08/19/2026
Austin and Erica Ashbacher of Wapello County have been selected to serve as District 7 representatives on the Young Farmer Advisory Committee. The couple brings a strong background in agriculture, leadership, and community involvement as they begin their new role advocating for young farmers across southeast Iowa and the state.
The Ashbacher’s live and farm near Ottumwa with their two young sons, Abraham and Emmett, on Erica's seventh-generation family heritage farm. They work alongside Erica's father and uncle in a diversified row crop and cow-calf operation, raising corn and soybeans while managing a herd of cows and finishing calves. Since returning to the family farm, Austin and Erica have focused on building equity within the operation and expanding the cattle herd, with goals of continued growth in both their crop and livestock enterprises.
In addition to their farming responsibilities, Austin is a large animal veterinarian. Together, he and Erica own and operate Ashbacher Veterinary Services, a mobile veterinary practice that serves livestock producers throughout southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri. Their combined experience in both production agriculture and animal health, provides valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing today's farming families.
Members of Wapello County Farm Bureau since 2021, Austin and Erica have been active participants in Farm Bureau programs and events. They regularly attend county activities and the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference. Austin has also participated in the Young Farmer Discussion Meet, demonstrating his commitment to leadership development and agricultural advocacy.
As members of the Young Farmer Advisory Committee, Austin and Erica look forward to representing District 7, connecting with young farmers across the region, and helping shape programs and policies that strengthen Iowa agriculture. Their passion for farming, rural communities, and Farm Bureau involvement will be a valuable asset to the committee.
