Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture has been reviewing its research and extension programs and soliciting public comment on future priorities. In the fall of 2003, the College asked for statewide feedback in a review of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station — the College’s research program that addresses immediate and long-term needs of Iowans. The College is using results of the review to guide budget decisions and allocations for future research. One critical priority that emerged from the review was the importance of keeping Iowa’s farmers competitive and profitable, a theme that is reflected in the College’s current strategic plan.

Because corn and soybeans are central to farmers’ success in Iowa, the College is developing a new initiative to bring new focus to the needs of crop growers. Prior to the official start-up of the Corn and Soybean Initiative, the College surveyed corn and soybean growers and agribusiness professionals to better assess key research priorities and perceptions on information and education delivery.