The U-S-D-A is sending Iowa a million dollars to establish an “Iowa Agricultural Innovation Center.” Iowa Ag Secretary Patty Judge says the Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Farmers Union as well as the Iowa Cattlemen’s, Pork Producers, Corn Growers and Soybean Associations are partners in the project. Judge says it’s very unique to have all those groups partner with state government “to try to make something happen.” Judge says the “Innovation Center” will hopefully help nuture some of the smaller “value-added” programs that have been started or will be started in the state. Judge says the Center will provide farmers with technical expertise and business planning services. In addition, it will offer small grants to farmers. The Innovation Center’s board of directors will have its first meeting next week.
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