White Family Farms in Estherville, Iowa, has been selected as the ESAP Region III winner. Region III includes five Midwestern states. They were nominated by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

White Family Farms is family-run and operated, supporting three active branches of the White family. Craig and Margaret White own 225 commercial Angus cows and annually feed out approximately 550 head of cattle. Son Brad and his wife, Jill, run 160 commercial Angus cows, annually feed out close to 300 head of cattle and develop about 100 head of replacement heifers. Nephew Lance White has a similar operation, with 150 commercial Angus cows and 300 head of cattle fed out annually.

In addition to performing the daily duties on their individual locations, the White family comes together to help each other during busy times, such as planting and harvesting season or working cattle. Originating from 280 acres, the operation now consists of 1,400 acres of row crops, 1,200 acres of permanent pasture and 320 acres of hay ground/pasture.

By investing time, effort and money toward many environmental practices, the Whites have increased the productivity of their land and their cattle. Some of the stewardship practices include no-till, minimum tillage, farming of row crops, rotational grazing of pastures, converting row crop acres to permanent pastures and hayfields, and building ponds and water systems. These measures have significantly contributed to an increased wildlife habitat, improved soil quality and overall long-standing preservation of land resources.

“We’d rather share our farm resources with our neighbors and community members,” Craig says. “It makes better relationships with those who live nearby.”

White Family Farms has hosted several tours recognizing the importance of educating both the public and other producers about land stewardship. In the process of working to achieve their stewardship goals, the Whites have worked extensively with many organizations.

“Consumers often have the perception that if cattle are raised well, it will be a more wholesome end product,” Craig says. “When community members see our cattle grazing on lush, green pastures and eating feedstuffs we raised here on the farm, they are more inclined to buy our product in the long run.”