Agri News, MN
09-12-06
Iowa news and notes
BP considers building bioenergy institute
AMES, Iowa -- One of the world's largest oil companies is considering
constructing a $500 million bioenergy institute at Iowa State University.
BP announced plans in June to finance the Energy Biosciences Institute over the
next 10 years, locating the facility near a university. A decision is expected by the
end of the year, and BP officials say Iowa State has much to offer.
"Iowa State has genetics," says Jim Breson, general manager of the project and
an Iowa State graduate. "It has crops. It has robust agriculture. It has familiarity
with harvesting techniques and material handling."
The institute will be a "bricks and mortar" facility dedicated to public research and
proprietary research, Breson says. Universities across the United States are
vying for the project. In September, BP will invite fewer than a dozen institutions
to submit proposals, Breson says.
ICCI says feedlot ammonia levels are too high
DES MOINES -- A citizen advocacy group says new environmental data shows
that factory farms are releasing levels of ammonia above recommended safe
health standards.
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement based its findings on an Iowa
Department of Natural Resources field study, which collects air emissions data
on ammonia and hydrogen sulfide at 10 sites.
ICCI said the data showed that levels of ammonia are consistently above the
standard of 150 parts per billion recommended in a 2002 University of Iowa-Iowa
State University air quality study.
The study has been controversial, and the Legislature has repeatedly put up
roadblocks to the adoption of ammonia standards. However, it charged the DNR
with conducting the field study to gather information on the issue.
Sean Fitzsimmons, a DNR environmental specialist, said the problem with
ammonia is that it creates fine particles that can cause negative health affects,
and that it produces haze that obstructs the view.
Amana Farms hosts Sept. 20 field day
WEST AMANA, Iowa -- Amana Farms' Feedlot Field Day is Sept. 20 at the
Amana Farms Feedlot of West Amana from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
The field day is designed to help producers evaluate their operations and to
identify ways to improve their lots. The event will include information about
planning an open feedlot, funding information, improving environmental
protection and maintenance tips.
There will also be a tour of the Amana Farms feedlot.
Greg Brenneman, ISU Extension engineer, will present information about site
planning and technical advice. John Lawrence, Iowa Beef Center director, will
discuss feedlot design and maintenance. Information regarding feedlot funding
and financing sources will be presented by Steve Johnson, Iowa County NRCS
director.
Rock Martens, Iowa DNR environmental specialist, will advise attendees of the
expectations of the Department of Natural Resources.
For more information, contact Denise Schwab in the Iowa County Extension
Office at (319) 642-5504.
ISU to offer master's degree in seeds
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University will offer a master's degree in seed
technology and business next year.
The degree will integrate coursework from the college of Agriculture and
Business. It will combine scientific and technical subjects related to seed and
genetic improvement with business courses similar to the first year of a MBA
program.
The program will be delivered via Internet. The degree offers a flexible course
schedule spread over two and a half years to encourage working professionals to
participate.
The Iowa Board of Regents approved the degree to be accompanied by graduate
certificates in seed science and technology and seed business management.
The certificates could be used by students to compliment their existing
knowledge and training.
The objective of the degree is to develop decision-making skills that will prepare
students for roles in the seed industry. Additional information is available online
at www.seeds.iastate.edu/class or by contacting Paul Christensen, Seed
Science coordinator, (515) 294-8745. Interested individuals can also contact
Mike Crum, College of Business, (515) 294-8105.