Novice farmers face big challenges making it in today’s ag sector

By: Cassandra Stephenson, Olivia Cohen

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: February 9, 2026

Words: 1,780

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

MONTEZUMA, Iowa — Ben De Boef grew up working on his grandfather’s 400-acre farm in Montezuma, Iowa, and hearing stories about it.

“I loved it since I was a kid,” said De Boef. “I didn’t really want to do anything other than farm.”

Now 23 years old, De Boef grows corn, soybeans and some alfalfa on his grandfather’s land in south-central Iowa with his wife and young daughter. A couple of years ago …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us