agenda

    DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leaders in

agribusiness, agricultural and biorenewable research and development,

education and the ethanol industry throughout the Midwest announced the

formal organization of the American Ag & Energy Council (AAEC).

    The American Ag & Energy Council, is a coalition formed and devoted to

promoting the common link between all sectors of agriculture, agribusiness,

and the renewable industry. A major focus of the coalition will be to bring

these various segments of the ag sector together and educate the American

public on the positive narrative being created throughout rural America

that blends together the strengths across the various segments of the ag

sector.

    Dean of the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life

Sciences Wendy Wintersteen serves as a Co-Chair for the coalition.

Wintersteen said, "The Midwest has a rich history of being pioneers in

agricultural production and research. And now throughout the heartland,

there are many pioneers in agriculture and biorenewables that are changing

the world for the better."

    Wintersteen continued, "The American Ag & Energy Council was formed to

ensure the American public understands and takes pride in the resources and

technological advancements the ag industry has made to benefit America and

the world."

    Dean of the University of Illinois College Of Agriculture Robert Easter

also serves as a Co-Chair for the coalition. Easter said, "The American Ag

& Energy Council is made up of concerned educators, entrepreneurs and

leaders in the agriculture industry who believe in promoting all the good

the industry does through education and sound, research-based public

policy."

    Mark Pearson, a member for the Board of Directors added, "The

agricultural industry has evolved over the past 25 years, and there is a

stronger demand on the American farmer to provide food, fiber and fuel for

the world. In order to promote the industry and ensure continued rural

development, the American Ag & Energy Council will fulfill an absolutely

necessary purpose. This coalition will bridge the sectors of the modern ag

and renewable industries and help provide positive leadership and solutions

for all of America."

    Pearson added, "There is such a wonderful story to be told about the

strength of what is happening in the heartland of America that not only

helps feed the world, but is vital to our nation achieving energy

independence. And in addition, modern agriculture is providing an enormous

stimulus to the rural American economy unlike anything ever in the history

of our country. That is a story that must clearly be told -- and policies

to continue these great achievements must be embraced moving forward."

    American Ag & Energy Council Board of Directors:

    Robert A. Easter, Co-Chair. Robert was appointed Dean of the College of

Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of

Illinois on July 21, 2002. He has been a member of the Animal Sciences

faculty since 1976. In 2006, President Bush appointed him to the Board for

International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD). In 2008, Easter

was appointed Chairman of BIFAD.

    Wendy K. Wintersteen, Co-Chair. Wendy has served as the dean of the

College of Agriculture and director of the Experiment Station at Iowa State

University since Jan. 1, 2006.

    Raymond E. Defenbaugh, Director. Raymond is President, CEO, and

Chairman of Big River Resources LLC, Burlington, Iowa, a 192 million gallon

ethanol plant. He also works as a director of the National Renewable Fuels

Association (RFA) and is chairman of the RFA co-products committee, and

also serves on the Cellulosic Fiber Committee.

    Mark Pearson, Director. Mark is a national agriculture leader. His ag

background spans five generations in farming. He hosts the nationally

syndicated public television program "Market to Market" and the highly

acclaimed program "The Big Show" on several Midwest radio stations,

including WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa. Mark is a former U.S. Naval

officer and lives on a farm in Central Iowa.

    Bruce L. Rastetter, Director. Bruce is co-founder and CEO of Hawkeye

Renewables since its inception overseeing Hawkeye's growth to become

America's third largest pure-play ethanol producer. By the end of 2008,

Hawkeye's plants will produce over 565 million gallons per year.

    Chris Schwarck, Director. Chris owns and operates 1,200 acres of

farmland in Iowa, and manages 3,000 acres in South Dakota where they raise

wheat, corn, soybeans, and sunflowers, all the while keeping an emphasis on

wildlife habitat. Chris is an investor in five ethanol plants, one

bio-diesel plant and serves at the Vice President at Absolute Energy with

locations in Iowa and Minnesota.

    Walter Wendland, Director. Walter is the President and CEO of Golden

Grain Energy LLC headquartered in Mason City, Iowa. Walter came to the

ethanol industry with a diverse background in agriculture and

manufacturing, centered on innovation and effective management.

    You can learn more about the American Ag & Energy Council by visiting

http://www.agandenergy.com. (C) American Ag & Energy Council, 2008