Discover How Hannah Klitz Transformed Her Farm into a Thriving Business
Early Life and Agricultural Roots
Growing up in an urban area of Colorado with a passion for show cattle, Hannah's life took a significant turn at the age of 13 when her family moved to Nebraska. Here, she expanded their cow herd and fell in love with production agriculture and the cattle industry. This led her to major in animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and minor in the Nebraska beef industry scholars and the Engler entrepreneurship program. Her decision to advocate for the beef industry and share her farm story was a crucial step in her entrepreneurial journey.It's a challenging yet rewarding path as she had to acquire a vast knowledge of various aspects, including understanding different viewpoints and staying updated with research. This prepared her for the future challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
The Internship Experience
During her college years, Hannah was involved in the Engler Entrepreneurship Program and had a mentor who encouraged her to explore beyond her comfort zone. Through a friend's discovery of Five Marys Farms in Northern California, she realized her dream business. Despite not offering internships, Hannah took the initiative and wrote a physical letter, which led to her being accepted for a summer internship. This experience was a turning point, teaching her essential skills like shipping beef and exposed her to different ways of running a farm-to-table business.It demonstrated the power of taking risks and not being afraid to ask. Even if the answer is no, the attempt can lead to valuable opportunities and growth.
Business Expansion and Challenges
Hannah started her business as a sophomore in college in 2018. Initially working closely with her family farm, she later moved to her husband's hometown of West Point, Nebraska. They converted various barns into beef rooms and expanded their operations. However, the pandemic brought its own set of challenges, especially in getting butcher appointments. With four different butchers at one point, dealing with packaging and cutting differences was a logistical nightmare. But the increased demand during this time filled their freezers, and they saw a significant growth in subscribers from seven to 97.It was a learning experience that forced them to improve processes and adapt to the changing circumstances.
The Marketing Aspect
Marketing and promoting the product is a crucial part of Hannah's business. She realized early on that finding customers was the hardest part. So, she started listening to digital marketing experts through audio books and podcasts to enhance her skills. Although an animal science major with no formal marketing education, she became well-versed in marketing by learning from experts.Her marketing efforts not only helped increase sales but also led to the creation of valuable offerings like the farm-to-table meat sales course, which provides a comprehensive guide to various aspects of the business.
The Online Course - A Wealth of Knowledge
During the pandemic, with many people reaching out for help, Hannah saw an opportunity to create a comprehensive online course. She based the curriculum on the questions she had been receiving over the years. The course covers everything from meeting new customers and email lists to meat inspection laws and shipping options. It's a detailed resource that answers almost all the questions a potential entrant in the business might have.By sharing her knowledge, she is paying it forward and helping others in the industry while growing her business.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Hannah emphasizes that the hardest step is getting started. Whether it's marketing one head of beef or expanding the business, taking those initial steps like booking butcher appointments and creating a Facebook page is crucial. Everyone has to start somewhere, and learning happens as one progresses.Her story serves as an inspiration for those who are passionate about raising cattle and working with people and want to venture into the business world.
