The Iowa State Farm Economy Issues Web page, designed specifically in response to the current farm situation, is now available to all Iowans.

“The Web page is now available and has been since Wednesday last week,” said Stanley Johnson, vice-provost for University Extension. “It is very user-friendly.

“Those not connected to the Web are invited to go to their county extension offices to access [the site],” he said. “The site will continually be updated and will include news and information on such issues as government programs.”

The Web page was produced by ISU’s Farm Economy Team, headed by Johnson and funded by ISU.

“We are mobilized to respond to questions and concerns about the impact of low farm prices,” Johnson said. “This Web page is a living document because we will regularly update the list of resources to provide timely assistance to Iowans.”

Johnson said the purpose of the Web site is to ensure Iowa citizens have full access to the resources of ISU and timely information on the farm economy.

“All audiences in Iowa, depending on their interests, can find useful information on the page,” he said.

The Web page also includes links to many ISU programs and services addressing Iowa’s agricultural economic issues.

“We already have a number of links to the Web page from Iowa organizations,” Johnson said. “We expect to develop added links from other states. The other states will likely use our page to guide their own efforts and as a source of current information on the farm economy.”

The Farm Economy Issues Web page also includes links to the seven ISU Outreach Centers and the 100 county extension offices, according to a press release.

“The main objective is to make ISU services and programs available to Iowa citizens, firms, government and non-government organizations and communities,” Johnson said. “We have a number of financial planning, technology, family, community and other programs now available.

“We want to assist in coping with the farm economy as it impacts Iowa,” Johnson said.

He said University Extension has many good programs from which to draw for the Web site, Johnson said.

The programs and services focus on financial planning, farm management, livestock and crop issues, business subjects, family and youth assistance and several other topics, according to a press release.

“For example, we have contributions to the Web page from all colleges, as well as our six extension program areas,” Johnson said.

Also featured on the page are several audiotapes, recent ISU news releases and links to publications concerning agricultural finances and related topics.

John Miranowski, professor and chairman of economics, said his department provided the site with press releases and publications in various aspects.

“If you look inside the Web site, you will find a lot of stuff comes out of the Department of Economics,” Miranowski said. “There are a number of different things that are disseminated on the Web page.

“Also, there are points of contact with all of the colleges within the university where citizens can go to obtain information,” he said.