Life on The Farm and in The Boardroom.
Fourth-generation farmer Vaughan Ranschau embodies the spirit of progress while honoring the rich legacy passed down to him. His story goes beyond growing corn and raising cattle—it’s a story of grit, legacy, community and vision. Farming isn’t just Vaughan’s career; it’s part of his identity, deeply rooted in the northwest Iowa soil and the generations who farmed before him.
Vaughan Ranschau Farms sits on Sioux County, Iowa land owned by Vaughan alongside his mother and sister, and independently operated by Vaughan. Before he even finished high school, Vaughan officially partnered with his father, Billie, and they formed their own operation together. From the beginning, the bond between father and son was more than familial—it was a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.
The Ranschau operation has evolved over the decades, adapting to market conditions, technological advances and family priorities. While cattle have always been a cornerstone of the business, earlier generations diversified with hog production. Eventually, the focus narrowed, and today, the farm concentrates on cattle, corn and soybeans.
Weathering the Storms
Like any farming operation, Vaughan’s family has faced their share of storms. Economic fluctuations, such as the volatile 2014 cattle market and the ‘80s farm crisis, have tested the farm’s resilience. Vaughan meets these challenges with grit. “A lot of things are out of your control, but you grin and bear it,” he says, reflecting a mindset that embraces adversity as an inevitable part of farming.
That resilience was tested during his father’s lengthy battle with cancer. For over a decade, Billie managed his illness while Vaughan assumed more responsibility on the farm. When he passed away four years ago, it was both a personal and operational loss. However, Vaughan credits his father for instilling a sense of independence in him. From the early 2000s onward, Billie gave Vaughan autonomy to make his own decisions. “If I wanted to do something, he backed me up on it. If it failed, he’d use it as a lesson,” he says.
That trust and mentorship proved invaluable. Over the years, Vaughan added new structures, modernized equipment and made key decisions on livestock and grain sales. His father didn’t just offer advice—he handed over real responsibility. And when the time came for Vaughan to operate on his own, he was ready.
His father also ensured that Vaughan owned his own equipment, fostering financial independence and ensuring he had something on the balance sheet. He didn’t want Vaughan to simply work for him, Billie wanted his son to build something of his own. “To get started, we bought together, we did some trading, but he wanted me to be ready for when he was gone,” Vaughan explains. This foresight gave him the stability and independence to step into his role as the farm’s sole operator.
A Lifelong Partnership
Part of what has enabled Vaughan to navigate the ups and downs of farming is his long-standing relationship with CFE. His connection to the cooperative system runs deep—almost as deep as his roots in farming itself. As a child, Vaughan would accompany his father on trips to the local elevator. It goes beyond simple transactions. By age 14, he made his first investment, writing a $100 check to buy a share in one of CFE’s legacy cooperatives, Farmers Elevator Cooperative—one of the first checks he ever wrote.
This early investment reflects his deep commitment to the cooperative and his understanding of its role in the agricultural community. As he learned from his father, “getting started farming meant being part of the cooperative.” The cooperative became more than a place to transact business. It became a trusted partner—one that offered resources, community and opportunities for leadership.
Vaughan’s commitment continued as he served on FEC’s board of directors before merging to form CFE, and he continues to serve on the CFE Board of Directors as the current Board Secretary. His 13 years of service on the board have been driven by a sense of duty and desire to see CFE thrive.
From the Boardroom to the Barn
Serving on the Board of Directors has provided Vaughan with a unique perspective. He’s learned the values and processes of planning, insurance and strategic management in ways that have enabled him to implement such practices in his own operation. One of the most significant lessons has been differentiating between a farmer’s perspective and a board member’s perspective. In the boardroom, he emphasizes the importance of putting the cooperative’s interests first, a perspective that has influenced his approach to his own farm. “Sometimes you have to take your farmer hat off and think about it from a business perspective,” he says.
His service on the board has continued because of the positive experiences and valuable knowledge he has gained throughout his tenure. Vaughan’s time as a director has provided him with important industry insights, meaningful friendships and a deeper understanding of the planning process that shapes the future of CFE. Being involved in this process inspires him to see the organization’s vision through. Vaughan emphasizes the importance of lessons learned through strategic planning, especially as rising costs have challenged the industry. Observing how the board has addressed these issues and implemented cost-saving measures has not only informed him in this role, but has also offered a fresh perspective that he applies to his own farming operation.
Vaughan is especially proud of the merger that formed CFE, combining three legacy cooperatives into one strong, unified entity. He also takes pride in the projects undertaken by CFE. “I’m proud of the things we’ve done and the projects we’ve built, like the new feed mill. It comes with its cost, but it’s to better serve the members.”
Community and Connection
Vaughan’s loyalty to CFE extends beyond his role on the board. It’s rooted in relationships and community. He trusts the people as he’s known them for years—some since childhood. “CFE has been good to me,” he says, adding, “I trust the people that work there. It’s a community, and they’re always looking out for you.” This deep trust stems from long-standing relationships and shared experiences. Vaughan has grown up with many people within the cooperative system, highlighting the community ties that bind him to CFE.
He believes CFE’s longevity is a testament to our dedication and integrity. “You’re not in business for 125 years without being good at what you do,” he asserts. Vaughan values the expertise and knowledge that CFE provides, highlighting the critical role this plays in his operation.
In every row of corn, every head of cattle and every boardroom decision, Vaughan Ranschau is living proof that honoring the past and embracing the future don’t have to be mutually exclusive. On his Iowa farm, tradition and progress grow side by side. <<
