AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff hosted U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst at the Northeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm near Nashua on Thursday. Senator Ernst took a tour of the Borlaug Learning Center and learned about the research being conducted at the farm.
Brian Lang, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, served as Ernst’s guide throughout her visit. Lang and the farm’s staff discussed the breadth of research being conducted as well as the number and types of educational events hosted at the farm.
“It was a pleasure to be able to give Senator Ernst a tour of the research farm and showcase the work being done,” Lang said. “The Northeast Iowa Research Farm and the other farms like it across the state provide opportunities for ISU Extension and Outreach researchers to perform research to find solutions to current issues that arise in agriculture.”
Ernst was also shown examples of water quality research being conducted on the farm, visiting the research plots and on-site bio-reactor. She also rode in a combine to show the precision needed to conduct effective research.
The visit concluded with a meeting with the Northeast Iowa Research Farm Board to discuss the partnership between local farmers and ISU Extension and Outreach, the importance of research and education tailored to local conditions and needed improvements to the facility.
The Northeast Iowa Research Farm is one of 15 research and demonstration farms operated across the state by Iowa State University. Each location puts researchers in the field, allowing them to conduct on-farm trials, teaching and host events in a working farm location.
The Borlaug Learning Center, located at the Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, highlights Norman Bourlaug’s achievements and successful effort to provide food security and promote world peace. Bourlaug, an agricultural scientist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was born near Cresco, Iowa and was a leader in developing higher yield crops and founded the World Food Prize.