Franklin County farmer Val Plagge can see the future laid out before her — or rather, sitting in the living room, playing make-believe while watching cartoons.

As a mom of two children, and a third child on the way in January, Plagge says she does whatever she can to support the rural north Iowa community where her kids are growing up.

"Franklin County is my home, and it’s the future for my kids," says Plagge, 30, watching...