Bill Buman

While not your average Iowa farmer, Bill Buman has played a key role in helping conserve the state’s natural resources. While he does utilize practices such as no-tillage and cover crops on his row-crop land, Bill is also one of four Iowans producing native seed on a large scale. With greenhouses holding up to 100,000 plants, Bill harvests roughly 30 different species each year. In addition, Bill has also experimented with strip cropping and different nutrient application methods. His most recent trial was the use of a drone to apply herbicide.

 Although he considered a career with U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Bill graduated with a degree in agronomy from Iowa State University. After receiving his degree, he returned to the farm in 1976 and became a partner in his family’s hog and row crop operation until 1993 when he took over fully. Looking to explore something new in the way of agriculture, Bill began producing native seed. This seed is used for many purposes, including transitioning land into the Conservation Reserve Program.

 With increased diversification comes added labor requirements. Bill, along with his helpers, put great effort into producing clean native seed. While he can find some help, it can be a challenge to find workers to help through the long days of the busy season. Weather patterns also pose challenges to Bill as each plant species requires different conditions. Despite the challenges, Bill continues to produce seed that helps benefit Iowa’s soil, water quality, and biodiversity.

Building a Culture of Conservation: 

“There are many challenges with native seed, some fails, some doesn’t sell, and some you get stuck with.”

Contact Information

Bill Buman
918 Road M16, Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 744-3675
bumanwj@fmctc.com