United States Senator for Iowa’s Third Congressional District Joni Ernst made stops in Greenfield and Coon Rapids Saturday as part of her 99-county tour.

The Senator visited with the Greenfield Fire Department and Emergency Management Services and the Whiterock Conservancy. She said she enjoys the opportunity from these visits to hear issues directly from Iowa’s citizens.

“These are invaluable. The 99-county tour when I’m able to go out and hear directly from people involved in projects in their communities, whether it’s farming activities, whether it’s hospital administration, nurses, doctors, teachers, whatever it happens to be, I’m getting information directly from them; there’s no filter. They can tell me what’s on their minds, what’s beneficial to them, where their challenges are and I can help find solutions for them.”

Ernst then visited the Garst Historic Farmhouse and took a tour of the 5-bedroom facility. She added that she’ll explore the possibility of having other legislators visit the facility in order to educate them on some of the challenges facing rural communities such as broadband access, Renewable Fuel Standards and ensuring access to land for young farmers.