HARCOURT - Iowa's agriculture machine isn't broken, but a Harcourt farmer says it could use a good tune-up.

Eddie Peterson recently announced plans to run for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. As the state's top agriculture official, Peterson said he'll use the influential post to bolster economic development, conservation programs and ag tourism.

"Not that I have a dislike for what (Sec. of Agriculture Patty) Judge is doing, I think I can do a better job in these areas," said Peterson, a former Webster County Supervisor. "I'm good at working with other people, other departments and was able to accomplish a lot as a supervisor."

Peterson, 57, who raises 300 acres of corn and soybeans, has been mulling over the idea of running for about 1 1/2 years. When fellow Democrat Judge decided to not seek re-election and take a stab at the governor's mansion, the timing of her decision and not competing against an incumbent couldn't have worked out better, Peterson said.

By declaring his intentions early, Peterson said this gives a relative unknown in the state almost a year to campaign before next June's primary election. According to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, only Republican Mark Leonard of Holstein has officially announced an interest in the secretary job.

"Not too many people know me. I needed to get out and let people find out who I am," Peterson said.

After graduating from Central Webster High School in 1966, he eventually enlisted in the Air Force on New Year's Day of 1969. Upon returning home after a four-year tour of duty, he enrolled at Iowa State University and received a degree in animal science in 1976.

Peterson then returned home to farm, operating a successful hog and grain operation. In 1990, he got out of the hog business to free up time when politics came calling. He was first elected to Webster County's Conservation Board, then became a supervisor in 1997, where he remained until last year. He's currently president of the Prairie Rivers Research, Conservation and Development Board.

"As you get older, you think maybe it doesn't hurt to pay back a little bit of what you got," Peterson said.

Iowa is a major producer of corn, soybeans and livestock, yet too many of these commodities are shipped out of the state for processing, he said. That equates to lost jobs, income and taxes.

Better promoting of value-added projects such as ethanol, biodiesel and agri-tourism are several ways to improve the state's economy, Peterson said. During his time as a supervisor, Peterson said he helped attract the Verasun ethanol plant that is under construction in Webster County.

"… There's some environmental concerns about gasoline and diesel, which creates a lot of opportunity for ethanol and biodiesel. That's another market for our grain," Peterson said.

On his farm, Peterson utilizes a variety of conservation practices like no-till, ridge-till and buffer strips. He also sidedresses nitrogen to keep it from unnecessarily leaching away causing water pollution.

"As secretary of agriculture, you always have a certain amount of influence," Peterson said. "Just working with the soil boards can have an impact."

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.