Iowa’s farmers are skilled business people, entrepreneurs and the most optimistic citizens I know. Each year, farmers plant another crop with the expectation of success despite challenges from weather, disease, pests and markets. Their resilience after a yield-robbing challenge models a kind of courage we need more of in today’s culture.

From crops, we find value-added agriculture opportunities enlivening our communities. Jobs created in the livestock, renewable fuels and related industries employ Iowans while we feed and fuel the world. The growth of non-traditional agricultural businesses in Iowa has created new industries including...