ISU Extension & Outreach - Henry County

10/22/2026

🍀 WHAT IS 4-H?

You've probably heard of 4-H, but do you know what it's all about?

4-H is a youth development program that helps young people discover their interests, learn new skills, build confidence, and become leaders through hands-on experiences!

🍀 WHAT DOES 4-H STAND FOR?
The four H's represent Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. These four values guide 4-H members as they learn, grow, and make a difference in their communities.

🍀 WHAT IS THE 4-H MOTTO?
""To Make the Best Better!""

🍀 WHO IS 4-H FOR?
4-H is open to any and all youth in grades 4–12, with Clover Kids opportunities for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. You don't have to live on a farm or own livestock to participate. 4-H is for everyone!

🍀 WHAT DO YOU DO IN 4-H?
The possibilities are nearly endless! Members can explore projects and activities involving animals, photography, cooking, art, STEM, gardening, sewing, agriculture, and so much more!

Beyond projects, 4-H members participate in club meetings, community service, leadership opportunities, educational workshops, county fairs, and other fun experiences while building friendships along the way.

🍀 WHAT MAKES 4-H SPECIAL?
Our philosophy is ""Learn by Doing!"" Rather than simply being told how to do something, youth are encouraged to try new things, ask questions, solve problems, and learn through their own experiences.

🍀 WANT TO LEARN MORE?
There are so many ways to learn, grow, and get involved with Henry County 4-H! Explore the opportunities available in our county and discover what 4-H has to offer.

🔗 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/henry/4h

10/22/2026

🦐 SHRIMP FARMING... IN IOWA?

You read that right! Our regional 4-H Farm to Table trip is taking students to the Fresh Iowa Shrimp House in Washington, Iowa, where local farmers Ken and Aimee Reed are bringing a new kind of agriculture to their family farm.

With deep roots in traditional Iowa agriculture, the Reed family has raised crops and livestock for generations. Today, alongside their corn and soybean operation, they're raising fresh shrimp!

By repurposing existing farm buildings and embracing innovative aquaculture technology, the Reeds have found a new way to produce locally raised food.

During our visit, 4-H members will discover how shrimp are raised, explore the technology behind the operation, and learn how agricultural innovation creates new opportunities for Iowa farmers.

Want to see shrimp farming firsthand?

Join us for our Farm to Table regional 4-H experience on Wednesday, November 4, 2026!

🎓 Open to 4-H members in grades 6–8
💲 $25 per participant
📍 Washington & Kalona, Iowa
🎟️ Limited spots available

🔗 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262714374713054

10/21/2026

🍀 HENRY COUNTY CLUB LEADERS – DON'T FORGET!

Our Annual Region 27 Leader Training is coming up on Tuesday, November 3!

Join fellow 4-H and Clover Kid leaders from Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, and Henry Counties for an evening of learning, connecting, and growing together as we prepare for another great 4-H year!

📅 Tuesday, November 3
📍 Airport Winery | 2555 Lexington Ave., Mt. Pleasant, IA
🍽️ Meal served at 5:00 PM
⏰ Training begins at 5:30 PM

RSVP by calling the Henry County Extension Office at 319-385-8126.

This training is an important part of your annual volunteer requirements, and we look forward to seeing our leaders there!

🍀 Thank you for all you do to support our 4-H youth!

10/21/2026

We love seeing out Henry County 4-H'ers having fun while learning! What a cool experience this was for the Jefferson Juniors.

10/21/2026

🍀 You DON'T have to be an elected club officer to attend Officer Bootcamp!

Has your 4-H club not elected officers yet? Are you thinking about running for a club officer position but aren't sure which one is right for you? This workshop is for YOU!

Our upcoming 4-H Officer Bootcamp is designed for current officers, future officers, and ANY 4-H member interested in becoming a stronger leader!

Whether you're hoping to become president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, or another club officer, this is your opportunity to learn what these positions involve, explore leadership responsibilities, and build the confidence to step into a leadership role.

📅 Tuesday, October 27
⏰ 5:30-7:30 PM
📍 Henry County Extension Office

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262806229103048

🍀 You don't need a title to be a leader! Come learn, grow, and discover where your leadership journey could take you!

We hope to see you there!

10/21/2026

🐓 INTERESTED IN RAISING YOUR OWN POULTRY?

Whether you're just getting started with a backyard flock or looking to expand your poultry knowledge, this workshop is for you!

The North Central Poultry Association is hosting a Hobby Flock Workshop covering chick starting, breed selection, biosecurity, hatchery and state licensing, and more!

📅 Saturday, November 7
📍 Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center | Ames, IA
💲 $25 per person – Includes breakfast and lunch!
⏰ Registration Deadline: November 2

Space is limited to just 60 participants, so don't wait to reserve your spot!

🐣 Register and learn more: https://ncpoultry.memberclicks.net/ncpa-hobby-flock-workshop

Questions? Contact Elycia VanVacter, Director of Poultry Health and Education, at [email protected].

10/20/2026

Lost Card Found!

A card was found in the parking lot outside the Henry County Extension Office, probably while admiring our beautiful mural, and we have it safely here!

If you believe the card belongs to you, please stop by the Henry County Extension Office to pick it up during business hours.

Please help us spread the word so we can get this card back to its owner!

10/20/2026

🌲 COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATORS – REMINDER!

Our Forest, Aquatic & Right-of-Way (Categories 2, 5 & 6) Continuing Instruction Course is happening TOMORROW!

📅 Wednesday, October 21
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Henry County Extension Office

✅ Walk-ins are welcome! Please note that late registration fees may apply.

Questions? Contact the Henry County Extension Office at 319-385-8126 for more information.

All Commercial Pesticide Applicator Course dates are now set! If you need to attend one of these courses, please register by calling our office at 319-385-8126.

10/20/2026

Calling All Rabbit Exhibitors – Youth & Adults!

The Washington County Go-Getters 4-H Club invites rabbit exhibitors from across Iowa to participate in their Annual Open Rabbit Show on Saturday, November 7, in Washington, Iowa!

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
📍 Washington County Fairgrounds – Washington, IA
⏰ Show begins at 9:00 AM (Doors open at 6:00 AM)

This double rabbit show is open to both youth and adult exhibitors and is ARBA and ISRBA sanctioned!

📝 Pre-registration and payment are required!
• Mailed entries must be postmarked by October 28.
• Emailed entries and electronic payments are due October 30.

🔗 Find entry fees, registration information, and complete show details here: https://go.iastate.edu/4KXQQ9

Help spread the word to rabbit exhibitors across Iowa! 🐇🍀

Washington County 4-H-Iowa