Evolution of the Heartland comes to Stanton

The Stanton community was host to a unique agritourism event, ‘Evolution of the Heartland on Sept. 12. This immersive experience showcases the heart of America’s rural communities and the evolution of agriculture to those who are unfamiliar with rural Iowa and especially agriculture, as well as those who have an interest in learning more about the innovative ag advancements in the state.
Stanton Community Development Director Jenna Ramsay said  officials filled out an application in early 2024 and went through the application process to be selected to participate. Attendees were from Red Oak, Stanton, West Des Moines, Lenox, Chariton, Creston, Urbandale, Des Moines, Corning, Atlantic, and Omaha, Neb.
Visitors had morning tours of Fika & Folklore at Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center, and Hydroponic Harvest at True Foods, as well as Main Street Business Exploration, Fruits of the Land at Whitetail Valley Cellars Technology and Innovation –drone demonstration at Stanton Technology Park, followed by additional Technology and Innovation with a 3-D Printer presentation at FMTC.
Ramsay shared what she thought  the attendees most enjoyed about the visit.
“It is always an experience to see what Southwest Iowa has to offer. It was also a great opportunity to learn about new things,” said Ramsay.
The Evolution of the Heartland Tour is designed to showcase what’s happening in rural Iowa today and highlight how agriculture has been a catalyst for entrepreneurial mindsets who believe in growing their dreams and contributing to the greater common good.
These one-day events draw people to the rural Iowa to learn about agriculture, small business, and how small communities are thriving.
Ramsay said she enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and network. She also said the event wouldn’t have been possible without a lot of help.
“The Stanton Community Foundation, Iowa Corn, Midamerican Energy Company, Red Oak Chrysler, Montgomery County Farm Bureau, SWCC, and Aureon all helped make the event possible,” Ramsay said. “I also want to express my appreciation to Tim Johnson and the Stanton Old Lumber Yard Event Center, Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center, True Foods, Fika Coffee Hus and Bakery, Gibbs Chophouse, Whitetail Valley Cellars, Dan Vennerberg and FMTC, and Mike Dreyer with Dreyer Brothers Drones, Mickey Anderson, Stanton Mayor Matt Kutzli,and Cathy Hart.“
An event was also held in DeWitt on July 25, while Manning and Coon Rapids are the final Iowa towns participating this year.