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From the Blog

  • Family Fishing Night

    Summer days are met with much excitement and anticipation. Warmer weather, hours of daylight, friend and family gatherings to look forward to… But

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  • The Great Garden Escape

    On warm, sunny days – as springtime stretches into summer – the garden is where I long to be. Clad in my bib overalls. Hands in the soil. Taking

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  • Hidden Jewels of My Hometown

    If you asked me about the hidden jewels of my hometown – West Bend, IA. – I could tell you about the small town charm of the old-fashioned soda

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About

Farm girl. Storyteller. Lifelong Learner. 

My roots are in Iowa agriculture. I grew up on a farm near West Bend, Iowa, where my family raised almost every livestock species you would imagine belonged in “Old McDonald’s” barn.

My passion for agriculture grew through my involvement in 4-H and later during my education at Iowa State University where I pursued a double major in agricultural communications and journalism, a Master’s in agricultural education and a Ph.D. in agricultural education with a research focus in agricultural communications.

I am equally passionate about writing as I am about agriculture. I love crafting stories through the lens of farmers and their families, and capturing the spirit and traditions of small-town living.

My love for storytelling inspired me to create my blog, “Farm Roots and Chore Boots”. Through this platform, I hope to impart my passion for agriculture, share my farm story and inspire others to find their voice.

Haley Banwart

Farm Roots and Chore Boots Manifesto

I believe in passion with a purpose, in the art of storytelling through the power of the written word. I believe in keeping traditions alive and celebrating the seasons – both in nature and in life. I believe in taking joy in the little things, in recognizing growth and illuminating the beauty of things the eye can’t see. I believe in being bold and cultivating an authentic voice. And in being brave enough to speak from the heart. I believe in practicing mindfulness, in intentional time to escape and reflect. Then seizing those moments to create words that empower, narratives that nourish, and stories that inspire.