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.
Starting at just 10 years old, Devin Davis began working on his family’s farm in rural Warren County. Leaving the operation to pursue degrees at the University of Northern Iowa, Drake, and the Culinary Institute of America, he eventually returned to the farm. Currently helping operate 2,000 acres, Devin hopes to boost soil health and reduce risk using no-tillage, cover crops, and buffer strips. In addition, Devin is working to expand his crop rotation by double cropping winter wheat with soybeans.
For Brandon McHugh, farming is much more than an occupation. A deep agricultural heritage has pushed him to utilize conservation practices in hopes of protect the state’s soil and water. His efforts to protect Iowa’s natural resources can further be seen through his role as a Master Conservationist for Harrison County. With both crops and livestock, Brandon understands the need to create a sustainable future and give back to the land.
Justin and Beth Jordan, Warren County residents, started farming in 2000. Justin grew up farming and working in construction alongside his dad and grandpa, saving up the funds to buy his first farm right out of high school. Today the Jordans raise corn, soybeans, and hay and rent pasture ground to a neighbor. In addition to farming, Justin works as a city building inspector and is a Marion County Soil and Water District Commissioner.
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