Bayer ForwardFarming is a global initiative showcasing real-world examples of innovation, sustainability, and stewardship in agriculture. In other words, they are working with farmers who are pioneering regenerative practices while remaining commercially successful. Cornfed Farms, operated by the Mohr family in Iowa, stands at the forefront of this movement, having been named the first and only Bayer ForwardFarm site in the United States and the sole location in the Midwest. This prestigious recognition positions Cornfed Farms among only sixteen farms worldwide, celebrated for their commitment to regenerative agriculture practices that balance economic viability with environmental responsibility.
Bayer launched ForwardFarming in 2015 as a partnership-based program designed to work with farms actively implementing sustainable and innovative agricultural practices. Each ForwardFarm acts as a learning hub, bringing together local farmers, researchers, and stakeholders to develop, test, and share techniques in soil health, biodiversity, water management, and climate resilience. Over time, the network has grown, adding sites in Europe, South America, and Asia, and focusing on both the local adaptation of regenerative practices and the global exchange of ideas. In its latest evolution, ForwardFarming aims to serve as a blueprint for future food systems by marrying profitability, productivity, and sustainability.
Cornfed Farms, located near Marengo, Iowa, and founded in 1891, is managed by Alan and Sara Mohr and their family. As stewards of a fourth-generation farm, the Mohrs encapsulate the values Bayer seeks in its ForwardFarm partners: vision, practical leadership, and a willingness to champion change for the benefit of the wider farming community. By moving away from traditional tillage and adopting a no-till/minimum-till approach, Cornfed Farms has taken significant steps to reduce soil erosion and nurture soil health. Their integration of cover crops like CoverCress and camelina provides multiple benefits such as improved biodiversity, better water retention, and robust nutrient cycling. These intermediate crops protect the soil between harvests, contribute valuable organic matter, and present off-season revenue streams, enhancing financial stability for the operation.
Beyond cropping, the Mohr family’s diversified operation includes hay and cattle, which further reflects their holistic approach to sustainability. Livestock manure, properly managed, enriches the soil and supports healthy crop production, a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and complements the farm’s regenerative philosophy. Their strategy is amplified by the adoption of advanced technologies, like Bayer’s Preceon Smart Corn System, which features short-stature hybrids and digital insights to better manage field risk and performance. Through data-driven recommendations, Cornfed Farms has refined fertilizer use, reduced reliance on synthetic nitrogen, and improved the precision of input applications.
At the heart of Bayer ForwardFarming’s mission lies the notion of knowledge sharing. Cornfed Farms isn’t just a demonstration site for Bayer’s agricultural innovation; it’s a beacon for other farmers, both nearby and around the world, who are seeking inspiration and practical lessons in balancing profitability and stewardship. As Alan Mohr puts it, being recognized as a Bayer ForwardFarm provides the family a unique opportunity to share their journey, encouraging adoption of practices that serve both growers and the land. For the Mohr family, sustainability is not merely a set of environmentally friendly activities; it’s a business imperative for long-term success and resilience in American agriculture.
The recognition of Cornfed Farms as a ForwardFarm highlights a paradigm shift in agriculture. Historically, U.S. growers have faced choices, meaning produce more or conserve resources, but Bayer’s initiative, and the Mohrs’ work, prove these objectives can coexist. By pioneering regenerative practices while remaining commercially successful, Cornfed Farms delivers proof that farmers need not trade off profitability for sustainability. Their approach is practical, rooted in decades of experience, and now validated on a global stage. The Mohrs’ ongoing work serves as an example for farms of all sizes, suggesting that regenerative agriculture is attainable and advantageous, not just in terms of environmental stewardship but also market opportunity and community well-being.
The ForwardFarming initiative itself is set for further expansion. Bayer’s long-term goal is to enable knowledge transfer to thousands more growers worldwide, with demonstration sites, open partnerships, and collaborative efforts to tackle soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change. As pressures on food production continue to mount, ForwardFarming’s blend of economic, environmental, and social components is increasingly relevant for the future of global agriculture. Cornfed Farms, through its leadership and practical application, is not only part of this grand vision but also helping to shape it. (Source: YahooFinance, businesswire, Bayer)
