Iowa Farmers Earn Sustainability Award

OMAHA (DTN) -- The owners of a diversified crop and livestock farm near Grinnell, Iowa, have been chosen as the recipients of Practical Farmers of Iowa's 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award.

Dating back to 1990, Practical Farmers, an organization of more than 8,000 members, annually gives this award to a nominated member that has been the most influential in creating healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

On Jan. 11, 2025, Suzanne Castello and Barney Bahrenfuse will be recognized for this achievement at PFI's 2025 Annual Conference in Des Moines.

"Suzanne and Barney embody the community that PFI treasures," said Sally Worley, PFI's executive director, in a news release. "They are intentional at welcoming new faces, generous with sharing knowledge and heartily support their PFI friends and peers. We are thrilled to honor them and their contributions with this award."

ABOUT THE FARMERS

Castello and Bahrenfuse raise cattle, sheep, chickens, hogs, hay, oats, corn and organic soybeans on their 500-acre diversified crop and livestock farm near Grinnell, Iowa. They also sell meat to local customers.

Both longtime PFI members, the two first crossed paths at a PFI Annual Conference, and they've been farming together -- and married -- for the past 18 years.

To build diversity and maintain soil health on their predominately pasture-based farm, the two use a rotavator, which allows them to incorporate large amounts of green manure into the soil with shallow tillage, causing minimal soil disturbance.

Bahrenfuse, who became a member in the 1990s, has also served on the board of directors.

"PFI -- it's our community," he said, in a news release. "Knowing that you have someone to talk to makes all the difference."

The couple's innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability has influenced others, from neighbors adopting similar grazing techniques to students visiting their farm to learn about regenerative farming. In the news release, the couple said farming is more than just raising livestock and crops; it's about helping future generations, building community and nurturing the land.

"Farming the way we do is about listening and asking, 'What does the land want?'" Castello said in the release. Bahrenfuse added, "It's all about diversity -- diversity of people, plants and bugs. When there's more diversity, things are better."

For more information about the Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award or to see previous recipients, please visit practicalfarmers.org/sustainable-agriculture-achievement-award

To register for the upcoming conference and the inaugural Midwest Meat Summit, visit https://practicalfarmers.org/….

Susan Payne can be reached at susan.payne@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @jpusan

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