On Sunday, the 26^th, the group visited the Seed Saver Exchange (SSE), which is located in Decorah, Iowa. The mission of SSE is to “save and share heirloom seeds.” Organizations such as SSE organization are essential to maintaining biodiversity. Since 1975, the organization has served as a repository for a host of seeds. Many of the seeds preserved at SSE were passed down for generations giving them leading to generic family names like “Grandma’s sunflowers”. SSE’s founder, Diane Ott Wheatley’s inspiration for the organization was her father’s Morning Glories that had been handed down I her family for several generations. At SSE, there are several staff members who evaluate the seeds that have been sent to the organization. Adding a seed to SSE’s collection entails a fairly lengthy process of weeding out seeds not needed or wanted. In one year, 70 seeds were donated, but SSE only took six! While there, Grant (in charge of education) showed us around their freezing seed room containing thousands of species. As long as SSE keeps the seeds cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees F in a long term room) and with no humidity, they will not sprout. Some seeds have been there for over thirty years! The Seed Saver Exchange was incredibly cool because up until this point, we have been learning and discussing about genetically modified plants. But preserving old varieties is equally as important for genetic biodiversity. I really enjoyed this outing because I firmly believe our monoculture society will catch up to us potentially causing problems in our near future.

A major excursion for today was DuPont’s Pioneer. Pioneer’s tour was extremely impressive. My previous notion was of a monstrous factory churning out millions of seeds. But, they have done a pretty good job manufacturing seeds to withstand various diseases (try thousands). Even more impressive, they have facilities in roughly twenty other countries splicing seeds for the native plants in that region and working with the people to accomplish the best yield.

However impressive their shinny facilities are, or how articulate their language was, I still have a major worry: overly modifying corn. Ever since elementary school, teachers drilled into our minds how ecosystems need biodiversity to thrive and survive. These GMO’s take a corn plant; inbreed it for seven generations, leaving only the highlighted genetic code. Then, they breed it with a plant also inbreed for seven generations. Thus creating a superpower plant.  Leading to all farmers wanting the same kind of plant: monoculture. Monoculture is incredibly dangerous because if one virus or organism goes after that plant, the entire species could die. Just because we have fancy new technology, does not mean something like the Irish potato famine could not happen here. With the same plants, soy and corn, in almost every field in Iowa, the entire state’s production could die.  I understand how bringing out the best characteristics of a plant is needed for optimal yield, but it seems like they are poking too big of a stick at Mother Nature. Apparently their system is working – making billions every year. Can they over manipulate the seed? When will the threshold of the corn species be so surpassed that we have created a crop inedible or even vile to the populace. Since corn is literally in everything, what would we do then?

When I asked this burning question churning in my head, they gave a very diplomatic answer – they have people working on it. I.E. environmental people who help control what they are doing. When will the corn be too modified leading to the manipulation of another crop to another crop? Sure, being resistant against pests and weeds is great for the farmer. However, what about the genetic code of the land established before the evolution of splicing?

Today we visited the Glen Hodnefield farm, which uses no till practices and is enrolled in the Conservation Stewardship program (CSP). According to thefreedictionary.com, no-till is “a system of planting crops without plowing, using herbicides to control weeds and resulting in reduced land erosion and the preservation of soil nutrients.” No-till seems like the logical way to farm, but many farmers swear it is not as productive as the tilled land. To counteract that, Hodnefield has used no-till methods since 1991, and his crops have produced just as much or maybe even greater yields than conventional till farming. In our readings, we discussed the many requirements necessary to enter the CSP program; farmers must practice soil protection (no tiles on farmed wetlands), clean water (use of buffer strips), be energy efficient (use E85 and bio-diesel fuels), and reduce pesticide use (by strip tilling). The farm today capitalized on all aspects CSP: the no-till method was incredibly efficient at reducing soil erosion. Furthermore, we got to drive down to another farm in the Hodnefield empire to see an example of a buffer strip. Buffer strips hold the sediment and chemicals in the ground instead of allowing them to move into the waterway. They are incredibly important in keeping the water supply clean and leaving the farmer with the soil and costly nutrients on his land for him to farm the next year. More farmers need to build buffer strips to help reduce nitrogen levels in the Gulf. If every farmer utilized these nitrogen- reduction practices, then the hypoxia zone would diminish in size by a significant factor. Even more important, these conservation practices gave land back to the animals. Since most of Iowa is used in agriculture, many of the native plant and animal species have no place to live. Under the CSP program, the farmers participating in the program must have some land set-aside as a designated prairie or some other natural habitat. Mr. Hodnefield even has a section of land he lets the deer and peasants live on during the winter and when it is planting season, he converts it to corn land. The land used for CRP and CSP was breathtaking – birds chirping and rolling grasses: the Iowa the first settlers saw. Mr. Hodnefield does these practices because he cares about the land and conserving it. His practices are very inspiring, and I hope other farmers will see how productive his land is and will practice no-till or even convert some land to growing native species.

