Gravel roads and waving cornstalks may not compare to beaches and waving palm trees, but it's hard to beat Iowa for putting out the welcome mat. Delate said she certainly has been welcomed in a state clamoring for information on organic agriculture. You don't see that in other states.
Farmers here have a real appreciation for extension.
In 1995, Iowa had about 13,000 acres of organic crops. In '97, the number had risen to 62,000 acres on 175 farms. Last year, acreage rocketed to 120,000 acres on nearly 700 farms. The No. 1 constraint for organic production is fertile land, and Iowa is rich in that. When it doesn't rain like crazy, like it has at times this summer, you can easily control weeds with cultivation.