16 Jun 2015

Military sexual assault; Grassley reiterates support for independent justice system prior to amendment vote

By Grassley Press

Please note:  Sen. Grassley plans to join Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and fellow senators for a news conference in the Radio and TV Gallery, S-325, immediately after the vote on the Military Justice Improvement Act, an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would establish an independent military justice system to address the crisis of sexual assault. The vote is scheduled today as a part of a series beginning at 2:15 p.m. Eastern.  A live webcast of the news conference will be available HERE.

 

Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley on the Gillibrand Military Justice Improvement Act Amendment

Delivered Tuesday, June 16, 2015

I would like to again add my voice in support of Senator Gillibrand's reforms to the Military Justice System.  Senator Gillibrand has been a great leader on this issue.  I admire her passion and dogged pursuit of justice.  Last year, when I spoke in favor of this measure, I made the point that this was not a new issue that required further study or incremental reforms. We had been hearing promises for years and years that there would be zero tolerance and a real crack down on military sexual assault.

Last year, the National Defense Authorization Act included a lot of commonsense reforms.  But, it did not include any fundamental reform of the military justice system.  We were told to give these new adjustments to the current system a chance to work, and come back next year.  At the time, I made the point that we had already tried working within the current system, to no avail.

I am not one to advocate for a major, sweeping reform if less will address the problem.  But, what we've been doing hasn't worked.  Last year, after Congress passed the package of more modest reforms, but not our Military Justice Improvement Act amendment, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey, said, "We've been given about a year to demonstrate both that we will treat this with the urgency that it deserves, and that we can turn the trend lines in a more positive direction."

He made clear that if we didn't see real progress, he wouldn't stand in the way of more major reforms.  Well, we have not seen any significant movement.  In terms of the number of sexual assault cases, and the shocking rate of retaliation against those who report, we simply don't see progress.  That's probably because the current system is part of the problem.

The fact that victims of sexual assault cannot turn to an independent system to get justice, combined with the very real fear of retaliation, acts as a terrible deterrent to reporting sexual assault.   If sexual assault cases are not reported, they cannot be prosecuted.  If sexual assault isn't prosecuted, it leads to predators remaining in the military and a perception that it is tolerated.

By allowing this situation to continue, we are putting at risk the men and women who have volunteered to place their lives on the line.  We are also seriously damaging military morale and readiness.  Taking prosecutions out of the hands of commanders and giving them to professional prosecutors who are independent of the chain of command will help ensure impartial justice for the men and women of our armed forces.

This would in no way take away the ability of commanders to punish troops under their command for military infractions.  Commanders also can and should be held accountable for the climate under their command.

But, the point here is the sexual assault is a law enforcement matter - not a military one.  This isn't some reform that came out of the blue either.  An advisory committee appointed by the Secretary of Defense himself came out in support of our reforms.

On September 27, 2013, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) voted overwhelmingly in support of each of the components of the Military Justice Improvement Act Amendment.  DACOWITS was created in 1951 by then Secretary of Defense, George C.  Marshall.

The Committee is composed of civilian and retired military women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces. Historically, DACOWITS' recommendations have been very instrumental in effecting changes to laws and policies pertaining to military women.

The bottom line is, this isn't some advocacy group or fly by night panel.  It's a longstanding advisory committee handpicked by the Secretary of Defense and it supports the substance of our amendment to a tee. We've tried reforming the current system and it didn't work.  When we are talking about something as serious and life altering as sexual assault, we cannot afford to wait any longer.  I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the Military Justice Improvement Act amendment.

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16 Jun 2015

Soybean Farmers Prepared for Phase out of Partially Hydrogenated Oils

By United Soybean Board
FDA announcement shifts focus to new technologies

ST. LOUIS (June 16, 2015) - Trans fats have been an active part of the soy industry's vernacular for decades. And, for the past decade, the industry - including the farmers who grow soybeans - have been working on solutions to meet food-customer needs for a stable oil without partial hydrogenation, which causes trans fats.

