State Historical Society of Iowa

"An Essay on the 80’s Des Moines: A World Food Center for the Nation," November 26, 1982

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Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Gerlach, Gary G., 26 November 1982

Description

This paper was written by Gary G. Gerlach and was presented at a meeting of the Prairie Club of Greater Des Moines. In this letter, Gerlach described the success of agriculture and advancements in Iowa. He outlined the monetary value of Iowa’s two main cash crops, corn and soybeans, as well as the value of the livestock industry in Iowa. In addition, Gerlach points out that Iowa has led the world in new farming methods and technologies, and praises the work at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Finally, the writer asked questions and made predictions about the future role of agriculture in the world and Iowa’s role in it.

Full Transcript of "An Essay on the 80’s Des Moines: A World Food Center for the Nation"

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Source-Dependent Questions

  • At the bottom of page two and three, what two crops are mentioned that are grown in Iowa in large quantities?
  • Where did Iowa rank in livestock production, and what are the two major livestock animals produced?
  • On page five, what Iowa agriculture products are sold around the world? Where are they sold?
  • On page six, Gerlach outlined four key points. What is the underlying theme of these points? What seems to be his view of the future of agriculture?
  • On page seven, Gerlach asked a series of questions. What do the questions suggest Gerlach is thinking about for the future of agriculture and Iowa’s role?