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]
www.iafu.org


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