What is Evolution of the Heartland?

What comes to mind when you think of Iowa? Endless stretches of fertile land, a resilient work ethic, neighbors who embody the essence of care, and the ingenuity of entrepreneurs who carve out success against all odds? Iowa is synonymous with agriculture, humility, and the enduring spirit of the American dream. Yet, amidst the vast cornfields lies a narrative often overlooked—the evolution of the heartland.

Rural communities are the foundation of Iowa and America, pulsating with a spirit that fuels the state’s heartbeat. But how can we harness this energy to not only sustain but thrive? Enter Evolution of the Heartland, a visionary initiative that capitalizes on agritourism and economic development to invigorate rural Iowa.

Evolution of the Heartland knows that together Iowans can…

  1. Utilize rural, Iowa people, communities, and businesses as the driving force for tourism.
  2. Showcase the high-quality innovation happening in Iowa.
  3. Entice migration from cities and other states to rural life through hands-on experiences and authentic conversations and relationships.
  4. Inspire entrepreneurs to pursue the American dream right here in Iowa.

At its core, Evolution of the Heartland celebrates the essence of Iowa—its people, communities, and businesses and encourages rural communities to market themselves jointly for these common goals:

  1. Gain statewide and national exposure for the evolving Silicon Prairie (rural Iowa communities, businesses, and people).
  2. Create a positive image of rural Iowa and agriculture.
  3. Highlight opportunities to visit, live, work, and play in rural Iowa that result in an exceptional quality of life.
  4. Provide exposure to career opportunities and business start-ups.

Past the peaceful cornfields, you’ll find folks who are all about pushing the envelope with new ideas. Evolution of the Heartland sheds light on the innovation happening right here in the heart of Iowa. Farming nowadays isn’t just about plowing fields; it’s about using the latest technology to make things more efficient, sustainable, and productive. By showcasing the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation, this initiative aims to change perceptions of rural Iowa and agriculture, positioning the state as a leader in agricultural innovation.

But at the core of Evolution of the Heartland is the power of making connections. It’s a chance for people to meet community leaders, building relationships that last long after the event’s over. Through tours, immersive experiences, and Main Street dining encounters, individuals gain insight into the intricate structure of rural life.

So, what does a typical Evolution of the Heartland event look like?  All events follow a similar itinerary yet take on the local flavor of the host community. The day starts with a round of immersive tours. The Main Street luncheon and downtown exploration aim to connect attendees with local foods, flavors, and business owners. Attendees will set out on their afternoon adventure with another round of  immersive tours. Some communities will end the day with a local vendor showcase or community reception.

As Evolution of the Heartland continues to gain momentum, the vision extends beyond the horizon. The goal is not merely to replicate but to scale this initiative statewide, as the premier agritourism event that beckons individuals to rural Iowa. By raising awareness of the opportunities for tourism, business startups, and rural living, Evolution of the Heartland attempts to cultivate a well-rounded quality of life that resonates far beyond the heartland’s borders.

In essence, Evolution of the Heartland isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. A movement that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and charts a course towards an exciting and prosperous future for rural Iowa. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, where the heartland beats with renewed vigor, and the spirit of innovation thrives.

Photo by zaigervision

Locals Invited to Agritourism Event on August 3, 2023

July 10, 2023, Manning, IA – Manning and Audubon are excited to partner to host a unique agritourism event called ‘Evolution of the Heartland,’ on August 3rd, 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 agriculture and for those who have an interest in learning more about the innovative ag advancements in the state. The cost to attend the event is $125 and registration will remain open until all spots have been reserved. All are welcome to register by visiting www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/register.

Immersive tour options include Main Street Entrepreneurs, Innovation & Technology, Niche Farming, Wine of the Heartland, Templeton Distillery, Beef Immersion, Swine Immersion, Shouse Tour, Historical Church Architectural Tour, Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park tour, an Audubon Historical Tour, and a Homegrown tour featuring local micro farms. To learn more about each tour, visit www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/immersive-tours.

Participants will get a taste of rural Iowa at the Farm-to-Table, family-style meal at the Audubon County Fairgrounds from 1-2:30pm. Lunch will feature local foods, accompanied by conversations with local agricultural ambassadors and area FFA students. The public is invited to join and purchase a plate for $15/person. Featured speakers will include Director of Iowa Economic Development Authority, Debi Durham, as well as the Handlos Family, sharing the evolution of their operations from farming to Waspy’s Travel Center and beyond.

The event will conclude with a Community Tailgate from 6-9pm at the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park featuring a supper, Iowa Vendor Showcase, and live music. Supper will include prime rib, brat bites, pork loin, a charcuterie display, and local desserts. The public is invited to join and purchase a plate for $15/person. Food will be provided by Two Palms Catering (Audubon), Deb’s Corner Café (Manning), Daryl’s Place (Hamlin), and The Bakery on Broadway (Audubon). The Iowa Vendor Showcase will feature goods and produce from local retailers and an outdoor “mini farm show” featuring local agricultural businesses. Attendees can also enjoy live music from local musician, Scott Kirkhart until 10pm.

“This is an excellent model for how we can showcase Iowa’s rural communities, Main Streets, roadside attractions, and innovative businesses,” shared State Tourism Manager, Amy Zeigler.

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 4thDistrict, 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 coordinators, Paige Hepp or 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.