Fair Tour 2015 begins today!

The Iowa State Fair in Des Moines officially runs Aug. 13-23, but honestly, there is a lot taking place on the fairground during the next 24 hours. Sara Pratt is putting the finishing touches on this year’s butter sculpture, celebrating the 80^th year of Monopoly, and I know several 4-H members from Franklin County will check in their horses this morning.

Thinking about how much fun 4-H’ers will have this week reminds me of all the life lessons they will learn. Now that she’s a 4-H mom, Shannon Latham of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds says she’s gaining a whole new set of life skills. Her daughter’s experience showing meat goats at the 2014 Iowa State reminded her that more than ribbons are won in the show ring. She says her daughter’s 4-H livestock projects have helped her overcome her shyness and develop self-confidence.

Last month during the Franklin County Fair, Shannon’s daughter entered a new class with her horse and met her goal of trying to lope in the show ring. She may not earn a blue ribbon loping this week, but she’s going to have met her goal of doing her best at the Iowa State Fair.

“It’s not about winning or losing. It’s not about trophies, purple ribbons and whether or not the judge was right on show day. It’s about so much more,” wrote Amanda Radtke on July 22, 2015, in BEEF Daily. She goes on to explain the important advocacy role 4-H and FFA members can play.

Radkte says she recently ran across a video interview with the Peterson brothers, the Kansas farm boys who became famous for their YouTube videos that parody popular songs while telling their agricultural story. Peterson brothers shared how they have become advocates and encouraged the 4-H youth to follow their lead.

The 4-H organization value volunteers who lead by example, and one can certainly find great example of agriculture advocacy while touring the Iowa State Fair. Walk through the livestock barns and see how our young farmers are taking care of their animals. Stop and ask them questions because this is an opportunity to learn where your food comes from and how it’s raised.

Want to learn some interesting ag FUN facts? My friend Rhonda Swanson performs her “Thank a Farmer” magic show that teaches young folks about farming and ag products. Did you know lipstick is made with by-products of pigs? Stop by the Paul Knapp Animal Learning Center and Christensen Farms Hall to see newborn animals, plus you’ll learn more fun facts at each livestock exhibit.

One of my favorite things to do – besides eating a pork chop on a stick – is to take a look at the machinery displays. Some of today’s new farming equipment are massive. If you get the chance, step up into the cab. Find out how these machines are used. Also ask their price tag. You might be surprised to learn that one tractor or combine costs more than your house!

Be sure to check out the Iowa Food & Family Project’s (IFFP) exhibit in the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building where you can see how “What Farmers Grow, Makes Iowa Grow.” Be sure to pick up a free copy of the Iowa Food & Family Cookbook that features recipes for healthy cooking made simple. Plus, you can participate in IFFP’s agricultural trivia and activities for a chance to win a variety of prizes including Casey’s pizza for a year, $250 in Hy-Vee groceries and a farm-fresh meat bundle valued at more than $500.

There is so much to see and do at the Iowa State Fair that one day isn’t nearly enough. It really takes a tour – as in a period of time – to appreciate the concerts, educational presentations, exhibits and livestock projects. No wonder “Fair Tour” is the theme of the 2015 Iowa State Fair!

Thanks to all who visited in person or virtually during this year’s Minnesota Farm Fest. If you missed any of the event coverage on KQLX, here’s a recap:

Guest blog post by Aaron Putze, Director of Communications & External Relations for the Iowa Soybean Association

What summer is complete without a trip to the Iowa State Fair? That’s what I thought.

Since we’re into asking questions, here’s one more… What do a 50-ton sand sculpture, balloon art and farm fresh recipes have in common? All will be featured by the Iowa Food & Family Project (IFFP) to demonstrate how “What Farmers Grow, Makes Iowa Go” at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 13 – 23, in Des Moines.

It’s a great theme because Iowa farmers literally work from the ground up to provide wholesome food sustainably. The exhibit will help spark conversations between farmers and consumers about today’s farms and the food system in a fun, inviting atmosphere.

The IFFP exhibit, located in the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building, will showcase the many ways farming contributes to Iowa and the quality of life enjoyed by those who live and work here.

