WEST BEND, Iowa – If you’re concerned about the impact of industrial farming on communities, land, and water, the Fehr family’s organic farm in northern Iowa might be worth exploring. Their farm, Clear Creek Acres, is one of the largest organic grain operations in the U.S., challenging the idea that chemicals are essential for large-scale agriculture.
A Small Town with Big Ideas
Located in West Bend, a town with fewer than 800 residents, the Fehr family grows corn, soybeans, oats, and more on nearly 50,000 acres — all without synthetic chemicals. Instead, they use chicken litter and hog manure for fertilizer and rely on tools like laser weeders and manual labor to manage weeds.
What started in 1998 as an experiment with 45 acres of chemical-free soybeans has grown into a highly profitable operation. Today, Clear Creek Acres manages half of the land, generating nearly $40 million annually from organic crop sales.
Organic Farming: A Profitable Alternative
Dan Fehr, a 71-year-old farmer, believes the claim that chemicals are necessary for farming is “debatable.” His family’s organic yields are only slightly lower than conventional farms — about 10% less — but their costs are lower because they don’t buy expensive pesticides or genetically modified seeds. Plus, organic crops sell at a premium, often earning two to three times the price of conventionally grown crops.
The family works hard to make it happen. Their employees, including local workers and seasonal labor from Guatemala, manually weed fields, contributing to higher labor costs. Yet the farm saves money on chemicals and uses more affordable organic seeds and natural fertilizers.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite their success, the Fehrs face criticism. Some locals argue that the family doesn’t support the community by buying supplies locally or using local grain elevators. Others say their farming practices, which leave fields bare to control weeds, risk soil erosion.
Some also criticize their high rental rates for farmland — $500 per acre, double the local average — which they say makes it harder for new farmers to enter the industry.
Linus Solberg, a local farmer, dismisses these complaints, saying, “Anybody can do it if they’re willing to put in the time.”
Environmental and Market Benefits
Farming without chemicals is challenging, but the Fehrs believe it’s worth it for environmental and health reasons. Research shows that conventional farming leads to more water contamination, while organic methods reduce harmful runoff. Iowa, which suffers from widespread farm-related water pollution, could benefit greatly from these practices.
The organic market is also booming. In Iowa, the number of organic farms nearly doubled from 2011 to 2021, and demand continues to grow. The Fehrs’ crops help meet this demand while providing jobs and sustaining their family business for future generations.
The Fehrs’ Vision
For the Fehr family, organic farming isn’t just a business — it’s a way to secure a future for their family and community. “If we were conventional farming, we wouldn’t be able to support the families that we do,” said Cory Fehr, one of the farm’s leaders.
Their story is proof that with dedication and innovation, organic farming can thrive, even on a large scale, while offering a healthier and more sustainable path forward.