Farm businesses Holly View Acres, Tenley Farms and Calyx Creek Lavender compete for $10,000 top prize.

Three Iowa farm-based businesses will compete in a live pitch-off this weekend at the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference for a chance at a top prize of $10,000. 

The 2025 Grow Your Future finalists are Holly View Acres, Woodbury County; Tenley Farms, Cedar County; and Calyx Creek Lavender and Lodging, Johnson County. The trio advanced after a round of public voting last month that narrowed the field from five semifinalists.

“The quality of applicants we had was strong again this year,” said Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau farm business dev­elopment manager. “Each of these finalists is deserving and hardworking, and I look forward to seeing where their business goes.”

Holly View Acres seeks support for expansion

Hoping to expand their offerings and bring even more fall fun to northwest Iowa, Holly View Acres owners Michael and Maria Gallagher plan to invest their winnings into new additions to their pumpkin patch and agritourism attractions.

“We’re feeling really well supported by our community right now,” Michael said. “We’re only open seven to eight weeks a year, so because of that, I think our face-to-face engagement was less than some other businesses.”

Holly View Acres was founded in 2022. Their operation now includes a corn maze, pumpkin patch and a variety of family-friendly activities. In 2024, they added sensory tables, swings, hayrack rides and a kid’s maze.

They also introduced a “Moonlight Maze” event last year, inviting visitors to experience the maze after dark.

“We really love being a farming family and sharing what we do with our community,” Michael said. “It’s been quite a journey since our first corn maze in 2022. Right now, we’re feeling really loved by our local community, who really supported us in the voting. It’s an emotional experience for sure.”

Calyx Creek is growing its own future

In just two years, Calyx Creek Lavender and Lodging has blossomed into a multifaceted agritourism destination. Located near Oxford, the family-run farm is proving that diversification is the key to success by combining lavender production, unique lodging and community events.

Owners Taylor and Stephanie Getting started with a vision and 4,000 lavender plants. In 2024, they grew that to more than 5,000 plants across multiple fields. Next season, they plan to expand further and add additional attractions, including a feature that Taylor described as a “Lavender Labyrinth.”

They also produce a wide range of lavender-based products, from soothing lotions to tasty treats. Their unique lodging options in­clude luxurious treehouses overlooking the lavender fields.

“We need more lavender as an attraction but also for the products we produce,” explained Taylor Getting. “We process all of our lavender here and create unique products. Our income is generated by our events, agricultural experiences, the lavender itself, the products we make and the lodging.”

Taylor said public engagement has been key to their success.

“Because we try, as a farm, to take care of people, it’s humbling when people support you,” he said. “We want to create great experiences for others. This support is humbling and encouraging.”

Looking ahead, the Gettings plan to expand their operations, partnering with schools and nonprofits to share their passion for agriculture and create even more unique experiences for visitors.

Tenley Farms offers farm-grown products

Tenley Farms is making a name for itself by providing fresh, local products directly to consumers in Cedar County. Tanner and Lakaya Tenley sell raw milk, beef and pork raised on their farm.

“We sell 100% of our milk directly to consumers … to complete the farm-to-table experience for our customers,” Lakaya says.

This commitment to quality and connection with consumers is at the heart of their operation.

The legalization of raw milk sales in Iowa in 2023 provided the perfect opportunity for the Tenleys to pursue their dream. “We started selling raw milk from my herd of Jerseys I started in high school,” Lakaya explains.

The Tenleys said they are proud to be contributing to the local economy.

“I definitely think we’re stimulating the local economy … We’re offering an array of products … I don’t know anyone else doing that in our county, at least,” Lakaya said.

Tanner said he was blown away by the support they received during the public voting portion of the competition.

“We have a very strong and loyal following of customers and friends. Very supportive. We couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.

Live pitches this weekend

The three finalists will compete for cash prizes during the pitch-off at the 2025 Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines Jan. 17-18.

The winner will be determined by a combination of judges’ scores and audience votes at the conference. First prize is $10,000, second place is $5,000, and third prize is $2,500.