This geographically vast five-county region is located in our nation's agricultural heartland. The thousands of farming families residing in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties contribute significantly to the nation's agricultural industry. Yet operations are challenged by the ever-changing political and economic climate for farming that is influenced by a range of issues—from increased agricultural industrialization to the flight of community youth to larger, urban cities. While most family farms have adapted to feed a widespread national food system, many of the towns throughout this hilly corner of northern Iowa have fewer than 300 residents and struggle with rural isolation.