PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER — First-generation farmers Jamie and Ryan Madison share a moment during a Tama County Women, Land & Legacy event at Mad Acre Farms.
The self-service farmstand at Mad Acre Farms, located at 1175 F Avenue in rural Gladbrook, is open daily.
Brodie, a heritage tom turkey, serves as the unofficial mascot of Mad Acre Farms.
GLADBROOK — On September 25, Tama County Women, Land & Legacy hosted their 53rd event at Mad Acre Farms (MAF), owned by first-generation farmers Jamie and Ryan Madison. While the focus was on high tunnel production, the discussions expanded to encompass the broader efforts involved in transforming a four-acre plot of Iowa soil into a viable small-scale market farm.
Situated approximately two miles northeast of Lincoln, the Madisons purchased the farm in late 2020. The property, previously featured on the ABC show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in 2006, is now dominated by its current mascot, Brodie, a vibrant heritage tom turkey who greeted visitors during the event.
Attendees included neighbors, local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) customers referred to by Jamie as “family,” as well as curious acreage owners from nearby towns who were drawn to the Madisons’ engaging posts on social media.
Ryan Madison opened the evening by discussing their aspirations from five years prior: “We wanted to be able to grow and eat from our land, but also provide people with high nutrient-dense foods,” he shared, explaining their goal of cultivating nutrient-rich produce on their farm.
Brought up in Linn County, Jamie shares her passion for farming with Ryan, who has roots in both Mississippi and Iowa. While they maintain careers in the insurance industry, their dedication to farming often means sacrificing sleep. “We do actually work from home, so we do have full-time careers [off farm],” Jamie explained, admitting her initial hesitance to embrace the gardening and homesteading lifestyle, which has since captivated her.
After the introductions, Jamie and Ryan guided participants on a tour beginning with a newly cultivated wildflower meadow on the north side of their property, labeled a “work in progress” by Ryan. The group then observed multiple smaller garden plots and a vocal group of white farm geese. The tour culminated at the site of the Madisons’ third high tunnel.
“We have three high tunnels on the property,” Ryan shared, noting their sourcing through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) High Tunnel Initiative, which provides funding for eligible farmers to install high tunnels that extend growing seasons and improve crop quality.
High tunnels shield plants from adverse weather while facilitating efficient irrigation methods. “One of the most important things is to make sure your ground is level first,” Ryan mentioned with a chuckle, recalling the challenges they faced with the unlevel ground when constructing their tunnels.
Ryan highlighted that the high tunnels have enabled earlier crop planting, such as lettuce, allowing them to cultivate greens as early as February and March. “It makes our growing season a lot longer,” he noted.
During the tour, the couple showcased their second tunnel, known as Big Red, where crops like beans, cucumbers, and eggplants thrived late in the growing season. “We use all organic products,” Ryan added, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Inside the original tunnel, Little Debbie, both Jamie and Ryan provided practical insights drawn from their experiences. As they answered questions from the audience, Jamie raised thought-provoking queries regarding the operational elements of high tunnels, encouraging participants to engage deeply with the subject.
The evening concluded at the self-service farmstand, which showcased an array of pumpkins and gourds alongside a refrigerated section for fresh products, including eggs. “We’re really proud of it this year,” Ryan expressed, reflecting on the farmstand’s success. As dusk approached, the Madisons shared their ambitions for the future, including plans to convert an old hog house into a store, with hopes that their son might one day run a restaurant there if he studies culinary arts. “We’re trying to add things that can make money so we can quit our jobs. We gave ourselves five years to quit corporate America…” Ryan remarked, revealing their long-term vision.
“This garden and this farm knows all our secrets,” Jamie added, highlighting how their farming journey has also strengthened their relationship, “and it’s helped build our marriage.”
Mad Acre Farms is located at 1175 F Avenue in rural Gladbrook. The farmstand operates self-service from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Payment options include cash, Venmo, and PayPal, with SNAP or FMNP payments accepted on Sundays from 2-6 p.m. For further information, visit madacrefarms.com.
