Visitors to Heartland Acres Agribition Center will learn about the value of livestock manure in Iowa in a new, interactive exhibit that is on display June 2 – July 15, 2008.
The “Poop Cycle Investigation” (PCI) exhibit brings an opportunity to show how the manure of all animals is used in nature. What’s more, the exhibit will also teach children and adults the value of manure in Iowa’s robust livestock industry and the impact cow, pig, chicken, turkey and sheep poop has on growing Iowa crops for feed, food, and fuel.
The “PCI” exhibit takes visitors on a fun and interactive trip through the “Iowa manure cycle.” Visitors can test their knowledge by identifying manure from different livestock species, and learn how manure is used to fertilize crops that produce feed for the livestock, food for people and fuels such as ethanol and soy biodiesel. The exhibit also challenges visitors to identify the everyday products that are possible through the cycle of crop production that hinges on the availability of ‘natures nutrients’ – manure.
Once visitors have toured each of the five kiosks in the exhibit, they can become certified “Poop cycle Investigators’ and receive a license that verifies their knowledge of “Iowa’s manure cycle”.
This exhibit is being sponsored by Iowa agricultural groups such as the Iowa Turkey Federation, Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Cattlemen, Farm Bureau, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Manure Management Action Group, Iowa Sheep Industry Association, Iowa Soybean Association and Midwest Dairy Association of Iowa.
“The sponsoring organizations feel it’s important that the general public understands that livestock manure is used responsibly, helps replenish our soil, and has tremendous value in Iowa,” said Gretta Irwin, executive director of the Iowa Turkey Federation and spokesperson for the sponsoring organizations.
The PCI exhibit is now ready for viewing, June 2 – July 15, 2008 at Heartland Acres Agribition Center 2600 Swan Lake Blvd. Independence, Iowa. Admission as usual.
