Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
10/13/03
Contacts:
Matt Helmers, agricultural and biosystems engineering, (515) 294-6717, mhelmers@iastate.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496, shoyer@iastate.edu
AMES, Iowa -- Matt Helmers is looking forward to working with livestock producers and others in the agriculture industry now that he’s back at his alma mater in his home state. Helmers, who grew up in Sibley where his grandfather and uncle still farm, recently began work as assistant professor of agricultural engineering at Iowa State University (ISU).
He earned his B.S. in civil engineering from ISU and M.S. in that same field at Virginia Tech. He then worked for a civil engineering consulting firm for a few years before returning to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to earn his Ph.D. in biological systems engineering. Helmers said he intends to concentrate on water management and water quality topics as they relate to agricultural issues here in Iowa.
“ More than half my time will be devoted to extension and I plan to use this time to develop educational materials, conduct workshops, host demonstration trials and make farm visits,” Helmers said. “I’m excited to have an extension program that’s focused on the needs of our producers.”
Helmers also plans to work collaboratively with agencies and individuals outside of ISU on nutrient management, drainage, conservation systems and watershed hydrology research projects. He said these areas are important to livestock producers and the public at large because of growing concerns over proper manure management and water quality.
“ I believe we can strike a balance between promoting the livestock industry as a vital component of the state’s economy and ensuring the protection of our natural resources,” he said. “My goal is to work to find that happy medium. I come from an agricultural background and understand the realities of the business, yet also acknowledge the concerns related to our water resources.”
People can reach Helmers by phone at (515) 294-6717 or by e-mail at mhelmers@iastate.edu. For mailed correspondence, use this address: 209 Davidson Hall, ISU, Ames, IA 50011.
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