For Jeff and Nancy Lucas, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a family tradition and a testament to their enduring partnership. As they celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, they also mark four decades of working together. From their roots in Luxemburg, IA, their unwavering partnership has been a testament to the power of teamwork, effective communication, shared responsibilities, and mutual respect, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve milestones together. Their farming journey began in 1982 on Jeff’s parents’ land, where they started with just 60 sows. Over time, their operation flourished, expanding to 400 sows before they partnered with a sow farm managed by PIPESTONE.
Partnering with PIPESTONE
Jeff and Nancy found invaluable support through their collaboration with PIPESTONE. Jeff reflects, “Working with PIPESTONE was the best decision we made in agriculture.” Their partnership provided access to expert labor and a network of like-minded farmers. “It was a way of maximizing our labor, making our labor more efficient, and expanding without having to hire more help,” Jeff said. “When you belong to a sow farm, you are hiring your labor by experts.” Dr. Cameron Schmidt, a Veterinarian with PIPESTONE, offered guidance that deeply resonated with the Lucas family. Jeff recalls Dr. Schmidt’s advice: “Surround yourself with good people, and you will be successful.” This philosophy guides them through challenges and toward success. Beyond their partnership with PIPESTONE, Jeff and Nancy discovered the value of collaboration and shared ownership in sow farms. By aligning with partners who shared their vision for excellence in pork production, they fostered an environment where expertise, resources, and responsibilities were shared. Jeff emphasizes, “Us and our partners share a lot of common interests and have become great friends. I can learn a lot from them and at every meeting, I know there will be value.” Nancy jokes, “you’re talking the daily phone calls Jeff has [with other shareholders]?” Jeff and Nancy also have partnered with farmers in their ownership of Wholestone Farms, producing high-quality pork products.
“Communication is the biggest thing. Being out there [on the farm] and learning things together is key.”
Nancy Lucas
Lessons Learned
Through the highs and lows of their farming career, they have learned lessons that have shaped not only their operation but also their approach to life. Here are some key insights they’ve acquired along the way:
- The Power of Effective Communication: Communication lies at the heart of Jeff and Nancy’s successful partnership. They emphasize the importance of open and honest dialogue, enabling them to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and celebrate victories together. Jeff highlights, “Nancy and I have done it together for so long, we kind of know what each other are thinking and what our next move is.” Nancy agrees, “Communication is the biggest thing. Being out there [on the farm] and learning things together is key.”
- The Importance of Shared Responsibilities: In their partnership, Jeff and Nancy have always believed in the principle of shared responsibilities. By dividing tasks and leveraging each other’s strengths, they have created a harmonious workflow that maximizes efficiency and productivity. “I would never be where I am today without Nancy,” Jeff stated. “We work well together.”
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Farming is inherently unpredictable, with weather events, market fluctuations, and unforeseen challenges posing constant threats. Jeff and Nancy have faced their fair share of setbacks but have always remained resilient in the face of adversity. “We are not ones to sit back and wait until tomorrow. We attack things head-on,” Jeff said.
- The Value of Continuous Learning: Despite their decades of experience, Jeff and Nancy approach farming with a mindset of continuous learning. They stay updated on the latest industry trends, attend workshops and seminars, and seek advice from experts in the field. “You know what they say, ‘The day you quit learning, is the day you die,’” Jeff said. “There is a lot of truth to that.”
- The Importance of Family and Community: For Jeff and Nancy, farming is not just a profession, but a way of life deeply intertwined with family and community. They have instilled in their children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the farm. “It’s fun to have them interact because I feel every generation gets more and more removed from the farm,” Jeff added. “We want our grandkids to know where their food comes from.”
Celebrating Excellence
Their commitment to excellence in pork production was recognized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, as they were named 2017 Master Pork Producer. “This is something I never ever thought we would receive. We were fortunate and it was a very nice honor” Jeff said humbly.
Family is Everything
At the core of their success is their family, including their children—Dustin (Katherine) and Jenna (Shawn)—and their grandchildren—Josie, Jack, Bennett, and Everly. Reflecting on the importance of family in farming, Nancy shares, “Having our children and grandchildren visit and help out on the farm has brought us so much joy.” Jeff added, “the farm is a great place to raise a family.”
