Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
9/13/99
Contacts:
Wendy Wintersteen, ISU Extension to Agriculture and Natural
Resources, (515) 294-7801
Treva Blumenshine, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5672
ISU Extension Displays Showcase Research from Entire University
AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State University Extension displays at the 1999 Farm Progress Show will provide information on improving well-being through communications, education, healthy lifestyles and home safety. More than 30 displays and six field plots covering topics from value-added agriculture to conversations across the generations will be located in the ISU Extension tent near the south entrance of the Farm Progress Show Sept. 28, 29 and 30 at Amana, Iowa.
Half of the displays are agriculture-related, providing current research findings and information on value-added agriculture. The remaining displays focus on topics such as continuing education, communicating across the generations, home and farm safety and healthy lifestyles. "The Farm Progress Show is a great opportunity to contact and receive feedback from thousands of people," said Wendy Wintersteen, director of ISU Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources. "Through our displays, we are able to showcase a broad range of educational and research programs from ISU."
Many displays feature hands-on activities and demonstrations. There will be something fun for everyone in the family.
* Is it time to change your hat? Sun safety is important to the lives of most people. Get information about early detection and warning signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer screening will be available all three days during mid-day. Exact times that physicians will be available will be posted at the exhibit.
* Learn about high-demand, high paying agricultural career choices and alternative paths to agricultural careers. Success stories will be shared on planning the pathway to ISU and beyond.
* Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, and CO poisoning is preventable. Come see how to prevent CO in your house.
* Share a story. Find out the importance of sharing stories among all generations. Interviews will be conducted with both youths and adults. Questions will be asked that help tell the stories of different life experiences.
* See a 4-H'er's restored tractor and a modern tractor of similar size. The old tractor will have signs pointing out old and unsafe areas. The new tractor will show safety features added to today's tractors.
* Walk through a garden planted solely for the purpose of attracting butterflies. Smell the herbs planted in the herb garden. See the tall sunflowers. Check out the salsa garden. All of these gardens are part of the Growing in the Garden curriculum. Inside the tent information will be available on how to get involved in this program for children.
* Enjoy a cookie made with soy flour and soy nuts. Soy is full of health benefits. Information will be available on products, benefits and recipes. Show visitors can try the quiz game to see how much they know about health benefits derived from adding soybean to their diet.
* Where does food come from? Visit Cy's Market, a futuristic grocery store, and use the Food Tracer to trace different foods back to the producer, processor and retailer. Gather information on the advantages and disadvantages of traceability.
Other agriculture-related displays include demonstrations and information about beef verification databases and ultrasound, pork meat quality, Community Supported Agriculture, integrated crop management and precision agriculture, grain quality and riparian buffer strips. Field plots will provide information on corn borer resistant corn, the Germplasm Enhancement for Maize (GEM) Project, Bt and non-Bt corn and pearl millet, historical corn, organic soybeans and Conservation Reserve Program switchgrass. Additional displays will focus on distance education, ISU Extension Master programs, soybean benefits, leaving a legacy, healthy futures and a welcoming home.
Throughout the day, the hoop building will feature a number of educational programs, live radio broadcasts and listening sessions, where ISU Extension staff can gain feedback from producers, agricultural leaders, farm families and agribusiness professionals on the current status of rural communities and farming. WOI-AM's Talk of Iowa will air at 10 a.m. and the Midday show at noon from the Farm Progress Show. Be sure to get a schedule of the hoop building events.
ISU Extension publications will be available at the Farm Progress Show, as well as admissions information from Iowa State University.
More information about the Farm Progress Show and the ISU Extension displays may be found at <www.extension.iastate.edu/>.
ml: isufarm, state
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.