On Oct. 4, 1979, Pope John Paul II addressed a crowd of several hundred thousand assembled at Living History Farms about the interrelated issues of farming, environment and community. In his words, the pope called for gratitude to God for the gift of working with the land, stewardship to protect the soil, water and air for future generations, and generosity toward the hungry, the poor and the disadvantaged in sharing the bounty of the land. In a term that is more common today than 30 years ago, the pope called for a sustainable agricultural system.

The Holy Father came to the right place to deliver his message. Iowa exemplifies where land and communities are inextricably linked through farming. Iowa is almost unique as a place where fertile soil, favorable climate, mechanical innovation, advanced genetics and skilled farmers all converge. … Read More