Russian Ag Leaders Examine Ag Practices In Central Iowa
Five Russian agriculturists participating in an exchange program are visiting the U.S. to learn about farming and agribusiness practices here.
Rod Swoboda
Published: Jun 22, 2010
Five Russian agricultural leaders participating in the Open World Program are visiting central Iowa June 19 - 27, 2010. Hosted by an organization called Creating Great Places, based in Coon Rapids, the professional exchange will focus on best practices in agriculture.
Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia and the Baltic States by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America's democratic, accountable government and free-market system.
Participants are agricultural leaders from different regions in Russia. They are coming to Iowa in order to learn about agricultural management practices, machinery, and way of life.
Russian ag leaders are interested in learning how U.S. farms operate
While in Iowa, the group is touring and meeting with agriculture business managers in Central Iowa including: Mid-State Milling; Heartland Co-op; Vetter Equipment; Steve Mosher farm; Grinnell Feed Mill; and Sheeder's Dairy. The delegation will also meet with Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture and representatives of Senators Grassley and Harkin in Des Moines.
Iowa State University's Meat Laboratory and the Dairy and Beef Cattle Farms will connect the Russian agriculture specialists with Iowa's agriculture research programs. The delegates will also meet with representatives of the Iowa Cattleman's Association and Iowa Farm Bureau to explore the role of associations in agriculture advocacy, education and public relations. The weeklong program will conclude in Coon Rapids where the Russian delegation will tour the historic Roswell Garst Farm, site of the 1959 visit by Khrushchev.
Creating Great Places is a non-profit organization established in 2008 in Coon Rapids, Iowa, for the purpose of supporting nonprofit organizations, local governments, and individuals with environmental, community development, diversity, micro-enterprise, artistic, and cultural endeavors. "We interpret culture in its broadest sense to include history, arts, archeology, local foods, ethic and cultural diversity, and public space planning since these constitute vital elements of any truly Great Place," says Rachel Garst, director of the organization. For more information on CGP visit www.creatinggreatplaces.org
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Tagged: farm, Farm Bureau, Iowa State University
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