The FDA's recent announcement to phase out partially hydrogenated vegetable oils did not come as a shock to soybean farmers. In fact, the United Soybean Board (USB) has been working with industry on two replacement options for partially hydrogenated soybean oil for more than 10 years. And now, those solutions are coming to the forefront.

"The soy industry estimates that 2 billion pounds of partially hydrogenated soybean oil are used in food today," says Jimmy Sneed, a soybean farmer from Hernando, Mississippi and USB farmer-leader. "We're excited to bring solutions like high oleic and interesterified soybean oil to the market and ready to shift the discussion to innovation."  

High oleic soybeans produce an oil that food companies can use for stability without the need for partial hydrogenation. Farmers currently grow high oleic soybeans in nine states, with more acreage being added each year.

Commodity soybean farmers can help with the solution, as well. By interesterifying commodity soybean oil, processors produce a hard fat, similar to the consistency of margarine, which helps meet needs for some baking customers.

"The U.S. food industry continues to be an important customer to soybean farmers and the entire soybean industry," adds Sneed. "High oleic soybeans and interesterified soybean oil are solutions brought online to help food companies maintain the taste consumers prefer, while using a domestically sourced, sustainable oil."

The FDA has been considering removing the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status of partially hydrogenated oils since late 2013. After an open comment period in 2014, it announced this week intentions to phase out partially hydrogenated oils over the next three years.

Farmers interested in helping bring the solutions to the market sooner through high oleic soybeans should talk to their local seed or processing representative, or visit soyinnovation.com.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soybean meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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16 Jun 2015

WQPT WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL - WQPT, the Quad Cities Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) station, has announced Michael Carton has joined the station as the new director of education and outreach.

Carton has been a teacher for seven years, most recently as a first grade teacher at Frances Willard Elementary. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, with a degree in elementary education, and is the recipient of the 2015 Master Teacher Award from the Dispatch Argus Newspaper. He has also been honored by PBS with a Teachers Innovator Award.

Carton began his association with WQPT as a member of the first class of WQPT/PBS Ambassadors in 2004. Since that time, he has remained a committed volunteer, most recently earning the National Friends of Public Television Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for his work on WQPT's new special event for families, Imagination Station. WQPT chose Carton as its Volunteer of the Year in 2009.

"I am really looking forward to this opportunity to reach more students in my new role with WQPT," said Carton. "I have had the good fortune of teaching 30 first graders, but this job gives me the ability to make a difference to even more people, from pre-school through adults."

"Michael is a seasoned professional who will combine strengths of classroom teaching with the power of PBS programming for the benefit of all children in our region, expanding that vision to include learners of all ages," said Mary Pruess, WQPT general manager. "We are delighted to welcome him to our team."

Carton succeeds Ana Kehoe, who spent 20 years in the WQPT position, retiring last year.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University. For more information, visit http://wqpt.org/.

16 Jun 2015

Gov. Branstad Signs Proclamation to Assist with Clean-Up Efforts for Avian Flu Outbreak

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

This proclamation would offer an additional option to assist affected producers in disposal of safe, virus-free manure and compost from affected sites

 

(DES MOINES) - On Monday, June 15, 2015, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a disaster emergency proclamation for 18 Iowa counties adversely affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which would assist with disposal and clean-up efforts on affects sites.  The disaster proclamation can be viewed here.

The state of disaster emergency proclamation temporarily allows impacted chicken and turkey producers to dispose of manure and compost generated at a premise infected with HPAI as a Bulk Dry Animal Nutrient under Chapter 200A of Iowa Code. The material can only be moved off-site if the United States Department of Agriculture has certified that the material is virus-free. Normally, only un-manipulated animal manure qualifies for distribution under this code section.

This proclamation only applies to impacted chicken and turkey producers in the 18 counties with confirmed cases of HPAI. Counties included in this proclamation are: Adair, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Hamilton, Kossuth, Lyon, Madison, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster and Wright.

