Ag in the 21st Century Satellite Broadcast March 8

1/29/99

Contacts:
C. Phillip Baumel, Economics, 515/294-6263
Susan Thompson, Agriculture Information, 515/294-0705

AGRICULTURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY -- SURVIVING AND THRIVING

AMES, Iowa -- There is plenty of evidence the structure of agriculture is changing rapidly. The 21st Century is certain to bring further change. To provide a forum for discussing ways this change can be made to benefit Iowa, Iowa State University is sponsoring a satellite program March 8.

Titled "Agriculture in the 21st Century -- Surviving and Thriving," the broadcast will be available at 28 sites. The keynote speaker will be Michael Boehlje, agricultural economics professor at Purdue University. Boehlje will talk about the role of producers in a changing agriculture and policy alternatives that might put them in a better position to compete.

Also speaking during the morning session will be Bruce Babcock, director of ISU's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. He will review changes occurring in the seed industry, lending, cooperatives and retail foods.

Two panels of speakers will provide additional insight. One on alliances will include LaMoine Smith, Kearney Area Ag Producers Alliance; Duane Acker, Southwest Iowa Egg; Jerry Van Der Kamp, Agri Industries; and Kevin Kimle, E-markets.

An afternoon panel on producer alternatives will open with comments by Wayne Seaman, West Central Cooperative, who believes even with continuing change a good market will exist for bulk commodities.

Three producers will round out the panel, including Bill Horan of Rockwell City, Craig Hill of Milo and Dave Lubbens of Monticello, who is president of Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Audience questions will be called to the broadcast origination site in Ames and answered during two question-and-answer periods. An important component of the program will occur once the broadcast ends, when there will be local discussion on issues and alternatives.

Organizers say they hope the program will be attended by producers, local and state elected officials, agribusiness representatives and the general public.

A $20 registration fee will cover the cost of lunch, plus support materials that will include a new publication from the ISU agricultural economics department. The 60-page publication outlines factors that brought about past changes in agriculture, and provides insight into future opportunities.

The satellite broadcast will begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Local discussions will continue until 4 p.m. Informational brochures are available at county extension offices. To register, send a $20 check, payable to Iowa State University, to C. Phillip Baumel, ISU Department of Economics, 460 Heady Hall, Ames, IA 50011. Indicate your first and second choices of location and include name, address and phone number. Or call 1-515-294-7318.

BROADCAST LOCATIONS

Ames -- ISU, Memorial Union

Chariton -- Lucas County Extension, Fairgrounds on W. Hy-Vee Road

Charles City -- Floyd County Extension, 615 Beck Street

Clarion -- Wright County Extension, 210 1st SW

Corning -- Corning Library, 603 9th Street

Decorah -- Winneshiek County Extension, 911 South Mill

Des Moines -- Polk County Extension, 5201 NE 14th Street, Suite A

Estherville -- Emmet County Extension, 26 South 17th Street

Fort Dodge -- Webster County Extension, 108 South 8th Street

Independence -- Buchanan County Extension, 1413 First Street W.

Iowa City -- Johnson County Extension, 4265 Oakcrest Hill SE