Griffieon Profile
Craig and LaVon Griffieon raise diversified crops on 1120 acres near Ankeny on land that has been in the family since 1902. The four Griffieon children-Autumn, Nick, Phillip, and Julia-are the 6th generation to farm the land.
Craig introduces his family
The Griffieon's chief crops are corn and soybeans. They also raise oats, alfalfa, beef, pork, chicken and turkeys. Local farmers rent about three acres of land for vegetable production. The Griffieons market their pastured products direct-to-consumer and via the Iowa Food Cooperative.
Craig and LaVon differ in farm philosophy to the point that LaVon labels the farm schizophrenic. Craig focuses on yield and efficiency while LaVon is interested in what they are growing (food vs. fuel) and how. Craig plants ten acres of organic corn each year at LaVon's request, but has yet to be convinced that organic is the way to grow corn.
Autumn, the eldest child, and husband Laramie Ogden, have returned to the farm from Colorado. The family is participating in Practical Farmers of Iowa's Next Generation Program to help make their transition back to the farm successful.
The Griffieon family are long-time members of Practical Farmers of Iowa. They have participated in numerous on-farm research projects and hosted several Practical Farmers of Iowa field days. Highlights from their 2008 field day include: turnips for grazing and cover crops; transitioning to organic production; water quality monitoring; and breeding corn for sustainable agriculture.
Craig and LaVon received the Wallace's Master Farmer Award in 2000. LaVon is the founder of 1,000 Friends of Iowa, a past Food and Society Policy Fellow, and past recipient of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation's Hagie Heritage Award.