John Marion Steddom (1901-1981) received a certificate (1922) for the completion of the two-year collegiate course in agriculture from Iowa State College (University). He farmed land near Granger, Iowa and specialized in swine production. Steddom was recognized for his accomplishments with numerous awards and honors, including Master Swine Producer (1943) and Wallaces Farmer magazine named him Master Farmer (1957). He was also regularly asked to speak on agricultural related issues. In addition, Steddom actively participated in several state and national organizations, such as the Iowa Swine Producers Association (President,1954-1962), Advisory Board of the National Packers and Stockyard Act, USDA Market Type Hog Study Group, and the Iowa Hog Cholera Eradication Board (Chair). In addition, he assisted in establishing the Iowa Marketing Board and the National Swine Council. In 1955, he was among the delegation of United States farmers, educators and press representatives to go to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to study farming in the USSR. Three other Iowans also belonged to this delegation: Ralph A. Olsen (RS 21/7/55), Herbert W. Pike (RS 16/3/53), and Lauren K. Soth (RS 16/3/54).

Steddom married Gladys Holiday (1901-1995) in 1935. He died February 15, 1981.

This collection (1954-1981, n.d.) consists mostly of correspondence, photographs, notes, news clippings, and other materials related to J. Marion Steddom's participation with the American Delegation to the USSR to study Soviet agriculture in 1955. Also included in the collection are records and correspondence related to the National Swine Producer's Council, as well as addresses made by Steddom to various civic and professional groups.

This collection is arranged alphabetically.