Farming needs to change

As I took an early morning walk around the farm, a skunk, with his distinctive black and white fur, scurried across the gravel road. Back at the farmstead, a woodchuck sunning himself outside the old corn crib raised his head as I went by.

The monarchs fluttered into the air when my presence disturbed them. Hundreds of the butterflies have been roosting in our windbreak each night for the past two weeks, drawn here by the nectar of our red clover field. It is a heart-warming and wondrous sight.

This farmland of mostly corn and soybeans still has pieces of a natural world. But much of Iowa’s biodiversity has been lost, our soil is being eroded and too many of our lakes and rivers are impaired. As any farmer will tell you, we must protect our natural resources for future generations. However, considering the trajectory of our current agricultural system, I wonder who will be our farmers in the future and how will our soil, water and ecosystem be protected?

There have been many conversations and news commentaries recently about water quality in Iowa and about the health of our soil. Farmers feel they are being attacked, blamed for the problems. However, it seems that this perception has been promoted by the powerful industrial agriculture industry and repeated by the organizations and elected officials who support that industry in an effort to shift the blame away from the system they have created.

The industry wants intensively grown corn and soybeans and hogs in confinements because this system gives them cheap commodities and large profits.

At the same time, farmers still bear the risks. In times of low grain prices, such as we have now, farmers are expecting a huge crop yield but may face a financial loss. Something is wrong with this equation.

Just as farmers are at risk, so are our water, our soil and our rural communities.

I have come to the conclusion that this system needs to change.

Individual farmers are already working to farm in a different manner. Through my position as board member of Women, Food and Agriculture Network, as a member of Practical Farmers of Iowa and Iowa Farmers Union, and through family and friends, I have been able to visit farms and connect with farmers across the state. They are dedicated to protect the soil and water as much as possible.

They try new ideas and incorporate old knowledge. They try a variety of crops, farming methods and animals. Too often, they face challenges in marketing and processing their products. Many of them, however, have found that if they have a supportive community, they can be successful.

In Greene County, we have a surprising diversity of farms. Corn and soybean farmers have set aside land for prairie and wildlife habitat. Livestock farmers are experimenting with rotational grazing and even with unusual forage plants such as turnips and kale. We have farmers who raise non-GMO and organic crops.

We have the wonderful opportunity to buy beef, pork, chicken and eggs directly from the farmer who owns and raises the animals. Family-owned creameries with their own dairy products are in neighboring Guthrie and Dallas counties. A famous apple orchard and a well-established vineyard are here and both offer family-oriented farm visits.

The Greene County Farmers Market is a great place to connect with many of these farmers as well as our vegetable and honey producers. Although these enterprises currently make up a small portion of our farm businesses, they show the incredible potential here.

The best reason for hope is the number of young people who want to farm.

The county fair showcased our 4-H kids who are often drawn to farming because of the direct and personal connection they have with their animals. We need more farmers, not fewer. We need livestock back as an integral part of the farm, allowing for better soil-conserving crop rotations. We need more vibrant rural communities.

Today’s Iowa farmers, on average, are about 58 years old. We must find creative ways for young women and men to be our future farmers, who can protect our resources and build our communities. Creating that change will take a concerted, grassroots movement.

We can’t leave our future and our food in the hands of an uncaring industry.

Patti Edwardson is a graduate of Iowa State University and a former teacher. She is on the board of directors of Women, Food and Agriculture Network and lives on a farm near Churdan.