Unfortunately, with many cuts to governmental budgets, some of the first things to fall under the budget axe is environmental programs like CSP. Under CSP, the farmer has monetary incentives to practice conservation methods including setting aside land for wildlife. But, if this program gets cut, will some farmers stop to convert that land into farmland? Farmers like Mr. Hodnefield do this out of the goodness of their heart. But, what about farmers in an unstable economic situation who need to convert that land to corn or soybean production to receive higher remuneration? Environmental groups should not be the first thing cut from the new farm bill. If anything, they should receive more money. If we do not take care of our land now, there will be none the future.

Also, a very valuable point made today was how every farmer knows every inch of his or her land – they know the best environmentally friendly practices for the land. It would be hard for an individual to come in and tell them how to change their practices. As someone interested in sustainable agriculture, it is a very important life lesson for me to never tell someone how to do their job, like farming their land.  I hope to coax farmers into sustainable practices on their own.

Waking up at the crack of dawn to visit the Cory farm was definitely worth it! Their family-oriented farm influenced by the famous environmental farmer, Joel Salatin, was incredibly cool to see in person. With my interests in sustainable farming, it was fascinating to see many practices I’ve only read about or heard about in lectures. Their animals have lots of roaming space – not kept in damp, dark buildings, and they utilize cover crops. Even more impressive, everything they feed their diverse group of animals (goats, sheep, cows, chickens, kitties, dogs, and horses) was produced right there on the farm – from the grain to the grass and hay: a real sustainable family production. Moreover, I really enjoyed going out into their fields and learning about how cover crops are grown and how it helps their land and feeds their animals. Not only do they make an organic product, they try and keep the soil safe from erosion.

Another interesting aspect about the Cory farm was its intense marketing strategy. If the Cory family could teach other farmers how to market their products like they do, then many more organic farms would continue to thrive. Organic/ free-range farmers have to sell their business to people through all the strategies they can: online, farmer’s market and even word of mouth. The Corys market their product for white tablecloth gourmet restaurants. Mr. Cory made the interesting comment that his mother-in-law lamented at his outrageous prices – but she is not his market. When in a specialized food market, the prices are totally different. Especially in this food-fad era, people will pay top dollar to consume food that is produced under animal welfare standards the consumers embrace. Moreover, they will pay a premium for food that is organic or free of animal biotics – which they consider to be healthier. not only ethical, but assumingly healthier foods. In our readings, a statistic stated that the average American spends 10% of their money on food. Now, with the obesity crisis, many people will pay more money (upwards of even 20%) to raise a healthier family and get out of bad health situations like high blood pressure or cholesterol. The Cory’s market their organic, free range animals and grains to a market more than welcome to pay top dollar for the unconventional.

I had an amazing time at TableTop Farm. The farm’s business plan, layout, and inventive farming techniques need to be implemented at more farms. I was incredibly impressed. Not only did they represent the art of farming, working the land with their hands not chemicals, but they also adapted a realistic approach towards farming. They farm organically because they do not want to handle potentially harmful chemicals and also because there is a market for their products. Technically speaking, how much do local foods or farming organic actually help the earth? Chris, who is in charge of planting, discussed both topics in some depth, but he was especially open with whether organic planting processes are better for the earth than the use of chemicals or pesticides. Sometimes to ready the ground, he has to till the land ten times – how is that better than two passes with added chemicals. Which is the worse evil: over-tilling or using chemicals? Unfortunately, the stereotype is that conventional farmers are hurting the earth and organic farmers are hippies. It is not black or white. Both practices have their positives and negatives. Furthermore, “lowering your carbon footprint” has been an overused phrase uttered out of the mouths of trendy foodies. When many farmers and families drive to one location to sell food or purchase it (using their cars), how is that lowering the total carbon footprint? Furthermore, driving to a hip restaurant located an hour away drop off ten pounds of parsnips is local, but using plenty of fossil fuels per unit. Chris mentioned that this was a request of Table Top he actually fulfilled. Many alternative farming techniques are winning acclaim in the media: free range, grass fed, organic, non-GMO, no pesticides/ fertilizer, etc. How can the average consumer know what to buy without traveling all the way to Iowa or a local farm? In short, I love the art of organic, the style and especially knowing my food hasn’t been processed from Hong Kong and back. But in the long run, what is better for our earth and which method can feed the people?

