More than 50 business and community leaders got a firsthand look at Iowa agriculture June 18 as part of the Marion Chamber’s inaugural From Field to Fork: The Ag Impact, a new educational initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the business and agricultural communities.
The half-day event began with a behind-the-scenes tour of Interstate Swine LLC, a modern wean-to-market pork operation near Walker, Iowa, owned by Todd and Denise Wiley. Attendees suited up in protective biosecurity gear before entering the barn, getting a close look at the practices modern livestock operations use to safeguard animal health.
The group then traveled to the Zumbach family farm outside Coggon for lunch and a moderated panel discussion.
The Marion Chamber created From Field to Fork to help business leaders better understand the people, partnerships and processes that move food from producer to consumer. Organizers said the experience was designed to highlight the innovation, investment and collaboration driving Iowa’s agricultural economy.
“Agriculture is one of the industries that drives Iowa’s economy, yet many business leaders have never had the opportunity to see modern production firsthand,” said Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber president in a written statement. “From Field to Fork was created to build understanding, strengthen relationships, and connect our business community with the people who help feed the world.”
The panel discussion following the farm tour examined the pork industry’s supply chain from multiple angles. Panelists included Todd Wiley of Interstate Swine, Trish Cook of the National Pork Producers Council, TJ Filip of Hills Bank, Bailey Mauer of Edgewood Locker and Jimmy Thomsen of Hy-Vee Marion. Ben Isaacson of Growthland moderated the discussion, which covered modern pork production, agricultural lending, processing, retail trends, public policy and the future of Iowa agriculture.
“We saw this as an opportunity to show what modern pig farming looks like,” Mr. Wiley said. “Attendees left with a new respect for the systems and redundancy in place that pig farmers use on a daily basis to provide the best care and environment possible for our pigs.”
From Field to Fork was presented by Growthland. The Chamber said the event reflects its ongoing commitment to connecting area businesses, fostering collaboration and creating educational experiences that strengthen the Marion area and the industries that power Iowa’s economy.
Following the inaugural event’s success, the Marion Chamber plans to continue the From Field to Fork series, with future installments exploring additional sectors of Iowa agriculture.
