Taking over the farm
Beth was a decorated journalist. She was highly educated. She lived in Northern California. Iowa was not in her plans. Farming was not in her plans. But, then she met John.
John was from a small farm in Iowa. As their relationship grew, so did the idea of moving to the fly over state. After years of warming up to the idea, they made their decision. They would be moving back to Iowa to take over the farm. There was just one problem. John’s dad, who ran the farm at the time, did not agree with how they wanted to run the farm operation.
John’s father farmed conventionally, with lots of chemicals, and equipment, and larger loans. Beth and John did not want to do it that way. They wanted a healthier more sustainable version of farming. They wanted to help create a new system for getting food on American tables.
John’s father would need the rental income from Beth and John’s operation to make ends meet, and he was worried Beth and John would not be able to financially sustain their operation, which would leave him with no rent payment.
Family, business, and money can be a different mix, but Beth and John refused to give up on their dream and their connection with their dad. After several heated and difficult conversations, John’s father conceded and put his trust in his kids. Today, Beth and John run a very successful, albeit unconventional, farm.
When hearing their story, I was moved by Beth and John’s determination, not only to follow their dreams but to not give up on their relationship with their dad. I’ve interviewed many, MANY people who have family splits over land, businesses, and money. It’s not a small deal that they refused to let that happen despite the painful conversations that transpired. As they shared their story, I realized they had left lots of money, to the tune of millions of dollars, on the table in order to chase what they believed was better for their fellow mankind. Truly noble.
Their story is one worth recording, and I am glad I got to be in the room when it was.
