Planning for a residential agricultural and environmental education program at the Iowa 4-H Education and Natural Resources Center

Education programs are needed to increase awareness and implementation of sustainable agriculture goals and practices. Hands-on experiences, such as those offered by residential environmental and agricultural education programs, are an excellent way to spread the word about sustainable agriculture. A participatory planning process was used to determine the feasibility of providing this sort of program at the Iowa 4-H Center. An advisory group reviewed existing programs, evaluated target audience survey results, and began to develop a program plan

Making Rapid Change: Leaning 4-H

Nationwide, Extension is restructuring and searching for efficiencies due to reduced funding. When American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds became available, the Iowa 4-H program used the funding allocated to support training the administrative team and key staff to improve 4-H statewide processes. Building a lean culture of streamlining processes and eliminating waste through the use of kaizen events helped redirect funding for priority work, as well as create team spirit

4-H Crop Projects 4: Soybeans and Corn—Fields of Opportunity

Some of you may be thinking that you have a strong understanding of crop production, but really don’t know how to work with youth. That’s OK! As long as you really care about helping youth learn and grow, you will do a great job as a crops project leader!https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_4h_pubs/1009/thumbnail.jp

4-H Crop Projects 1: Soybean and Corn—Seedy Business

This 4-H Crop Project Guide is to help you learn the basics about crop production and related careers.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_4h_pubs/1013/thumbnail.jp

4-H Youth Development: Cooking Over Campfire Coals

Find out how to organize an outdoor cooking experience—includes planning the menu and building the fire/lighting the grill. Some recipes included.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_4h_pubs/1000/thumbnail.jp

Create Your Own 4-H Project!: A self-determined project worksheet

A 4-H project includes all the learning and activities that you do in one subject area during the entire year. It may include citizenship activities, leadership activities, or community service. A project is the whole enchilada!https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/extension_4h_pubs/1001/thumbnail.jp