Arlin Kaufman
Arlyn Kauffman, a farmer in Weldon, Iowa, practices regenerative agriculture with support from his Mennonite community. His 20,000 Hyline Brown hens produce cage-free, non-GMO eggs, enjoying daily access to a 50-acre alfalfa pasture. Solar-powered doors and a probiotic-rich diet ensure compliance with specialty egg standards. Added in 2015, the egg operation involves his family, with Kauffman’s sons assisting with packing. He also rotates goat pastures weekly to support grass regrowth in dry conditions. By blending sustainable methods, technology, and community collaboration, Kauffman fosters ecological stewardship and resilience in his farming practices.
Arlyn Kauffman looks over a field on his farm while discussing the importance of community support for regenerative farming practices on Monday, October 7, 2024, in Weldon, IA. Though his father was not a farmer, Kauffman developed an interest in farming and got a start with help from his uncles and fellow farmers in his Mennonite community.
Kauffman’s 20,000 Hyline Brown chickens lay their eggs in the hen house on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. Kauffman complies with a variety of feed, lighting, and roosting space requirements for the speciality egg label.
Freshly lain eggs on a packing machine on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. The eggs operation added to the farm in 2015 and specializes in cage-free, non-GMO fen laying hens with access to a 50-acre alfalfa pasture.
Aryln Kauffman pushes a palate of freshly lain eggs into the refrigerator room for storage until pickup on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. Kauffman taught his two sons how to use the packing machines when each turned seven and now both begin the first round of egg packing before school.
The first of 20,000 Hyline Brown hens emerges into the a 50-acre yard for nine hours of sun, exercise and feeding on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. Solar panels on the roof power an automated door opener that lets the hens out at 10:15 daily as part of the pasture access requirement for specialty eggs.
Arlyn Kauffman shows a handful of corn seed that will become part of the mix given to his hens on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA.
Arlyn Kauffman carries a bucket of grain to his feed mixer on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. Kauffman had to mount the learning curve feeding hens a consistent diet with probiotics and prebiotics to maintain health while ensuring egg label compliance.
Arlyn Kauffman closes the electric fence on 50 acres of open pasture where hens feed, exercise and receive nine-hours of outside time on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. Kauffman values interaction with other farmers who are trying regenerative agriculture.
Arlyn Kauffman drives his tractor to his home to deliver a bail of hay to feed his goats on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kauffman farm in Weldon, IA. Kauffman rotates the location of the goat pasture weekly to offset the dry climate slowing the regrowth of grass.
Arlyn Kauffman takes momentary respite on Monday, October 7, 2024, on the bench at the entry of the Salem Mennonite Congregation of Leon church building in Weldon, IA. Kauffman’s faith community and family relations have helped to form his philosophy on farming, which includes land and farm stewardship.