Professor Leaves San Francisco Behind to Run Rural Iowa Farm
Are you hungry for a dynamic discussion about the current state of our food system? If so, mark your calendar and set your timer for an engaging evening with Author Beth Hoffman.
Hoffman will be in Dubuque on Monday, September 12, to discuss her book, "Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America." This event will provide plenty of food for thought on the modern era's social and economic realities of farming.
Beth Hoffman will share the story about her move from an Urban California lifestyle with her husband to take over the "family farm" in rural Lovilia, Iowa, and their efforts to sell food direct to consumers.
Her book, "Bet the Farm," chronicles the struggle through Beth's eyes as a beginning farmer. Learn first-hand how she contends with her father-in-law. He is reluctant to hand over control of the land.
There are also the physical and emotional realities of becoming modern-day farmers. Hoffman shares the perils of farming today and the personal exploration of finding more just and sustainable ways of producing food.
The free public event is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, September 12, at the Alumni Lecture Hall, Clarke University, 1550 Clarke Dr.
Hoffman's visit is hosted by State Rep. Chuck Isenhart, Convivium Urban Farmstead, the Dubuque County Food Policy Council, and Dr. Sunil Malapati of Clarke University, head of the Clarke Nutrition and Food Science program.
The author is a board member of the Iowa Farmers Union. She has reported on food and agriculture for over twenty-five years, airing on National Public Radio, The World, Latino USA, Living on Earth, and others.
Hoffman has also contributed to a blog for Forbes as the Hungry Hack. Additionally, she studied our current food system in depth as a student, fellow, and co-lecturer at UC Berkeley's School of Journalism.
Hoffman has completed several documentary projects, including a year of cooking with immigrant women in their homes and telling their stories. In addition, the author was an Associate Professor in Media Studies at the University of San Francisco for six years.
It's sure to be an engaging and insightful evening at Clarke University with Author Beth Hoffman.