One campus group wants to eliminate the perception that Iowa’s agricultural industries revolve around only corn and pigs.

In a state dominated by those two industries, Hillary Forristall, senior in agricultural business, said she hopes Alpha Zeta fraternity’s National Agricultural Leadership Conference can provide an opportunity to showcase other agricultural industries in the state.

The conference, which is being hosted by the Wilson Chapter of Alpha Zeta at Iowa State, a co-ed honorary agriculture fraternity, is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday. Forristall said the event is a great way for members to see the agriculture industry in action and figure out where they fit into the food chain.

“We really want to introduce people into the opportunities the industry in Iowa has as a whole,” she said.

In addition to showcasing the agricultural industry in Iowa and the ISU College of Agriculture, approximately 105 Alpha Zeta members from across the nation plan to gather here to celebrate 100 years of the professional fraternity’s existence at Iowa State.

“In 2003, the national office for Alpha Zeta recognized that Wilson Chapter’s centennial was coming up in 2005, so they invited us to host this year’s Conclave and NALC in recognition,” said Jason Haegele, senior in agricultural engineering and Alpha Zeta member.

The Conclave, held every two years, brings together a delegate from each of the fraternity’s chapters across the country to vote on Alpha Zeta business, he said.

The agricultural conference is held every year and gives Alpha Zeta members who represent excellence in academics and leadership among agriculture students a chance to get together to share ideas, learn about current issues in agriculture and attend personal and career development workshops, Haegele said.

“Anytime you get a national conference at Iowa State it’s important because it emphasizes Iowa State and that is always good,” said Randy Killorn, professor of agronomy and Alpha Zeta adviser.

Alpha Zeta has been working with the College of Agriculture and Reiman Gardens in order to display what Iowa State has to offer, Forristall said.

Friday morning includes tours of the Barilla America, Inc. plant, 3311 E. Lincoln Way, and Becker Underwood, 801 Dayton Ave., she said. Employees of Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. are planned to host the group in the afternoon and provide a leadership training program, Forristall said. A panel discussion about changes in agriculture, particularly those in the pork industry, will be held Friday night, she said. Neil Harl, retired Charles F. Curtiss distinguished professor of agriculture, is expected to be among one of the featured speakers, Forristall said.

The event concludes after the closing banquet on Saturday night, which includes national awards and the celebration of the 100th year of Alpha Zeta on Iowa State’s campus, Forristall said.

“I hope that everyone who attends the conference, including myself, comes away with an increased passion for agriculture as well as new friends,” Haegele said.