For Immediate Release: January 23, 2003
For More Information Contact: Jacallyn Gunzenhauser (800) 775-5227
Tanya Meyer-Dideriksen (319) 668-8110
Biological Composting Workshop for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Farmers
Ames, IA - Iowa Farmers Union (IFU), along with several organizations and
agencies is sponsoring a one-day workshop on composting. Farmers and
agriculture professionals from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are invited to
attend this informational seminar. The Biological Composting Workshop will
be held on Saturday, February 8, 2003 in Calmar, Iowa. The workshop will be
held in the Wilder Building at the Northeast Iowa Community College from 9:00
am to 4:00 pm. Registration begins at 8:00 am.
IFU welcomes Pennsylvania Farmers Union President, Larry Breech, to the state
as the featured guest speaker for this event. Mr. Breech raises grain and
sheep on his 250-acre farm in the hills of central Pennsylvania. He has done
extensive research with several universities and federal agencies regarding
how compost can benefit farms, both environmentally and economically. He
uses his own farming and research experience to teach others across the
country and in Canada about biological composting.
In this workshop, Mr. Breech will share information about developing quality
compost. Farmers will learn about proper scientific techniques, materials
needed, required moisture content, chemical and structural requirements,
proper pH, properly turning a compost pile, and how to monitor compost
through each step of the process. He will also compare the biologic and
economic value of raw manure and compost.
Other sponsors of this event include Organic Crop Improvement Association of
Iowa Chapter 4, USDA Risk Management Agency, USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa State University
Horticulture and Agronomy Departments, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture
and Land Stewardship.
The registration deadline for the Biological Composting Workshop is January
25, 2003. The cost is $37.00 by the deadline and $47.00 after January 25.
The registration fee includes all educational materials and an organic meal
using products raised and produced on local Midwest farms. Walk-in
registrations will be subjected to meal availability. To receive a brochure
with registration form or to get more information, contact Tanya
Meyer-Dideriksen, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, at
319-668-8110 or [log in to unmask]
Iowa Farmers Union
PO Box 8988
528 Billy Sunday Rd
Ames, IA 50014
800-775-5227
[log in to unmask]
<A HREF="http://www.iafu.org/">www.iafu.org</A>
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