11/09/23: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Pro Ag webinar series offers insight into new year

Farmers and the ag industry will get an in-depth look into 2024 during this year's Pro Ag Outlook and Management Webinar Series, Nov.13-17.

Five webinars will be offered, designed to provide participants with a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential, and management implications. All webinars will run from noon to 1 p.m., with a live question and answer session following each presentation.

"We are looking forward to the lineup of experts on our webinar series this year," said Ann Johanns, program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in a news release. "Each speaker brings a unique topic and perspective to the program."

Bobby Martens starts the series focusing specifically on Iowa agribusinesses and issues impacting them going into 2024, and faculty member Rabail Chandio will share a detailed analysis of who owns Iowa farmland and how the state's ownership structure impacts many facets of this industry.

Other presentations include the interaction of USDA programs and carbon payment, by Alejandro Plastina, Extension economist; livestock outlook and profit potential for beef, pork and other Iowa industries, by Lee Schulz, Extension livestock economist; and crop markets for 2024 and beyond, by Chad Hart, Extension economist and crop markets specialist.

Programs will be available for on-demand viewing the day following the live broadcast. Registration is $20 and includes access to the five live programs and archived recordings. Viewing of live and recorded programs is through a web browser. No additional software downloads are needed.

For more information, Johanns can be reached at (515) 337-2766 or [email protected].

Learn about student loan repayment process

The October 2023 restart of federal student loans after more than three years of suspended payments has begun. Since much can happen in borrowers' lives, they are encouraged to review the accuracy of their contact information and loan servicer through the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid website.

To help navigate the student loan payment website and restart process, you should consider:

1. Updating Contact Information. Check that the current loan servicer and Federal Student Aid (FSA) have your current contact information (mailing address, phone number and e-mail address).

2. Checking the Loan Servicer. According to FSA, some loan servicers stopped administering student loans, transferring loan portfolios to new providers. Check the Loan Servicer through your Federal Student Aid Dashboard or by calling (800) 433-3243. If there are changes, download and save payment data from a previous loan servicer before its contract with the U.S. Department of Education ends.

3. Reviewing Bank Account Access. Auto-debit arrangements in place before March 2020 may need to be reestablished. Loan servicers must be notified if a borrower's financial institution has changed.

4. Recertifying Income. If you were on an IDR (Income Driven Repayment) plan before the payment pause, you have at least six months to recertify your income after the end of the payment pause (March 2024). Also consider the new Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan based on income.

For Federal Student Loans that qualified for the three-year payment pause, borrowers may qualify for additional help through the FSA temporary on-ramp period from now through Sept. 30, 2024. This prevents the worst consequences of missed, late or partial payments, including negative credit reporting for delinquent payments for 12 months.

For additional information regarding student loan payment resumption, review the FSA Prepare for Student Loan Payments to Restart website at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart.

Free financial counseling is also available to all Iowa residents through ISU Extension and Outreach's Human Sciences Specialists in Family Wellbeing and Finance. They can help revise budgets, prioritize spending and link you to community resources. Contact Iowa Concern at (800) 447-1985 and ask for free financial counseling.

Clay County Fair Association celebrates successful year

Nearly 300 members of the Clay County Fair Association heard positive reports about the "The World's Greatest County Fair" at its annual meeting held Oct. 24.

"My report can really be summed up in five words: We had a great Fair," said Fair & Events Center CEO Jerome Hertel, in a news release.

Hertel also summed up his first impression of his first fair as the new CEO as "authentic, meaning that it was exactly what it's claimed to be – The World's Greatest County Fair."

Thirty-four employees and volunteers, representing a combined 465 years of service to the fair, received "Fairs of Service" awards. Four individuals – Barb Gough, Mitch McKeever, John Weiskircher and Jeff Amis – were honored for 40 years of service.

One retiring member of the board of directors was also recognized for her service. Cindy Kress was first elected to the board in 2018 and has served in a variety of roles, including superintendent in the Creative Arts Department.

Nine members were elected to the 27-member board of directors for a three-year term: Mike Bryan, Quinton Harmon, Dana Metcalf, Bonnie Pullen-Lehman, VerDon Schmidt, Joel Stave, Chuck White, Brent Cuttell and Kathy Anderson.

In the board organizational session held following the annual meeting, Greg Lear was elected as chairman, Tracy Small was elected as vice chairman and Dennis Larson was elected as treasurer. Joel Stave and Kevin Tlam were also elected to serve on the executive committee.