Only one other American has earned these three prestigious awards, Dr. Martin Luther King. Biography
Norm believed in the value of education. That's why the NBHF hosts Educational Events. Learn More
Kids learn the value of Altruism by packaging meals for kids in other countries during Inspire Day. NBHF Programs
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Dr. Borlaug

Few people in the history of the world have done as much to positively impact humanity around the world as Dr. Norman Borlaug. Born on a small farm south of Cresco, Iowa, Dr. Borlaug devoted his career to saving the lives of millions of starving people around the globe. In 1970 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his work. He is also one of only seven people to have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal in addition to the Nobel Peace Prize.

50th Anniversary Norm's Nobel Prize

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Borlaug receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. We plan on celebrating at the farm so stay tuned for more news on a Special Fall Event!
Biography Info

In His Own Words

"I realize how fortunate I was to have been born, to have grown to manhood, and to have received my early education in rural Iowa. That heritage provided me with a set of values that has been an invaluable guide to me in my work around the world... These values ... have been of great strength in times of despair in my struggle to assist in improving the standards of living of rural people everywhere."

NBHF Goals

Ongoing
1., Preservation of the Birthplace and Boyhood Farms where he grew up and learned the values of hard work and respect for the land and life.
2, Conduct a variety of educational outreach programs designed to pass along these important life lessons.
2020 Goals
1. The NBHF has a goal of building shelters with restrooms and improved parking at the Boyhood and Birthplace Farms.
2. The NBHF is working on educational signage for the interiors of buildings on both farms.
3. Continued work on the Birthplace and other buildings. This includes the completion of stream and soil conservation projects.

2020 Projects

The Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation has two major projects that we hope to complete in 2020. Just like past projects, we need your help to make it happen!

Shelters

We hope to build shelters with restrooms at each farm. We currently have no shelters for picnics and no permanent restrooms. The shelters would not only serve as a place for visitors to get out of the elements, but they could also serve as learning stations during Inspire Days or other events during inclement weather.

Bridge Replacement & Conservation

In 2019 we lost our bridge connecting the Boyhood property to the hiking/nature trail. We realized that before replacing it, we needed to do stream bank restoration and waterway improvent. With the help of NRCS, we are undertaking that along with other land conservation projects in 2020.

NBHF Supporter Downloads

You can download our current Capital Fund Drive Letter and our Fall Newsletter here. You can also Donate Safely via credit card with the Donate button below. .

Taking A Look Back on 2019

The video above gives an excellent overview of the many projects that the NBHF completed during 2019. It also takes a fresh look at annual projects such as Inspire Days and ongoing maintenance. Our goal is to provide kids with a place to learn, visitors with a chance to see the humble beginings that were more than enough to provide the values and work ethic that would lead to Norm becoming the great humanitarian he was, and a beautiful retreat for visitors to get in touch with their spiritual side.

We need your tax deductible gifts to help us continue our work. You can send your gift to the Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation at PO Box 57, Cresco, IA 52136, or use the secure donation link below if you prefer to pay by credit card. Thanks to all of you who have helped us come this far!

NBHF Annual Report

Early in 2019 the NBHF established goals to be completed during the year. Those goals were all within the Mission of the NBHF to Educate and to Preserve. Those goals included the following:

Replace Birthplace Home roof
Host a Donor Recognition
Start an annual high school Inspire Day
Exhibit at the World Food Prize
Maintain the buildings & begin conservation projects

We are pleased to report that the NBHF has achieved all of the goals and continues to make progress on our strategic long term goals that were established in 2017 with the assistance of Julie Huiskamp, Ph.D. To learn more about the specifics of the report, use the link below to download it.

Download the 2019 Annual Report.

NBHF Strategic Plan

strategic plan icon The year-long strategic planning process is now complete. At the end of 2016, a strategic planning committee consisting of several board members and headed by planning consultant Dr. Julie Huiskamp met monthly throughout 2017. Input was sought from a variety of focus groups with connections to the Foundation. These groups consisted of Current and Former Board Members, Community Organizations, Educational Community, Business and Tourism, Property Neighbors and the Borlaug Family. Based on input from these groups, the committee created a strategic plan for the future.

You can download and read this plan here.

NBHF Educational Outreach Programs