Information courtesy of Jackie King, ISU News Service.

Bruce Babcock spoke to a producer with 60 Minutes for background on ethanol mandates, how they were set up in theory and how they have worked in practice. The producer, for correspondent Steve Kroft, will call back if there is need for further background or an interview.

Babcock spoke to reporters about the Obama administration's plan to reduce agricultural subsidies to help cut the federal deficit. Reporters included Philip Brasher of Gannett, Gene Lucht of Iowa Farmer Today, and a reporter from the Arkansas Gazette.

Liesl Eathington was interviewed by Dick Layman, news anchor, WHO-AM, on holiday hiring.

News Service was contacted by a marketing communications manager from Pioneer looking for information on transgenic foods and consumer acceptance. The communicator, Amanda Rinehart, was put in contact with Wallace Huffman from economics who conducted the research on this topic. The query was the result of a News Service release.

Dave Swenson assisted Andie Dominick, deputy opinion page editor at The Des Moines Register, assisted in developing a short questionnaire to distribute to liberal and conservative associations and economists asking what in specific should be done in the short run to boost the economy.

Sarah McCammon, news anchor, Iowa Public Radio, arranged an interview Wednesday with Dave Swenson, an associate scientist in economics who is also on the staff of ISU’s Regional Economics & Community Analysis Program, about his recent assessment of the economic impact of the Iowa caucuses to the state. The contact was the result of a News Service release.