Beth Lamp

Plum Thicket Farms

Beth Lamp is a fifth-generation farmer from Eastern Iowa, where her family runs a corn and soybean operation while also raising hogs and custom-feeding cattle. From a young age, Beth was immersed in agriculture—helping on the farm, participating in 4-H and FFA showing cattle and hogs, and soaking up every opportunity to be involved in the day-to-day operations. She recently graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Agriculture, with an emphasis on animal science and agriculture business. This summer, Beth is interning at Plum Thicket Farms with Rex & Nancy Peterson near Gordon.

Beth's journey into agriculture was shaped by both practical experiences and her family's influence. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures in 2020, she assisted her dad in preparing and planting fields, which deepened her interest in agriculture. Her father has been the most significant influence on her passion for this field. She has witnessed the hard work, patience, and perseverance required to produce food for the world and support their family.

What drew Beth to this internship program was her love for cattle—especially cow-calf operations. Her goal is to return home and expand her family's farm to include a cow-calf enterprise of her own. She applied for this internship to gain more hands-on experience with calving, pasture care and management, vaccination protocols, gentle livestock handling, and fencing. She's particularly excited to learn branding—something not commonly practiced in her home region.

This summer, Beth is eager to get out of her comfort zone, learn new ranching methods, and compare the unique agricultural practices of the Nebraska Sandhills with those of Eastern Iowa.

Beth has had a wealth of unique experiences. In high school, she was a member of CAC Media (formerly known as Current Ag Concerns), where she had the opportunity to travel, conduct media interviews, and promote various conferences. She wrote articles covering events such as the International Livestock Forum (CO, the National Finals Rodeo (TX), and the Eastern Iowa Farmer Magazine. Additionally, she reported on agricultural events, such as the Cattlemen's Congress in Oklahoma, produced a promotional video for Sunglo Feeds, and participated in interviews for Season 1 of the AgriVision Television Series, as well as coverage of the Canadian Western Agribition. Beth's passion for agriculture extends beyond the field; she loves sharing the stories and challenges of rural life.

When asked who she'd love to spend a day with, Beth chose her late relatives—especially her grandpa—to learn more about the foundation they built and the sacrifices they made during tough times. She'd also jump at the chance to spend time with Temple Grandin, whose insights on animal behavior have influenced Beth's philosophy on livestock handling.

After her internship, Beth intends to return home, continue learning from her father, and gradually build her own cattle herd. Her ultimate goal is to preserve her family's legacy while actively contributing to a sustainable future.