53020 Hitchcock Avenue
Lewis, IA 51544
ph: 712-769-2650
fax: 712-769-2610
alt: 712-769-2600
kbooth
About Us
....to achieve for the people of southwest Iowa an increase in the standard of living and quality of life through accelerated agricultural research, education, technology transfer and rural development initiatives.
Mission and Overview
The Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development (WFRRD) is a 19 county, private, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation in southwest Iowa. It is a grassroots organization formed by a group of dedicated citizens in southwest Iowa in 1988.
The mission of the foundation is:
....to achieve for the people of southwest Iowa an increase in the standard of living and quality of life through accelerated agricultural research, education, technology transfer and rural development initiatives.
In Phase I of the WFRRD Development, the WFRRD Board of Directors was formed, with representatives for each of the 19 counties. Fund-raising and membership for the Foundation formally began in 1991. Over 1400 individuals, businesses and organizations have joined the WFRRD to date. Over $450,000 was raised to purchase the Armstrong Research Farm in 1993. Two additional farms have been donated to the foundation (1993, 1995). Over 60 research projects are underway at the farms.
During Phase II of the WFRRD Development, regional advisory committees were established to provide vision/direction to the collaborative efforts of research, demonstration, education and rural development in crops, beef feedlot, cow/calf, swine, rural development. Committee membership includes food producers, rural/economic development groups, ISU faculty and staff, and community college staff.
Also in Phase II, over $1,000,000 ($725,000 from Iowa General Assembly, $150,000 from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, $130,000 from USDA Federal Telecommunications grant, $50,000 from Iowa West Foundation, and $30,000 from Nishna Botna Valley REC) was raised by the WFRRD board of Directors and it's partners to build the WFRRD Learning Center located on the Armstrong Research Farm.
The WFRRD has entered Phase III of it's development. The goals for this phase are to research and demonstrate methods of agricultural production for differentiated consumer products. Research and demonstration projects will help create and model supply chain systems linking producers with consumers. It is believed these efforts will be team initiatives with both producer and community involvement and support. The entrepreneurial efforts will also reflect a strong consideration for the environment and quality of life issues.
WFRRD is affiliated with Harrisdale Homestead, a working Iowa Century Farm located in Cass County. It shares the rural experience with rooms available for meetings, family gatherings, small weekend conferences, day-long or weekend retreats or conferences. For more information about the facilities and services go to the Harrisdale Web site harrisdale.com
2009 Wallace Board | |
President President Elect Treasurer Secretary Board Members Diane Weiland Doug Birt Ed Drake Bryan Clemsen Rob Nymand Dan Rossell Rod Backhaus Russell Loewe Tom Pollock Leo Smith
| Board Members - continued Bruce Williams Allen Tiarks Jim Hanson Kevin Barker Director At-Large Advisor Liaisons Mark Honeyman Ex-Officio Mark Bentley Clark BreDahl Steve Hansen Dan Morgan Garry Pellett Dave Williams Farm Manager |
53020 Hitchcock Avenue
Lewis, IA 51544
ph: 712-769-2650
fax: 712-769-2610
alt: 712-769-2600
kbooth
