Agritourism Shines in Stanton with Evolution of the Heartland Event

October 7, 2024, Stanton, IA – The Evolution of the Heartland tour made a stop in Stanton, Iowa, on September 12, offering an immersive experience into the world of modern agriculture, rural innovation, and cultural heritage.

Over 50 attendees, including Stanton-area FFA members, event staff, volunteers, sponsors, tour hosts, social media influencers, and media, participated in this unique day, which highlighted Stanton’s rich Swedish history alongside cutting-edge agricultural practices.

The day kicked off with a welcome from the Stanton community at the Old Lumber Yard event center. Guests heard from Stanton Mayor Matt Kutzli, Stanton Community Development Director, Jenna Ramsey and Evolution of the Heartland creator, Shelly Greving. Greving remarked, “We’re thrilled to bring these events to life in small Iowa communities like Stanton. It’s about showcasing not only the agricultural innovation driving our state forward but also the unique cultural stories that make each town special.”

Guests were taken on engaging immersive tours such as Hydroponic Harvest, where attendees toured the high-tech, soil-free greenhouse at TrueFood, redefining how produce is grown. Darren Barkman, head grower, facility manager and chief operating officer, shared, “By using hydroponics, vegetables can be produced faster, cleaner and healthier and taste better.” Guests were able to dine on hydroponically grown greens during lunch.

One of the most cultural experiences was the Fika & Folklore tour, a journey through Stanton’s Swedish roots. Participants heard about Fika Coffee + Bake Shoppe and toured Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center, where they learned about the lasting impact of Swedish immigrants on this rural Iowa town.

Guests enjoyed a delicious midday meal catered by Gibbs Chophouse, where they experienced grilled pork tenderloin, chicken, Italian pasta salad, garden salad (TrueFoods), and a dessert from Fika Coffee + Bake Shoppe – providing the perfect blend of local flavors.

After exploring downtown Stanton and visiting with local entrepreneurs, attendees had a full afternoon. The Fruits of the Land tour brought visitors to Whitetail Valley Farms & Whitetail Valley Cellars, where they explored a Swiss-German apple orchard, a winery in the making, and a seasonal pumpkin patch with produce stand. Attendees were able to tour the wine tasting room that is in process of being built.

The Technology & Innovation tour showcased how modern advancements are transforming the agricultural landscape. Visitors saw drones in action from Dreyer Brothers and discovered how drones can help with a variety of agricultural issues. Attendees heard from Dan Vennerberg about new 3-D printing technology being utilized in the city of Stanton in housing developments as well as other projects throughout the community.

Next Events and Future Prospects

Opportunities for sponsorship and community event hosting for 2025 are actively being pursued. Please contact Annie Greve at annie@em3ergemarketing.com to learn more. Stay connected with updates by following @evolutionoftheheartland on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Innovation in Agriculture Showcased in Coon Rapids

The Evolution of the Heartland event brought a unique agritourism experience to Coon Rapids, Iowa, offering attendees an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the future of agriculture. With nearly 75 people involved – including attendees, Coon Rapids and Carroll-area FFA members, event staff, sponsors, tour hosts, and special guests including Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, and Matt Russell, State Executive Director USDA-Iowa Farm Service Agency – this day was filled with education, innovation, and discovery.

The event began with two immersive morning tours, ‘Fueling the Future Tour’ and ‘Behind the Bushel.’ Participants visited POET Bioprocessing to explore biofuel innovations, learning how corn is transformed into clean-burning energy and the importance of utilizing the energy cultivated right here in Iowa cornfields. Attendees also toured Roger Clayburg’s Beck’s Hybrids test plot and as well as the Beck’s packaging facility, witnessing cutting-edge seed selection, cleaning, treating, and packaging techniques that are helping to shape the future of farming.

After the morning tours, attendees gathered for lunch at the Raccoon River Social Club, catered by Cabbage Rose, enjoying a traditional Iowa meal featuring pan-fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, fruit crisp, and ice cream.

Debi Durham, the Director of Iowa Economic Development Authority, spoke about the vast opportunities in rural Iowa. “It’s an exciting time for rural Iowa as we harness the strength of our agricultural innovation and expand economic development opportunities,” Durham remarked. Attendees also had the chance to explore local downtown businesses, connecting with the Coon Rapids community entrepreneurs.

During the afternoon, participants enjoyed two more immersive tours including ‘Sustainable Agriculture’ and ‘Beyond the Barnyard.’ A visit to Whiterock Conservancy showcased how this historical family farm transformed into an eco-friendly tourism destination, demonstrating how sustainability drives modern farming and provides connections to the past.

Participants also experienced firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit and superior genetics in the livestock industry, visiting a co-owned swine operation run by Roger and Jeanna Clayburg and Kyler and Emily Oswald, as well as the high-quality Tarentaise beef operation at HatRanch with the Honold family. Emily Oswald, a swine farmer who grew up in Chicago, was excited to meet attendees and shared, “Growing up, I never really thought about where my food came from. Now, I not only know where most of my food comes from, but I also understand the many uses for a pig and all that goes into raising it.”

