The work at Bear Creek is nationally recognized and has contributed to the research base for a national conservation buffer initiative. The ongoing debate about Iowa's pork industry is expected to continue in the coming months, as policy makers at the national, state and local levels discuss current laws and future strategies. New information about what rural Iowans think of the industry and what production trends are occurring, plus a review of waste management options and an analysis of policy alternatives, will be shared by ISU economists. Four 30- minute breaks will provide time for local discussions. During two-day workshops, participants take on the role of either a packing plant manager or a feedlot operator.
Teams receive computerized profit and loss statements after each trading session.
Four workshops are scheduled so far this winter, with the first Dec. 17-18 at the Starlite Village in Ft.