The Model Farms Demonstration Project (MFDP) was proposed by Governor Terry Branstad and approved by the Iowa Legislature in 1989. The project was established in five geographic areas—southeast, south-central, southwest-central, northwest, and north central Iowa. It consisted of intensive assistance, demonstration, and education programs to promote the voluntary adoption of management practices that enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and profitability of Iowa agriculture while reducing agricultural consumption of non-renewable energy resources. The MFDP was administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Iowa State University Extension Service. Local programs were implemented by ISU Extension in the five geographic areas.