Submitted by Leann Johnson, Windom
We have been given the opportunity to rent land from SWIF. We appreciate the partnership that has been created throughout the years, knowing the local communities benefit from SWIF’s help. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!
Share Your Story
As Southwest Initiative Foundation marks 40 years, we’re celebrating the people who make this region home and the partners who make our work possible. We’d love to include your story.
Geof and Leann Johnson were featured in our 2014 annual report. Below is an excerpt of that story.
Partnership keeps farm acres in production
A hardworking, fun-loving couple, farming is in Geoffrey and Leann Johnson’s blood. Leann grew up a farm girl near Mountain Lake. She and Geoff met at a neighbor’s hoedown. They got married in June 1982 and made their home on Geoff’s family farm near Windom.
They’re active in the community, helping with things like preserving a 120-year-old stone house near their farm, serving on the township board, supporting FFA and giving to the Southwest Initiative Foundation General Endowment.
Part of the Johnsons’ rented acres includes property owned by Southwest Initiative Foundation through the Keep It GrowingSM farmland giving program. Geoff and Leann credit support from others to get them started as young farmers and later grow their business.
Cultivating the Next Generation
Advice from one landlord has always stuck with Geoff. “The more you give, the more you get,” he said.
That’s a big reason Geoff started mentoring Zachary Walton. Zac grew up on a farm near Bricelyn, Minn. He attended South Central College for diesel mechanics where he met the Johnsons’ daughter, Kari and Lisa, who were attending Minnesota State University-Mankato.
In 2011, Geoff’s father, who was also his farming partner, passed away. Geoff invited Zac to help in the shop and with fieldwork for the summer.
“It was meant to be,” Leann said. “He’s just like part of the family. We couldn’t do it without him.”
Zac agrees it’s a good fit. It’s something he enjoys, does well and can do to make a good living.
“When I was a kid, I wanted to farm, too,” Zac said. “I just didn’t have the opportunity.”
It’s also been a good partnership between the Johnson family and Southwest Initiative Foundation. “I like to see the dollars at work,” Geoff said. “I’m earning a living and helping the community at the same time.”