We had an amazing start to today: puppy playtime! There is a family that breeds racing greyhounds about a miles from the farm. They were the cutest puppies I have ever seen. I firmly believe we need a mascot and a puppy would be a top-notch candidate. Afterwards, we traveled to the Iowa Soybean Association for a three-hour discussion that focused on issues from the environmental impacts of agriculture to the farm bill to the world-wide outlook for soybeans demand to programs the ISA is using to promote its product:  all factual presentations. Many of the associations we have visited say the same thing, “We feed the World.” However, ISA was also interested in our definition of local. According to them, Hellman’s mayonnaise is local because it was made in Iowa and McDonalds is local because pork and eggs come from Iowa. An interesting argument to start the day, but I firmly believe local means a direct social connection with the farmer. Following our time at the ISA, we met Joe Sweeney in Ames who took the group on a tour around Iowa State – such a beautiful school! I really liked the cozy atmosphere and layout of there school. As a sustainability sciences major, there are only so many directions I can go for grad school. Currently, I am really interested in sustainable agriculture and will definitely look into the program at Iowa State. After dinner, we went to a local whole foods market and learned how to make baklava and tabouleh a Middle Eastern salad. I have always wanted to be a chef. Unfortunately, I have never really known what route to achieve this goal. By working on our cooking projects at the house and seeing different food related videos, I firmly believe I know what kinds of foods/dishes I would like to try. More importantly, I now have a sense that I can actually make them!

Today, we visited a wonderful farm with old-fashioned ideals. Located roughly an hour away, we saw some of the most expensive farmland in Iowa en route to the Ubben farm. On the Tom and Sharon Ubben farm, the expectations were established fifty years ago. Absolutely no antibiotics are added to their animals’ feed and the couple abides by fresh air practices. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the cutest assortment of sheep and goats. The lambs and kids were so precious, and we got to hold and pet them! Next we visited the Ubben’s cattle and hogs. Their hog practices were totally different from what we saw earlier this week as the Ubbens sell pork in the Niman Ranch system, which promotes animal welfare standards. A seemingly small business is actually thriving in the current animal rights eating fad. The Ubbens discussed adding more and more families wanting animals that are allowed to see the light of day. We walked down and saw the gestation area for the hogs: a beautiful long lawn for three hogs and their babies – an idyllic setting. Many people prefer free range because they think the animals are happier in that setting. It is hard to tell what an animal is thinking; but, if I were a pig, I would want to live at the Ubben farm. No gestation crates are allowed; no antibiotics are allowed in the feed – producing smaller hogs with more marbled fat (succulent). Conventional to traditional practices literally are night and day. Earlier this week we saw pigs in confined spaces and experienced horrible odor. Traditional hog farming had the pigs roaming outside and they got to keep their tails (cut off in conventional practices because other pigs bite each other’s off)! It is hard to sway in either direction: both practices have pros and cons. Conventional feeds the masses, but traditional seems like it provides a much healthier, happier environment for the animals. I completely understand why people have a side for which they pull whole-heartedly. If I had a farm, the traditional way is romantic and comforting, but I would still promote conventional for the world. 

I thoroughly enjoyed our political day today! Before heading to the Iowa State Capitol, we had an interesting discussion with agriculture lawyer and Iowa State University professor Roger McEowen. He told the group about some recent vexing decisions made by the Iowa Supreme Court. In February, the Iowa Court found when farmers invited people onto their land they did not enjoy any special immunity from lawsuits if unpreventable accidents occurred. As a result of the decision, farmers who invite people onto their farm to show them their operations enjoy no special immunity from lawsuits.  Obviously, some key points in Iowa’s laws need to be adjusted.  The public needs to see farms, but farmers need to be shielded from lawsuits that are not the result of gross negligence. If people get hurt on their land, the farmer gets sued even if he is clearly not their fault. Although I have not studied law, it is evident the Iowa government needs to pass a bill correcting the deficiencies in the law and protect the state’s farmers.

 After talking to Professor Roger McEowen, Annette Sweeney graciously hosted us at the capitol an hour away in Des Moines. First, we met with Joel Brinkmeyer, the new head of the Iowa Agribusiness Association. We had a great discussion about the importance of growing food and he even talked about visiting Tanzania and the plethora of that country’s food problems. Maybe Iowa could make a connection, like China, with Tanzania to help feed the starving people over there? Every single association we visited never fails to deliver the message: Iowa feeds the world. But the Iowans always speak of China; while the places in the world that are really in need are in Africa.  If Iowa could have a connection with countries in Africa, then they would really be feeding the world. Another person in our meeting with Mr. Brinkmeyer made a very interesting point about how we humanize our food. Livestock farming has been all over the national news because of animal mistreatment videos that have gone viral. Also, hog gestational crates caused a huge uproar with their confinement in such a small spaces. After visiting situations likes those presented in the videos, the animals really are cared for. We produce these animals for food – not pets. Ironically, I do not feel as bad eating them after seeing the way they are treated.

 After meeting Mr. Brinkmeyer, we drove up to the gorgeous capitol building. While on the tour, we discussed how the goldleaf dome is the largest in the nation and about the horrible 1904 fire that almost destroyed the entire building. Afterwards, we saw the House in session and were even introduced to its members. Then, we took photos with the state auditor and met with the governor for 15 minutes. Everyone we talked to was super nice and very welcoming. It was a great experience! 

Today was a very cool experience that I could not have witnessed anywhere else but in Iowa. Caroline, Beau and I visited the neighbor’s hog farm. While there, we artificially inseminated hogs, walked around the several houses involved in the farrow-to-finish operation, and learned how the farm worked. Our host was very nice, and he showed us what the animals eat and how important diet is for producing a healthy pig. When walking down one of the aisles in the gestation barn, the farmer looked at a pig, said he needed to check something, and the next thing I knew he stuck his hand into the pig and pulled out three baby pigs. I got to witness the magic of birth! Before this experience, my pig visual was from the kid’s movie Babe with the cute little pig. These pigs were not cute, and the mommas were not so little. In addition, the pigs were housed in the ever-controversial gestational crates. They were small – no turn around space. However, it did give the pigs their own safe space. It is very easy to see why so many people are against the crates. But, considering how many pigs there are, the crates are functional because it gives the pigs their own safe space. Of course pigs need to be happy, but when dealing with so many animals, functionality plays a very large part as well. Today was definitely a real-world experience in hog production, especially inseminating the hogs. I am glad and thankful that the farmer let us experience his farm; I could not be a hog producer!

Afterwards, I had my very first tractor ride! Denny let me ride in his tractor spraying pesticides for around an hour. Honestly, I have no idea how he knew where to spray – all the rows looked the same to me. With so much high-tech equipment available, it was cool to see Denny and his refined art of farming. I questioned him if new farmers will not know how to drive the tractors because of all of the new GPS automated driving. His response was that every farmer, no matter how sophisticated the equipment, should know how to work it. Alarmingly, the average age of the Iowa farmer is 56-59 years old. When this generation stops farming, will all of their farming knowledge just disappear? I hope the art of farming does not die out with the aging farmers. 

Today, Monday, May 13, was a fantastic hands-on day! Beau, Caroline and I were at a neighbor’s cattle farm assisting with rounding up cows to inject them with medicine for health and fertilization reasons. It was fascinating to see how the farmers and their assistants handled the cows: very calm and generally no contact. From my perspective, cows are thought of as docile, dumb creatures – not the case for cow number 1018. She has a reputation for being quite ornery and mean, which will lead to her soon being sold to protect everyone who works on the farm. I never thought of a cow as mean-spirited or dangerous, only as happy, like the Happy Cows’ commercial for California milk.  I wanted to come to Iowa to broaden my experience and my perspective. Readings and movies can only teach so much – actually working and learning from the people who do the work is the best way to form one’s own opinion and understanding.  I have learned that food and agriculture policies are incredibly contentious! Lots of people with lots of opinions, and all of them think they are right.  They all hold a golden key that unlocks a door to truth.  But my trip to Iowa has demonstrated that it is important to listen to all of these people and to work side-by-side with folks of all stripes so that I can form my own opinion, my own synthesis, after weighing the evidence that each side (and those in-between) have presented.

After the cows received their shots, local farmers in the area helped truck the farmer’s 75 cows to 170 acres of luscious grass pasture on which the cows grazed. Their beautiful pasture looks like an edited Instagram photo found on the cover of magazines. Afterwards, we helped another farmer round up in cows to put inside his corral. The farmers saddled horses for the round up, including one for Caroline (fellow member of Farm), and together they steered cows into his corral! Real cowboys in Iowa – never would have thought! Wonderful hands-on experiences like today are why I wanted to come up to Iowa.   This trip has allowed me to meet people who are authentic and who tell stories without a filter.  One farmer, Denny, worked as a cowboy in a traveling rodeo.   Getting first-hand experiences from these farmers results in an unparalleled experience.