Published Jan 17, 2025

Seven farmers honored as master researchers by Practical Farmers of Iowa
By Elizabeth Wilhelm
Farmers recognized for extensive contributions to on-farm research and knowledge-sharing

Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa (Jan. 17, 2025) — Seven farmers – Jill Beebout, Jack Boyer, Rob and Tammy Faux, Dave and Meg Schmidt and Dick Sloan – have been awarded Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Master Researcher Award for their extensive contributions to on-farm research and knowledge-sharing over the years.

“These members show the spirit of curiosity that drives PFI,” says Stefan Gailans, PFI’s senior research manager. “Through their dedication to on-farm research and sharing what they learn, these farmers are not only improving their own farms but also helping others adopt science-based practices.”

The Master Researcher Award was established in 2013 to honor those who have conducted at least 20 on-farm research trials through PFI’s Cooperators’ Program and hosted at least five field days with PFI.

This award is one of Practical Farmers of Iowa’s highest honors, recognizing the countless hours recipients spend conducting research and their generosity in sharing knowledge by opening their farms to others.

“PFI’s support of on-farm research provides the structure and scientific rigor that helps us generate legitimate, actionable information about our growing systems and helps us identify a road forward towards better practices,” says Jill Beebout, an award recipient.

The Master Research Award recipients are:

  • Jill Beebout of Chariton who raises organic produce, hay and alpacas. Since 2008, she has conducted 20 trials on topics ranging from annual flower mixes to bee data collection.

 

  • Jack Boyer of Reinbeck who raises corn, seed corn, soybeans, cereal rye and cover crops. Since 2015, he has conducted 27 trials on topics ranging from cover crop termination to reduced nitrogen rates.

 

  • Rob and Tammy Faux of Tripoli who raise produce and poultry. Since 2009, they have conducted 22 trials on topics ranging from duck breed comparison to summer lettuce varieties.

 

  • Dave and Meg Schmidt of Exira who raise cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens and keep honeybees. Since 2012, they have conducted 21 trials on topics ranging from grazing cover crops to soil health in grazed CRP land.

 

  • Dick Sloan of Rowley, now retired from farming, formerly raised corn, soybeans and winter small grains for cover crop seed. Since 2013, he has conducted 22 trials on topics ranging from green manure to interseeding rye with red clover.

 

Since 1987, when the Cooperators’ Program began, over 300 farmers have conducted 1,723 research trials on a wide variety of topics in field crops, horticulture, livestock and grazing, wildlife habitat and more.

For more information about PFI’s farmer-led research, visit practicalfarmers.org/farmer-led-research. To explore PFI’s free research reports, visit practicalfarmers.org/research.

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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.