Participants also visited a local orchard and drone operation, learning about agricultural opportunities in rural Iowa.

Omaha-area residents interested in learning more about where their food comes from got a taste of rural Iowa last month through an innovative agritourism program designed to showcase the heart of Midwest communities and the evolution of agriculture to those who may be unfamiliar with the cutting-edge advancements happening across Iowa.

Evolution of the Heartland hosted immersive agritourism events in four Iowa communities this summer and fall, including one in Stanton Sept. 12, where participants toured a hydroponic farming operation, winery and orchard, the Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center and a drone company specializing in aerial photography and videography as well as surveying, mapping and product application.

Visitors traveled to DeWitt in July, with an additional experience in Coon Rapids Sept. 26 and a virtual tour...