Latinos are the fastest growing ethnicity of farmers in Iowa and across the U.S., and 3.7 percent of Iowa's total population. This case study of four Mexican immigrant farmers explores why and how they farm in Iowa, and how agricultural institutions can support them. I conducted in-depth interviews and observation, using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods framework in analysis. These farmers learned as children to tend livestock and butcher animals for home consumption. Each bought a small Iowa farmstead by assembling social, human and limited financial capital. They work off-farm fulltime, while on-farm producing meat, dairy, and/or vegetables for home consumption, and selling slaughter animals through networks of co-workers, friends and family. They are disconnected from farm agencies, and desire information in Spanish on regulations, production and marketing. This study suggests potential to develop institutional linkages that strengthen local food systems by building on Mexican immigrant farmer knowledge, practice and networks. 1 CHAPTER ONE IMMIGRANT FARMERS: CHANGE AND OPPORTUNITY Latinos are the largest and fastest growing group of minority farmers in Iowa and across the U.S. (National Agricultural Statistics Service 2002a). The total Latino population in Iowa quadrupled between 1980 and 2005, making Latinos the largest ethnic minority at 3.7 percent of the population (State Data Center of Iowa 2007). This thesis explores why and how Latino immigrants start farming in Iowa. Using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (SRL) framework, I argue that part-time farming can enhance Latino immigrant farmers' resilience to shocks and stresses related to having a low income and being an ethnic minority and newcomer in the Midwest. I focus on four immigrants from Mexico who farm part-time on 10 to 20 acres. These individuals have been able to enter farming on a small-scale; build healthy livestock herds; supply their households with vegetables, dairy and meats produced on-farm; and develop marketing networks, with little or no assistance from agricultural institutions. By several accounts, Latino farmers, especially immigrants, are not well connected to U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency, Iowa State University Extension, or other agricultural agencies. Capacity-building support from these organizations could expand the marketing and production capability of these farmers. Additionally, connections with non-governmental organizations, such as Iowa Network for Community Agriculture and Practical Farmers of Iowa, 1 could thrust Latino immigrant farmers into contact with other small-scale farmers and create opportunities for them to participate in the local food systems movement 2 in Iowa. Hinrichs (2003) points out that food 1 Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is a farmer organization whose mission is to develop and expand alternative production and marketing systems. Iowa Network of Community Agriculture (INCA) is a membership organization that connects farmers and consumers interested in promoting locally p...
