What it means to be an American farmer — told by those who live it

Across rural Iowa, American flags are part of the landscape.

They wave on giant poles outside farm shops. They roll through fields on the back of a planter or combine. And they’re painted into geometric patterns on barn quilts.

As we celebrate Ag Week in Iowa and reflect on the “Roots of Freedom” that run deep in our rural communities, it’s clear for farmers that American pride isn’t just for display. It shows up every day in the work they do to keep their farms, families and communities moving forward.

In Wright County, Austin Charlson admits he has wondered what life would look like if he didn’t farm. But at the end of the day, he couldn’t picture it.

Farming has been part of his family for five generations. And even in the tough times, he says there are rewards—like seeing his daughter want to follow in his footsteps. 

“It means working to rethink how I farm,” he said, noting that like any good business, you have to evolve.
 
 On his farm, that’s meant adding a third crop rotation of oats to sell to a Minnesota-based food-grade processor and turning less productive ground into hay for his cattle. 

It’s that kind of forward-thinking that has become the cornerstone of American agriculture, especially at a time when net farm income for corn and soybean farmers is at the lowest level in 15 years.

That calling toward opportunity is something Bradford Bisbee understands well.

He and his dad raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and cattle in Mitchell County.

Later this summer, Bradford will launch a direct-to-consumer beef business. He’s excited to add value to the farm and offer families high-quality beef from a farmer they can personally connect with.

As he takes this next step, Bradford is also stepping into a larger role at home as his dad begins transitioning the operation to him.

“It’s the passing of the torch from the fifth to the sixth generation—something that’s been at the heart of agriculture for generations,” he said. “That continuity, that commitment to land, family and feeding others is what has helped keep America going for nearly 250 years.”

You’ll find that same dedication to future generations on Katherine Boelen’s dairy farm in Poweshiek County.

Katherine says farm life is teaching her four kids hard work and accountability.

“My kids see early mornings and long days and the care it takes to look after our animals,” she said. “And they’re learning what it means to show up no matter what.”

For her, farming is also part of something bigger than what happens within her barns or fence rows. 

“What makes me proud to be an American farmer is knowing the work we do matters to other families like mine,” she said. “Every day we help provide safe, reliable food that ends up on kitchen tables across the country.”

While food is what connects all of us, the impact of agriculture doesn’t stop there.

One in five jobs in Iowa is connected to agriculture, and many of them are roles people don’t always think about.

Fellow dairy farmer Lynn Bolin sees that every day.

“Our community of feed co-ops and crop farmers, veterinarians and animal nutritionists, bankers and accountants, milk haulers and cheese plants forms a web of support that allows us to more easily do our job, even on the hardest days,” she said.

Lynn married into her husband’s family farm in Butler County and feels deeply connected to the heritage she’s helping continue.

“I feel privileged—and the responsibility—to carry on a legacy not only for our family but for the generations who laid a foundation of determination, innovation and passion before us,” she said.

In their own words, these farmers show being an American farmer means honoring the past while adapting for the future, raising families with steadfast values and providing for people they may never meet. 

Their drive ensures families everywhere have the freedom to pursue their own dreams without thinking about producing their own food, fiber or fuel.

And it’s a reminder that a strong America starts on the farm.

Learn more about author Caitlyn Lamm here.