Rural Vitality
Iowa Select Farms has nearly 800 swine farms across this state. Our employees live in these towns. Their kids go to these schools. When we invest in rural Iowa, we’re investing in the people we work alongside every single day.
Why It Matters
Rural Iowa faces real headwinds. Schools stretch to serve shrinking student populations. Libraries fight for resources. Young families weigh whether to stay. The Foundation doesn’t pretend those challenges aren’t real.
But we also know rural Iowans. And they are — without exception — the most resourceful, most generous, most tenacious people we have ever worked alongside. Our job isn’t to rescue rural Iowa. Our job is to invest in it.
Keeping Iowa's Rural Communities Strong, One Program at a Time
Farm to Frontline
When an emergency happens, rural first responders are often the first to show up. Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel work hard to protect their neighbors and communities, often with limited resources. Through Farm to Frontline, we help support the people and departments that keep rural Iowa safe and strong.
Henry’s Heroes
Named for Henry Johnson — Jeff and Deb’s grandson — Henry’s Heroes is a program that changes every year to meet a specific need in Iowa’s rural communities. STEM carts for small-town libraries. Bilingual books for elementary schools. Dream Kits for kids in crisis. The project evolves. The commitment doesn’t.
