Editor's Note: Celebrate Good Times

Celebrate Good Times

This is the 20th issue of Fresh Pickings magazine! As a relatively new publication, its credibility with other agriculture, family and healthy living organizations has grown immensely. I believe this is due to the multitude of writers, photographers, content experts and partners collaborating and challenging each other to provide Iowans with engaging and informative features.

In 2018, during the planning stages for Fresh Pickings, we identified three main goals: Make agriculture more accessible, interesting and relevant to a consumer audience; inspire Iowans to explore the farming, community and food scenes beyond their front door; and reach new audiences while deepening relationships with existing audiences.

Over the past 20 issues, this publication has met, and I would argue, exceeded the above goals. By sharing stories of farmers who care deeply about their land and livestock, ag businesses developing new and innovative technologies, and local towns thriving because of their connection to agriculture, we’ve helped consumers connect further with the farming and agriculture community.

Previous magazine issues have invited readers to visit unique Iowa cities from Atlantic to Mason City, Dubuque to Decorah, and Pella to Cedar Rapids. Restaurants and small businesses are the heartbeat of Iowa, and readers have been introduced to hidden gems such as Pickle Creek Herbs, Fishback & Stephenson Cider House, West End Salvage, Dan and Debbie’s Creamery, and Dirt Road Candle Co.

Around our office, we love to take a moment to stop and celebrate accomplishments. In a fast-paced world, I don’t think we can do that enough. But we're not done!

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of stories to be told about how food, farming and agriculture make Iowa the most amazing place to live, work and play, and we can’t wait to bring them to you.

The stories in this issue are worth celebrating as well! Meet a farm family passionate about consumer engagement, and learn about a beef processing facility focusing on sustainability and animal care. Discover two small business owners who create connections through tea, and explore apparel brands with innovative uses for the two top-producing crops in Iowa. I hope these features will inspire readers to dive deeper and celebrate agriculture!

Enjoy the issue, Lydia Zerby