Joel and Linda Zwiefel

Joel and Linda Zwiefel are well-known in Northwest Iowa for their farming innovations. Located in rural Fenton, Palo Alto County, they strip-tilled continuous corn for over 10 years. They have seen increased yields, better water infiltration and reduced soil erosion with strip-till. Recently Joel switched to vertical tillage to coordinate with his planter. Joel says that the "vertical tillage tool works 1-1/2 inches maximum into soil depth to prepare for planting."

“As I traveled around the state, I would come across people who are strip-tilling and it seemed to be a system that works,” said Joel. “Strip-till improves the organic matter and helps absorb more water. With a heavy rain, the more we can keep attached to roots, the less standing water we see.”

The Zwiefels have been farming for 35 years. They began implementing conservation practices to reduce the amount of chemicals used on their farm after their daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma. One cause of this disease is exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or other solvents. 

They farm approximately 850 acres, renting all but 170 acres. The couple notes that they have a great relationship with their landlords. They have discussed with them about topsoil loss and no-till and have convinced them that this is the right thing to do.

Building a Culture of Conservation:

“Residue management improves the organic matter and helps absorb more water. With a heavy rain, the more we can keep attached to roots the less standing water we see.”

Contact Information

Joel and Linda Zwiefel
103 280th Street
Fenton, IA 50539
515/889-2930
jlzwiefel@netins.net