Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Audubon couple to receive 2010 Spencer Award

Back to Leopold Letter Winter 2010

By AMY THOMPSON, Communications Intern

Vic and Cindy Madsen had been farming conventionally since the 1960s, but switched to organic production in 1999. When they learned that they would be the 2010 recipients of the Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture, they were pleasantly surprised but somewhat embarrassed. They are friends with many of the previous winners, whomhave been mentors in their ongoing journey toward sustainable agriculture.

“It’s extremely humbling to win an award that your teachers have won,” said Vic Madsen.

The Spencer Award was created in 2002 to honor farmers, educators and researchers who have made a significant contribution toward the stability of mainstream family farms in the state. Family and friends who nominated the Madsens agreed that they easily met the criteria.

“This couple from Audubon have been longtime contributors, supporters and promoters of family farmers,” said Luke Gran with the Practical Farmers of Iowa who nominated the pair. “Their diversified family farm operation is a model for what is possible to achieve for many families across Iowa.”

The Madsens farm 280 acres near Audubon. Their farm is a mixed crop and livestock operation with hogs, cattle and broiler chickens. Cindy sells most of the chickens directly to her customers at farmers markets and via e-mail orders. Some of the hogs and cattle are direct-marketed as well. Most of their operation is organic, except for a portion of land that is quite steep and unmanageable for tillage.

“We feel that organic is better for us and the land,” Vic says. “It is a more personal way of farming.”

The Madsen’s acknowledge that not farming the conventional way was far more work than they had anticipated. Everything that had been taken care of by synthetic nitrogen and chemicals, such as weed control and fertilization, was replaced with their management and machinery. They transitioned to organic gradually, taking small steps each year.

“A huge struggle is weed control, so when I get a reasonably clean field, it is a big satisfaction,” said Vic.

The Madsens became interested in organic practices through friends, and an opportunity to work with the late Fred Blackmer, an Iowa State agronomist known for his work with the Leopold Center on the late-spring nitrogen soil test. The Madsen’s farm was part of the trials to develop the soil test and check soil fertility levels for certain crops. During those trials Vic learned that fertilizer companies were selling products that could lead to nitrogen overload. The random replicated trials gave him the confidence to become certified organic, which relies on cover crops and manure rather than synthetic fertilizer inputs.

The Madsen’s farm was among Iowa’s first to be accepted in the Conservation Security Program (CSP) in 2002 at the Tier 3 highest level, with payments based on conservation practices rather than agronomic production. They are active members of Practical Farmers of Iowa, often sharing their expertise in direct-marketing for meat.

“We wouldn’t have been able to make the changes without the networking of PFI and the work of the Leopold Center,” Madsen said. “They have been good resources and invaluable to us.”

As with many older-generation farmers, he views sustainability as a “must-have.” A lot of that has to do with traditions.

“We need to leave the soil in good shape, so our grandchildren will have good soil to farm with,” he said.

Madsen agreed that sustainability is a “dynamite-packed word.” The definition of sustainability is different to everyone, he said, and often is over-used. His definition includes improvement of the soil to hold water and organic matter.

When asked where he sees his farm in 10 years, Vic replied, “I would like to add more infrastructure, meaning more fencing, add different grazing pastures, and more storage for crops, meaning small grain bins.”

He added that he wouldn’t be opposed to growing different organic crops.

The Spencer Award includes a $1,000 stipend and is one of Iowa’s largest awards in sustainable agriculture. 

Back to Leopold Letter Winter 2010