The proclamation is effective until July 15, 2015.

The proclamation of disaster emergency can be read below:

WHEREAS, beginning on April 13, 2015, and continuing thereafter, there have been seventy-six confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious and economically devastating disease that has threatened turkeys, chickens, and other poultry in our state; and

WHEREAS, the spread of this highly contagious disease continues to threaten the public peace, health, and safety of the citizens of the State of Iowa and has the potential to quickly destroy private property and exhaust local resources and capacities unless its spread is stopped.  These facts provide legal justification for the issuance of this Proclamation of a State of Disaster Emergency. Iowa Code §§ 29C.1, 29C.2 (1), 29C.6 (1); and

WHEREAS, Iowa poultry producers typically dispose of animal manure generated by their facilities under the provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 200A, and

WHEREAS, Iowa Code § 200A.3 (6) requires that animal manure must be "unmanipulated" and composed of "primarily of animal excreta" in order to be considered "dry animal nutrient product" to come under the regulation of Iowa Code Chapter 200A.  As defined, Iowa Code § 200A.3 (6) creates a particular hardship for turkey and chicken producers on sites infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza by making them ineligible to dispose of their animal manure under the authority of Iowa Code Chapter 200A, and

WHEREAS, producers with sites infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza in the following eighteen (18) Iowa counties are adversely effected by the definition of "dry animal nutrient product" in  Iowa Code § 200A.3 (6): Adair, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Hamilton, Kossuth, Lyon, Madison, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster and Wright County.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TERRY E. BRANSTAD, Governor of the State of Iowa, by the power and authority vested in me by the Iowa Constitution Art. IV, §§ 1, 8 and Iowa Code §§ 29C.6 (1), 163.3A (2) and all other applicable laws, and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the authority granted to it under Iowa Code § 163.3A, do hereby proclaim a State of Disaster Emergency specifically for the following eighteen (18) Iowa counties: Adair, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Hamilton, Kossuth, Lyon, Madison, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster and Wright and do hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:

SECTION One. I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 200A.3 (6) requiring that animal manure be "unmanipulated" and composed of "primarily of animal excreta" in order to be considered "dry animal nutrient product" as defined by this section.  This suspension shall be effective only to manure and compost generated at a premise infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza and quarantined by the Iowa Department of Agriculture, in the counties delineated above, provided said material has been released for application in writing by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.  All other provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 200A shall apply to the above-described material.

SECTION Two. This state of disaster emergency shall be effective on June 15, 2015, shall continue for thirty (30) days, and shall expire on July 15, 2015, unless sooner terminated or extended in writing by me. Iowa Code § 29C.6 (1).
16 Jun 2015

Ben Schuh named Iowa State Fair Mural Contest winner

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IA (06/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Local Des Moines Artist Ben Schuh has been named the winner of the Iowa State Fair Mural Contest, and will be painting his creation in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center. Watch his mural come to life August 13-23.

According to Schuh, his concept for the mural was to combine the best of both naturally occurring and man-made points of interest in Iowa. Some of these points include the Capitol Building, Des Moines skyline, High Trestle Trail Bridge, wind turbines and Iowa's landscape. "These elements overlap in such a way that the entire mural interacts and draws viewers in," said Schuh.

Originally from Webster County, Schuh and his family are passionate State Fair attendees, starting with his grandfather back in the 1930's. He is a third generation 4-H participant. He participated throughout his childhood, and he exhibited 4-H projects at the Iowa State Fair in the late 90's.

"My upbringing was defined by 4-H.," Schuh said in his application. "As a third generation 4-H'er and a second generation State Fair exhibitor, it is part of my heritage."

Schuh's interest in art really developed in college. A passionate Iowan, he graduated from Grand View University in Des Moines with degrees in Fine Art and Graphic Design. While his largest client base is Des Moines and the Midwest, he has sold paintings all over the nation, as well as in Canada and Europe.

