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The Six Themes of Silos & SmokestacksAttractions, sites and communities in the Silos & Smokestacks region use six themes to help visitors interpret and experience the diverse features of our agricultural heritage. Each theme is woven into the story of American Agriculture - past, present and future.
The prairie and gentle hills of Northeast Iowa are some of the world’s most fertile ground. Much of this dark, rich topsoil was deposited long ago by glaciers.
Iowa farmers’ philosophies date back to pioneers whose survival required ingenuity, thrift and cooperation. To keep planting and harvesting, todays’ farm families still endure long hours, physical demands and extremes of nature.
Farming keeps evolving as changing techniques and technologies reshape relationships between farmers and consumers. Many large farms become specialized while some smaller farms diversify.
Historically, Iowa’s resourceful farmers are always making great gains in productivity. Agricultural milestones include the steel plow, the tractor and genetic engineering.
Systems that move products from field to table have grown from serving local consumers into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Multi-national companies include John Deere, Quaker Oats, ADM, Pioneer, Cargill, Amana and Maytag.
Iowa farmers often face rough fluctuations in the value of grains and livestock. Farmers’ groups like the Grange and Farm Bureau lobby for pro-agriculture legislation. | |||
The Fertile Land
Farmers and Families
The Changing Farm
Higher Yields: The Science and Technology of Agriculture
From Farm to Factory: Agribusiness in Iowa
Organizing for Agriculture: Policies and Politics
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