Uniting Farming and Ranching in a Family Legacy
Growing Crops
Jordan's family traditionally focused on 90% spring wheat and 10% sunflowers. However, with the establishment of the Red Trail Energy ethanol plant in 2007, their farming practices began to change. In 2008, they started growing corn to meet the demand. Now, Jordan grows spring wheat, corn, canola, and soybeans. He is a multiple-time top wheat producer in Adams County. With two full-time employees and additional help during harvest, Jordan's farming operation is a well-oiled machine. He takes pride in his work and enjoys operating the equipment. "I like to be hands-on," he says. "I don't want to just manage people; I want to be out there doing it myself."Even though other farmers have offered to rent him land, Jordan has no desire to expand too much. He values the personal connection with his equipment and the satisfaction of seeing the crops grow. "I'm happy with what I have," he says. "I don't need to be a big corporation; I just want to do what I love."Raising Cattle
Jacki started her cattle herd with 10 bred heifers as a graduation gift from her parents. When she started dating Jordan, he encouraged her to bring the heifers to their farm and get into the cattle business. Since then, the herd has grown to 325 black Angus. "We've found a good balance," Jacki says. "Our corrals and barns have their limits, so 325 head is manageable for us."Calving takes place in March and April, allowing Jacki and Jordan to help each other during the busy seasons. Jacki also puts up hay for her family and helps on their ranch when needed. Despite the geographical differences between Harding and Adams counties, the couple has found their own way to make ranching work. "We have our own style here," Jacki says. "It's a lot more hands-on, but we love it."Sharing Their Lives
In 2019, Jacki started sharing posts and videos from the farm on social media. What started as a way to keep friends and family updated has now grown into a large following. More than 110,000 people follow JC Farms on Facebook, and their most viral video has had over 12 million views. "We want people to understand where their food comes from," Jacki says. "We're not just a big corporation; we're a family working hard to provide for our community."The Christmans are proud to share their story and show the world what farming and ranching are all about. They hope to inspire others to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into producing our food.Moving Forward
Jordan hopes to continue buying more land and keeping his machinery and technology up-to-date. He also dreams of one day bringing his children into the business. "I want them to know where their food comes from and the value of hard work," he says.For now, the Christmans are enjoying their busy lives, balancing farming and ranching with school and 4-H activities. "We're grateful for everything we have," Jacki says. "We're living our dream, and we're happy to share it with others."Uncovering Sustainable Solutions for Iowa's Agricultural Emissions
General Steps to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Corn Belt
Castellano and his team have identified several key steps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Corn Belt. Rotating corn and soybeans and ensuring the right levels of nitrogen fertilizer for corn are crucial. When fertilizer rates are optimal, around 60% of emissions in a two-year crop rotation come from corn, with the rest from soybeans. Lowering fertilizer rates below the ideal for maximum yield doesn't lead to a reduction in emissions or a change in their source proportions. This highlights the need to explore further solutions.
By carefully managing these aspects, they are making significant progress in curbing emissions and optimizing agricultural practices. This approach not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Early Soybean Planting: A Key to Reducing Emissions
The team has discovered that one of the most important ways to reduce emissions in soybean production is by planting soybeans earlier in the season. When the soil is left unsown for too long, the nitrogen it produces can escape into the atmosphere and waterways. However, by planting longer varieties earlier in the growing season, the nitrogen is effectively incorporated into the crop, increasing yield and preventing environmental losses.
This early planting strategy has shown promising results. It not only helps in reducing emissions but also leads to a significant increase in soybean yields. By around 10% or six bushels per acre, farmers can benefit from both environmental and production perspectives. It's a win-win situation that holds great potential for the future of Iowa's agriculture.
Fall Cover Crops: Another Effective Solution
Another solution identified by Castellano and his team is to plant cover crops in the fall. These cover crops play a vital role in improving soil health and reducing emissions. By providing a protective layer over the soil during the off-season, they help prevent nitrogen from leaching into the environment.
With real-time crop production data and interventions in hand, the team has been able to observe the impact of these measures. Initial results from Iowa crop production, where a cover crop was implemented and soybeans were planted earlier, have shown a reduction in nitrous oxide emissions by around 15%. This is a significant achievement and gives them confidence that similar results can be achieved in other states.
The combination of early soybean planting and fall cover crops offers a comprehensive approach to reducing agricultural emissions. It addresses multiple aspects of the agricultural system and paves the way for a more sustainable future.
What Castellano hopes to see as a result of this research is a greater emphasis on early planting. With the support of the USDA, farmers can make informed decisions to reduce environmental nitrogen losses and increase yield. As the climate continues to warm and springs become warmer in the northern Corn Belt, the importance of planting earlier becomes even more pronounced.
Farmers have been gradually adopting earlier planting practices over the past decade. However, by considering the environmental and production rewards, they can take it a step further. The Iowa Farm Bureau has set the earliest planting dates for soybeans, and with the right guidance and support, farmers can make the most of these opportunities.
In conclusion, Iowa is at the forefront of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions through innovative research and practical solutions. By implementing these strategies, the state is setting an example for the rest of the country and working towards a more sustainable agricultural future.