5/14/99

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

VIDEO AND BOOK EXPLORE A CHANGING AGRICULTURE

AMES, Iowa -- The changing structure of agriculture is causing producers and the entire agriculture industry to wonder what the future holds.

Making the changes benefit Iowa was the focus of a satellite broadcast from Iowa State University on March 8. An 11-inch snowstorm that day prevented many interested people from seeing the broadcast. Now two videotapes are available so the broadcast can reach a wider audience. A VHS copy of the entire broadcast runs four hours and 20 minutes. An edited version of the program runs one hour.

A new publication from the ISU agricultural economics department was distributed on Mar. 8. This 52-page booklet outlines factors that brought about past changes in agriculture, and provides insight into future opportunities.

Both the broadcast and the publication are titled "Agriculture in the 21st Century &emdash; Surviving and Thriving." The keynote speaker for the broadcast was Michael Boehlje, agricultural economics professor at Purdue University. Also speaking during the morning session was Bruce Babcock, director of ISU's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.

Four speakers talked about the benefits of forming alliances. They were LaMoine Smith, Kearney Area Ag Producers Alliance; Duane Acker, Southwest Iowa Egg; Jerry Van Der Kamp, Agri Industries; and Kevin Kimle, E-markets.

Producer alternatives were discussed by Wayne Seaman, West Central Cooperative; Bill Horan of Rockwell City; Craig Hill of Milo; and Charles Hurburgh, ISU professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering.

The videotape of the entire program costs $30. The edited version costs $10. The 52-page publication costs $4. An 8-page written summary of the broadcast will be included with the purchase of either tape or the publication.

Organizers say they hope these materials will be used by agricultural organizations, educators and community development leaders to help identify future opportunities for Iowa agriculture.

To order, indicate what items you want to purchase and send a check for the total to C. Phillip Baumel, ISU Department of Economics, 460 Heady Hall, Ames, IA 50011. Or call 1-515-294-7318. Make checks payable to Iowa State University.

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