Agriculture is one of the most important industries in the United States. Everyone on campus benefits from a byproduct of agriculture every single day, yet students know very little about it. At colleges without agricultural programs, like Simpson, students will never get the chance to discuss topics surrounding agriculture in the classroom. In Iowa, we know we are surrounded by corn and soybean fields, but the lack of education is causing a disconnect between students and the industry we are surrounded by. 

Now, I understand it is not a career path everyone wants to pursue, but the disconnect between farm and table is growing. The Simpson Core curriculum required to graduate includes classes with titles such as “Local Studies” or “Historical Inquiry,” yet there is no required exposure to agriculture. I believe understanding the systems used to produce our food, fuel and everyday materials should be just as relevant as other core curriculum required to graduate.

Agriculture is often thought of as just farming, but the impact spreads a lot further than our dinner tables. The corn grown in Iowa is used for more than 4,000 products, which find a spot in more isles than just the produce aisle.

Corn can be found in anything, from toothpaste to fireworks, diapers or makeup products. Corn and other agricultural products are silently found in many areas of our modern life, and we all rely on them without even knowing. 

When we drive home for break, or even just to Des Moines for a shopping day, we pass fields and without proper knowledge, we will never know where the product of those fields ends up. The industry feels so distant, as we are not getting the education or exposure to it, even in a state like Iowa when it feels as though corn fields are on every corner.

I do not think everyone needs to pursue an agricultural career or degree, but I feel turning agriculture into a common conversation topic throughout campus or in the classroom would be beneficial to all students and staff. Whether you are studying in a business field or a biology field, you interact with agriculture everyday, and more knowledge and understanding around it would be beneficial to everyone.

Whether you grew up on a farm or in the middle of a city, we are all consumers of agricultural products and byproducts. From the food we eat, the fuel we use and many products we use throughout the day, we can find a trace of agriculture in all of them. By becoming more informed consumers, we will be further connected to the industry we all rely on.