Ames, IA -- A new, exciting venture is being established which would improve water and soil quality in Iowa. The announcement of the Iowa Learning Farm project is scheduled for noon on March 8, 2005 in the Scheman Building on the ISU campus. Parking is available on the north side of the Scheman Building.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge will announce this worthwhile project during the Agriculture and Environment Conference being held March 8-9.

The Iowa Learning Farm project is a five-year collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa State University Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Districts of Iowa.

More information will be available at the time of the announcement. Several representatives from those organizations partnering in the project will be available for interviews immediately following the announcement.

-30-