Deadstock is a novel, but the story could become real. The biological weapon used by Deadstock villain Pennti Ruotila is foot and mouth disease (FMD). FMD has been called “the #1 threat to U.S. agriculture.” Author Kate Iola is using Deadstock to work with agricultural officials and industry to raise awareness about FMD preparedness.
Renderers were drawn to the book at the tabletop exhibit at the National Renderers Association (NRA) annual convention in October. Besides a title that piqued their interest, a visit to a rendering plant in the story also had them intrigued and purchasing the book. David Meeker, NRA Scientific Services, provided his review of the book: “A suspense thriller…awesome. Like a James Patterson – only better, fresher, more relevant.”
Iola writes about business and agriculture for publications including Successful Farming magazine, Agriculture Online, and the Sioux City Journal. She has a master’s degree in molecular pathology from the University of California, San Diego, and lives in rural Iowa. Iola started reporting on FMD in 1999.
December 2006 Render