Proposed Iowa Air quaility standards

State Legislators raised questions last week about a proposed air quality rule
for hydrogen sulfide emissions from livestock operations. Last year, the DNR
established ambient air quality standards for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia for
all Iowa businesses including animal agriculture. In April of 2003, these
standards were nullified by the Iowa Legislature for two reasons. First, they
were based on faulty numbers and second, the DNR attempted to step beyond its
scope of authority.

Not to be deterred, the DNR has come forth this year with a"new" health
standard for hydrogen sulfide. That would be 15 parts per billion. This will be
the bar by which hydrogen sulfide will be measured against when the DNR embarks
on field studies later this year. If the 15 ppb (one hour average) is exceeded
more than seven times in a year, the DNR will be authorized to develop plans to
regulate any livestock operation.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation opposes such a standard. The DNR must hear this
message from you, the producer who will be affected by any new regulations set
forth. Iowa's pork producers are among the nations most regulated, if the Iowa
DNR has its way, the situation will only get worse.

Public hearing are being held now in regard to this issue. It is critical that
producers make their voices heard at these meetings! Plan to attend one of these
public hearings in your area!

March 3, 2004 at 6 P.M. at the Mason City Public Library, located at 225 2nd
Street SE in Mason City, Iowa.

March 8, 2004 at 6:30 P.M. at the Davenport Public Library, located at 321 Main
Street in Davenport, Iowa.

March 11, 2004 at 7 P.M. at the Urbandale Public Library, located at 3520 86th
Street in Urbandale, Iowa.

You may also send your written comments to
Bryan Bunton
Iowa DNR Air Quality Bureau
7900 Hickman Road
Urbandale IA 50322

Or e mail at bryan.bunton@dnr.state.ia.us

You may also fax comments to 515-242-5094

Press Release___________________________

For Immediate Release:

Contacts:

Dan Gunderson or Lauren Hankey 608-833-2040

February 20, 2004

Trent Loos, PETA’s Public Enemy Number One, will headline the Wisconsin Commercial Deer and Elk Farmers Association (WCDEFA) 2004 Annual Convention on Feb. 28 at the Holiday Inn Conference & Expo Center in Stevens Point, WI.

Loos is perhaps the most outspoken opponent to organizations against the consumption of meat. “The sensationalism of Bambi has gone on long enough in every segment of society. Human intelligence has led to more efficient and proper consumptive uses of our resources. Deer and Elk are living things. Everything that lives dies. Death with a purpose gives full meaning to life,” Loos said.

In addition to Loos, world-renowned Chef John Schumacher, from Schumacher’s Hotel in New Prague, MN will share with attendees his story, anecdotes and Schumacher’s Law- his common sense guide for living.

The keynote speaker will be Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett.

The conventions includes breakfast and a luncheon featuring wild game such as venison chili and elk brats. In addition, there will be a bucket raffle and a silent auction. Admission is $50 and the public is invited.

Who: Wisconsin Commercial Deer and Elk Farmer Association

What: 12th Annual Convention

When: Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 8 a.m.

Where: Holiday Inn Conference & Expo Center in Stevens Point

Admission: $50 per person

The WCDEFA is an association for red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, reindeer and elk farmers in Wisconsin. Since the early ‘90’s, the WCDEFA has been a leader in the effort to seek higher regulatory standards for our industry.

Note: The WCDEFA will arrange for pre-interviews the week of Feb. 23 or the morning of the event with either Trent Loos or Chef John Schumacher.