PFI members elect four agricultural leaders to board of directors

Board ensures farmer priorities ground PFI's work

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AMES, Iowa (Feb. 18, 2026) — Carmen Black, Kristine Lang, Erica Lydolph and Shaffer Ridgeway have been elected to serve on Practical Farmers of Iowa's board of directors. Chosen by PFI members in January, the four will help ensure farmer priorities continue to guide the organization's work. PFI's 12-member board provides governance and leadership for the organization, ensuring programs remain effective, fiscally sound and grounded in farmers' priorities.  

At-Large Farmer Director​​ Carmen Black​ and her sister, Maja, own and operate Sundog Farm and Local Harvest CSA near Solon, Iowa. On their diversified operation, they raise vegetables, lambs, goats and eggs that they direct market through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) business. This is her third term.

“I serve on the board to support the organization and programs that have done so much for my farm,” Carmen says. “I also want to help continue building a farmer-led organization that supports another generation of creative and resilient Iowa farmers.”

At-Large Friend of Farmer Director​​ Kristine Lang manages a local food and cut flower research and extension program through South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, where she is an assistant professor and extension consumer horticulture specialist. This is her third term.

“Practical Farmers of Iowa has shaped how I think about research, education and collaboration over the past ten years of my career,” Kristine says. “I'm honored to give back to the PFI community by serving on the board and to thoughtfully consider how out-of-state and non-farming members can meaningfully engage with the organization.”

District 5 (Southeast Iowa) Farmer Director​​ Erica Lydolph​ and her husband, Andrew, own Cedar Creek Grain & Livestock Co. in Stockport, Iowa, where they raise corn, soybeans and confinement pigs. Erica also works as an agricultural loan officer at Washington State Bank, bringing more than 15 years of experience in agricultural finance and farm business management. This is her first term.

“I'm looking forward to serving PFI and helping ensure our work stays grounded in the real-world needs of farmers across Iowa and beyond,” Erica says. “I hope to leverage my finance background to help PFI maintain strong fiscal health while supporting farmer-led innovation and continuity.”

District 3 (Northeast Iowa) Farmer Director​​ Shaffer Ridgeway and his wife, Madelyn, operate Southern Goods, a farm growing Southern vegetables for Midwesterners, in Waterloo, Iowa. He is also a district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This is his second term.

“PFI creates a rare space where farmers, regardless of background or operation size, can come together to openly share what's working and what's not,” Shaffer says. “That culture of learning and collaboration is what drew me in. Serving on the board allows me to help strengthen and grow that exchange for the next generation of farmers.”

In addition to serving in board leadership roles, hundreds of PFI members contribute to the organization each year by hosting field days, conducting on-farm research, mentoring beginning farmers, engaging with the media and more.

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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 https://practicalfarmers.org.