South Central Iowa Farmer Partners

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.

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.

Todd Coffelt grew up in Decatur County and now raises beef cattle with his two brothers, Chris and Paul, on their family farm. Todd classifies them all as weekend farmers and they have put in a lot of weekends over the years setting up a 21-28 day rotational grazing system across multiple pasture paddocks. They are passionate about keeping the farm they grew up on an active farm and take great pride in their cattle herd.

Born and raised on a farm, Doug Campbell started farming in 1977 on rented land. He is now back home on the farm that has been in his family for generations. Located in rural Shannon City, Ringgold County, he runs a diverse operation with row crops, CRP land, hay and pasture for his cow/calf operation.

ILF farmer partner Tim Palmer began farming with his dad and has continued to do so for the past 40 years. Palmer grows corn, soybeans, oats and hay on his farm near Truro in Madison County. He also raises beef cattle to market.

Dennis McLaughlin began demonstrating conservation practices on his acreage as a way to preserve resources for future generations. For 30 years he has been applying these conservation methods to his heritage farm, which was established in 1854.

When Matt and his husband Patrick bought their farm to raise grass-finished cattle in Marion County, they “bet the farm that there was an opportunity.” It was 2004, at the beginning of the local food movement. They developed Coyote Run Farms into a sustainable, relationship-based business, and set-up at the Des Moines farmer’s market every week for their first six years.

Norman Lust is a retired farmer and business owner. Norm’s journey to conservation has taken several years, but conservation has always been within him.