Sunday, March 21, 2010

With a Plow in His Rear


The title of this blog, With a Plow in His Rear, is the wording used to describe the state seal of Iowa. This description was recently challenged by Rep. Ray Zirkelbach who proposed a bill that would change the wording. Apparently a plow in his rear means something different today than it did 163 years ago. Regardless of what the description says or means, the image of plow was a central theme to the state of Iowa when it was founded and remains a symbol that represents the state today. Visible in multiple sections at the State of Iowa Historical Museum were some of the earliest and primitive plows, to larger plows pulled by team of oxen, and even a hand-held practice plow you could try for yourself. The plow is more then just a farming tool. It represents agriculture, hard work, and the state of Iowa.

It is not surprising that a plow might symbolize the state of Iowa. A plow is used to turn the soil in a field. The field is used to grow agricultural products. Iowa is known worldwide for producing agricultural products. The state of Iowa offers much more than just fields of corn. Des Moines is a hub for insurance companies worldwide. Cedar Rapids hosts companies such as AEGON, Rockwell Collins, and industrial businesses. People outside of Iowa probably do not know these businesses are located in Iowa. People who live outside of Iowa associate Iowa with agriculture, and Iowa should be associated with agriculture. Take a drive from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids and 95% of the scenery will be of corn or soybean fields. Iowa has a lot to offer but on the top of that list is Iowa’s rich soil which used to be plowed manually by farmers.

Does anything symbolize hard work more than having to push a plow through the Earth all day? I am not sure if anyone tried to push the plow demonstration at the State Historical Center, but it was not exactly easy and I could not imagine doing that all day long (and only covering two acres of land). A plow symbolizes being out in the fields, doing hard manual labor, having some sweat on your brow, and knowing you accomplished something today. I think that is a great description of the state of Iowa and the people that live here. Iowans are known for being generous, friendly people who work hard for everything that they have. From agricultural roots, the people of this state maintain the work ethic that farmers using hand-held plows instilled in the fields many generations ago.

Cory Walter

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