1930's

At the beginning of its publication, the magazine was being printed under the title, Iowa Farm Economist, and as the name suggests most articles printed were related to the economics of agriculture such as the costs associated with crop production, land value, land maintenance, and livestock markets.

OCTOBER 1935

“Future Demand for Corn ”
Geoffrey S. Shepherd explains the impact the First World War had on the Corn Belt. Shepherd explains that, “Before the war we produced more than two-thirds of the world’s corn…Now we produce a little more than half.” Shepherd found that the reason for this is a decline in the number of horses and mules. 86% of the corn crop goes toward feeding livestock, horses and mules previously consumed 17% of that and now only consume 11%.

“Pasture-An Important Iowa Crop ”
Iowa is known mostly as a corn state, but as the Iowa Farm Economist found nearly as much land is devoted to pastures as to corn. Pasture is valuable to Iowa land because it provides a source of fiber for the state’s large livestock population and also aids in soil maintenance. Studies of topography have found that pastures are most important in southern Iowa because the topography is weaker.

APRIL 1936

“Soil Conservation Program”
In light of the 1936 Soil Conservation act, Walter W. Wilcox of Iowa State College provided Iowa farmers with common-sense advice on good farming practices that employ soil conservation methods without damaging profit.

JULY 1936

“Soil Fertility and Erosion Prevention ”
Iowa State College asked a group of farmers in each county to work out a crop and livestock system that would maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion. Herbert G. Folken and Randall T. Klemme explained many positive effects this program had on Iowa farmers and the use of their land.

APRIL 1937

"All Risk Crop Insurance"
E.L. Cady, Bureau of Agriculture’s Senior Agricultural Economist, presented an article that covered idea of an all-risk crop insurance plan. The insurance plan would provide reimbursement for drought and other farming hazards. Eventually, a bill, which embodied the principles of the plan, was introduced by Senator James Pope and set before congress.