Stop by and see the exhibit take shape (literally!) as Greg and Brandi Glenn (picture to the right), co-owners of Sandscapes®, transform tons of sand into a display capturing the farm-to-table connection. The work of art will be created over the course of seven days, starting opening day of the fair and standing nearly 14-feet tall when completed.

A variety of activities, entertainment and prizes will also provide fun for the entire family:

• Magician Michael Oz will bring farming to life through balloon creations for children of all ages from 2 – 4 p.m. on Aug. 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22.
• Snag a copy of the new Iowa Food and Family Cookbook, featuring nearly 60 recipes from Iowa bloggers and farm families, plus tips on food preparation and safety, meat cuts, healthy eating and exercise.
• Participate in agricultural trivia and activities will provide visitors with a chance to win a variety of prizes including Casey’s pizza for a year, $250 in Hy-Vee groceries and a farm-fresh meat bundle valued at more than $500.

Visitors can also discover interesting facts about farming by embarking on an AgVenture Discovery Trail that winds its way throughout the fair. Trail maps are available at fair information booths and can be redeemed at the Iowa FFP booth for a special prize.

The Iowa FFP’s “What Farmers Grow Makes Iowa Go!” exhibit is powered by Iowa’s corn, soybean, pork, beef, dairy and egg farmers with a helping hand from Casey’s General Stores, United Soybean Board, Hy-Vee and the Machine Shed Restaurant.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is also a great partner of the Iowa Food & Family Project, helping the effort maintain a statewide and year-long presence as we celebrate the continuous improvement of Iowa’s farm families and their dedication to providing wholesome food for everyone. Working together, we’re building a greater understanding and confidence among food-minded Iowans by conducting unique activities, serving as presenting sponsor of the Iowa Games and supporter of Live Healthy Iowa plus connecting with thousands of food-minded Iowans online via Twitter (@foodnfamilies), Facebook (Facebook.com/foodnfamilies) and at www.iowafoodandfamily.com.

On behalf of the Iowa Food & Family Project, I look forward to seeing you at the Iowa State Fair!

Guest blog post by Aaron Putze, Director of Communications & External Relations for the Iowa Soybean Association

August is the month when people say “the soybean crop is made,” make it fitting for August to be proclaimed Soybean Month in Iowa.

The declaration, signed July 29 by Gov. Terry Branstad, recognizes the importance of soybean production and the work of the Iowa Soybean Association.

Founded in 1964, the Iowa Soybean Association is recognized for excellence in enhancing the long term sustainability of Iowa’s soybean farmers. Our mission is to expand opportunities and deliver results for soybean farmers to improve their competiveness. And our launch of the Iowa Food & Family Project in 2011 is generating greater confident and trust among food-minded Iowans in today’s farm and food system.

Iowa soybean farmers are also among the nation’s most productive. Last year, they grew more than 505 million bushels of soybeans, the third largest crop on record. This productivity goes hand-in-hand with environmental performance.

Last year, the soybean checkoff invested $1.2 million to support water quality activities which leveraged $1.4 million in additional federal, state and local funding. This investment supports 26 active ISA-led water quality projects and 17 water monitoring projects involving 115 farmers and 436 sites, 220 tile lines and 169 streams.

A few more interesting facts about soybeans and 2014 Iowa Soybean Production:

• 9.9 million acres of soybeans were planted
• 505.7 million bushels harvested
• Average yield was 51.5 bushels per acre
• Average market price was $10.10
• Value of Iowa soybean crop was $5.1 billion

Soybeans are used in:

• Whole soybean products
• Candy and confection
• Cookies
• Soy coffee
• Soynuts and edamame
• Traditional soyfoods including Miso, Natto, Soymilk, Tofu and Soy Sauce
• Anti-corrosive agents
• Diesel fuel
• Dust control agent
• Inks, printing
• Linoleum backing
• Protective coatings
• Liquid shortening
• Margarine
• Mayonnaise
• Salad dressing
• Sandwich spreads
• Cosmetics
• Baby food
• Cereals
• Aquaculture
• Bee foods
• Poultry feeds
• Swine feeds
• Asphalt emulsions
• Leather substitutes
• Dairy feed

For more information about soybeans, soy-based products and the ISA, go to www.iasoybeans.com.

