The Iowa Farm Bureau has named Josh Bierbaum, Matthew Burt, and Ryan Gibbs as recipients of the Young Farmer Leadership Award. Created in honor of former Iowa Farm Bureau President Bob Joslin, this award recognizes farmers under the age of 35 who exhibit leadership qualities and make valuable contributions to their communities and the field of agriculture.
Josh Bierbaum, from Griswold, grows corn and soybeans alongside his brother and father on their Heritage family farm, which has been in their family for 150 years. Bierbaum is actively involved in the Cass County Farm Bureau and has participated in Farm Bureau policy trips to Washington D.C. He volunteers for the Griswold Ag Boosters Association and serves as a mentor for the Griswold FFA corn test plot. Bierbaum chose to donate his award money to the Cass County 4-H Vision Endowment to support youth involvement in agriculture.
Matthew Burt, a sixth-generation farmer from Marshalltown, raises corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle on his family farm. As the vice president of the Marshall County Farm Bureau, Burt engages with elementary students to educate them about farm life, tractor safety, and career opportunities in agriculture. His grant will be directed to the Seeds of Hope Foundation, which assists young farm families facing long-term, life-threatening illnesses. Burt is committed to implementing conservation practices on his farm, such as grassed waterways and exploring new methods to reduce soil erosion.
Ryan Gibbs, based in Hopkinton, farms alongside his wife and two young children, cultivating corn, soybeans, cereal rye, buckwheat, and raising various livestock. He is an Iowa Cover Crop dealer and actively promotes cover cropping to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss. Gibbs has donated cover crop seeds to the Maquoketa Valley FFA and mentored students on soil fertility recommendations. His grant will support the Maquoketa Valley FFA's hydroponics system, providing fresh vegetables to local schools and businesses. Gibbs' strong conservation mindset and involvement with the Delaware County Farm Bureau have made him a respected member of the farming community.
The Young Farmer Leadership Award not only recognizes the achievements of these outstanding young farmers but also highlights their commitment to community engagement and sustainable agricultural practices. Through their leadership and dedication, they inspire future generations to uphold the values of the farming industry.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-nicexray
Categories: Iowa, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Livestock, Hogs