Biography

LaVon Griffieon was raised on an 80-acre farm near Spirit Lake, Iowa. She and her husband, Craig, farm 950 acres north of Ankeny. They have a cow/calf herd, a feeder beef & pastured poultry operation. They raise soybeans, corn, oats, alfalfa and a variety of other farmyard animals. The Griffieons are both actively involved in their farming operation along with their four children, who are the fifth generation of Craig's family to live in their home. They presently direct-market antibiotic-free, no-hormone-added beef, pork, lamb, poultry & eggs. LaVon is active with rural education for urban youth and adults is is the president and co-founder of 1000 Friends of Iowa, the only non-profit working exclusively on land-use issues in Iowa. The kids are still actively involved in our operation. They all have ag degrees. Our two sons farm with us. Our oldest daughter raises our sheep but works for a seed company. Our youngest daughter works for DLL doing ag. loans. I am retired from 1000 Friends board.