Meet the Western Family
The Western Family
Todd Western Jr.
Todd Western Jr, affectionately known as “Burhead,” was a talented musician, gifted athlete, and proud army veteran. He grew up on the family farm in Oskaloosa, IA with his mom, dad, and sisters. As a family, they raised livestock and tended to crops. After excelling in athletics and music in high school, he attended William Penn and the University of Northern Iowa. After serving in the military, he relocated to Waterloo, IA where he worked at John Deere as a heat treat engineer for over 40 years. Todd was an avid runner and was training for his 13th Chicago Marathon until the later years of his life.
Barbara Western
Born and raised in Maywood, IL, Barbara is a classically trained opera singer and teacher by trade. She attended the University of Northern Iowa where she met Todd Jr. After getting married in 1966, Barbra and Todd moved to Waterloo, IA. For decades, Barbara taught music in a number of communities across the state. Upon Todd’s death, she took an active role as the leader of Western Family Farms. To this day, she continues to oversee all day to day business on the farm.
Todd Western III
Todd was born on the Fort Belvoir army base in Fairfax, Virginia. As an infant, he moved to Waterloo, IA where he spent the majority if his childhood. Growing up around his family’s farms, he learned the work ethic that would help propel him into a decades-long career in sales. In addition to his passion for farming, he is also a high school and youth football coach in Brooklyn Center, MN. Todd is an active member in his community and church where he was a drummer for 30 years. He has also served on community-run boards.
Chris Western
The 2nd oldest son of Barbara and Todd II, Chris has been a key part of the Western Family Farms operations. His knowledge of machinery, mechanics and problem solving ability have all been essential to the survival of the farms. Chris was born and raised in Waterloo, IA where he served as a city planner for over 10 years. He’s an avid golfer who loves to spend time with his wife and their dogs.
Adam Western Sr.
Adam is by far the most creative member of the Western family. The youngest of 3 boys, he has achieved notable milestones in radio, television and play acting. Adam has traveled the country in pursuit of his acting career and has now entered a new realm of passion. The latest calling has seen him accomplish becoming a licensed substance abuse counselor in the Twin Cities area, where he now lives with his wife Katie and son, Adam Jr.
Todd Western IV
Todd Western IV, son of Todd Western III, grew up helping his dad, uncles, and grandparents on the farm. Todd is passionate preserving the Western Family Farms legacy while incorporating more modern, sustainable, and equitable farming practices. Outside of farming, he works in social media marketing and is a proud father of two. Todd’s dedication to the land and entrepreneurial spirit has lead him to creating his own urban farm titled Freedom Farms.