Iowa Western Community College

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  11:00am – 2:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Fall harvests bring a different set of flavors and preservation opportunities. In this hands-on
class, you’ll work with fall crops such as root vegetables, apples, and hardy greens to learn
practical preservation techniques. We’ll focus on methods like water bath canning, pickling, and
simple storage strategies that help extend shelf life and reduce waste. You’ll gain direct
experience preparing and preserving seasonal produce, along with guidance on adapting these
methods at home. Participants will leave with preserved items and the confidence to make the
most of their fall harvest.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Rabbits are one of the most efficient and overlooked livestock options for small-scale and backyard production. In this class, you’ll learn how rabbits can provide a reliable source of high-quality meat, valuable manure for gardening, and an additional income stream—all within a compact footprint. We’ll cover housing, feeding, breeding basics, and humane care practices, along with how to integrate rabbits into a broader garden or farm system. This is an ideal class for anyone looking to increase productivity and sustainability without needing more land.

Class will be held Thursday Evenings 6:00pm – 8:30pm September 24th thru November 5th – Looft Hall CB Campus
This educational series is designed for small farmers, market gardeners, and backyard growers interested in selling locally produced food and agricultural products. The topics will primarily focus on produce production, but many sessions will also be valuable for small livestock producers looking to expand their business knowledge and market opportunities.
Whether you are growing vegetables in a backyard garden, managing a market garden, operating a diversified small farm, or raising livestock on a small scale, this series will provide practical information, local resources, and valuable connections to help you develop and grow your farm business.

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  8:30am – 11:30am – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
As the season comes to a close, preserving your final harvest becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on handling larger quantities of late-season produce such as squash, root crops, apples, and storage vegetables. You’ll practice preservation techniques including
water bath canning, batch processing, and proper storage methods for long-term use. Emphasis will be placed on efficiency, safety, and maximizing shelf life. Participants will leave with preserved goods, practical skills, and a clear understanding of how to carry their harvest into the winter months.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  12:00pm – 3:00pm – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Take pressure canning to the next level by preserving complete, ready-to-eat meals. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely combine ingredients like meats, vegetables, and broths into balanced, shelf-stable meals. We’ll cover proper layering, liquid ratios, processing guidelines, and recipe considerations to ensure both safety and flavor. This approach is ideal for busy households, emergency preparedness, or anyone looking to simplify mealtime. Participants will see the process in action and leave with practical knowledge for creating their own canned meal options at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**