Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Secretary of Agriculture Nomination

Iowa is a national leader in agriculture, so it is very good news that an Iowan with a deep understanding of the issues facing farmers, renewable fuels and our rural communities will be leading the U.S. Department of agriculture at this challenging time. I congratulate Governor Vilsack look forward to working with him in his new role.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Iowa Christmas Fun

The Department had the opportunity to work with the Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Association again this year on their donations of trees for the Capitol Complex and “Trees for Troops” Program. In the true spirit of giving, Christmas tree growers gifted trees to military troops overseas and their families in the US through “Trees for Troops”.

A great tradition for many families is to select their fresh Christmas tree grown right here in Iowa. I’m certainly looking forward to choosing one for my home and encourage you to do the same.

Christmas is a time of family and fun, but it is also a great opportunity to enjoy many of the agricultural products that are produced in Iowa. A holiday ham, a warm cup of chocolate milk, a nice mug of hot apple cider, even a glass of wine can come from right here in Iowa.

So enjoy this time of year, and help celebrate Iowa agriculture and all it has to offer!

To learn more about choosing your own tree or other Iowa products visit: www.iowaagriculture.gov.

Monday, December 1, 2008

On The Road

After a good Thanksgiving weekend it is back on the road. Today we are off to Sigourney, Ottumwa and Chariton for Town Hall meetings. The roads may be a little messy, but I know there are folks with crops in the field that can’t harvest until the weather straightens out again. My travel concerns can be addressed by leaving a little early and not rushing things – they likely can’t get in the field until the snow get off the corn stalks (or bean stems in a few cases).