Meet Julia Groenenboom. She raises pigs for Niman Ranch with her dad in southeastern Iowa.
What do you most enjoy about farming?
On the farm, no two days are exactly the same. I enjoy the variety that each day brings. Tasks may include grinding and unloading feed, operating and fixing machinery, breeding and farrowing, baling and bedding, organizing and cleaning, problem-solving and working on a project. On top of that, I get to be outdoors enjoying sunsets, the changing of seasons, and all of creation up close and personal. I can experience the new life of a piglet and ensure that animal is well cared for through all stages of its life. Being a part of Niman Ranch allows me to work in an environment that both the animals and I love!
What inspires you to farm?
Farming is a demanding job that requires diverse skills and attributes and a lifelong commitment to learning. Those challenges are inspiring to me because they create something valuable and meaningful. The process of farming with Niman Ranch is valuable. This is not just my job; this is my heart and my home. I care about our community, our family, our land, and our animals. I aim to share a strong, sustainable community, family bond, work ethic, and love of God and his creation with my family. That is worth hard work. The product of farming with Niman Ranch is also valuable. Creating a product that others can enjoy and be proud to purchase is meaningful. That inspires me to farm.
Did your parents expect/anticipate that you would return to the farm? How did this influence your decision?
My path to farming has been an unusual one. When I left for college, I highly doubt my parents thought that when I graduated I would be coming home to the farm. My parents encouraged me to further my education in whatever field I felt called to. Part of that process was learning where my skills and passions were and where they were not. Even though I completed a degree in another field, throughout college I slowly began to realize that the farm I grew up on was where my heart was. By my senior year of college, I was convinced that more than anything, I wanted to be a farmer. I am thankful that my parents allowed and encouraged me to go to college and explore different options. It gave me the confidence, peace, and excitement to make the decision to come home and farm. I knew with 100% certainty that is what I wanted. Because of our relationship with Niman, I could come home and farm. My parents did not force me to farm, it was totally my personal decision, and that has allowed us to have a healthy working relationship.
