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News & Notes

Kirschenmann writings to appear in new book

Essays and other writings by Leopold Center Distinguished Fellow Fred Kirschenmann have been compiled into a book to be published in March 2010 by the University Press of Kentucky. The 392-page volume, Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: Essays from a Farmer Philospher, documents Kirschenmann's evolution and contributions in a collection of writings on farming, philosophy and sustainability. He worked with New Mexico State University agricultural economist and editor Connie Falk to recount his 30-year journey toward what has been called a new agarianism.

The book recounts Kirschenmann's personal history from childhood lessons learned on his third-generation family farm in North Dakota to development of his philosophy as a trained theologian. He presents practical advice as well as insights into the necessity for ecologically sound farming and responsible stewardship of the land.

The book is available on the publisher's Web site: www.kentuckypress.com.

Graduate students enhance Leopold Center work

Several graduate students are working directly with Leopold Center staff on a variety of projects and activities this academic year. Numerous other students, both undergraduates and graduates, are employed by university professors as part of Leopold Center research grants.

Nick McCann, second-year MBA student with a minor in sustainable agriculture: Recently completed a survey of local/conventional food prices at farmers markets, grocery stores, butcher shops and natural food stores in four Iowa cities. He also supports projects of the Small Meat Processing and Regional Food Systems Working Groups. McCann received his undergraduate degree in marketing and German from Miami University of Ohio. Prior to coming to Iowa State, he was employed by the University of Notre Dame to set up agricultural production programs in Haiti and has worked in international consulting.

Jonah Brown-Joel, first-year MBA student with a minor in sustainable agriculture: He is working with Rich Pirog and ISU College ofBusiness professor Frank Montabon on a survey of sustainability practices used by Iowa food companies. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa in philosophy, he has developed youth programs in the San Juan Islands and worked at Rockwell Collins in Marion. His interest is in green technology and corporate responsibility reporting.

Phil Damery, second-year master’s student in the Graduate Program for Sustainable Agriculture: Provides support for grants, communications and strategic planning in the Leopold Center Ecology Initiative. He also is helping to plan the Midwest Cover Crops conference in March. A graduate of Illinois State University in social science education, he has worked for the National Park Service. As part of his graduate work, he is working with the Iowa Meat Processors Association to develop curriculum and training materials.

Allison Severson, first-year master’s student in educational leadership and policy studies: Last summer completed her professional internship at the Leopold Center for an undergraduate degree in the ISU Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. As communications assistant, she coordinates On the Ground, a web-based video series that highlights Leopold Center ecology projects, produces monthly photo galleries and provides other support. She grew up on a small, diversified farm near Belmond and is working to set up a community garden in Ames for children in a residential treatment facility.