$0.00
Presenting to an Exhibit Judge -- Vibrant Clubs
Exhibiting at Fairs has long been a traditional part of a 4-H member’s learning experience. In Iowa 4-H, we use conference judging for most of our static (non-living) exhibits. Conference judging allows 4-H members to have a face-to-face conversation with an expert to discuss the member’s work. Judges are caring adults trained to use this process to educate, evaluate, and encourage 4-H members. Members who prepare to share their stories with the judge will likely approach the experience with more confidence and greater anticipation.
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PDF
$0.00
4-H Clover Kids Clothing Selection Event Guidelines
This event introduces Clover Kids to the 4-H Clothing Project Area by asking each participant to select an outfit to wear. The chosen garments may be selected from one’s own wardrobe, borrowed, or purchased, and can be acquired from a combination of sources. Each child receives a participation ribbon following their showcase.

Each child will:
  • Learn about personal clothing preferences (self-understanding)
  • Engage in positive social interaction
  • Gain experience making decisions
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PDF
$0.00
Photo Ideas for Your Club
As a club photographer, you have many responsibilities which include planning and taking photos at your club meetings.

This template may be used as a guide to brainstorm ideas for taking photos at your club meetings. This form is not required, it is only a guide to use if you choose.

For more information, please visit our club officer resources webpage.
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PDF
$0.00
Hydro Dipped Science -- Vibrant Clubs
Let your creativity flow as you explore fluid dynamics principles to create a one-of-a-kind gift! Dip a canvas, ceramic piece, or anything really into a swirl of spray paint on water to reveal a beautiful masterpiece.
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PDF
$0.00
Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production
Manure has characteristics that make nutrient management different and sometimes more complicated than fertilizer. Find out about manure nutrient availability for crops, manure nutrient supply, manure nutrient application recommendations, adjusting for manure nitrogen volatilization, and more.
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PDF
$0.00
National Pest Alert - Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases (Unit=50)
A two-page handout on ticks and tick-borne disease that includes color photos for tick identification. Tick life cycle, basic information about the spread and symptoms of tick-borne disease, and distribution maps of common ticks in the U.S.

Please note when ordering the Publication, you are ordering a pack of 50 copies that are shrink wrapped.
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Publication
$0.00
PDF
$0.00
Nutcracker Choreography Challenge
Ballet dancers are affected by many forces when they are dancing. The goal of this lesson is to explore some of the ways dancers try to increase and decrease these forces.

Watch the Nutcracker choreography challenge video for more information.
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PDF
$0.00
2022 Summary - McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm
This report contains a summary of the research conducted at the McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in 2022.

To access reports from past years, visit the Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Report archive.
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PDF
$0.00
Circuit Roleplaying -- Vibrant Clubs
Have you ever wondered how your room light turns on, or the fan starts spinning? So many of our household appliances are powered by electricity. Electricity flows from positive (high) to negative (low) through pathways called circuits. Materials that electricity can flow through are called conductors, such as salt, metal, or even people. Materials are insulators if electricity can’t travel through them, such as the plastic coating covering wires or thick rubber gloves technicians wear to protect themselves when repairing power lines. You will build a circuit to turn on a light in this activity!
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PDF
$0.00
What is Horse Judging? -- Vibrant Clubs
Competition in horse judging allows you to be the judge of a horse show. You will learn all the body parts of a horse, the ideal characteristics of how a horse moves, and determine how to score horses in competition. And to explain how you decided on your scores. When you get to the senior level of this activity, you could compete in national competitions

The judging contest is a learning experience, where youth judge classes of four horses. Youth make a careful evaluation of horses in a class and place them against an accepted ideal for the breed or discipline shown. The contest provides an educational program for all project members, including those who may not own a project animal.
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PDF
$0.00
Facilitator Guide for Classroom Hatching
Classroom Hatching is an egg incubation program for youth in Kindergarten through third grade. This program aims to explore the lifecycle of poultry and learn about the needs of living things by incubating and hatching chicken eggs. The activities included in the program will help youth understand where food comes from, develop healthy choices, and the responsibility of caring for living things.

