Editor's Note: 730 Days of Food & Farming

This winter marks my second year with the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP). And while this job pushes me out of my comfort zone every single day, I’m thankful for the past two years of learning about modern agriculture.

It’s been 730 humbling days of asking questions, piecing together the food chain in a way that is meaningful for consumers like me – a born and raised ‘city girl.’ With a majority of people now three generations removed from the farm, these experiences have taught me that we can all learn from today’s farmers.

Surprisingly enough, words like farrow, ration, cover crops, heifer, bushel and water quality are now a part of my daily vocabulary! What I’ve learned is that these words all have one thing in common. It’s the heartfelt passion of every farmer who brings these terms to life in a meaningful way for consumers like you and me.

I’m thankful for these farmers who have welcomed me into their homes, patiently answered my never-ending stream of questions and addressed my misconceptions of the food system. The more I’ve learned, the more confident I feel at the grocery store and the prouder I feel about our state’s leadership in growing and raising food.

And most importantly, I’m thankful that I can share my perspective with readers like you.

Each year, Iowa FFP conducts a Consumer Pulse Survey. We survey more than 600 Iowans who are the primary grocery shoppers in their household to get feedback on food purchasing habits and attitudes toward agriculture. This group’s demographics closely represent our state’s population.

In this year’s survey, 78% of respondents are satisfied with Iowa agriculture; 56% think about how food is grown and raised; and 83% find front-of-package food marketing misleading. You can find a full summary of results on our website.

These survey findings, along with your direct feedback throughout the year, helps guide Iowa FFP’s approach to events, partnerships and editorial throughout the year.

And selfishly, your feedback will help guide my next 365 days of learning and exploring Iowa’s countryside. I can’t wait to continue sharing what I learn with you.

Enjoy the issue,

Editor | Fresh Pickings Magazine

To view the full spread, view this magazine in your internet browser on your phone, tablet or desktop.