Leopold Center director Fred Kirschenmann spoke in November during the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters fall forum, "Genetically Modified Food: Risks, Rewards & Realities," in Madison. He joined a publicist, corporate agronomist and university public policy analyst on a panel discussion about the environmental benefits and concerns of biotechnology. Several Iowa farmers, the Leopold Center, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and a number of other sustainable agriculture organizations were featured in the September 2000 issue of The Furrow magazine, "Sustainable Agriculture is Turning More Heads." Producer Dick Thompson of Boone described the sustainable agriculture movement as "agriculture's quiet revolution," and "a peaceful, yet dynamic, transition that constantly challenges us to find better ways to farm." ISU animal scientist Palmer Holden presented results of a Leopold Center-funded research project during a two-day Alternative and Herbal Livestock Health Conference in October at the University of Connecticut. Holden studied the effects of various levels of peppermint, echinicea and garlic used in rations fed to 12-week-old pigs. The feeding trials ended this year. Agriculture can enrich anyone's education, according to teachers who completed a one-week Teachers' Academy on Ag Awareness at Iowa State University last summer. The course is offered by the ISU Department of Agricultural Education and Studies with Center staff leading some sessions. "I am very much committed to the concept of getting people on the land and getting away from the giant companies' influence," wrote one longtime sixth-grade teacher. "I was impressed by the materials from the Leopold Center and the ideas about using local products in school lunch programs. That will be worth sticking my neck out to try and get something going." The Leopold Center's "hoop group" research team was featured in a report aired by the Canadian Broadcast network in October. Researchers Don Lay and Mike Larson also presented information at the Iowa Pork Industry Center's quarterly Market Analysis and Outlook program in September. It is estimated that four percent of Iowa hogs are raised in hooped structures. Leopold Center advisory board member, farmer and community leader Dave Williams of Villisca was named as a 2000 Friend of Extension during Iowa State University Extension's annual meeting in October. He helped develop and carry out the vision for the Armstrong Research Farm near Lewis. A five-part series in the Baltimore Sun, "Nitrogen's Deadly Harvest," takes an extensive look at nitrogen pollution from industrialization, population growth and intensive use of chemical fertilizers. The last article explores possible solutions, and mentions the Leopold Center's Bear Creek buffers. Former Leopold Center director Dennis Keeney also is quoted. The series is available on the Internet at www.sunspot.net, or by calling (410) 332-6800. Return to Winter 2000 Leopold Letter index |