AMES, Iowa – For Kristiana Coutu, her rich family farming heritage as a fourth-generation farmer has prepared her well for her dual role as both counsel for Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation and as the university’s new director of the Beginning Farmer Center.

She brings years of experience working with farmers and agricultural organizations across the country, including lending for the farm credit system, practicing as a certified public accountant, practicing law, and engaging in policy work.

“Being a fourth-generation farmer has influenced my entire career, including my current roles at Iowa State,” Coutu told Farm World. “I truly love agriculture and all that comes with it, and that started with being a part of my own family farm.

“Every role I have had over the years has been in agriculture, either farming myself or supporting other producers in professional roles,” she added. “I find a lot of meaning in the work I do, especially working with farm families.”

She said, “During the years I spent farming with my own family, it was extremely difficult to find professionals such as lawyers and accountants who understood agriculture.

“I have been committed to helping fill that void ever since,” she said. “In my roles at Iowa State, I am able to use my background and experience to continue to do what I love: work in agriculture and hopefully, do some good for the industry at the same time.”

Coutu was the fourth generation to operate her family’s dairy farm in Connecticut. While the original dairy farm is no longer operating, she said she continues to farm with her husband, Chris, on their diversified small farm in Michigan.

Coutu received her J.D. (juris doctor) degree from Michigan State University College of Law and her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Connecticut. She also has a master’s degree in taxation from Grand Valley State University, and is currently completing a Master of Law degree in agricultural and food law at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

As a farmer herself, Coutu understands first-hand the challenges that farmers face, said Kristine Tidgren, director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation.

“We are so fortunate to have Kristiana join Iowa State,” Tidgren said. “Not only has she practiced agricultural law for many years, but she has also been a CPA, an agricultural lender, and a farmer. Her understanding of taxes and the law will be invaluable as we seek to expand the Beginning Farmer Center, and the resources our centers provide.”

As the new director of Beginning Farmer Center, which became effective September 2024, Coutu guides the center’s activities, which focus on providing educational resources and programming for new farmers and their professional advisers.

“I am responsible for guiding the center’s activities, including developing resources for aspiring and beginning farmers, although the center’s activities expand beyond that,” she said. “There really is something for everyone. To support farm transitions, the center hosts AgLink, an online platform that allows beginning farmers to connect with landowners and farmers who may be themselves transitioning out of farming.”

As counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, she provides legal analysis and educational materials for producers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

“I look forward to working with producers and ag professionals, and helping them meet their goals through our centers’ education and resources,” she said. “Expanding the Beginning Farmer Center is an opportunity to provide additional support for beginning farmers, something I am very passionate about. The Beginning Farmer Center and the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation are well-respected across the country, and I am delighted to be part of both.

“We also host an annual Farm Transitions Conference,” she added. “This two-day educational event brings farmers together with experts in farm succession planning, taxation, family business communication, and more. There are sessions for beginning farmers, farmers looking at transitioning their farms soon, and everyone in between.”

When asked what her goals are and vision is as the new director of the Beginning Farmer Center, and if the center focuses on all beginning farmers in the Midwest, she said, “First, I am overjoyed to be directing the Beginning Farmer Center, and the opportunities are endless.

“My vision is for the center to be a resource not only to aspiring and beginning farmers in Iowa, but throughout the Midwest, and the nation,” she said. “We are currently in the midst of developing programming that will provide educational opportunities, and also create interaction with and among beginning farmers.

“Farming is an incredibly rewarding livelihood, but it can also be isolating at times, especially for those just starting out,” she added. “Bringing the beginning farmer community together to share information and make connections that provide a support system is very important to me, and I am excited for the Beginning Farmer Center to further this goal.

“We will also continue to focus on supporting farm transitions through conferences, our AgLink program, and additional resources,” she said. “Stay tuned for what comes next.”

The Beginning Farmer Center’s 2025 conference will be Feb. 6-7 in Ames. For more information about the conference, AgLink, and other resources, visit: www.beginning farmer.iastate.edu.