health
February 19, 2026
'We're not hippies': why these Iowa farmers swapped pigs for mushrooms
Faaborgs rail against oppressive industrial agricultural system with unexpected evolution into indie artisan food firm
TL;DR
- Tanner Faaborg, a sixth-generation Iowa farmer, converted his family's livestock operation, which housed over 8,000 pigs annually, into a mushroom farm growing lion's mane and oyster mushrooms.
- The Transfarmation Project, established in 2019, assists farms in transitioning away from industrial animal agriculture towards sustainable, independent business models.
- The project offers guidance on repurposing infrastructure, business development, market access, branding, direct-to-consumer sales, and provides research and innovation grants.
- The shift from industrial farming aims to reduce environmental impact and improve the mental health of farmers, who often struggle with the demands and debt of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (Cafos).
- The Faaborgs' transition, supported by the project, has revitalized their enthusiasm for farming and offers a model for other families seeking change.
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