This program is meant to be delivered in partnership with local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff, the school, and community partners. There are several components to the program, including kit assembly, delivery of four classroom visits, daily incubator checks, student workbook activities, and the relocation of the hatched chicks to a suitable farm.
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Publication
$4.50
PDF
$0.00
My Egg Hatching Workbook
Classroom Hatching is an egg incubation program for youth in Kindergarten through third grade. This program aims to explore the lifecycle of poultry and learn about the needs of living things by incubating and hatching chicken eggs. The activities included in the program will help youth understand where food comes from, develop healthy choices, and the responsibility of caring for living things.

This program is meant to be delivered in partnership with local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff, the school, and community partners. There are several components to the program, including kit assembly, delivery of four classroom visits, daily incubator checks, student workbook activities, and the relocation of the hatched chicks to a suitable farm.
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Publication
$3.00
PDF
$0.00
Teacher Guide for Hatching
Classroom Hatching is an egg incubation program for youth in Kindergarten through third grade. This program aims to explore the lifecycle of poultry and learn about the needs of living things by incubating and hatching chicken eggs. The activities included in the program will help youth understand where food comes from, develop healthy choices, and the responsibility of caring for living things.

This program is meant to be delivered in partnership with local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff, the school, and community partners. There are several components to the program, including kit assembly, delivery of four classroom visits, daily incubator checks, student workbook activities, and the relocation of the hatched chicks to a suitable farm.
[more]
Format
Price
Publication
$4.50
PDF
$0.00
Upcycling -- Clothing
Some garments in our closets don’t get much use. Maybe the color is not quite right. Maybe an item is too big or too small. Maybe it is ripped or stained. Perhaps you wore it so often that you are tired of it. Consider upcycling or refashioning!
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PDF
$0.00
Horse Quiz Bowl -- Vibrant Clubs
Horse Quiz Bowl is an exciting opportunity for youth to showcase their horse knowledge in a competitive, jeopardy-like contest. This contest involves a series of questions that are asked either of a specific individual or a team. Participants use a buzzer system to ‘buzz’ in first and answer questions. These questions might be in the form of a regular question, toss-up, or bonus depending on the half of play. There are a variety of subject areas covered: general equine terms, the horse industry, feeding and care, and anatomy.
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PDF
$0.00
Practice Quiz Questions - PDF
$0.00
Robot City -- STEM Club Activity
4-H STEM clubs can accept the challenge to design and build a city for a line-tracing robot!

Youth-serving organizations in Iowa are encouraged to contact their local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county office to explore partnership opportunities in administering this program.

Additional information is available on the Iowa 4-H Robotics Clubs webpage.
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PDF
$0.00
Squishy Circuits -- Vibrant Clubs
In this activity, you will create a conductive dough that can act as a wire to carry electricity to power lights!
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PDF
$0.00
Goal Setting -- Vibrant Club Activity
Walks a club leader and members through the information presented in our goal-setting materials. Setting meaningful goals for your 4-H experience is key to planning your growth and experiences as a 4-H member! One way to ensure you set well-rounded goals is to think of the acronym ‘ART’. ART stands for Action, Results, and Timeline.
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$0.00
Home Landscape -- Understanding the Basics of Landscape Design
Whether you want to do-it-yourself or are working with a professional, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to understanding the design process. Color photos and diagrams show how to use basic design elements to create a pleasing and functional space. Included worksheets can assist you in analyzing your site. An additional resource list and convenient index are also found inside.
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$0.00
Perennials for Shade
If you think hostas are your only choice for shady gardens, think again. This full color publication gives growing characteristics, plant descriptions, and other tips for more than 70 perennials for shade gardens in zones 3 to 5. Special features include 130 color photos, bloom time comparisons, and specialty plant lists.
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PDF
$0.00
Perennials for Sun
Hundreds of perennials prefer the bright light and accompanying heat that define sunny sites. This full color publication gives growing characteristics for more than 100 perennials that thrive in the sun in zones 3 to 5. Special features include 140 color photos, plant descriptions, specialty plant lists, and other tips.
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PDF
$0.00
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