As the mural contest winner, Schuh won a $2,500 stipend, up to $500 in reimbursement for supplies, and an invitation to paint the mural on-site during the Fair.

# # #

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

16 Jun 2015

UW-STEVENS POINT SPRING HONORS LIST

By Virginia Crandell

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (June 16, 2015) - The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,600 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the spring semester of the 2014-2015 academic year.

Included among those receiving honors was Austin S Paytash of Moline, Illinois, receiving High Honors

Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.

Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are being sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.

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16 Jun 2015

Genesis Hosts AARP Smart Driver Course

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - June 16, 2015 -- Genesis Medical Center, Silvis will host a AARP Smart Driver Course on June 30 and July 1 in the Larson Center.

The course helps drivers learn proven safety strategies on how to adapt their driving to compensate for physical and cognitive changes that often develop with aging.  Following completion of the eight-hour course, you may be eligible for a discount from your car insurer.

Classes will be noon-4 p.m. each day.

Since 1979, the AARP Smart Driver course has helped more than 15 million drivers to adjust their driving methods as they age.  The course covers various health and safety strategies to keep you safe while on the road.  Individuals 50 and older are encouraged to attend, but those under that age will not be excluded.

The course is tailored to meet the needs of participants by providing Illinois-specific information that is easy to access and understand.

The course incorporates adult learning principles, and the classroom course guidebook features reader-friendly print, full-color pages, an easy-to-follow format and supplemental course videos.

Course fees are $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. To register, please call (309) 281-5060.
16 Jun 2015

Escape to Sedona for Your Family Vacation!

By Janice McInnis

Sedona, Arizona is more than just a laid back Southwestern town filled with art galleries and souvenir shops.  If you think that it may be boring to bring kids, then reconsider what you've been told about Sedona.  It's a wonderful place for a family vacation with a diversity of activities both in the town and just outside of it.  With over a dozen state and national parks, miles and miles of hiking paths, and a range of other indoor and outdoor activities - there is plenty here for families to fill their days with from great introductory activities to adventurous outings to easy, lazy days in town.

When you first arrive in Sedona, getting the lay of the land doesn't have to mean an afternoon pouring over maps and brochures.  Instead, try something a little more hands on like a jeep tour or a trolley ride to help you get acquainted with the area.  There are many jeep tour companies in the area which are a great way to get out and do some sightseeing with the family on your first day in Sedona.  The tours will take you through the open spaces and teach you about the different rock formations, plant life, and the history of the area while getting a sense of the area around the town.  If something a little more tame is more your speed, then take a trolley ride from Oak Creek to West Sedona to become acquainted with the town!  Trolley rides are also wonderful for exploring Sedona on your own schedule - just hop on and off as you wish!  After getting familiar with the area, it's time to move on to something more adventurous!

With plenty of parks and places to explore, finding something exciting to do with your family is effortless.  Three great options in Sedona are Cathedral Rock, Slide Rock State Park, and the Grand Canyon.  Cathedral Rock is one of the most iconic sights in the Southwest with its towering height and striking red colors.  Take your family on an adventure hiking through the beautiful natural beauty of the American Southwest.  The hike takes you from the floor of the desert to the different "saddle" points or gaps between the rocks where it's shaded and cool, and from where you can see the stunning views.  If you want to do something a little more water focused, then spend the day at Slide Rock State Park - one of the nation's top ten state parks!  At Slide Rock, families can picnic, fish, and spend the day cooling off in the water pools and the natural water slides. In the summer, this park can get busier, so plan accordingly.  Finally, what trip to Arizona would be complete without a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world? The Grand Canyon is less than two hours from Sedona, which is a very doable day trip!  If the family car isn't on hand, there are tours that leave for the National Park every day that you can schedule.

