Agricultural Survey

The first part of the survey project dealt with the farm/agriculture resources.  It involved developing a survey form and mailing it to the farmers.  I partnered with Palo Alto County ISU Extension and the USDA FSA to assist with mailing. 

Approximately 1500 surveys were mailed, less than 5% were returned.  However, those that were returned were completed in their entirety with photos.  While the percentage of returned surveys do not speak to the successfulness of the agricultural survey; the stories, history and learning opportunities, feedback and additional questions/interest that have been generated does and are evidence of the projects’ success. 

This part of the survey project was added after applying for grant funds.  I realized the importance of including the agricultural land in a county survey that is so heavily rural and concentrated on farming.  One farm was featured in “Historic Barns of Iowa” a publication done by Farm News.  This farm was highlighted as the Palo Alto County barn and also used as the front cover image!

This survey project was the first time that a survey of this type has been conducted in Palo Alto County for the farm/agricultural buildings.  A sample returned agricultural survey has been included.  It is representative of many phone conversations I had with property owners.

Click here to view a PDF of photos that show a sampling of the resources that were surveyed in each community.