Iowa livestock producers, county officials and others who want to learn about the background of the proposed master matrix and how new facilities might be affected are invited to an Iowa Communications Network program Nov. 6. The program, coordinated by Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.

ISU agricultural economist John Lawrence and John Korslund, pork producer from Eagle Grove, will discuss the proposed Livestock/Environment Matrix. Both were members of the Master Matrix Technical Advisory Committee and involved in laying out the groundwork for the contents of the proposed matrix.

Lawrence and Korslund will explain the reasoning behind the matrix proposal; definitions included in the plan; and factors included in the scoring of new construction, siting an operation and manure management plans. They also will help producers examine potential impacts on new construction and sitings by figuratively walking through example farms using the matrix.

The pair will help the audience members develop an understanding of the "logic" behind the proposed matrix and how to effectively communicate their concerns about the matrix, its contents and procedures during the mandated public comment period in November and December. People also will learn how to submit comments to the appropriate agency and why it's important to do so.

Also, ISU extension economist Mike Duffy will present information on the availability of funding assistance to livestock producers provided by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Duffy will tell producers of available program details, qualification status and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) approval process.

Program content is relevant to all livestock species and producers throughout Iowa are encouraged to attend. Time will be provided during the program for questions and answers. Questions prior to the program can be submitted to speakers through ISUE county and field staff, and campus IPIC staff.

Cost is $10 per person. Please check with local ISU Extension county offices for site locations and preregistration requirements.

The following sites have been approved as of Oct. 14:

Ames, 1483 Veterinary Medicine--origination site
Sibley, High School
Iowa Falls, Ellsworth Community College
Washington, Kirkwood Learning Center
Carroll, DMACC
Oelwein, National Guard Armory
St. Ansgar, High School
Rockford, High School
Logan, High School
Paullina, High School
Early, High School
Calmar, High School
Lake City, High School
Alta, High School
Remsen, High School
Mount Pleasant, High School
Harlan, Community Library
Milford, High School
Pocahontas, High School
Villisca, High School
Forest City, High School

Copyright © 1997-2002, Iowa State University. All rights reserved.

Previous feature articles:

• Web resource identifying frequently asked questions about manure management is now available -
  Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Manure management field days are in full swing - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Information and resources regarding the development of the Master Matrix for siting confinement facilities - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University; Karen Grimes and Robin Pruisner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• Upcoming Meetings on Iowa's Livestock Regulations and Other Information Resources - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Information Regarding Iowa's New Livestock Bill-SF 2293 - by Angela Rieck-Hinz, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• Review of Alternative Technologies for Manure Treatment from Open Feedlots - Jeff Lorimor and Brad Woerner, Agricultural Engineers, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, ISU
• Manure Applicator Certification Workshops for 2002 - Angela Rieck-Hinz, Extension Program Specialist, Department of Agronomy, ISU
• Managing Manure and Residue at the Same Time - Paul Miller, Manure Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS