Agritourism Event Highlights Agriculture and Rural Iowa

Manning, IA – Enjoying yak meatballs, holding a one week-old ostrich, taste-testing local wines and whiskey, and exploring two western Iowa communities were just a few unique highlights of the second annual agritourism event hosted on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park. The ‘Evolution of the Heartland’ experience immersed attendees into the heart of America’s rural communities, showcased the evolution of agriculture, and highlighted the efforts taking place to be able to feed the world.

Participants from the Des Moines and Omaha metros traveled to Manning on a chartered bus through CIT Charters and others drove themselves to the Hausbarn-Heritage Park for a fun-filled day of immersive, rural Iowa tours. More than 200 people from three states participated in the unique event sponsored by Travel Iowa, Audubon County Farm Bureau, the Iowa Food & Family Project, City of Manning, Iowa Corn Growers District 4 Committee, Farm Credit Services of America, Audubon County Economic Development/Audubon County Supervisors, Carroll County Farm Bureau, and Iowa Pork Producers Association, among others. Participants were also made up of event staff and volunteers, sponsors, farmer ambassadors, and the Audubon and IKM-Manning FFA officer teams.

“Audubon County Economic Development was proud to support this event that showcased the amazing things that are happening in our rural communities, businesses, and our local agriculture producers,” said ACED & Tourism Director, Sara Slater. “It was a unique opportunity for all attendees to interact with entrepreneurs in our area and learn about what is happening on their farms and businesses and what their day-to-day life entails.”

Tour options included a Beef Immersion at Brinkman Ag Solutions and Wiese & Sons Herefords featuring a speaker from Lauritsen Cattle Company; a Swine Immersion at PigEasy and Templeton Family Farms featuring a speaker from AMVC Management Services; a Niche Farming tour at Irlmeier Ostrich Farm and Iowa Yak Ranch; a Main Street Entrepreneurs tour in Manning and Audubon; an Innovation & Technology Tour at Puck Enterprises and NexGen Ag Supply featuring a speaker from Van Wall Equipment; a Wine in the Heartland tour at the Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery; and a tour of the Templeton Distillery.

“What was most impactful to me was seeing the connection these families have with each other and their communities and the dedication they have to the future of their operations,” shared one attendee. “It was inspiring to see them work together, to overcome challenges they had faced, and continue to pursue their dreams right here in rural Iowa.”

Participants also got a taste of rural Iowa at the Ag Ambassador Luncheon at the Audubon County Fairgrounds, accompanied by conversations with local agricultural ambassadors. Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, spoke during lunch, inspiring attendees to live, work, and play in Iowa because of the possibilities she believes are endless in rural Iowa.

Lieutenant Governor, Adam Gregg, spoke to attendees before the Community Tailgate supper, encouraging them that together we can grow in Iowa.

“In Iowa we have safe communities, exceptional quality of life, good schools, and the entrepreneurial spirit is still alive,” shared Lt. Governor, Adam Gregg. “In Iowa, you truly have the opportunity to have it all. And that’s what Governor Reynolds and I are working to preserve. That’s also what makes days like today so special. You’re helping us tell that story and expand that story across the Midwest and beyond.”

The catered meals were locally-sourced from Two Palms Grilling, Darrell’s Place, Deb’s Corner Café, and the Bakery on Broadway. About 65 local community members joined the Community Tailgate and Iowa Vendor Showcase, where people were able to browse handmade items and other Iowa-based products. Retail vendors included Feminine, Journey Trail Mix, Rusted Relics, Elizabeth Brittain Designs, Home Tree Leather, Tropical Sno, 2 Sisters Garden Art, The Crap Shack, Silver Valley Craft Corner, and Manning Rent-all. In addition to the retail vendors, agricultural businesses included: Puck Enterprises and Iowa Yak Ranch. Attendees enjoyed listening to live music by 2 ½ Guitars while browsing the Iowa Vendor Showcase.

The Future of Evolution of the Heartland
“We feel that Evolution of the Heartland, and more events like this, will become a catalyst for rural Iowa to share their message, progress in agriculture, strides in the production of wholesome, nutritious food, and the pride that farm families experience when caring for their land and operations,” said Greving.

