Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
10/22/02
Contacts:
Colin Johnson, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-2340, colinj@iastate.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496, shoyer@iastate.edu
Mastering the Matrix and Other Manure Matters
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa livestock producers, county officials and others who want to learn about the background of the proposed master matrix and how new facilities might be affected are invited to an Iowa Communications Network program Nov. 6. The program, coordinated by Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University (ISU), will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at nearly 30 sites throughout Iowa.
ISU agricultural economist John Lawrence and John Korslund, pork producer from Eagle Grove, will discuss the proposed Livestock/Environment Matrix. Both were members of the Master Matrix Technical Advisory Committee and involved in laying out the groundwork for the contents of the proposed matrix.
Lawrence and Korslund will explain the reasoning behind the matrix proposal; definitions included in the plan; and factors included in the scoring of new construction, siting an operation and manure management plans. They also will help producers examine potential impacts on new construction and sitings by figuratively walking through example farms using the matrix.
The pair will help the audience members develop an understanding of the “logic” behind the proposed matrix and how to effectively communicate their concerns about the matrix, its contents and procedures during the mandated public comment period in November and December. People also will learn how to submit comments to the appropriate agency and why it is important to do so.
Also, ISU extension economist Mike Duffy will present information on the availability of funding assistance to livestock producers provided by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Duffy will tell producers of available program details, qualification status and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) approval process.
Program content is relevant to all livestock species and producers throughout Iowa are encouraged to attend. Time will be provided during the program for questions and answers. Questions prior to the program can be submitted to speakers through ISUE county and field staff and campus IPIC staff.
Cost is $10 per person. Deadline for preregistering for the origination site at 1483 Veterinary Medicine on the ISU campus is Nov. 5. Check with local ISU Extension county offices for possible preregistration and prepayment requirements.
Approved sites are:
Ames, 1483 Veterinary Medicine--origination site
Alta, High School
Anamosa, High School
Bedford, High School
Calmar, High School
Carroll, DMACC
Early, High School
Forest City, High School
Harlan, Community Library
Iowa Falls, Ellsworth Community College
Knoxville, High School
Lake City, High School
Lewis, Wallace Learning Center
Logan, High School
Milford, High School
Mount Pleasant, High School
Nashua, High School
Oelwein, National Guard Armory
Ottumwa, National Guard Armory
Paullina, High School
Pocahontas, High School
Remsen, High School
Rock Rapids, Elementary-Middle School
Rockford, High School
Sibley, High School
St. Ansgar, High School
Stanwood, High School
Villisca, High School
Washington, Kirkwood Learning Center
Washington, Central Intermediate School
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.