Todd Stewart had dreamed of becoming a full-time farmer since high school. After nine years of farming part time, working off-farm full time, he finally got the chance, thanks to the Center for Rural Affairs Land Link program. At age 38, Todd, his wife, Julie, and their three children became full-time family farmers. They now operate a 1,500-acre grain and livestock farm.

Stewart's resourcefulness, passionate respect for nature and desire to think outside the box may be the reason the farm has succeeded. He was one of the first in his area to no-till farm and the first to convert to organic production. Raising pork on pasture and beef in a rotational grazing system, Stewart participates in a 30-member small farm cooperative established in part through SARE producer grants. The co-op markets humanely raised "natural" meat locally, to regional supermarkets and internationally. Stewart's work extends to his community as well. He has spoken at two beginning farmer conferences, given testimony both on the state and federal level and sits on the lending committee at his local credit union. His life has came full circle; he now mentors future farmers to help them realize their dreams.