Iowa: A Visual Investigation of Changing Land-Use and the Ecosystems of Industrial Food Production

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Bedrock Dem

Bedrock Dem

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Elevation slope

Elevation slope

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Soil that requires tile drainage for optimal agronomic yields

Soil that requires tile drainage for optimal agronomic yields

This project investigates the complex and dynamic history, and current state of Iowa’s environmental and social ecosystems so as to contribute to broader discussions of environment, sustainability and industrial agriculture. We are currently expressing our collected data as maps, spanning from changing hydrology, pesticide use, soil erosion and beyond. The project is imagined as resulting in a general audience exhibition and associated public programming.

The specific research focus of this project engages with changing land-use practices that are initiatied and supported by industrial agriculture. We look at the farming practices of corn, soybeans and hog-operations. This includes, research into the flow of inputs and outputs of pesticide use, antibiotic ingestion, soil erosion, and naturally incorporates an examination of waterways. We continue our research into the socio-economic realm of food consumption and the effects of industrial agriculture on both local communities and the wider American and global consumers who rely on Iowa as the foundation of their food supplies.

In its initial stages, we are accepting donations to fund this project to fruition. For more information, please email isd@cooper.edu.

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