From organizing one of Iowa’s largest gatherings of young farmers to creating local opportunities for networking, education and professional development, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Young Farmer Advisory Committee plays a key role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. The committee recently elected its executive team for the 2026-27 term:

  • Chair: Nicole Cohoon, Sac County
  • Vice Chair: Tanner Brass, Franklin County
  • Secretary: Katherine Boelen, Poweshiek County
  • Public Relations Co-Chairs: Tim Cohoon, Sac County, and Blake Edler, Marshall County

Nicole and Tim Cohoon farm corn, soybeans and alfalfa and raise cattle in Sac County. Nicole serves as a financial officer for Farm Credit Services of America, and Tim owns a branding and digital marketing agency. Together, they own Core Aquatics 360, a water safety education and life-saving skills training business. Nicole serves on the Sac County Farm Bureau board and has participated in Farm Bureau policy trips and several ag insights tours. 

Tanner Brass farms corn, soybeans and alfalfa in Franklin County. He serves as vice president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau and is actively involved with the Franklin County Fair. He is also a past recipient of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Leadership Award.

Katherine and Joris Boelen have four children and raise dairy cattle and meat goats and operate a seasonal farm stand in Poweshiek County. Katherine serves as vice president of the Poweshiek County Farm Bureau and is a graduate of the Iowa Farm Bureau Ag Leaders Institute. 

Blake Edler, who is beginning his first term on the Young Farmer Advisory Committee, grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa and raises cattle and hogs in Marshall County. He is a graduate of the Ag Leaders Institute and participated in a Farm Bureau market study tour to Belgium and the Netherlands.

New and continuing committee members

The committee also welcomed two new farm families beginning their three-year terms.

Austin and Erica Ashbacher of Wapello County have two children and grow corn and soybeans and raise cattle. Austin is a large-animal veterinarian and owner of Ashbacher Veterinary Services, where Erica helps manage the practice.

Zachary and Ashlyn Elliot of Pottawattamie County have one child and grow corn, soybeans and hay and raise cattle. Ashlyn works as an accountant for Gregory Feedlots. Both are former recipients of Iowa Farm Bureau higher education scholarships and have participated in Iowa Farm Bureau's Ag Insights Tour and Crop Report Trip in Washington, D.C.

Continuing their service on the Young Farmer Advisory Committee are Meghan and Devin Brincks, Lucas and Bethany De Bruin, and Bryan and Crystal Schroeder.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program connects farmers and agricultural enthusiasts ages 18–35 through educational conferences, networking events and recognition programs that help young farmers build skills, expand professional connections and stay informed on emerging agricultural opportunities and challenges.