150+ Year Legacy
The Western Family Farm
Established in 1864
Our family has owned and operated our farms for over 150 years. While the majority of that time has been focused on conventional farming, we are currently working on diversifying our approach to be better stewards of the land and to address the needs of inner-city communities.
159 Years and Counting
Recently, some of the Western family were featured in The Gazette where they recounted the journey of nearly 160 years of being stewards of their land. From being freed from slavery to traveling and settling to the midwest, their ancestors chose the site that would go on to be the present day Western Family Farmstead.
Barbara Western continues to lead the family business as CEO.
After the passing of her husband, Todd Western Jr., Barbara Western stepped in as the head of the family’s farming operation. Find out what it’s like for her the leader for one of Iowa’s only black-owned century farms.
The next generation is ready to take over.
Adam Western Jr., Hadley Halstead and Addison Western represent the seventh and upcoming generation of Western farmers. While they may still have a lot to learn about the farm business, the three of them have a great time adventuring around the farm. From riding the ATV, playing in the dirt or running around, they have no problems creating their own adventure.
“We have a bond to our lands that spans generations and we have a higher sense of responsibility for taking care of that land for the next generations of Western farmers.”
— Todd Western III