James Hepp of Calhoun County has been named one of three Iowa Farm Bureau (IFB) 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award recipients. This award, honoring former Iowa Farm Bureau President Bob Joslin, recognizes farmers under 35 for their community and agricultural leadership. Hepp, a first-generation farmer, manages a diverse operation in Calhoun County, growing corn, soybeans, and rye with a strong conservation focus. He hosts field days to share soil health practices and serves as Calhoun County Farm Bureau board president, teaching youth about farming and safety. Hepp will receive a $2,000 grant to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2025 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention or Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2025 Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference, $1,500 in cash from GROWMARK, and a $500 gift certificate from Grainger. He is donating his $2,000 grant to the Hometown Heroes Memorial Ride, supporting families of first responders. Hepp is a self-proclaimed underdog in the farm industry and says, “If you see people you think are successful, ask to work with them. Just learn, try different things, put in the extra mile, find what interests you, and keep reevaluating yourself.” Hepp will be recognized during Iowa Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Des Moines on Dec. 11. Nate Hofmann of Linn County and Kaitlyn Porter of Franklin County were also selected for the award.
