Salmonella are commensal bacteria frequently present in the intestinal tracts of commercial poultry. Unfortunately, these microbes will contaminate the flesh of the bird during slaughter, thus creating one of the most important food safety hazards. It is clear that commercial broilers are susceptible to intestinal colonization by Salmonella, but it is unclear if this susceptibility is related to selective breeding for rapid growth and increased feed efficiency. Since non-commercial heritage breeds have genetic profiles diverging from the commercial broiler, we hypothesized that some heritage breeds may exhibit diminished susceptibility to Salmonella colonization of the intestine. To test this hypothesis we experimentally infected 38 heritage breeds and one commercial breed (Cobb 500) with Salmonella enterica and monitored the Salmonella present in each breed.

The development and use of targeted conservation practices was the subject of modeling, interviews and support tools researched by the project investigators.

Four case studies were developed for Iowa farm operations that have successfully used machinery and labor sharing arrangements for intergenerational transfer of farm assets. Results were shared at workshops and through publication of a resource manual.

Policy makers seeking a new tool to encourage investment in alternative energy sources may consider feed-in tariffs as incentives to promote adoption of solar and wind power options in Iowa.

Community agriculture and food systems offers many inviting opportunities for communities of varying sizes. This project engaged in efforts to increase and enhance local food options in three Iowa communities.

Linear programming tools are used to gauge regional potential for local diversified agriculture required to meet the dietary needs of the population.

An array of equipment is available to help fruit and vegetable growers with specialized production and processing tasks. This study examined ways for these small operators to share equipment and maximize their use of the shared implements.

Presentation to the Iowa Land Tenure Policy Working Group about critical issues in land ownership. Results of a recent landowner survey in two Iowa watersheds also are presented.

Machinery and equipment needs are far different for vegetable farms than for commodity production units. This project explored the unique machinery access options for small and mid-sized horticulture operations.

Renewable energy is already generating significant benefits to Iowa‘s economy and environment. Thousands of Iowans are employed at companies that provide goods and services for wind energy and solar energy. Meanwhile, the thousands of recently installed wind turbines have allowed Iowa utilities to generate less electricity from fossil - fueled power plants, which means cleaner air and water for Iowa and beyond. Compared to just ten years ago, there has been a huge increase in the renewable energy technologies installed in both urban and rural Iowa, but the state has only begun to tap the enormous potential for renewable energy. As these resources are developed with solar photovoltaic panels, solar hot water systems, wind turbines, and other technologies, the considerable economic and environ mental benefits will only grow.