Description: Panel of three farmers will critically evaluate farmer performance, policy, and existing farm programs relative to clean water goals of the state.  Interaction between these farmers and audience will be a significant component of this panel presentation. 

Authors: Zach Smith, Matthew Bormann, James Hepp

Author Bios: Zach Smith: Conservation has been a key part of Zachary Smith’s operation since he began farming 80 acres with his dad in 2010. Having expanded to 1,200 acres over the past several years, he sees the benefits of conservation on both soil quality and efficiency on his farm. In addition to management practices seen across the state such as strip-till and cover crops, Zack pushes towards further opportunities in agriculture.

Matthew Bormann: Matthew graduated from Iowa State University in 2001 with a degree in Agricultural Business. Matthew is President of Bormann Ag LTD. Day to day management activities for Matt include machinery, accounting, fertilizer and nutrients, and managing our seed growing business. Matthew is a fifth generation Iowa farmer, farming since 1999. 

James Hepp: Rockwell City native James Hepp aspired to farm, but with no direct ties to land, that dream seemed out of reach. Hepp attended Northwest Missouri State University, where he earned a degree in agricultural business and started his career as a crop insurance adjuster after graduation.  In 2019, the opportunity to work with a high school friend’s father, who was nearing retirement, led to a crop-share arrangement and opened the door for Hepp to farm full time.  Hepp now manages about 1,400 acres of corn, soybeans, and small grains as a first-generation farmer. Hepp also runs an ag retail business selling lots of regenerative products he uses on his acres.