This month, we are excited to announce Iroquois Valley farmers participating in our new program with Rodale Institute and share early momentum from this strategic partnership. 

Since launching this collaboration, Rodale’s Organic Consulting Team has begun providing direct technical support to several Iroquois Valley farmers who are transitioning to USDA Certified Organic production. Farmers are receiving guidance on crop rotation planning, fertility management, weed and pest control strategies, tillage reduction, and certification readiness. Farmers in this organic transition program include:

• David Tate, McLean County, IL
• Josh Smith of Wholesome Meadows Farm, Wells County, IN
• Logan Reinhard, Wells County, IN
• Alan Wilson, Wabash County, IN
• Mark Banwart, Woodford County, IL
• Stephen Gray of Harvest Table Foods, Iroquois County, IL
• Corey Johnson of Johnson Family Farm, Will County, IL

In addition to technical assistance, a smaller group of farmers is participating in a deeper “wrap-around” pilot program focused on developing strategic business and financial plans over a multi-year horizon. These efforts are already helping farmers strengthen their operations, reduce transition risk, and build more resilient farm businesses. Farmers in this wrap-around program include:

• Anna & Doug Jones-Crabtree of Vilicus Farms, Hill County, MT
• A regional hub of Illinois farmers, including growers in Iroquois and Ford Counties, such as those connected to Ross Wilkens of Janie's Farm/Mill and Adam Roberts of Roberts Family Organics.

As this partnership grows, we are excited to provide further updates to our investor and farmer community.

FARM SPOTLIGHT

MEADOWLARK ORGANICS

John and Halee Wepking of Meadowlark Organics are young farmers committed to cultivating a regenerative ecosystem by growing real food. Mentored by the late Paul Bickford, John and Halee focus on specialty grains like spelt, rye, and milling wheat, and are building a mill to process grains in-house. Their crops grow atop ridges in ancient, glacial soils and are interseeded with cover crops. Meadowlark Organics focuses on specialty milling grains and sells them locally to bakeries, groceries, and directly at farmers' markets. 

IN THE MEDIA

ECOWATCH FEATURE ON IROQUOIS VALLEY

Last month, EcoWatch, a long-time leader in environmental news, published a feature article showcasing Iroquois Valley's work supporting organic, regenerative farmers. Thanks to journalist Cristen Hemingway Jaynes for spotlighting how Iroquois Valley’s model is helping create long-term access to land for independent farmers, while delivering environmental impact and financial returns. From soil health to community health, we believe farmland investment can be a force for good, and we appreciate EcoWatch helping to spread the word.

LEARN & GROW

INVESTOR QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Q: How are changes in federal programs and funding impacting Iroquois Valley farmers, and what can investors do to support them?

A: We have been in close communication with our farmers regarding new federal policies. Access to capital for projects such as organic transition and conservation easements has significantly impacted them. Organic, regenerative farmers must contend with uncertainties due to climate change, and unpredictability of funding sources should not add unnecessary volatility. For our team, this emphasizes that long-term private capital is more necessary than ever for farmers to access stable leases and affordable mortgages. As an Iroquois Valley investor, there are a number of ways to support farmers in these uncertain times:

1/ Due to these federal cuts, blended capital (a combination of impact investments and philanthropy) is more critical than ever. Groups like our charitable affiliate, Healing Soils Foundation (HSF), have answered the call. Since the start of 2025, HSF has provided more than $450,000 in direct grant funding to farmers across the Midwest through their Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund. Want to support the vital work of the HSF? Click here to learn more and donate.

2/ Our partners at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Organic Farming Research Foundation, and Rodale Institute regularly publish informative newsletters about the continuing impacts of federal funding changes on farmers across the U.S. Check out their vital work and sign up on each of their websites to stay informed on the latest changes.

3/ The good news is that the majority of our farmers produce corn, soy, wheat, and beef, and they have not seen the market demand reduced. This demand showcases that an investment in organic, regenerative farmers and farmland is not only an impact investment but can be a strong financial investment for the long term.

IROQUOIS VALLEY BOARD EVENT SPOTLIGHT

ON-FARM FOOD AS MEDICINE SUMMIT

On July 11/12, Anna Jones-Crabtree, our Board Chair and farmer at Vilicus Farms, Dr. Stephen Rivard, Iroquois Valley co-founder and Board Member, and the Quinn Institute will host a special summit.

Geared towards medical professionals, the immersive two-day event in Havre, MT, will explore regenerative agriculture, innovative food and farming systems, and health-driven practices. Participants will engage in field tours showcasing sustainable farming techniques, including dryland vegetables, crop rotation, and health-driven genetics. Experts will discuss food as medicine, featuring local programs. Topics include the economics of stewardship, food education, and how health providers can support resilient, local food and farming systems, and foster meaningful conversations building healthier communities.

CONNECT WITH IROQUOIS VALLEY

Our team is attending these upcoming events. Reach out to connect!

• Intersections of Farming, Climate, and Health (Havre, MT)
• Organic Week (Washington, DC)
• Farm Aid (Minneapolis, MN)
• Regenerative Food Systems Investment (Minneapolis, MN)

Photos: Harvest Table Foods/Gray Organic Farm, Meadowlark Organics, Wholesome Meadows Farm and Locavore Farm.

RNR Notes are available to accredited investors only. You may only invest after careful consideration of our complete Private Placement Memorandum, verification of your accredited investor status, and the submission of any other information required by Iroquois Valley relating to your proposed investment. No offering of RNR Notes is being made to investors until the Company has complied with the applicable state law. 

Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, PBC is offering its common stock for sale pursuant to Tier 2 of Regulation A+ and as such intends to be exempted from state qualification pursuant to federal law. No offer to sell securities or solicitation of an offer to buy securities is being made herein or in any state where such offer or sale is not permitted under the blue sky or state securities laws thereof. Offerings are only made through our Offering Circular, available here. Some of the statements herein may constitute forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Offering Circular.

CONNECTING FARMERS, COMMUNITIES, AND INVESTORS SINCE 2007

As a corporate guideline, we do not look for specific farmland to purchase or finance. We develop relationships with farmers who want to grow their businesses. We move forward when we have a ready, willing, and able farmer.