Saturday, March 7, 2015

Why I Choose to Live in Rural America

On Wednesday I had the opportunity and privilege to meet with Iowa's Lt. Governor, Kim Reynolds, and twelve other women in agriculture for a round table discussion as part of the Lt. Governor's state-wide tour with women leaders (#kimtours99).  The group talked about several issues including regulations, the importance of high speed internet for rural areas, and young farmer credits and programs.


One underlying theme of the luncheon's conversation was providing opportunities for young people to stay, work and live in rural Iowa.  I am proud that I grew up in rural Iowa and continue to live, work and play in rural Iowa.  But I acknowledge that not everyone is doing this, as we see school consolidations, abandoned store fronts, and fewer grocery stores.  So why do I choose to live in rural America?

The main and first reason is because My Farmer and I obviously farm, but we were encouraged to come back home.  I feel like a lot of high school seniors are advocated to leave their hometown and to find opportunity in the "big city".  Why do people do that?  We should be encouraging our youth to come back as doctors, to plumbers, to farmers.

People feel that there are limited jobs in rural America but I think because of the entrepreneurship spirit of its citizens, there are endless possibilities.  Rural America is the perfect place to get inspired to start your own business.  Since much of rural America has a strong agriculture sector - think of the potential businesses that are needed to help make agriculture more efficient.  In fact, there are a group of young men in Iowa that just won the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge with their ScoutPro businesses, an electronic crop scouting program.  With quality internet (which is something the group talked to the Lt. Governor about) people are able to work and build their own businesses from home.

Lastly, the thing I probably like the most about rural America is the sense of community.  I have family members that live in larger cities, and yes, they know at least a couple of their neighbors and will attend the neighborhood block party (if there even is one), but rural America has a huge reach. I consider people that live miles away my neighbors.  We help each other out, even if we don't know each other that well.  I am so proud of my community so that is why I volunteer so much.  I also strive to support my local businesses.  Many people in rural America see volunteerism and supporting local as high priorities, so that just adds to the feeling of community.

Do you live in rural America?  What ideas do you have to support and grow rural America?  What advice do you have for young people who are living or want to live in rural America?  Remember to Comment for a Cause!

Be sure to check out Shannon and Katie's takes on the meeting with Iowa's Lt. Governor too.

13 comments:

  1. I never really thought much about rural America until we moved here and I got connected with all you wonderful Ag people. Even though my grandparents were farmers it wasn't really a huge part of my life except when I visited them. You have some really great roots here and it is obvious what a great community exists in rural America. Glad I got to experience it!

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    1. I'm glad you came to Iowa Beth Ann. I think the heritage and family legacy of rural America is amazing.

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  2. I grew up in a huge city and I love living in rural America! I don't ever want to go back to city life.

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    1. I love to hear that Donna. What do you like most about living in rural America?

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  3. I live in rural Alabama and we love it. We do have neighbors but only can see their house. Our little town is just two miles away but where I live you would not know a town is near and that is what makes it great.

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    1. I too find the wide open spaces peaceful. Our nearest neighbors are a mile away and are my in-laws :)

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  4. A million times yes.

    I'm a rural girl now living in Austin and I long for the sense of community you can only find in rural America. I personally believe as technology and remote opportunities grow, rural opportunities will as well.

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    1. I agree Brooke! I really fill that technology is helping people "come back home."

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    2. I agree too! I recently moved back to my family farm in rural Iowa after obtaining a Ph.D. in Florida. I never dreamed I'd be able to have a career in my field anywhere close to home but a remote position has made it possible to fulfil both dreams.

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    3. That is great to hear Kerry! I'm happy that you're able to fulfill both of your dreams. :)

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  5. I like the fact that I live in Rural America and I am in the middle of EVERYTHING. I can get away to chaos and fun and return to my little peaceful life in Iowa.

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    1. I like to say that too - rather than living in the middle of nowhere, we live in the middle of everything :)

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  6. Thank you for giving valuable information.keep it Updates because your content is really fascinating and motivating.

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