Lawain Biermann, farm manager at Hertz Farm Management in Cedar Falls, Iowa, was named the 2019 Professional Farm Manager of the Year. The award, co-sponsored by Syngenta, Farm Journal?s AgPro magazine and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), recognizes farm managers who display excellence in client service and a commitment to agriculture.
Biermann?s ties to agriculture began more than 100 years ago when his great-grandfather purchased their family farm in 1877. Biermann earned his degree from Iowa State University, then worked as an agronomist and salesperson for a local cooperative. Two years later, he was excited to follow his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather by entering the world of farm management.
His agronomic background combined with four generations of family farming has proven to be the perfect recipe for a successful career in farm management. Biermann was named the 2019 Farm Manager of the Year because of his industry knowledge, strong attention to detail and noticeable passion for his job.
Biermann is widely recognized by his colleagues as a trustworthy leader who not only gets the job done but takes the time to educate. Whether it be somebody inside the office, outside the office or a tenant, Biermann has become a mentor to many.
?Working with Lawain makes our jobs easier because of his vast knowledge in agriculture,? said Justin Weber, who has collaborated with Biermann at Hertz for 25 years. ?I ask him a lot of agronomy questions, and he?s always there with a quick reply.?
Having a lifelong experience with his family farm, Biermann brings personal knowledge to the business.
?A first-hand perspective gives our new employees a picture of how things work outside the walls of our office,? said Morgan Troendle, a lifelong friend of Biermann?s.
As many of Biermann?s farms will be transferring ownership to the next generation, he?s already approaching this transition with the same determination he?s given the rest of his career.
?I know it can be challenging to work through, but I am excited to have an opportunity to help navigate the process.?
To view a video celebrating Biermann?s achievements, visit www.FarmManageroftheYear.com.
