I drove through lovely Olivia in southwestern Minnesota a couple of weekends ago and it occurred to me that this symbol of agronomy is more relevant than ever, based on recent newspaper articles about corn rationing.  Analysts are predicting farmers will raise less corn than last year.  Last year they raised the largest amount of corn since WWII.

The monument stands on the west end of town along Highway 212 as a tribute to people like my old dad who spent a lifetime eeking out a living as a member of the backbone of the country in the breadbasket of the nation.

Olivia has a stately courthouse that hasn't fallen victim to exterior remodeling and improvements. 

But corn isn't the only crop in this part of the country.  There are also soybeans and sugar beets.  On the west end of Olivia stands the Lakeland Bean Company.

This is truly rural Minnesota.  In the summertime, Olivia hangs gorgeous baskets of flowers from the lamp posts along Highway 212, celebrating the softer side of a farming community.  Click here to learn more about Corn Capital Days celebrated in Olivia every summer in July.