Oxford-based Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging has won the second -place prize for the Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Grow Your Future” Award. Owners Taylor and Stephanie Getting received $5,000 to expand their lavender fields and add equipment to produce lavender-based products like lotions, soaps and syrups.
Established in 2022, Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging features 5,000 lavender plants spread across scenic fields. The farm includes an event space and overnight accommodations in treehouse-style lodgings.
According to an Iowa Farm Bureau news release, the Grow Your Future competition helps young farmers, ages 18-35, amplify their ag-related niche market, unique service or specialty business. The competition began with entrepreneurs submitting video applications in August 2024, followed by public voting during Iowa Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in December 2024 to narrow the contestant pool. Placings were announced during Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Conference on Jan. 18 after the three finalists competed in a live pitch-off.
Tanner and Lakaya Tenley of Tenley Farms near Mechanicsville won first-place and a $10,000 to expand their direct-to-consumer beef, pork and milk business.
Michael and Maria Gallagher of Holly View Acres in Woodbury County near Hornick earned third place and a $2,500 prize, which they will use to enhance their pumpkin patch and corn maze with additional kids’ activities.
