Gibralter Farms

Gibralter Farms is a multigenerational family farm in north central Iowa, straddling the Southfork, a tributary of the Iowa River. The farm dates to 1899 and has always included a variety of crops, forage and livestock. Current crops include corn, soybeans, oats, triticale, hay, rotationally grazed pasture and cover crops. The farm is home to Niman Ranch pigs, dairy and beef cattle and a few chickens, along with an abundance of trees and wildlife. 

John and Beverly Gilbert met at Iowa State University and married shortly after graduation. Following a few years working off the farm, they returned in 1979. Through the 1980 farm crisis and many other ups and downs, they have maintained a steadfast commitment to conservation and caring for livestock and land. They now farm in partnership with their eldest son John and daughter-in-law Sarah, who manage a local direct-to-consumer pork and beef business, and John’s brother Greg and his wife Barb.   

Although the farm has been recognized for the Gilberts’ work toward sustainability, they continually strive to improve their soil health, keep nutrients and soils in place and protect the quality of water leaving their land. They are strong believers in, and advocates for, family-scale farming. 

John says, “Farming—properly structured and informed—can help mediate climate change, rebuild rural America, address nutritional injustice and decrease income inequality and general divisiveness.  Farming gives meaning to our lives and provides a means for family members to contribute to the common effort.  We’re proud to be a small part of Niman Ranch, and greatly appreciate the support the Niman family has always shown as we work toward our goals.”