Field Notes – Iowa Energy Bills Draw Attention

Feb 20, 2025

By Cynthia Farmer

Growing up on my family’s 60-cow dairy farm in northeast Iowa shaped me into the person I am today. When I have the chance, I enjoy traveling back to the farm to feed calves, milk cows, and help with planting and harvesting crops.

As a young girl, I recognized the importance of hard work and dedication to the farm and the communities supported by the local economy. Understanding the impact of vibrant and resilient rural communities has come to the forefront of my “why” on a daily basis. With that, I’m grateful to be on a team at the Center for Rural Affairs that prioritizes similar passions of mine.

I graduated from Iowa State University in 2021, with a double major in agriculture and society and dairy science. Outside of work, I contribute to our central Iowa-based Young Professionals in Agriculture group as the programming chair. In my free time, you’ll find me spending time with my husband, gardening, putting together puzzles, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.

Learn more about Cynthia on our blog.

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Video: Home Grown Ontario Tulips

Ontario’s flower sector is blooming ??

With more than $1 billion in farmgate sales and over $650 million in annual exports—much of it centred in the Niagara region—Ontario growers are a major force in Canada’s floriculture industry. In fact, the province produces roughly 50% of all flowers grown in the country, serving a market of over 100 million consumers within a one-day drive.

It’s a powerful example of how strategic location, cross-border access, and strong production capacity come together to support both local agriculture and global markets ??

?? Watch as Andrew Morse, Executive Director of Flowers Canada, shares insights and the full story behind Ontario’s tulip industry and its thriving flower sector.