The Evolution of the Heartland committee is eager to set a date and begin planning for the next event in 2024 and are planning to invite more communities to host similar events marketed under the same brand. More details will be shared once future dates are set.

Community Tailgate will be held at the Hausbarn Heritage Park on August 3rd

Manning, IA – Locals are invited to the Evolution of the Heartland Community Tailgate from 5:30-9pm at the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park on August 3rd, 2023. The tailgate will feature live music, a meal, Iowa Vendor Showcase, and a mini farm show.

Lieutenant Governor, Adam Gregg, will kick off the Community Tailgate, speaking about how, together, we can “Grow in Rural Iowa”. Attendees will get a taste of rural Iowa with a supper including prime rib, brat bites, pork loin, a charcuterie display, and locally made desserts. Attendance is free, but the meal is $15/person and tickets can be purchased at the door. Food will be provided by Two Palms Catering (Audubon), Deb’s Corner Café (Manning), Darrell’s Place (Hamlin), The Bakery on Broadway (Audubon), Sporrer’s Sweet Corn (Templeton), Sporrer’s Melons (Manning), and Iowa Yak Ranch (Exira).

The Evolution of the Heartland Community Tailgate will also include an Iowa Vendor Showcase featuring goods and produce from local retailers and an outdoor “mini farm show” with local agricultural businesses. Retail vendors will include Feminine, Journey Trail Mix, Rusted Relics, Elizabeth Brittain Designs, Home Tree Leather, Tropical Sno, 2 Sisters Garden Art, The Crap Shack, Silver Valley Craft Corner, and 712 Boutique. Agricultural businesses like Manning Rent-all, Puck Enterprises, Iowa Yak Ranch, and others will be set up for a mini farm show. Attendees can also enjoy live music by 2 ½ Guitars on the courtyard while browsing handmade items and other Iowa-based products.

This year’s Evolution of the Heartland event is made possible by the following sponsors, Travel Iowa, Iowa Food & Family Project, Audubon County Farm Bureau, Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park, Emerge Marketing Solutions, Iowa Corn 4th District, Iowa Pork Producers Association, City of Manning, Audubon County Economic Development, and Farm Credit Services of America, and many more.

Evolution of the Heartland is seeking retail and agricultural vendors for the Iowa Vendor Showcase. For more information, please complete the online forms or contact event coordinator, Annie Greve, at info@evolutionoftheheartland.com. Follow along with event updates on Facebook and Instagram @evolutionoftheheartland to learn more.

Second Annual Agritourism Event Features Rural Iowa Roots

June, 26, 2023, Manning, IA – The rural Western Iowa communities of Manning and Audubon are excited to partner to host a unique agritourism event called ‘Evolution of the Heartland,’ for the second year. On August 3rd and 4th, 2023, this immersive experience will showcase the heart of America’s rural communities and the evolution of agriculture to those who are unfamiliar with rural Iowa and especially agriculture, as well as those who have an interest in learning more about the innovative ag advancements in the state.

All are welcome to register for this unique event. Participants have the option to travel from the Des Moines and Omaha metro areas on charter buses or drive themselves to the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park for immersive rural Iowa tours.

Tour options for day one will feature: Main Street Entrepreneurs, Innovation & Technology, Niche Farming, Spirits of the Heartland, Templeton Distillery, Beef Immersion, Swine Immersion, Shouse Tour, Historical Church Architectural Tour, Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park tour, and an Audubon Historical Tour. Participants have the option to stay overnight for a second day of immersive tours. Day two will focus on micro farming, however it is only available to the first 50 registrants.

Participants will get a taste of rural Iowa at the Farm-to-Table lunch. This will be a family-style meal featuring local foods, accompanied by conversations with local agricultural ambassadors and area FFA students. The Community Tailgate supper will feature food stations with pork, beef, a mashed potato bar, veggies, desserts, and more. Food will be provided by Two Palms Catering (Audubon), Deb’s Corner Café (Manning), Daryl’s Place (Hamlin), and The Bakery on Broadway (Audubon).

Participants will also be able to browse local produce and goods at the Iowa Vendor Showcase during the Community Tailgate. This year, the Iowa Vendor Showcase will include an outdoor “mini farm show” featuring local agricultural businesses.

