GOURMET NEWS

Io wa Farmer, 27, Leads the Way For Younger Generations

BY A J FLICK

At half the age of the average U S farmer, Elle Gadient is a role model for younger Americans wanting to go into farming It’s not only her ethos – it’s her job

“I’ve always loved the farm and from as long as I can remember, I was involved in our farm,” said Gadient, who is the fifth generation in her family to farm on their land in eastern Iowa “I was forbidden to do morning chores because I missed the school bus so much, spending time with the animals ‘Oh, I’ll just stay home and help you, Dad ’”

Gadient laughed

“From a ver y early age, I just loved them I was interested in animal care and the environmental side ”

Her family’s livestock farm includes raising Niman Ranch pigs, so she was familiar with the farmer and rancher network’s commitment to its Certified Humane requirements to raise livestock without antibiotics, hormones or crates in producing premium meat

While studying environmental science and business administration at Wartburg College in Wa-