Growth of Agriculture and Technology in Iowa - a timeline of technology, change and the impact on the agricultural industry in Iowa

By JFonse9

  • Development of Corn as a major produce item in Iowa

    Among other produce, corn became one of the most common produce grown in Iowa. Railroads connecting Iowa and the east coast increased demand for corn. Source: Iowa’s Corn and Agriculture Industry. (2022, January 28). IDCA. https://iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/iowas-corn-and-agriculture-industry#:%7E:text=Iowa%27s%20Corn%20and%20Agriculture%20Industry%20Emergence%20of%20Modern,Iowa%20leads%20the%20United%20States%20in%20corn%20production.

  • Introduction of horse drawn plows

    The mid 1800's saw the invention of the horse drawn plows. Invented by John Deere, the steel plow increased the production of corn and harvesting possibilities, while reducing the demand on human labor. Source: Iowa’s Corn and Agriculture Industry. (2022, January 28).

  • Invention of motor operated tractors

    Technology continued to develop in the late 1800's with the invention by John Froelich of the motor tractor, more efficiently run using gasoline. This technology continued to change the scope of production of corn in Iowa, allowing for larger fields to be planted and harvested with a lower reliance on human labor. Source: Iowa’s Corn and Agriculture Industry. (2022, January 28).

  • Improved Chemical Technology

    The end of World War II in 1945 saw the development and creation of chemical technology, including fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides. This technology helped boost the capabilities of farms to increase production of corn. Source:
    Anderson, J. L. (2016). Industrializing the Corn Belt: Agriculture, Technology, and Environment, 1945–1972 (1st ed.). Northern Illinois University Press.

  • Genetic Modification of Corn

    The 1960's saw an increase of scientific developments and the use of technology to improve the types of corn and produce being grown and harvested in Iowa. This allowed farmers to select different types of corn to grow, from corn to feed livestock (field corn) to corn used to create fuel in ethanol, and corn produced for consumption.

    Source: Iowa’s Corn and Agriculture Industry. (2022, January 28). IDCA.

  • Record set for corn harvesting in Iowa

    Through the development of technology, the use of mechanical plows, tractors, and combines to be able to harvest larger amounts of corn, saw Iowa set a new record for the amount of corn produced in a season, with a total harvest of 2.7 bushels of corn harvested in 2016.
    Source: Iowa’s Corn and Agriculture Industry. (2022b, January 28). IDCA. https://iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/iowas-corn-and-agriculture-industry

  • Current day

    With the invention and implementation of technology, plows and corn picking machines allowing for greater production also resulted in reduction of hired labor. While production and export of produce increased, employment declined, having an impact on rural communities that depend on production and employment opportunity. Source: Innovation in Agriculture. (2022, January 28). IDCA. https://iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/innovation-agriculture