By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University’s Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, located near Kanawha, Iowa, is celebrating its 95th anniversary. As the oldest of 14 off-campus research farms managed by Iowa State, it has played a key role in agricultural research, education, and community engagement since 1930.
Originally focused on crops like sugar beets, the farm has grown into a hub for long-term research on soil fertility and crop micronutrient response, with experiments dating back to the 1960s and 1980s. It continues to help improve farming practices in Iowa and beyond.
This year’s celebration includes the opening of a new building. The structure features a welcoming lobby, offices, a small meeting room, a large flexible space, and a kitchenette. It is used for various events, including Planter University, association meetings, and extension workshops.
The heated and air-conditioned space has already served the community—most recently as a venue for a local graduation party.
“The farm is almost part of the town of Kanawha,” said Kendall Lamkey of Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “That connection is one of the most important aspects of its mission.”
The farm was founded during the Great Depression when the Kanawha Chamber of Commerce and 400 local residents raised funds to buy 85 acres. With the help of the North Central Iowa Research Association, it was leased to Iowa State in 1931. Today, it includes 173 acres of cropland and research plots.
The farm hosted its first field day in 1932. These events are still held regularly to share research results and gather feedback from local farmers.
“This farm demonstrates real-world applications of research,” said plant pathologist Alison Robertson. “It helps us deliver solutions directly to Iowa producers.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture