Luther College to host discussion exploring links between soil and food health

Luther College’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement in collaboration with the Regenerating Soil and Community Project is hosting a special event titled “The Ground We Share: Conversations on Soil, Food, and Health” on Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the Center for Faith and Life. The event is free and open to the public.

Anne Biklé

“The Ground We Share” is a multidimensional experience and includes interactive exhibits about soil testing and regenerative agriculture, samples of local foods, books on the topic of “food is health,” and a dance performance by Luther College Orchesis, all beginning at 6:30 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., science writer and public speaker Anne Biklé will discuss the link between soil health and food health during a presentation and Q&A session hosted by Jodi Enos-Berlage, professor of biology at Luther. 

“Anne Biklé’s work elevates attention to global soil degradation and the essential connections between the health of the soil microbiota and the rest of the living world. One could argue that there is no greater motivator for caring for the soil than seeing this act through the lens of our own health,” Enos-Berlage said.

Biklé is the co-author of “What Your Food Ate” and “The Hidden Half of Nature.” Both are collaborations with her spouse, geologist David Montgomery. Biklé draws on her background in biology to explore humanity’s relationship with nature through the lens of agriculture, soil and food. Biklé’s work has appeared in print and digital media including “Nautilus” and “Natural History and Best Health” as well as independent and documentary films, podcasts and radio programs focused on farming, food and human health.

The Ground We Share guest speakers. Top row: Anne Biklé, Erin Meyer, Jake Larkin. Bottom row: Carly Zierke, Robby Jewell, Wendy Johnson

Immediately following Biklé’s Q&A session, a panel made up of several Iowa organic farmers and medical professionals will discuss the topic of “Soil, Food, and Health Conversation.” 

“By including vegetable, livestock and commodity farmers on the same stage as human health care professionals, we are intentionally recognizing all as health care providers and providing the audience with a rare opportunity to engage with this span of health contributors simultaneously,” Enos-Berlage said. 

Panelists include:

• Wendy Johnson, 2024 Iowa Aldo Leopold Conservation award winner, organic/conventional farmer and owner of Joia Food and Fiber Farm, Charles City, Iowa
• Robby Jewell (2014 Luther alumnus), 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Decorah Chamber of Commerce award winner, sixth generation organic/conventional farmer and co-owner of Jewell Enterprizes, Decorah
• Carly Zierke, organic farmer and co-owner of Sweet Season Farm, Calmar, Iowa
• Jake Larkin, PA-C, lead physician assistant in hospital medicine and clinical preceptor at Emplify Health by Gundersen, La Crosse, Wis. and co- founder of plant partners group, which developed a rooftop garden and hospital farm 
• Erin Meyer, MSFS, RD, executive director and founder of Basil’s Harvest and clinical associate/co-founder of culinary medicine program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Ill.

View the comprehensive evening agenda

Additional Event in Decorah

These events are part of Biklé’s nine-day visit to Midwestern farms and organizations whose work centers on the relationship between soil and human health. A book reading and signing of Biklé’s latest book, “What Your Food Ate,” is at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company. This event is sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation (OVLF). 

Additional sponsors of Biklé’s visit to Decorah are Davi Design Co., Decorah Bank & Trust Co., Decorah Public Library, Emplify Health by Gundersen, Luther College CEPE, Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agricultural Foundation, Oneota Community Food Co-op, OVLF, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Seed Savers Exchange and Winneshiek County SWCD.