Governor’s Association Ag conference opens in Ames

Iowa’s chief executive is hosting the National Governor’s AssociationAgricultural Summit today at Iowa State University. Organizers say themeeting is open to the general public and should have wide appeal.Madhu Chugh (mah-DUE chug) is a spokeswoman for Governor Vilsack, who willbe joined at the summit by North Dakota Governor Edward Schafer. Chugh saysgovernors from several other states are sending representatives to discussthe current commodities price crunch and what’s ahead.Chugh says Iowa is the perfect place to host this national forum whereexperts can share views on topics from value-added agriculture to cropinsurance.The summit at I-S-U will also be visible through the Iowa CommunicationsNetwork in 13 other cities: Waterloo, Creston, Cedar Rapids, West Union,Sioux City, West Burlington, Sheldon, Council Bluffs, Ottumwa, Ankeny,Bettendorf, Estherville & Mason City.