After all the exploring, hiking, and adventures, staying in town for a low energy day will still give you plenty to do and see.  Sedona has premiere shopping in the central district with art, jewelry, and other boutique stores that will give anyone more to look at than they could possibly manage in a single day.  Staying cool while wandering is easy with Sedona's array of restaurants and ice cream shops provide sustaining or quick ways to stay full and not too hot in the Sedona afternoons.  Take some time to relax and explore the stone lined walkways of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, and the cool side streets in town between your outdoor adventures.

If your family is filled with four-legged creatures instead of tiny humans, then Sedona is still the place for you!  Sedona is one of the most pet-friendly towns in the region with its miles of hiking trails for you to take your dog with you on walks, the state and national parks, and fun, new places in town like pet friendly bakeries.  You can still fill up your vacation without having to leave your dog at home.  However, if there is a day where you want to do something and can't bring your pet, then use one of the many pet boarding, sitting, or even grooming services available in Sedona to keep you and your four-legged family member safe and happy.

Of course, between adventures - whether high octane or more tame - families of all size and composition will need a place to sleep at night, and there's no better option than El Portal Sedona Hotel.  El Portal is a luxury boutique hotel that offers quiet privacy, a central location, and top-line amenities to their guests. With only twelve suites, El Portal is personal and welcoming to both humans and their pets as one of the best pet friendly hotels in the nation. With personalized concierge services, staff at the hotel can make reservations for hot air balloon rides, tee times, tours, spa treatments and much more. Guests have access to two swimming pools, a full gym and basic spa privileges right next door at los Abrigados! El Portal offers pet friendly Sedona accommodations with fenced pet patios, and no pet fees, making it an ideal place to put your feet up at the end of a long day of exploring.

Contact Information:

El Portal Sedona Hotel

95 Portal Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336

928-203-9405

800-313-0017

Fax: 928-203-9401

info@ElPortalSedona.com

www.ElPortalSedona.com

16 Jun 2015

MTI to host high school open house, summer party

By Nick Ostdick
MOLINE, Ill. - Midwest Technical Institute will host a high school open house and summer party for prospective students from 4 to 7 p.m. June 18 at MTI's Moline campus, 3620 Avenue of the Cities.

The event will feature a live radio broadcast from local station 103. 7 WLLR; concert ticket raffles; door prizes; MTI apparel giveaways; free food and beverages; and more.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour MTI's classrooms and labs, meet with faculty and staff and receive valuable information about the school's enrollment process and financial aid opportunities.

There is no cost to attend the open house and those with families or young children are also encouraged to attend.

The open house is designed to provide prospective students with a comprehensive look at MTI's course and program offerings. Founded in 1995, MTI strives to provide area students with the best in hands-on, workforce training for a number of in-demand skilled labor careers, including those in welding, HVAC, medical assisting, dental assisting, truck driving and more.

MTI's Moline location houses a majority of the school's available programs. Current students from a wide variety of those programs will also be in attendance throughout
Thursday's event to provide visitors with an intimate view of student life, and MTI Director of Marketing Stacey Wierman believes the open house is a valuable resource for
students still considering their post-high school education plans.

"We know these students have a lot of decisions to make and there's a lot weighing on their minds," Wierman said. "We want to be able to let them see that there are other
options for education, and we can show them what MTI can do for them to get started on a career path that will transform their lives."

Interested students should RSVP for the open house prior to the event. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Moline campus at (309) 277-7900. Media inquiries and interview opportunities should be directed to MTI's Director of Marketing Stacey Wierman at (217) 527-8324, ext. 1178, or via email at swierman@midwesttech.edu.

About Midwest Technical Institute

Midwest Technical Institute offers hands-on training in a number of mechanical trade and allied health career fields to help students succeed as a member of today's rapidly-changing workforce. MTI, along with its sister school, Delta Technical College, operates seven campuses across the Midwest and Mississippi Delta regions. For more information, visit www.midwesttech.edu.
16 Jun 2015

2015 Farm Progress Show Site Expansion Announced

By Farm Show News

Three streets will be added to the southwest side of the Farm Progress Show's Decatur, Ill. site in time to host more exhibitors for its 2015 show to be held Sept. 1 - 3. Growth expectations for the Farm Progress Show's Decatur site continue to exceed the original site development plans.

