Editor's Note: A Magazine Grown in Iowa

January 1, 2026

By Lydia Zerby

Fresh Pickings began with a simple idea: connect Iowans with the people, places and stories behind their food. In the early days, the magazine was a small but heartfelt project — a bridge between farm families and the neighbors who enjoyed the fruits of their labor. We set out to create something honest, approachable and rooted in the values that define our state: hard work, hospitality and a deep appreciation for the land.

Over the years, Fresh Pickings has grown into much more than a magazine. It has become a trusted companion in kitchens, classrooms, farm offices and homes across Iowa. Issue after issue, we’ve expanded the stories we tell and the people we feature. We’ve highlighted innovations in crop and livestock farming, celebrated holiday food traditions featuring Iowa-inspired ingredients and introduced readers to farm families. All the while, our mission has remained constant: encourage connection, spark curiosity and help Iowans feel informed and proud of the state’s agricultural roots.

Today, Fresh Pickings is entering an exciting new chapter. As we continue to evolve, we’re committed to delivering even more of what makes this magazine special — thoughtful storytelling, practical recipes, beautiful photography and meaningful insights that make you feel closer to Iowa agriculture. We’re also exploring new ways to bring those stories to life, both in print and beyond the page.

Nourish the Stories You Love

This is where your support truly matters. Help us share Iowa’s stories by choosing a paid subscription to Fresh Pickings magazine. Becoming a paid subscriber isn’t just about receiving a magazine; it’s an investment in the stories and communities that define who we are. Your contribution helps ensure we can continue telling authentic, in-depth stories about the people who grow, raise and craft the food that nourishes our state. It also allows us to expand our reach by bringing the magazine to more Iowans. 

When you choose to support Fresh Pickings, you join a community of readers who value connection and help sustain the beauty and identity of Iowa’s agricultural landscape.

Thank you for being on this journey with us, for welcoming these stories into your home and for believing in the power of local, meaningful storytelling. Together, we can continue to grow something truly special.

Enjoy the issue, Lydia Zerby