Food preservation class; Sheep, goat weigh-in; Stream, watershed workshop

Free home food preservation class set; registration due April 23

A Home Food Preservation 101 class will be offered from 2-3:30 p.m. and again 6-7:30 p.m. April 29 at the Jefferson County ISU Extension Office.

Testing of pressure canning lids will be held 30 minutes prior to each class, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m.

The workshop, taught by ISU Extension and Outreach specialist Patty Steiner is intended for those wanting to learn how to safely preserve food. It also will serve as a refresher for those who have experience preserving food.

Since 2006, there have been new canning recommendations that everyone should be aware of when canning at home. Participants will receive current Iowa State University Extension food preservation publications and learn about a new program, ?Preserve the Taste of Summer.?

The workshop is free, but registration is required by April 23 by calling the Extension office at 472-4166 so enough materials are available.

?People are rediscovering the joy and economies and fresh taste of home gardening and want to preserve that bounty to enjoy throughout the year by freezing, drying or canning those foods,? said Steiner.

The program will touch on canning, both hot-water bath and pressure canning, freezing, equipment needed and a review of resources available.

Food preservation information and answers to questions are available by calling the Iowa State University?s free Answer Line at 800-262-3804. The Answer Line is staffed from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sheep, goat weigh-in set April 12; register animals by May 15

The Jefferson County 4-H and FFA sheep and goat weigh-in is set from 9-11 a.m. April 12 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Retinal imaging for sheep and goats being shown at the Iowa State Fair will be between 10-11 a.m.

4-H?ers are reminded breeding beef, breeding sheep, bucket-bottle calves, cats, dairy animals, dogs, horses, pets, poultry and rabbits being brought to the 2014 Greater Jefferson County Fair must be identified in 4-H Online or at the Jefferson County ISU Extension Office by May 15.

Stall fees for all animals coming to the county fair must be paid in the Extension office by May 15.

For information, call the Extension office at 472-4166.

Registration underway for June 16 stream, watershed workshop

GUTHRIE CENTER ? Registration is open for the 2014 Stream and Watershed Integrated Management workshop for conservation professionals.

The workshop will be July 29-31 at Springbrook Conservation Education Center near Guthrie Center.

SWIM offers classroom and field instruction in stream and watershed management principles and practices. Presenters provide the scientific basis for understanding streams, stream corridors and watershed functions; identify conservation practices for streams, stream corridors and watersheds; and offer access to assessment tools.

The workshop includes presentations by watershed and stream management professionals from Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Division of Soil Conservation and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Participants can receive a continuing education certificate for completing the workshop training.

To register or for more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov/swim. Registration is due June 16.