10/23/97

Contacts:
Minde Jo Hibma, ISU Collegiate Farm Bureau Club president, 515/233-8872
Susan Anderson, Agriculture Information, 515/294-0705

"BACK TO THE FARM" IS NOV. 5 SYMPOSIUM TOPIC

AMES, Iowa -- The farm crisis of the 1980s caused many people to exit production agriculture, and a generation of young people who had expected to someday join the family farm operation turned their attention elsewhere. But now there is increasing interest in a career in farming.

"Back to the Farm: Challenges and Opportunities" is the title of a Nov. 5 meeting on the Iowa State University campus where a panel of speakers will talk about getting started in farming in the 1990s. The event is sponsored by the ISU Collegiate Farm Bureau Club.

John Baker, director of Farm On, will talk about this service that matches veteran farmers with people who want to get started in farming. He also will discuss Ag Link, a program that each spring brings together ISU students and their parents to talk about their future farming plans. And he'll give some advice for people considering a career in farming.

A recent ISU agriculture graduate, Brian Weber of Clutier in Tama County, will talk about his decision to return to his family's farm after graduation, and how he made a successful transition.

A representative of Iowa's Agricultural Development Authority, Shannon Fesenmeyer, will talk about a state program that makes it possible for local lenders and contract sellers to offer lower interest loans to beginning farmers. A total of $24 million has already been committed to Iowa's beginning farmers in 1997.

Roger Bruene, ISU College of Agriculture career services director, will outline agriculture career opportunities and things students should consider if they hope to farm after graduation.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union. The public is invited to attend. This is the fifth year the ISU Collegiate Farm Bureau Club has sponsored an ag panel discussion during ISU Ag Week.

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