Growing Hope Foundation came into existence when our founders, Jerry and Lois Epland, realized that their farmland could be used to grow more than crops, it could be used to grow hope. Growing Hope was created as the mechanism to accomplish this goal. In their estate plan Jerry and Lois have set aside a specific number of acres of their farmland to eventually pass to the foundation. The revenue that comes from renting out that land provides the financial base for the work of the foundation.
Along with the stewardship of their financial resources, over the years Jerry and Lois have set a standard for the foundation in regards to stewardship of the land. Some of the hallmarks of that standard include conservation practices such as either minimum tillage or no-till on all of the land; adequate drainage through pattern tiling and strategically located pumping sites; timely repair of broken tile; the use of waterways when necessary to control erosion; nutrient management, and filter and buffer strips along ditches, to reduce chemical run-off in surface and sub-surface water; and an awareness of the detrimental effects of soil compaction. All of these stewardship practices positively impact the health of the soil, which means the renters can expect higher yields, which means that we will be growing hope well into the future.
If you are a farmer, or own farmland, and you would like to know more about how you could do something similar, click here to be redirected to our contact page. Type “farmland” in the comments section when reaching out to us.
Jerry Epland,
Co-founder
Jerry was a senior partner in a family 4000-acre corn and soybean farming operation in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. In addition to farming for nearly 50 years, Jerry was the president of Epland Trucking, Inc., a commercial trucking firm which was in operation for 25 years. Jerry served on the board of directors of Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association for 20 years, serving as president for 5 of those years. Jerry also served as chairman of the Planning Commission of Freeborn County, MN.
Lois Epland,
Co-founder
Lois was raised on the farm on which she and Jerry made their home. In the year 2015 it was designated a century farm. Lois took care of the financial records and did the bookkeeping for their farming operation. She was the office manager for Epland Trucking, Inc for over 20 years. Lois served for 6 years on the board of directors of St John’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, MN, serving as president for two of those years. Lois has volunteered in various community organizations, including helping to serve meals to the less fortunate through the Loaves and Fishes program. Lois was a Sunday school teacher for 25 years as well as a volunteer at an organization that serves at-risk youth.