Real Talk with Beth Romer
Iowa is the largest producer of corn in the United States. Moreover, the state has more than 86,000 farms and about 30 million acres of farmland. It’s second only to California in total agricultural production. That’s no small feat.Â
In Iowa, farmers take great pride in producing food that feeds the nation. That’s why Beth Romer, who works at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, goes to the office each day. Romer is in charge of Choose Iowa, a program that helps the state’s farmers and retailers promote and expand their business.Â
Your Hot Job spoke with Romer about her work.
Explain the idea behind Choose Iowa.Â
Choose Iowa is all about connecting consumers to the foods, beverages, and [agriculture] products that are raised, grown, or made in Iowa. Choose Iowa is an initiative of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship that includes not only a logo and a brand, but also a grant program that supports important aspects of agriculture and helps farmers and [agriculture] businesses grow and reach new markets and consumers.
How did you become involved in the program? What made you the right fit?Â
Prior to joining the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and leading Choose Iowa, I lived in North Carolina and worked with the Got to Be NC program in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. My background in agriculture, combined with marketing expertise, plus my experience with another state brand program, provided an excellent foundation to develop and build Choose Iowa.
Do you have to be an expert in farming or retail?Â
Being an expert in farming or retail is not necessary for someone who wants to work promoting their state’s agricultural products. [An] interest in agriculture is necessary for success, however. Helpful skills include genuine curiosity, a willingness to learn and ask questions, strong oral and written communications skills, planning and budgeting, strong organizational proficiency, and compassion for those you work with and support. A marketing business degree is also helpful.
How did your previous experiences prepare you for this job?Â
I grew up on a fifth-generation farm in the Midwest where my family raised livestock and grain. This is where I learned to appreciate hard work and the joy of helping others. My career has included jobs in healthcare, higher education, the nonprofit sector, forestry, and also agriculture. Each job has built on the [last], and that has allowed doors to be opened to new opportunities.Â
What advice would you give those interested in agriculture marketing and promotion as a career? Â
I’d encourage them to seek out and talk with people who have jobs they may find interesting. Ask them what they enjoy about their career and what they know now that they wish they knew when they were getting started. Ask if their position has specific educational requirements, and also if they’ll let you job-shadow with them for a day or week so you can experience more of their job. You’ll be able to learn so much.
Is there one thing that you’re most proud of?Â
One Iowa farm family with a dairy shared with me how their farm was struggling several years ago, and they created a creamery in an attempt to save their farm. Now, 20 years later, it is a well-recognized brand in Iowa, and their kids, now grown, have decided to work full-time in the creamery. To continue, they need to replace older but critical equipment, and the new equipment is very expensive. After saving for numerous years, this family will now be able to upgrade their equipment through a Choose Iowa grant. This will enable them to transition their farm and creamery to the next generation, which is so exciting. I love to see family businesses and farms grow and thrive.
