Iowa farmers planing additional corn acres in 2007 are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings on grain storage and management, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Iowa Grain Quality Initiative. Increased Iowa corn acreage is expected to yield a 15-20 percent higher than average corn crop, according to Iowa State University experts. Higher corn acres also mean that additional storage is needed for the crop.

"As more corn goes into ethanol production and is processed locally, it means more local storage will be needed for that grain," says Charles Hurburgh, professor in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. "Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative have scheduled workshops around the state that will focus on planning the storage infrastructure needed for the developing bioeconomy."

Workshop topics include, keeping grain in good condition (even temporary storage), grain handling systems that keep up with harvest, what can you afford to spend on storage, and planning for your future system.

Six different locations, one great price

Workshops will be held at six different locations around the state in August. Locations and dates include: August 7 in Lewis, August 8 in Sheldon. August 9 in Dows, August 14 in Newton, August 15 in Independence, and August 16 in Washington.

Workshop registration fees are $25 per person if postmarked by August 1, which includes coffee, lunch, and materials. Registration mailed after August 1 or at the door is $40 per person.