At the press conferences, Thicke will describe his vision for Iowa agriculture and for building opportunities for family farms in Iowa.  He will call for policy initiatives in three areas: 1) Development of local food systems in Iowa.  2) Sustainable, locally owned, renewable energy from wind and biofuels.  3) Making Iowa livestock production systems more environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Thicke and his wife, Susan, are owners and operators of a grass-based, organic dairy near Fairfield.  They process their milk on the farm and market it locally through grocery stores and restaurants.

Thicke has a Ph.D. in agronomy/soil fertility and previously served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C as National Program Leader for Soil Science for the USDA-Extension Service.  He has served in many leadership roles in Iowa agriculture.

Press Conference schedule for September 9, 2009

10:00 am in Cedar Rapids area:
Marion Public Library
1095 6th Ave., Marion

1:00 pm in Des Moines:
Iowa Capitol Building (room number will be posted at Capitol entrances)

3:00 pm in Ottumwa:
Hotel Ottumwa, Iowa Room, 107 2nd St.

Contact: