Participation was up by over 20 runners for the sixth annual Field to Food Run, sponsored by the Iowa NAMA Chapter. Approximately 230 people participated in the 1-mile walk/5K run that started in Pioneer fields at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and ended in the Johnston Hy-Vee parking lot.

"The event went off without a hitch ," says Bill Brewer, Field to Food Run chairperson. "We fed about 400 people some of the finest food in Iowa."

Some of that food included lamb kabobs donated by the Iowa Sheep Industry Association, turkey filets donated by the Iowa Turkey Federation and a specialty pork/beef burger combination donated by Webster City Custom Meats.

"The event is so successful because of the great volunteers," said Brewer. "We had about 20 volunteers from various FFA chapters and the NAMA board members helped as well. We also appreciate the typically stellar work of Steve Bobbenhouse and his staff at Fitness Sports."

The purpose of the Field to Food Run is to raise awareness of the vital link between food on our tables and crops in our fields. Started in 1995, proceeds totaling more than $37,000 from the run have been donated to agriculture-related causes.

The Iowa FFA Enrichment Center and the Iowa Fireman's Association have been named as the benefactors of the 2002 race. The FFA Enrichment Center, a 60,O00-plus square foot facility near Altoona, Iowa, will provide agricultural education students with opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership development and personal growth. The Iowa Fireman's Association supports training and assistance to Iowa's 20,000 volunteers and full-time firefighters. Proceeds have not yet been totaled, but initial signs look encouraging for the 2002 run.

The chapter thanks all the 2002 Sponsors, including Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, National Pork Board, Wellmark Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Iowa, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Sheep Industry Association, Zimmerman, Laurent and Richardson, Inc., Successful Farming, McCormick Advertising, Meyocks and Priebe Advertising, Porter and Associates and Eastern Iowa DMA.