From Iowa State to Brazil: One Farmer's Journey Home


By Tara Desmond May 28, 2026

IL Corn TV recently sat down with Yara, a Brazilian agronomist and family farmer who is making a big impact both at home and on the world stage as a member of the Global Farmer Network.


Yara manages a 2,400-acre operation in northeastern Brazil alongside 35 employees, growing crops and raising cattle on land her father pioneered back in 1996. After earning her agronomy degree, completing an internship with Pioneer Seeds in Iowa, and finishing her Master's degree at Iowa State, she returned home to carry on the family legacy.


As a Global Farmer Network member, Yara represents both family farm succession and women in agriculture. She describes the network as a game-changer, connecting farmers of all sizes from around the world to share challenges, exchange ideas, and amplify agriculture's voice on a global scale.


Her message to farmers everywhere? Look beyond your own fence line. The challenges we face may differ in geography, but they share the same roots.


Watch full episode with Yara below and look for a new episode every Monday on IL Corn TV.


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