How April Hemmes Balances Conservation and Profitability
April Hemmes: Iowa Farmer and Global Ag Leader
When it comes to women in agriculture, few names resonate as strongly as April Hemmes. From her century farm in Franklin County, Iowa, to international agricultural policy boards, April’s story is one of grit, innovation, and leadership. She’s not only a farmer and rancher, but also a conservationist, mentor, and advocate whose impact spans local communities and global stages.
On the Farm4Profit Podcast, April sat down to share her remarkable journey—from inheriting her family’s farm to shaping the future of farming for generations to come. Her story highlights the importance of farm conservation practices, grain marketing strategies, and strong Iowa agriculture leadership.
From Franklin County to Global Influence
April Hemmes farms 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and pastureland in northern Iowa. Her operation isn’t just about yields—it’s a showcase of forward-thinking agricultural practices designed to protect soil, water, and wildlife.
Beyond her farm, April serves on:
The United Soybean Board (USB)
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Ag Technical Advisory Council (USDA FAS)
Multiple Iowa ag organizations focused on policy and leadership
Her influence demonstrates how Iowa farmers, especially women, are helping to shape conversations that affect both American producers and global food systems.
Education and Early Career
April’s path began at Iowa State University, where she earned her degree in Animal Science. She gained early professional experience in banking, agricultural research, and policy before returning home to take over the family farm in 1993.
At that time, the farm was a farrow-to-finish hog and cattle operation, but April had a vision for a new direction. She transitioned the farm into a highly productive grain enterprise, leveraging technology and conservation to boost both profitability and sustainability.
Conservation as a Cornerstone
April has never plowed her land. Instead, she committed early to no-till farming, proving that conservation practices can drive long-term results. Her farm also features:
Buffer strips to protect waterways
Filter strips to reduce nutrient runoff
Wetlands that enhance water quality
Pollinator habitats to support biodiversity
These practices align with Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy while reinforcing the role of women in agriculture as conservation leaders. For April, sustainability isn’t optional—it’s a non-negotiable investment in the future.
Technology Meets Practicality
As farming has become more data-driven, April has embraced technology while maintaining a sharp focus on cost management. Her philosophy blends precision agriculture tools with a used machinery strategy, ensuring the farm stays profitable without overextending.
This balance is a model for Iowa farmers looking to adopt new technology without sacrificing financial stability. It also reflects April’s broader leadership approach—measured, thoughtful, and always rooted in long-term farm health.
Empowering Women Through Grain Marketing Strategies
One of April’s most impactful contributions is her leadership in a women’s grain marketing group co-led with economist Kelvin Leibold. Together, they empower women farmers and landowners with tools and confidence to capture better grain prices.
Members of the group have reported income boosts between $10,000 and $30,000 annually, simply by applying smarter marketing strategies. For many farms, this type of return rivals—or even exceeds—the ROI of new machinery or seed technology.
By championing grain marketing strategies, April has created a platform that not only builds profitability but also fosters community and mentorship among women in agriculture.
Recognition and Awards
April Hemmes has received numerous honors for her work, including:
Iowa Master Farmer award
Monsanto Farm Mom of the Year
Induction into the FarmHer Hall of Fame
These accolades reflect her dual commitment to productivity and stewardship. But if you ask April, the true reward comes from helping farmers—especially women—feel more confident in their role as land stewards and business owners.
Leadership Beyond the Farm
As an active board member and policy influencer, April brings a farmer’s perspective to national and international discussions. Whether advising the USDA on trade policy or collaborating with the United Soybean Board, she ensures Iowa farmers have a voice in shaping global agriculture.
Her Iowa agriculture leadership reflects the increasing need for farmer representation in spaces where policy decisions are made. Farmers like April are critical in bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring regulations support real-world operations.
Life Lessons from 40 Years in Agriculture
April has been farming for more than four decades, and her wisdom reflects the blend of resilience, creativity, and humor required to thrive in agriculture. In her conversation on the Farm4Profit Podcast, she shared:
How she balances technology investments with practical machinery decisions
Why soil health and conservation practices are essential for farm legacy
What she’s learned from serving in leadership roles at every level
Why grain marketing is one of the best investments farmers can make
Her story underscores a key theme: success in farming isn’t about doing one thing right—it’s about making consistent, thoughtful decisions over time.
A Fun Side of Farming
While April is known for her leadership and serious dedication to conservation and marketing, she also embraces the lighter side of farm life. In the Farm4Profit episode, she joined a rapid-fire “Would You Rather” session, answering fun questions like:
Harvest vs. Planting season
Beef vs. Pork
Talking to animals vs. Speaking every human language
This glimpse into her personality highlights that even the most accomplished leaders in agriculture find joy and humor in the everyday moments.
Why April’s Story Matters
April Hemmes represents the future of agriculture: a future where women in agriculture are leaders, conservation practices are standard, and profitability is tied directly to stewardship.
Her influence in grain marketing strategies, policy leadership, and conservation demonstrates that farmers can thrive financially while protecting natural resources. And her work shows how Iowa agriculture leadership can shape discussions far beyond the state’s borders.
Tune In to the Full Conversation
Want to hear April’s story firsthand? Don’t miss this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast. You’ll gain inspiration, practical takeaways, and maybe even a laugh or two.
Get Involved with Farm4Profit
For questions or partnerships, email Farm4profitllc@gmail.com or call/text 515.207.9640.
