State Historical Society of Iowa

Kaestner Family at their Century Farm near Luzerne in Benton County, Iowa, August 8, 2016

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, Highsmith, Carol M., "The Kaestner family gathers on their Century Farm near Luzerne in Benton County, Iowa," 8 August 2016

Description

This photograph by Carol Highsmith shows the Kaestner family at their Century Farm near Luzerne in Benton County. Their farm, located in eastern Iowa and dates back to 1915, now grows prize corn and soybeans and includes a thriving seed business.

Transcript of NPR's Article "Seeds Of Change: Mini Gardens Help Drive The Growth Of Food At Home"

Source Dependent Questions

  • This farm has been in the Kaestner family for a 100 years or more, which is known as a Century Farm. Why would families hand down farmland from generation to generation? What does that indicate about farming?
  • Look at the signs in the photo near the corn: Wyfells Hybrids W7456 RIB. Hybrids are created by cross-pollinating two different, but related plants. Refer to the GMOs Are Safe article. How do hybrids and GMO compare? Which would you prefer to eat and why?

Citation Information

Highsmith, Carol M., "The Kaestner family gathers on their Century Farm near Luzerne in Benton County, Iowa," 8 August 2016. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress