Changes in Iowa Highlighted in Sociology Publication
David Peters, associate professor and extension rural sociologist at Iowa State University, looks at changes in Iowa’s demographic, cultural and social makeup over the last decade.
David Peters, associate professor and extension rural sociologist at Iowa State University, looks at changes in Iowa’s demographic, cultural and social makeup over the last decade.
Agritourism is a growing contributor to the travel and tourism sectors of the Iowa economy, with 275 farms reporting more than $4.3 million in total agritourism and recreational services income, according to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture. May 7 – 13, 2017 is National Travel and Tourism Week and there are a myriad of ways to take part in agribusinesses across the state.
It’s no secret that the farm economy has faced a downturn since its peak in 2012. But how has the downturn affected farmers, specifically related to their farm income and levels of farm debt? A new study by David Peters, associate professor and extension rural sociologist with Iowa State University, aims to directly answer those questions.
The market for livestock has been a bit of a rollercoaster over the last few years. Strong prices during 2014 and early 2015 have given way to lower prices that are more in line with what producers saw from 2010-13, says Lee Schulz, livestock economist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Iowa agriculture puts healthy, affordable food choices on the table of today’s consumers and it boosts county and state economies, according to a recently-completed economic analysis sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). As harvest takes place it is appropriate to note agriculture’s impact not only on the landscape, but on the state’s economy.