Iowa’s new farmer support led by Kristiana Coutu

By Andi Anderson

Kristiana Coutu recently joined Iowa State University as the director of the Beginning Farmer Center and serves as counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation (CALT).

Bringing extensive experience in agricultural law, accounting, and lending, Coutu is set to provide valuable resources and insights for new farmers and industry professionals across Iowa.

With a background that includes years of working with farmers, agricultural organizations, and lending institutions, Coutu understands the unique challenges faced by today’s farmers.

As a fourth-generation farmer herself, she brings first-hand knowledge to her role, which enhances her ability to guide and support farmers. Her journey began on her family’s dairy farm in Connecticut, and she now farms a small diversified operation with her husband, Chris, in Michigan.

Kristine Tidgren, director of CALT at Iowa State, expressed enthusiasm for Coutu’s arrival, noting that her experience as a certified public accountant, agricultural lender, and farmer makes her an invaluable addition. “Kristiana’s background in taxes and agricultural law will significantly expand our resources, especially for beginning farmers,” Tidgren said.

As the Beginning Farmer Center director, Coutu will focus on creating educational resources and programs tailored to the needs of new farmers and their advisors.

She will also guide the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation in providing legal analysis and materials to assist producers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Coutu is passionate about expanding support for beginning farmers, emphasizing the importance of educational resources to help them navigate the complexities of agriculture.

“Helping producers achieve their goals through our centers’ resources is something I’m deeply committed to,” she said. “The Beginning Farmer Center and CALT are highly regarded, and I’m excited to be part of both.”

Coutu holds a juris doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a bachelor's in business management from the University of Connecticut.

She also earned a master’s degree in taxation from Grand Valley State University and is completing a Master of Law in agricultural and food law at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Coutu’s leadership at Iowa State University signals a strengthened commitment to supporting new farmers with valuable knowledge and resources in law, taxation, and business practices essential for agricultural success.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university