This story is the fourth of five profiles of the people selected as the DTN/Progressive Farmer's 2026 America's Best Young Farmers and Ranchers program. Today, we introduce Brian Crock and Lillie Beringer-Crock of Beringer Family Farms, near Cascade, Iowa.

See Lillie Beringer-Crock and Brian Crock's America's Best Young Farmers and Ranchers video profile at https://bcove.video/…

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Growing up in Cascade, Iowa, Lillie Beringer-Crock favored a tree that stood "forever" near a sand dune on her grandfather's farm. William (Bill) Beringer purchased the farm in 1958 to raise cattle and hogs. Helping with chores, loading and hauling manure, and going to cattle sales with her "hero" were some of her favorite pastimes -- memories she holds close to her heart.

Never afraid to try something new, her grandfather's operation was diverse and sustainable for more than half a century. Bill died in 2014, leaving her parents, John and Sheila Beringer, to run the business ahead of a dramatic downward shift in cattle markets in 2015, which led to significant financial losses for Iowa cattle feeders who had paid high prices for cattle.

"The very first group of cattle they ever fed, we lost money on," Lillie recalls.

While struggling to restart the business on a positive path, John and Sheila didn't have a viable full-time position for Lillie when she graduated from Iowa State University in 2018. Soon after, the family was faced with the death of Bill's wife, Lillie's grandmother, Imelda.

One thing was certain: Losing her grandfather's ground -- the memories, long hours from dusk to dawn, the sentimental value of the farm -- was not an option. Farming full time and purchasing the land became Lillie's five-year plan.

DUAL ROLES

To make ends meet and continue farming, Lillie started a full-time career with Purina Animal Nutrition while working on the farm. With an end goal to farm full time, Lillie had to bring something to the operation for her parents to afford and affirm her position in the family business.

"In order to do that, I had to create my own path and bring something to the table that would secure my position on the farm and get me farming full time," Lillie explains. "If what we're doing is not working, what can we do to change and switch it?"

SOCIAL MEDIA INVOLVEMENT

In late 2019, Lillie opened her social media pages after a few nudges from friends who said her deep involvement in the farm was unique.

"I figured if I could share what I'm doing and teach one person about agriculture, and show them what we're doing, that we're not the bad guys out in the world trying to harm you, then it would be worth my time. Sharing our farm-to-plate story, connecting consumers to the farmers, showing the daily ins and outs, and teaching others," Lillie explains.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media users surged as emergency protocols were put into place nationwide. More people at home, more people on social media and more people yearning for authentic storytelling and glimpses of farm life.

Lillie's followers began to grow. While showcasing her farm life, her followers started to ask: "How can we purchase your beef?"

"At the time, I didn't have a way. I had never sold it outright anywhere else," Lillie says. "I was also figuring out how I was going to buy a farm at 23 years old."

ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

With her background as an animal nutritionist for Purina, Lillie was familiar with other farm-to-consumer beef programs. Her interest peaked when she realized selling meat direct to customers could help her reach her ultimate goals.

"I started a beef program with the hope of, if I brought in my own stream of income, it would help me farm full time. I had to create my own path," Lillie says.

She launched the business in 2021. Today, Lillie offers dry-aged, homegrown Iowa beef from birth to butcher through individual cuts shipping to all 50 states.

Her business proved successful but wasn't generating enough income to secure a loan to buy her grandfather's land. She received three loan rejection letters. "That was the hardest part of my life, we're going to lose everything we always had our whole life," she feared. Lillie reevaluated her business plan. She needed guaranteed income.

"I couldn't buy the farm, put the fence in, put the water in and buy the extra cows all at once. So, we did a custom-lease with a farmer who owned cows, and we did a cash share, which, in the end, is how I got loans approved; we had the cash-flow," she points out.

GROWING BUSINESS AND FAMILY

During the pandemic, Lillie met her now-husband, Brian Crock, who owned an established small-scale feedlot in Tipton and farmed with his family. Meshing some assets together through marriage, Beringer Family Farms was growing at a comfortable pace.

Since meeting Brian, the couple has welcomed two children to the family farm. In addition, Lillie opened a farm store in Cascade that features farm-fresh beef, pork, chicken, eggs, baked goods, homemade bread, seasonal produce, dairy products and beef tallow skin-care products.

"Opening our farm store in March of 2024 has been a great addition to the community to offer local, fresh food that tells a story and isn't just a label," Lillie states. "We have added and hope to continue adding more agritourism events that bring the community out to the farm and give consumers a full farm-to-table experience about where their food comes from and how it was raised."

Inside the farm store is the logo Lillie created for Beringer Family Farms featuring the tree she saw every day growing up -- the tree that represents her core values of faith, family and farming.

Now that she owns her grandfather's land -- and her family picture is more complete -- Beringer Family Farms has become a treasured space for Lillie to share her passion and love for land and cattle with the community, something instilled in her from a young age.

Lillie is one of 26 grandchildren and one of five in her immediate family who are taking over the family farm. "All the hard work and long days I put in are to give back to what my grandpa has started for me ... I am proud to say I am the one carrying on my grandpa's legacy," Lillie says.

BERINGER FAMILY FARMS

Lillie's original five-year goal to farm full time was achieved in four years. Today, Beringer Family Farms grows corn, soybeans and hay on more than 1,000 acres, operates a 1,500-head feedlot and raises 300 Angus cows on pastureland, in addition to its direct-to-consumer beef business and farm store.

Lillie's parents are still active in the operation but stepping more into their grandparent role and letting Lillie take the reins.

"My mom and dad are a huge part of why I'm able to do what I am here. My dad's main role is to haul all the manure from the cattle that are in the yard. That's one of the main things he still does. Mom and Dad help whenever needed," Lillie explains.

John's brother Billy is mainly retired but helps with beef runs and errands, and Sheila's brother Roger has taken on a mechanic role on the farm and helps cut and bale hay. Brian's mom and brother are involved on the crops and hog side of the operation.

"We are very much a family-oriented farm, and we couldn't operate without everyone involved," Lillie says.

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Editor's Note: This is the fourth of five profiles of our 16th class of America's Best Young Farmers and Ranchers sponsored by DTN/Progressive Farmer. They are among the best of their generation who have chosen agriculture as a profession and lifestyle. The annual award recognizes five farmers and ranchers under 40 who best represent the pioneering promises of American agriculture: Farmers and ranchers who are innovative, imaginative and who work to improve their communities. Nominations are judged on the operations' overall business plan, as well as the farmers' involvement in the community and the ag industry. We're already seeking nominations for our 2027 class. If you know someone (you can nominate yourself or family member) or would like more information and a nomination form, contact Progressive Farmer Senior Editor Dan Miller at dan.miller@dtn.com and cc DTN Social Media and Young Farmers Editor Susan Payne at susan.payne@dtn.com.

See more in the series:

-- America's Best Young Farmers/Ranchers-1, "The Weight of Legacy on Young Arkansas Farmers," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

-- America's Best Young Farmers/Ranchers-2, "Make Memories on the Farm," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- America's Best Young Farmers/Ranchers-3, "Nebraska Farm Family Seeks the Right Balance," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

To hear more about this year's class, check out DTN's Field Posts podcast, Episode 275: 2026 Best Young Farmers and Ranchers at https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Susan Payne can be reached at susan.payne@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @jpusan

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