DECATUR, ILL.  (06-16-2015)  -  Farm Progress Show, known as the World's Fair of Agriculture, continues to grow and exceed the original projections for its permanent biennial sites. The event will be held at its Decatur, Ill. site Sept. 1 - 3 this year and plans are underway to add three new streets to the southwest side of the event site. This expansion will accommodate more than 100 new exhibitors and provide current exhibitors with more space as well.
Penton (www.penton.com), Farm Progress Show's corporate parent, is funding the million dollar plus investment that adds more than 400,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space to the show site. The new streets will have hard surface roads and storm sewer drainage.
Meeting demand and room for growth
The show has had an exhibitor waiting list for several years and this new exhibit area will allow the show to meet current exhibiting demand with a few additional spaces for even more growth. The new phase adds 96 booths, 118 regular lots and 16 Jr. lots.
"The new area will hold everyone on the existing exhibitor wait list with room to spare," said Matt Jungmann, Penton Agriculture show director. "Current plans are to provide space for more than 100 new exhibitors with outside lots and a new South Varied Industries Tent. Additionally, everyone who had a 2013 lot assignment and requested more exhibit space for 2015 will be accommodated."
Ready for Sept. event
After the construction has been completed, the expansion lots and exhibit area will be wood chipped before setup to insure this area's exhibitors have a good event experience. After the show, the wood chips will be removed and the area will be seeded to grass.
A grand and growing show
The Tradeshow News Network rates Farm Progress Show No. 1 (co-ranked with Husker Harvest Days, also a Penton Agriculture event) on its list of the nation's largest trade shows. This latest expansion moves the bar even higher. The Farm Progress Show is the nation's largest outdoor ag event.
The added streets bring the permanent show site in Decatur to almost 90 acres with over 2.9 million square feet of exhibit area. Since the Farm Progress Show held in Decatur in 2005, the exhibitor count has grown by more than 100, now with more than 600 exhibitors. Additionally, the show occupies 300 acres for field demonstrations and test drive areas, plus an additional 150 acres for visitor parking.
"We are truly pleased that this expansion allows us to accommodate the increasing exhibitor requests," said Jungmann. "Exhibitors will have a well-developed display area and visitors will have the opportunity to see even more products and services for their farms."
When the event moved to permanent biennial sites (Decatur and Boone, Iowa), each site was developed to accommodate its largest events to date and allow for growth. The Decatur site has previously added two permanent streets plus the past two shows added annex areas to meet the demand for exhibit space. The Farm Progress Show was first held at its permanent Decatur location in 2005 and the 2008 show was first held at its permanent location near Boone.
Plan to attend the show
The 2015 Farm Progress Show is located in northeast Decatur, south of I-72 and west of Richland Community College. The show is open to visitors September 1, 2 and 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Admission at the gate is $15 for adults, $8 for ages 13 to 17. Adult ticket discounts are available online at www.farmprogressshow.com.
After the show on Wednesday, Sept. 2, take in the country music concert headlined by Craig Morgan with an opening band to be named soon. Full ticket information and additional details about the concert are available on the show's website at www.farmprogressshow.com. The concert is a separate event and a separate admission ticket is needed. The public is welcome to the show and concert.
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About the Farm Progress Show
Farm Progress Show, www.farmprogressshow.com, the nation's largest outdoor farm event, annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services. The 62nd annual event will be held in northeast Decatur, Ill., Sept. 1-3, 2015.
Farm Progress Show is rated No. 1 (co-ranked with Husker Harvest Days, a Penton Agriculture event) on the Tradeshow News Network's list of the nation's largest trade shows.

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