Meet Iowa Farmers
Never been on a farm? You're not alone. Less than five percent of Iowans farm, and the average person is multiple generations removed from farming.
All across Iowa, farmers work each day to grow and raise the food you and your family enjoy. They care for their animals. They respect and love the land. In many cases, their families have farmed that same land for generations, so it's in their best interest to protect it and care for it.
For decades, Iowa farmers have figured out how to grow the same amount of food, on half as much land. They are continuing that pattern of improvement using less land, pesticides and fertilizers to produce more food.
To them, farming is much more than a chosen profession. It's a commitment! Below you'll have an opportunity meet some of Iowa's farmers, hear their stories and see how dedicated they are to growing the safest and most wholesome food in the world.
Colin Johnson
— Batavia, IA
Colin Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer from Wapello County, and his wife Dawn are deeply rooted in the land, raising corn, soybeans, oats, and cattle with a strong commitment to sustainability. As a dedicated steward of the environment, Colin understands that responsible farming and compassionate animal care aren’t just essential to his family's legacy—they’re vital to the well-being of all Iowans. On their farm, cattle serve as natural upcyclers, playing a key role in a regenerative cycle that enriches the soil and supports long-term sustainability. For Colin, farming is more than a livelihood—it's a privilege to nourish families while protecting the shared land and watershed for future generations.
Kaitlyn Porter
— Sheffield, IA
Kaitlyn Porter, a dedicated farmer in Franklin County and FFA advisor at West Fork High School, raises corn, soybeans, cattle, and sells premium, direct-to-consumer beef. Her commitment to exceptional animal care is evident in the way her cattle are treated—they enjoy fresh water, high-quality feed, and free-choice hay, ensuring they live healthy, comfortable lives. By prioritizing the well-being of her animals, Kaitlyn enhances both the nutritional value and the exceptional quality of the beef her consumers enjoy.
James Hepp
— Rockwell Center, IA
As a first-generation farmer, James Hepp is a rare exception in Iowa, where multi-generational farms are the norm. His journey began when a friend’s father offered him the chance to farm—a break he seized with hard work and a deep respect for the land. Today, James raises corn, soybeans, and rye using sustainable methods like cover cropping and no-till farming. He’s passionate about sharing his knowledge with fellow farmers, driven by a core belief: protecting the land today is essential to ensure his sons have the opportunity to farm tomorrow.
Ryan Gibbs
— Hopkinton, IA
Ryan Gibbs farms in northeast Iowa with his wife Kristy, where they raise corn, soybeans, cereal rye, buckwheat, chickens, pasture-raised pigs, and feeder cattle. Everything produced on the farm feeds their own family—a powerful reminder of the value and pride in knowing an entire meal comes directly from their land. With a strong background in biology and chemistry, Ryan embraces innovation to enhance soil health, understanding that building healthy soil today is key to ensuring his farm thrives for generations to come.
Nate Hofmann
— Cedar Rapids, IA
As a fifth-generation farmer near Cedar Rapids, Nate Hofmann, alongside his wife Joanna, raises corn, soybeans, and cattle with a deep respect for the land. For Nate, farming isn’t just a livelihood—it’s a legacy. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of everything he does. From no-till farming and buffer strips to innovative practices like bioreactors, Nate thoughtfully integrates conservation where it counts most. His commitment ensures that the land he stewards today will be fertile ground for his children—and future generations—to farm tomorrow.
Josh Bierbaum
— Griswold, IA
Josh Bierbaum farms alongside his father and brother near Griswold, continuing a legacy more than 150 years in the making. Their deep-rooted commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of no-till practices, cover crops, waterways, buffer strips, and terraces—all designed to reduce runoff, protect water quality, and retain vital nutrients in the soil. For Josh, conservation isn’t just a practice—it’s a promise to the future, ensuring the land stays productive and the family farm thrives for generations to come.