26. Ron & Maria Rosman, Iowa organic farmers

Sustainable Agriculture Policy with Ron Kroese

Not satisfied with conventional farming practices, Ron Rosmann began to explore sustainable agricultural methods in the 1980s.

This week, our host Ron Kroese talks with Ron and Maria Vakulskas Rosmann who, along with their sons, are the owners and operators of Rosmann Family Farms, located four miles northwest of Harlan, Iowa. Ron has farmed this land where he was raised since receiving his biology degree from Iowa State University (ISU) in 1973.

Ron's goals when building the farm focused on building up the soil and not just the plant, using alternative tillage methods, and improving the genetics in the livestock. Ron’s late father had already taught him the value of crop rotations and diversity. His interest in sustainable agriculture helped Ron team up with like-minded individuals who formed Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Today, Rosmann Family Farms is 700 acres of corn, oats, soybeans, popcorn, small grains, pasture, and hay. It is certified organic by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The cow-calf operation (100 cows – Red Angus) is an important part of the organic picture. They also have a 60-sow farrow-to-finish hog operation and raise organic chickens. The Rosmanns strongly support the use of rotational grazing practices. Over the past 30 years, their farm has conducted 40 randomized/replicated research plots in cooperation with PFI.

Ron and Maria have dedicated much of their efforts to the preservation of the small and medium-sized family farm. Over the years, Ron has been asked to address many audiences including university groups, members of Congress, business meetings and organizations. The family has hosted guests from all around the U.S. and six continents.

Ron has written and published many articles and essays on these issues. He has served as a board member and president of the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference.

Maria Vakulskas Rosmann was raised in Sioux City and has a journalism degree from Creighton University. She has worked as a journalist and in television, and for Creighton University. She served as development director for Shelby County Catholic Schools. These days her efforts focus on the marketing of their beef, pork, and popcorn through their on-farm store, Farm Sweet Farm, and working with Ron.

They are the parents of three adult sons, David, Daniel, and Mark. All are graduates of Iowa State University with various degrees involving agriculture. David and Daniel joined in the farming operation after graduation. Mark works for the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Washington, DC.

The interview was conducted on Jan. 29, 2018.

Links this episode:
Rosmann Family Farms
Farm Sweet Farm
National Sustainable Agriculture Oral History Archive (video link)
Center for Rural Affairs
Practical Farmers of Iowa

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