Apples in Iowa

This cultural event is free and open to the public and helps celebrate Iowa history and apple production. The first 500 people in attendance will receive a copy of the newly release My Family’s Apple Farm book written by children’s author Katie Olthoff. Activities will include a book signing, tours of the apple orchard, workshops on grafting and apple tree care, hands on activities explaining pollination, apple taste testing, and more.

The event is being supported by a Cultural Heritage Project Grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The Cultural Heritage Project Grants create opportunities for cultural growth in Iowa by investing in community projects that positively impact the cultural vitality of the state, demonstrate public value and support quality jobs for Iowans. Cultural heritage is defined as the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including: customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values.

Winterset, Iowa and Madison Co. are home to famous Iowa apple farmer Jesse Hiatt. Hiatt was known for developing the Hawkeye apple which was later renamed the Red Delicious. The event will feature information on Hiatt presented by the Madison County Historical Society.

“Iowa has a history of apple production including Hiatt’s Hawkeye variety, the Lane apple tree stock farm, and many more,” said Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation executive director, Will Fett. “This event will help connect Iowans with that history and help them understand how apples are still produced in Iowa today.”

Attendees will also get to meet the family featured in the My Family’s Apple Farm book as well as the author. There will be a book reading and an autograph signing session. Attendees will get to tour the cidery, tour the orchard, taste ciders, and participate in learning stations throughout the afternoon.

Funding for the Cultural Heritage Project Grant program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council on behalf of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Winterset Cidery is located at 1638 Hwy. 169 in Winterset, Iowa – approximately 30 minutes southwest of Des Moines. It is along the famed Covered Bridges of Madison County trail. For more information about this event, the My Family’s Apple Farm book, or other resources please contact info@iowaagliteracy.org.

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IALF serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers who want to teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. The mission is to educate Iowans, with a focus on youth, regarding the breadth and global significance of agriculture. Iowa is a leading producer of agricultural products that are essential to feed a growing world population, estimated to reach more than 9 billion by 2050. IALF believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. IALF will support existing agriculture education efforts such as FFA, 4-H and Ag in the Classroom. IALF was created through a joint effort of agricultural stakeholders, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Silos and Smokestacks Foundation, DuPont Pioneer, GROWMARK, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. For more information visit IALF online at IowaAgLiteracy.org, on Facebook, and Twitter.

Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation

Will Fett, Executive Director

Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation

WFett@IowaAgLiteracy.org

515-331-4182

5/1/2019