Post Update:I asked for and received some pictures from Paul McKellips to add to this post from yesterday. They certainly help tell the story!
I have received an audio report from Iraq that you might find interesting. The email I received says it’s from Paul McKellips who’s on assignment with the Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. The report: focuses on the Farmers Markets and roadside stands that Iraqis depend on for their fruits and vegetables. The potential for agriculture in this country is beyond belief.
In the last three years, American agricultural experts have introduced drip-line irrigation, fertilizers and modern cultivation techniques. Now, the country desperately needs a comprehensive national farm policy that supports farmers and provides motivation for producers to invest in their businesses and bring their products to market profitably. Iraq currently imports more than 85% of their fruits and vegetables from Iran, Syria and Turkey. Produce prices are ridiculously low as these countries dump their B-grade products into the marketplace.
You can listen here: 
Iraq Farmers Markets Report (3 min WMA)
Paul McKellips is on detail assignment to the U.S. Department of State’s Public Affairs GO Team in Iraq. He is permanently employed by USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Washington, DC.
There’s a new photo album available from the Agricultural Media Summit. It’s got lot of pictures. Even more than mine! In fact it reminded me that I never did upload mine and provide you with a link to the album. That’s done now. 
If you want your burger to be made out of some heart healthy soy protein and the meat of cows that ate “natural” then you should be looking for the 
Researchers at the University of Manitoba are confident sophisticated computer modeling will help ensure the emissions from biomass fuelled heating systems meet acceptable environmental standards. The two-stage greenhouse gas displacement system, developed by Vidir Biomass Systems, uses large straw bales as fuel and relies on primary combustion followed by secondary combustion to get a complete burn.
My sponsor for my coverage of the Farm Progress Show last week was Monsanto and while sitting in the media tent there I had an idea for this week’s program that you might find interesting.
I’ve got 2 interviews for you. The first one is with Carly Kaufmann, Public Relations Account Exectuve for 
Before my interview with Carly though I had already interviewed 
It’s Farm Progress Show photo album time. I have a few pictures uploaded from the show for your viewing pleasure.
Say hello to Emily Zwahlen, new Farm Director for 
Now, as I’m all recuperated from the Farm Progress Show, I’m back writing again. I was going to write my final thoughts after the show but after my drive back to Ames, I fell asleep and didn’t wake up until this morning for class!
It’s nice to be home and have the dust showered off. Before leaving the Farm Progress Show today I remembered to have a picture taken of Kelcy and me.