To wrap up the day, attendees toured the Coon Rapids-Bayard FFA Hydroponic Greenhouse, where they saw how the next generation is embracing high-tech farming methods. Matt Russell, State Executive Director of USDA-Iowa Farm Service Agency, delivered a short closing speech on Iowa’s leadership in sustainable agriculture. Russell stated, “It’s inspiring to see how innovative farming techniques are shaping the future of agriculture in rural Iowa, ensuring sustainability for generations to come.”

Looking Ahead for Evolution of the Heartland
“We believe that Evolution of the Heartland will continue to serve as a platform for showcasing rural Iowa’s message of innovation and sustainability in agriculture,” said Shelly Greving, owner of Emerge Marketing Solutions and creator of Evolution of the Heartland. “It’s an opportunity to spotlight not only the production of wholesome, nutritious food but also the dedication of Iowa’s farm families to their land.”

For more information on Evolution of the Heartland, visit www.evolutionoftheheartland.com.

Opportunities for 2025 sponsors and community hosts are now being pursued. For more information, please contact Annie Greve at info@evolutionoftheheartland.com. Stay updated by following Evolution of the Heartland on Facebook and Instagram @evolutionoftheheartland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agritourism Event Highlights DeWitt Agriculture

The Evolution of the Heartland event brought a unique agritourism experience to DeWitt, Iowa, on Thursday July 25th, offering exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours that showcased the innovation driving our agricultural and small-town communities. From traveling into the depths of a quarry, witnessing a local locker and creamery, and being part of an IVF procedure, the event was a special opportunity to delve into the heart of rural Iowa.

Participants traveled from as far as Florida and Arizona to DeWitt for a fun-filled day of immersive, rural Iowa tours. Nearly 50 people from several states participated in the unique event sponsored by Travel Iowa, the Iowa Food & Family Project, DeWitt Chamber and Development Company, LiquiGrow, Farm Credit Services of America, Eastern Iowa Farmer, River Valley Cooperative, Clinton County Farm Bureau, and First Central State Bank, among others. Event staff and volunteers, sponsors, tour hosts, social media influencers, media, and members of the Central DeWitt Future Farmers of America were also able to experience rural Iowa through local tours.

The day began with immersive tours at Crystal Creek Enterprises in Grand Mound. Angela Rheingans, President and CEO of Dewitt Chamber and Development Company greeted attendees, setting the stage for a day filled with discovery and inspiration. Rheingans stated, “We are excited to host this event for the first time, providing you a glimpse of the ag innovation happening in our community. We are proud of our agricultural roots and those that continue to work and lead our local ag industries. Our hope is that you will return to visit again and share with others the outstanding experience you had in DeWitt.” Iowa Nice Guy, Scott Siepker, also met with guests and shared his excitement for small-town innovation.

The morning tours, hosted by Dennis Campbell, owner and operator at Crystal Creek Enterprises, showcased the impressive evolution of a Clinton County farm family’s operation into a cutting-edge agricultural innovator. During the “Plow > Power > Precision” tour, attendees marveled at century-old tractors in action and enjoyed rides in brand-new, state-of-the-art tractors and combines. Matt Willimack, Grain Merchandiser at Cedar County Coop and 4th generation of Willimack Family Farms led the “Seed to Silos” tour highlighted the innovation behind Iowa’s cornfields and the farm’s global efforts to feed and fuel the world. Attendees had the unique opportunity to walk among the grain bins where the harvested grain is stored until sold.

After a Main Street luncheon at Murphy’s Pub, where Chris McCulloh shared information about McCulloh Family Genetics and his swine operations. Rheingans and City Administrator, Steve Linder guided a walking tour of the downtown focused on revitalization projects, both past and current that contribute to the vibrancy of the downtown and community as a whole. Participants were also able to explore and shop local businesses. The catered meal was locally sourced pork from McCulloh Family Genetics, sides and salads from Murphy’s Pub, and desserts from Urban Eats.

The afternoon featured more immersive tours, including “Farm-to-Local Market,” where attendees experienced the Moore family’s commitment to providing fresh, local meat and dairy with the support of the region. “Revolution in Beef Genetics”, offered a glimpse into modern cattle breeding techniques at DeWitt Veterinary Clinic. “Unearthing Potential” at Wendling Quarries revealed the journey from raw material to vital infrastructure, showcasing sustainable practices and including a tour of the mining pit where participants witnessed the machines in action.

After a full day of learning and networking, participants ended the day at the DeWitt Farmers Market where they could shop from over 70 vendors with locally sourced produce, baked goods, and handmade items.

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 Shelly Greving owner of Emerge Marketing Solutions and creator of Evolution of the Heartland.

Evolution of the Heartland has three more events in Iowa later this summer and fall. September 12th in Stanton; September 26th in Coon Rapids; and October 3rd, in Manning. To learn more about Evolution of the Heartland or to register for upcoming events, visit evolutionoftheheartland.com.

Opportunities for prospective 2025 sponsors and community event hosts are actively being pursued. For more Evolution of the Heartland information, please complete the online forms or contact the event coordinator, Annie Greve, at info@evolutionoftheheartland.com. Follow along with event updates on Facebook and Instagram @evolutionoftheheartland to learn more.