Jane Coghlan
As the first intern on the Vetter farm, Jane became fascinated with the connection between the health of our soil, ecosystems, and communities. This transformational experience inspired her to pursue a career in sustainable food systems and continue supporting the Grain Place Foundation as a board member. She holds a BS and MS in Sustainable Food Systems, a Graduate Certificate in Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership, and a minor in Nutrition and Healthy Living. Jane currently works as a Senior Communications Specialist at Arizona State University’s Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, where she leads stakeholder engagement strategies and communications for the Center’s research, education, and policy initiatives. She also brings agricultural policy expertise from her time as an intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Learn more about Jane’s experiences with the Grain Place aquí.
Kathleen Delate
Kathleen Delate is a Professor of Organic Agriculture at Iowa State University where she has served for the past 20 year. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of California-Berkeley, 1991, a Master of Science degree from the University of Florida, 1986, and a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Florida, 1977. She has over 35 years of organic ag experience on-farm and at Universities. She has received many awards for her work including being named Rodale Institute Organic Pioneer in 2017. She has been active in many public and private groups related to organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture including currently serving as a member of the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Center Advisory Board.
Charles Francis
Charles Francis is a retired Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska — Lincoln, and Visiting Professor of Agroecology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences. His degrees are from Univ California — Davis (B.S.) and Cornell Univ. (M.S. and Ph.D.), and he has worked in Philippines, Colombia, and Norway. He directed a dryland agriculture program in Morocco (1982-1984), initiated the international program for Rodale Institute (1984-85), and was director of the Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems at UNL (1990-2000). He was on the board of directors of The Land Institute, Salina, Kansas for 15 years, and has been active with Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska. He has held research, teaching, extension and administrative positions at UNL from 1977 to present. He is author of 200 reviewed journal articles, 80 book chapters, 8 books, and numerous proceedings and workshops publications. His research interests are in long-term cropping and farming systems, local food systems, peri-urban farming, and crop rotations; teaching includes agroecology, organic farming, urbanization of rural landscapes, international seminars, and land grabs in the global south.
David Vetter
(Ex-Officio Board Member; CEO of Grain Place Foods) David Vetter has been living an ongoing experiment in how to grow food in a way that is both regenerative to the soil and economically viable for the people who farm, since 1975. His steadfast commitment has driven him on, past innumerable challenges and obstacles. He has always had a vision for success that’s broader than his own self, which led him to develop an infrastructure for the marketing of organic grains in our area. He originally pursued a call to missionary service after college, which eventually led him back home to the family farm to try out methods of farming that would improve the quality of the soil. When Rodale Institute named him an Organic Pioneer in 2016, they shared more details of his inspiring story. David has lived on the farm since 1975. With his late wife, Rogean, he raised his three children there: Allison, Darci and Madison.
David Meyer
David Meyer grew up on a farm in northeast Nebraska where he developed a deep appreciation for the soil and those who tend it. He is familiar with local agriculture having lived and been active in Hamilton County for many years before being relocated by this work. He brings a different perspective to our board having served 36 years with Dow Agro Sciences (Corteva). He is a trained plant breeder who has worked all over the world. He states, “I believe that soils and a healthy ecosystem must have more emphasis and focus. I fully believe that there is a balance between production and sustainability. I believe that there is a rich and robust middle ground between organic Ag and industrialized Ag and the farming community has much to gain by them working more together instead of in a polarized way.” Dave also brings a wealth of experience having worked with local and international non-profit organizations. He serves as our Foundation President.
Chuck Porter
Chuck has a masters degree in religious communications from United Theological Seminary (UTS) in Dayton Ohio, the institution where he first became acquainted with David Vetter as David is a graduate of that same institution. Long inspired by Wendell Berry, Wes Jackson, Fred Kirschenmann, and many others, Chuck has also counted Don and Dave Vetter as humble, steadfast visionaries to whom he owes a debt of gratitude. Being a member of the Grain Place Foundation board has allowed Chuck a closer connection to the Vetter family and to their inspiring commitment to the family farm. Chuck also serves as the president of Nebraska Interfaith Power and Light, and professionally, he is on the Nebraska East Area staff of NRCS as a Civil Engineering Technician.
Allison Vetter
Allison Vetter serves as the Project Director of Agriculture, Finance, and Asset Protection (AgFTAP), a national education program of the Southern Risk Management Center at the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture. She is an alumna of Doane University in Crete, NE and received her master’s and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Before joining the University of Arkansas, she was an Associate Professor (tenured) of sociology at Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR) and has served as Title IX Coordinator at institutions in Arkansas and Wisconsin. She has served on boards of several non-profit organizations in the arts, education, and women’s issues. Allison is a shareholder in Grain Place Farm and has contributed shares to Grain Place Foundation. She was raised on the farm and continues to have an active interest its operations, currently serving as Secretary of the Board.
Glenda Vetter
Glenda Vetter is a retired Social Worker from Grand Island, NE having served as a school social worker, hospital social worker and in private counseling practice. She has served on several non-profit boards in Hall County Nebraska. She spent part of her childhood on the farm that became the Grain Place. She and her husband, Charlie Ponec, have devoted much volunteer time helping develop the Grain Place, including planting many trees, keeping bees on the property, and assisting with care of the buildings. She is a current shareholder of the Grain Place and has pledged to contribute shares to Grain Place Foundation.
Jay Vetter
Jay Vetter is a retired United Methodist Pastor who spent 42 years serving congregations in Nebraska. He spent part of his childhood on the farm that would become the Grain Place. He has served on many non-profit boards in several Nebraska Communities. He is a current shareholder of Grain Place and has pledged to contribute shares to Grain Place Foundation. He serves as volunteer Executive Director.
Thomas Harding
(Emeritus Board Member) Tom Harding has over 40 years in organic agriculture and trade. He was a Founder and President of Lehigh Valley Organic Growers, Inc., Founder and First President of the Organic Crop Improvement Association, Co-Founder and First President Institute of Alternative Agriculture, Founding Member and First President Organic Trade Association, Board Member and President International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, and Founder and President The Brice Institute. He is a past President of the Foundation.