After a full day of learning and networking, participants will have the option to stay overnight for another immersive tour the following day or return home that same evening. The cost to attend the event is $150 for just the first day or $325 for an overnight stay and the day two immersive tour. Registration is currently open and closes July 15th or until all spots have been reserved. Participants can register at www.evolutionoftheheartland.com.

Join the Evolution of the Heartland tour and discover what the future holds for rural Iowa and the agricultural industry. See first-hand how agriculture has evolved from its early roots in Germany in the 1600’s to 1900’s farming, and now to advanced technology in many Iowa agricultural businesses and Main Street communities.

Following the first year event, the Iowa tourism office was impressed with the execution of the event and its ability to highlight agritourism in rural Iowa, something that has not easily been done in the past.

“The Iowa tourism office has made a financial commitment as the presenting sponsor so that Emerge Marketing Solutions can scale the event statewide over the next five years,” shared State Tourism Manager, Amy Zeigler. “This is an excellent model for how we can showcase Iowa’s rural communities, Main Streets, roadside attractions, and innovative businesses.”

This year’s event is made possible by the following sponsors, Travel Iowa, Iowa Food & Family Project, Audubon County Farm Bureau, Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa, Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park, Emerge Marketing Solutions, Iowa Corn 4th District, Iowa Pork Producers Association, City of Manning, Audubon County Economic Development, and Farm Credit Services of America and many more.

Evolution of the Heartland is currently seeking retail and agricultural vendors for the Iowa Vendor Showcase and prospective 2024 community event hosts. For more information, please complete the online forms or contact event coordinators, Paige Hepp & Annie Greve, at info@evolutionoftheheartland.com. Follow along with event updates on Facebook and Instagram @evolutionoftheheartland to learn more.

Locals Invited to Agritourism Event on August 3, 2023

May 26, 2023, Manning, IA – The Manning and Audubon communities would like to welcome locals to attend a unique agritourism event called ‘Evolution of the Heartland,’ on August 3rd and 4th, 2023.

Although invitations are focused primarily on bringing people from urban communities, all are welcome to attend and gain a better understanding of the unique opportunities we have here.

Tour options for day one will feature: Main Street Entrepreneurs, Innovation & Technology, Niche Farming, Wine in the Heartland, Templeton Distillery, Beef Immersion, Swine Immersion, Shouse Tour, Historical Church Architectural Tour, Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park tour, and an Audubon Historical Tour. Participants have the option to stay overnight and attend a second day of immersive tours. Day two will be a Homegrown tour, focused on micro farming and is only available to the first 50 registrants.

Participants will get a taste of rural Iowa at the Farm-to-Table lunch. This will be a family-style meal accompanied by conversations with local agricultural ambassadors and area 4-H and FFA students. The Community Tailgate supper will feature food stations with pork, beef, a charcuterie display, desserts, and more. Food will be provided by Two Palms Catering (Audubon), Deb’s Corner Café (Manning), Darrell’s Place (Hamlin), and The Bakery on Broadway (Audubon).

Everyone is welcome to attend the Community Tailgate on August 3rd from 6-9pm, enjoy live music from Scott Kirkhart until 10pm, browse local goods at the Iowa Vendor Showcase, and join in the meal for $15/plate. The Iowa Vendor Showcase will also include an outdoor “mini farm show” featuring local agricultural businesses.

The cost to attend the event is $175. Early bird registration is going on now and features a $25 discount per person available until June 15th. Registration will close July 15th or until all spots have been reserved. Participants can register and learn more about the event by visiting www.evolutionoftheheartland.com.

Evolution of the Heartland is currently seeking local vendors for the Iowa Vendor Showcase, local and statewide sponsorships, as well as local volunteers for the event. For more information, please complete the online forms or contact event coordinator, Shelly Greving, at info@evolutionoftheheartland.com. Follow along with event updates on Facebook and Instagram @evolutionoftheheartland to learn more.

This year’s event is made possible by the following sponsors, Travel Iowa, Iowa Food & Family Project, Audubon County Farm Bureau, Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa, Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park, Emerge Marketing Solutions, Iowa Corn 4th District, City of Manning, Audubon County Economic Development, and Farm Credit Services of America and many more.