AMES, Iowa -- “Providing Opportunities for Iowa’s Future” is the theme of Iowa State University’s exhibit at the 2008 Farm Progress Show, Aug. 26 though Aug. 28. The exhibit will feature about 30 displays that showcase research and programs offered from Iowa State University Extension and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The ISU exhibit will be located along Seventh Street and Central Avenue at the new biennial Farm Progress Show site near Boone, Iowa. The eight lots of exhibit space include a 6,000 square foot white hoop building and an outdoor exhibit area.

The displays will include topics of bioeconomy, food and human health, rural communities, economic development, next generation of Iowans, and ISU student recruitment. As well as WOI live radio reports, interviews, and presentations.

“ISU’s Farm Progress Show exhibits will highlight projects underway and the resources available from Extension and the College that can support a new era of development in Iowa,” said Gerald Miller, associate dean of Extension and Outreach for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director agriculture and natural resources Extension.

ISU researchers, specialists and staff will be on hand to meet with visitors at the show.

Displays at the ISU exhibit include:

• A Bioeconomy Institute display will address the issue of ‘food versus fuel’ and show examples of feedstuffs vital to the next generation of biofuels. See plans for ISU’s New Century Farm, an integrated biomass growing and processing facility. Hear twice daily presentations from agronomy Extension specialists including climatologist Elwynn Taylor, soybean agronomist Palle Pederson, and corn agronomist Roger Elmore.
• Learn how 70 is the new 50 with some tips to stay healthy and active. Quiz yourself on products containing high fructose corn syrup and find out about the misconceptions surrounding this sugar. Plus, learn the health benefits of eating Aronia berries and find out how Extension is helping create an Aronia industry in Iowa.
• Check out amazing Horizons projects where citizens work to reduce poverty and improve their rural communities at the “Thriving Communities for All” display. The Master Equine Manager program will highlight its education opportunities for horse enthusiasts. Also, see the new Master Gardener display in the outside exhibit area.
• Consider the economic development opportunities provided by Iowa’s livestock and poultry industries. Meet members of the Annie’s Project National Leadership Team and discuss opportunities available for farmwomen. See demonstrations of the new Extension Forestry portable sawmill operating daily at the show. Also, the Iowa Learning Farm Operation Strip-till will demonstrate strip-tilling equipment.
• Learn about resources available for new and retiring farmers from the Beginning Farmer Center. Test your strength in a grain bin tug-of-war and learn about farm safety. Plus, the Iowa 4-H Foundation Ford Truck Raffle will make a stop at the FPS.
• The ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student recruitment team will showcase student adventures available at Iowa State University including the diversity of academic programs and on-campus and international opportunities.

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One high resolution image showing the layout for the ISU Exhibit is available for use with this story: FPSSitePlan.jpg [1.1 MB] 

Suggested photo caption: The Iowa State University exhibit includes about 30 displays inside a hoop building and in the outdoor exhibit area. Look for the exhibit along 7th Street and Central Avenue at the Farm Progress Show in Boone.