A post I read yesterday on Facebook about the President talking in Kenya struck a chord with me. Farm broadcaster Trent Loos made the comment that in Kenya 35% of the kids under the age of five are stunted because their diets lack proper nutrients and 16% are under weight.

In contrast, Americans spend between $20 billion and $40 billion annually on fad diets and diet products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says nearly 1/3 of the U.S. food dollar is spent on eating out services.

Food is cheaper now in the U.S., taking a smaller percentage of our income, than any other time in history. Perhaps such a cheap food supply is leading to “food fights.” Instead of appreciating the great amount of food available at reasonable prices, many Americans are turning food production into a complicated topic.

Think about this… Most countries are poorer than America. I could just as easily been one born one of those starving kids in Africa. Yet I was born me and I’m glad to be me! I’m not rich but I certainly live better than most. I’ve been able to find work that I enjoy.

Rather than working to buy things we need or want, we have gotten to the point in this country where each one of us deserves the same things. Forty-seven percent of our population is on some type of welfare. Some people want to include cell phones and Internet access – like what I work to pay for – as part of those entitlements. Minimum wage is in the news again. Then there’s health insurance. (I won’t even go there today!) 

Back to where I started… poverty level across the world is considered to be an income of less than $1.25 a day. Let’s think about what we have and who we are. This is an amazing country with so many opportunities if we would only just appreciate what we have and work to earn it!

The U.S. House of Representatives last Thursday (July 23) passed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act with bi-partisan support. While this is great news for the seed industry, I’m concerned by the amount of misleading social media chatter and general “noise” this passage has created. I’m also concerned with headlines like “House Passes Anti-GMO Labeling Law.”

A headline of “House Supports Science-Based Labeling Standards” is more accurate, but I realize that not nearly as likely to draw in a reader. Since I have editorial control over TheFieldPosition, I’m going to take a few minutes and explain why Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds owners joined a group of representatives from the American Seed Trade Association last month to visit Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The ASTA is one of nearly 500 organizations that sent a letter to Congress in support of H.R. 1599.

Bottom line: The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act creates a uniform, science-based labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The bill also creates a standardized, voluntary “Non-GMO” labeling program under the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

During in-person visits, we asked our elected officials to support H.R. 1599 because:

• Mandatory GMO labeling goes into effect in July 2016 in Vermont so it is imperative that Congress address this issue soon. Consistent labeling is needed nationally to benefit consumers and companies alike. A patchwork of state-based labeling requirements sets up consumers for price variation as U.S. businesses would have to pass along costs from inconsistent labeling mandates when doing business across state lines.
• Unnecessary labeling would drive up food prices by as much as $500 a year for a family of four, according to a study by Cornell University Professor William Lesseri. It’s much more efficient to label “GMO-free” than “GMO” products because 80 percent of the U.S. foods people eat contain ingredients that have been genetically modified.
• Labeling “GMO” foods makes consumers unnecessarily fearful; GMOs have been an important part of our nation’s food supply for the past 20 years. The world’s leading health and regulatory bodies, from the World Health Organization to the American Medical Association, have all concluded GMOs are safe. No human has died from eating GMO foods, but death have been associated with organic foods.

“The bill isn’t about “simply preempting states’ rights” to label foods containing GMO’s,” as agvocate Ryan Goodman wrote July 24 on his I Am Agriculture Proud Facebook page. “HR 1599 creates consistency for a national food system and leads to a USDA-led certification for voluntary labeling, which should make label claims more consistent (see Section 291A – “The Secretary shall establish a voluntary genetically engineered food certification program…”)

If someone really wants to avoid GMO ingredients, they can use the Organic certification system that’s already in place. “Don’t force a mandatory system on the entire population when there are already tools available for use,” says Goodman. Touché!

We already have systems in place for people who prefer to have their food produced in a specific manner. So why add costly, burdensome and confusing mandatory regulations to the silent majority?

Attention now turns to the Senate where we expect a similar bill to be introduced this fall. You can bet we’ll be contacting our U.S. Senators, asking them to support uniform federal labeling standards. Stay tuned for TheFieldPosition to see what develops!

In the meantime, please do what you can to help consumers understand why farmers plant GMO seeds. The Peterson Brothers have done a good job explaining what GMOs are and are not; click on this link to Advocate for the [GMO] Truth.