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American Ag & Energy Council Announces Formal Organization

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 inDes Moines, Iowa. Mark is a former U.S. Naval officer and lives on a farm inCentral Iowa.

Bruce L. Rastetter, Director. Bruce is co-founder and CEO of Hawkeye Renewables since its inception overseeingHawkeye'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 inIowa, and manages 3,000 acres inSouth 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 inIowa and Minnesota.

Walter Wendland, Director. Walter is the President and CEO of Golden Grain Energy LLC headquartered inMason 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

SOURCE American Ag & Energy Council

Tags: ,AGR,CHM,OIL,ENV,RCN,IA-AmerAgEnergyCounci

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