impact the agriculture industry. The goals of the presentation for participants were: gain an appreciation of the vulnerability of American Agriculture; understand that large numbers of Emergency Responders (local individuals) are needed in an Agro terrorism event; gain an understanding for the need for increased Agricultural bio-security.

As the winner of the “Other Educational Aids”, Stewart was asked to give his presentation during the national conference.  This is Stewart’s third year in a row winning professional presentations.

Lyle Stewart, farm consultant for Cedar Valley Farm Business Association, was named the winner of the “Other Education Aids” of Professional Papers, for his development of a PowerPoint presentation entitled “AgroTerrorism Awareness” at the 34^th annual conference of the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialists (NAFBAS). 

In December of 2005, the Department of Homeland Security certified that Stewart had completed training to be a “Foreign Animal Disease Response Training Officer”.  Agro terrorism can be defined as the use, or threatened use, of biological, chemical, or radiological agents (not nuclear) against some component of agriculture in such a way as to adversely

Charles Cagley (left), chairman of the NAFBAS Professional Development Committee, presents Stewart with National Award.

IFBA Consultant Receives Award

MURKEN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

This is the 6th year the Duane Murken Scholarship has been awarded to a son/daughter of an active Iowa Farm Business Association family and he/she will be pursuing an agricultural curriculum at Iowa State University.

This year two recipients were awarded a scholarship check in the amount of $500 each.  The first recipient is Nathan Upah of Clutier, Iowa.  He is the son of Duane and Gail Upah who are members of Cedar Valley Farm Business Association. 

Nathan is a 2006 graduate of North Tama High School and has one younger sister, Kelsey (15).  His interests include hunting, fishing and sports.  Nathan is currently enrolled in the Animal Science/Pre-Vet program at Iowa State University. 

Nathan Upah of Clutier awarded $500 Murken Scholarship for 2006

The second recipient is Rita Cook of Hubbard, Iowa and the daughter of Jeff and  Valerie Cook.  The Cooks are members of the Central Iowa Association.

Rita is a 2006 graduate of Hubbard-Radcliffe High School and has three younger siblings—Becky (13), Kyle (11) and Vince (9). Her interests include scrap booking and horses.  She is currently enrolled in the Agri-Business program at Iowa State University.

Both applicants were very deserving of the $500 scholarship that was established in 1999 in memory of Duane Murken, a Cedar Valley Farm Business Association consultant for 27+ years.

Congratulations to both Nathan and Rita and we wish them success in their future.

Rita Cook of Hubbard awarded $500 Murken Scholarship for 2006

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