Soon, 2011 will be in the record books. That makes today an especially good time to reflect on the year that is about to end.

By any measure, 2011 has been a year with extraordinary events – nationally and in the Hawkeye State. Many of the developments in rural Iowa have importance not only for the agricultural community, but the entire state. This issue of Farm News includes a 2011 Year in Review section. Regular readers of this newspaper will recognize that our newsroom team covered these stories thoroughly as they developed. Now, however, it is possible – with the perspective time affords – to see how each fits into the mosaic of a news-filled year.

Local developments in 2011 that have potentially positive ramifications for rural Iowa include:

• The continued strength of farm land values;

• The evolution of the biofuels industries;

• Trade missions to grow overseas sales;

• The possible creation of power transmission capabilities that could boost the wind power industries and

• Unfolding trends that could impact grain and livestock prices.

The year’s key developments are addressed in the special retrospective section.

The events of most interest and significance to individual readers will vary. Our mission as a newspaper specializing in the agricultural world is to bring news and information about an eclectic mix of topics to those who make Farm News part of their lives weekly.

As 2012 unfolds, our commitment to being the region’s most-trusted source of such news will remain the top priority for our reporting team.