No matter how many times I ask my son what he wants to be when he grows up, his answer never wavers: a farmer.

At just six years old, he already loves hard work and the feeling of being part of something bigger than himself. And he’s not alone. As farm kids trade in their toy tractors for the real deal, their passion only grows.

Farmers take great pride in what they do. And when I asked what drives them—what truly makes a good farmer—their answers left me a little misty-eyed.

Commitment to community

For Iowa’s family farms, community is everything.

Humboldt County farmer Doug Adams says farming isn’t just about working the land—it’s about lending a hand beyond the farm gate whenever there’s a need. That includes getting involved in local organizations to make a positive impact, says Story County farmer Dave Struthers.

That’s why many farmers can be found coaching youth sports, leading 4-H clubs, cleaning up after disasters, and organizing local food pantry drives.

Care for the land and continuous improvement

Calhoun County farmer Darcy Maulsby believes a good farmer is curious and always learning. They make it their mission to commit to soil health, which leads to healthier plants, animals and people.

Poweshiek County farmer Katherine Boelen agrees. She believes the best farmers balance time-tested practices with an openness to innovation. “By balancing these two,” she says, “a farmer not only preserves the legacy of the land but also ensures its future.”

This mindset has led Iowa farmers to surpass the state’s goal for reducing phosphorus loss from fields. It’s also why they lead the nation in conservation practices that keep nutrients and soil in place.

Adaptability and resilience

Linn County farmer Jason Russell knows flexibility is key because you may not get anything done that you planned for the day. Life on the farm is unpredictable—weather, equipment breakdowns, and supply chain challenges can shift priorities in an instant.

That’s why O’Brien County farmer Tim Peelen says farmers can’t be clock watchers. “You work until the job is done,” he says. But he also says you make time for what truly matters—family, watching the sunset and trusting that God is in control.

As Floyd County farmer Laura Cunningham puts it, farmers are “eternal optimists.”

And that’s a legacy of values and lessons I hope to pass on to my future farmer.

Because at its core, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life, rooted in service to the land, the animals and the people who call Iowa home.