Meet Our Producers

For Rich, Paul, and Bill, cattle production has always been a family business. Their father, William H., purchased the farm from his grandfather in 1952. Originally in the chicken, hog, and dairy business, William's vision to raise beef cattle began when he purchased his first ranch in 1964. Now, with farms in South Dakota and Minnesota, the Kooiker Brothers, their sons, and son-in-law raise young cattle on their acres of grassland in each state. In the fall, cattle from the ranch are brought to the farm in Middleburg, Iowa, where they are fed home-grown corn silage to increase their weight and marbling potential.
The Kooiker family is passionate about the safety of their cattle and the environment. "We avoid commercial fertilizers and rotate pastures. We believe in keeping the land the way we found it or better," says Paul. "We want to feed people a good quality protein without the worry. I wholeheartedly believe beef cattle are the only ruminant animals fed on marginal land otherwise unusable that can deliver an incredible quality product with remarkable taste."

Hansen Farms was established in western Audubon County, just 8 miles from Manning, Iowa, in 1941. Having been raised on the farm, Charles Hansen took over the ranch from his father in 1975. Operations included growing and maintaining oilseed, corn, soybean, and other grains. When he wasn't in the field, Charles was busy farming cattle, hogs and raising a family.
When Greg joined his dad on the farm in 1995, his ambitions included growing the cattle business. By '97, they were feeding 3-400 head of cattle on average. "We've tripled our herd now, feeding 1500 head of Blacks, Herefords, and Charolais," says Greg. Greg hopes his sons will continue the family business after growing up on the farm. "At the end of the day, it isn't easy," he shares. "My eldest will be studying animal science at Iowa State, and he plans to return to the farm after getting his degree. As for the other two, it's too early to tell."

In 1980, Steve Ruskamp took Joan, his fiancé, to visit a house outside Dodge in Northeast Nebraska, once owned by his grandparents in 1917. Steve's vision was clear on that day as they agreed to make this their family home and into what is now J&S Feedlot. As their operation expanded, so did their family. Joan and Steve raised three daughters and two sons on their 400-acre farm, and although the extra hands helped feed nearly 3000 cattle per day, they were always encouraged to follow their dreams. "Life on the farm helped teach them how to manage money. It isn't easy," said Joan. "If you live frugally and focus on the business, you can be successful."
The Ruskamp's humble way of life and focus on sustainability has been a blessing to the environment and helped neighboring farms benefit from their stewardship. "We hold all of our water and irrigate the crops with it. We grow corn and turn it into fodder to feed the cattle," shares Joan. "It's a beautiful cycle; we spread the manure out to dry then sell it to local farmers. The dried waste is richer in nutrients, lighter to haul, and better for the environment than fertilizer."
With nine grandchildren who love coming to the farm, the Ruskamp's hope their love for the land and cattle will help carry on the family business one day.