Guiding Iowa's new generation of farmers

By Andi Anderson

Kristiana Coutu, a seasoned expert in agricultural law and taxation, is the new director of the Beginning Farmer Center and counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation (CALT) at Iowa State University.

Coutu joined Iowa State in September, bringing extensive experience in agricultural finance, law, and policy work, as well as firsthand farming knowledge. Her role aims to support and educate new farmers, an area she’s deeply passionate about.

Coutu’s background includes years of working with farmers across the U.S. in various roles, including as a certified public accountant, a legal practitioner, and a lender within the farm credit system.

As a farmer herself, she understands the unique challenges faced by those in agriculture. “We are so fortunate to have Kristiana join Iowa State,” said Kristine Tidgren, director of CALT. “Her knowledge in taxes and law will be invaluable as we expand the Beginning Farmer Center’s resources for farmers.”

In her dual role, Coutu will lead the Beginning Farmer Center in offering programs and resources tailored for beginning farmers and their advisors.

Additionally, as counsel for CALT, she will provide legal analyses and educational materials that benefit farmers, policymakers, and the agricultural industry. Through these efforts, she hopes to help farmers and agricultural professionals reach their goals.

“I look forward to working with producers and ag professionals and helping them meet their goals through our centers’ education and resources. Expanding the Beginning Farmer Center is an opportunity to provide additional support for beginning farmers, something I am very passionate about,” Coutu said.

Coutu’s farming background is rooted in her family’s dairy farm in Connecticut, where she was the fourth generation to operate the farm. Although the dairy farm has since closed, she continues to work on a diversified small farm with her husband, Chris, in Michigan.

Coutu holds a juris doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law, a bachelor’s in business management from the University of Connecticut, and a master’s in taxation from Grand Valley State University.

She is currently completing a Master of Law degree in agricultural and food law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Her diverse expertise and dedication are expected to greatly benefit new farmers and the agricultural community at large.

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