Entrepreneurial Agriculture

A new kind of farmer is looking beyond Iowa’s corn and soybean fields.

Farming in Iowa is more than corn and soybeans.  Seventy-five years ago Iowa’s farms sold a large number of different products including peaches, cherries, apples, barley, raspberries, turkeys, sorghum, geese, and watermelon.  Today we import the vast majority of these foods.  In fact, according to the “Food, Fuel, and Freeways” report issued by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture in 2001, our food travels an average of 1,500 miles before it reaches our plates.  The current system of food distribution requires an environmentally costly investment in petroleum and reduces the quality and nutrition of our food.  In addition, this distribution system means that dollars are being lost from our communities. Opportunities exist to produce for local markets. Demands for specialty and locally grown vegetables, flowers, grain, livestock, and related products has increased in recent years.  This, in turn, has prompted the development of the Sustainable and Entrepreneurial Agriculture (SEA) program at Marshalltown Community College. The SEA program offers diverse farmers unique opportunities. This program is the first of its kind in the Midwest.

In addition, Iowa Valley Continuing Education is offering a variety of adult and continuing education entrepreneurial agriculture programs to meet the needs of the Central Iowa agricultural community. 

Successful sustainable agriculture is economically profitable, ecologically sound, and community-based. It employs practices that reflect an attitude of respect for the land, humane treatment of livestock, and a healthy environment for the human communities in which they exist.  Farmers trained in the practices of sustainable agriculture can take advantage of emerging markets in local food by producing niche agriculture crops and using entrepreneurial business and marketing skills.

IVCE’s Entrepreneurial Agriculture

A variety of interesting and informative short courses are offered throughout the year.  Presenters include local farmers and entrepreneurial agriculture experts, as well as specialists from other areas of the state and country.

• Practical information about local food production, environmental stewardship, small business planning, and other topics of interest.

• Link to current IVCE classes being offered this season.

• For more information contact Jean Brownlie, Director of Family & Consumer Science & Agriculture Programs, at (641) 752-4645 or toll-free in Iowa 1-800-284-IVCE or e-mail Jean.Brownlie@iavalley.edu.

MCC’s Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Agriculture

This new and unique program offers you the chance to learn sustainable farming techniques and effective small business strategies.

• Practical knowledge to train a new generation of farmers in local food production, environmental stewardship, and small business planning.

• Hands-on experience with Central Iowa farmers practicing sustainable agriculture, vegetable production, and certified organic farming.

• Numerous degree and certification options: Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Arts (two-year degrees), as well as Certification (one-year program).  These programs encompass a variety of MCC courses.

• For more information contact Dr. Linda Barnes, SEA Program Coordinator, at (641) 752-7106 or toll-free in Iowa 1-866-MCC-IS-IT, ext. 252 or e-mail Linda.Barnes@iavalley.edu.

• Additional information about Marshalltown Community College can be found on the MCC website: MCCAdmissions.com. 

Become part of an environmentally sound movement to enhance local food systems. Grow Iowa!

“A sustainable agriculture does not deplete soils or people." – Wendell Berry

Our Partners

MCC’s SEA program has been made possible by financial support from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Carl D. Perkins Act, and others.

The following individuals are members of MCC’s SEA Board of Advisors and provide general guidance for program development and implementation:

• Brian Heithoff – General Manager for Consumer's Energy • Member of Chamber for Ag Business Task Force in Marshall County

• Clare Hinrichs – Associate Professor in Sociology at ISU • Teaches in sustainable agriculture and environmental studies • Directed research on food system changes in Marshall County

• Shellie Orngard – Program Coordinator for the Life in Iowa program that connects the classroom to the community • Editor of Renewing the Countryside

• Rich Pirog – Marketing and Food Systems Research Program leader at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture • Value Chain Partnerships for a Sustainable Agriculture Project Director

• Carol R. Smith – National Catholic Rural Life • Member of Iowa Network for Community Agriculture (INCA)

• Margaret Smith – Iowa State University Extension Sustainable/Value Added Agriculture • Farms in Hamilton County • Member Practical Farmers of Iowa

• Mark Tjelmeland – On Board of Directors for Practical Farmers of Iowa • experience in raising and marketing chickens • Raises prairie seed to sell

• Sally Wilson – Marshall County Extension Director • Farm owner • Offers horse riding lessons • Develops and implements Marshall County Conservation’s Uncle Ike Nature programs for children