SWOF Staff Spotlight: Get to Know Amanda Shetler
Amanda Shetler – Field Program Representative, Southwest Iowa and Northwest Missouri
In each Tune Up newsletter, we profile one team member, partner, or other Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) affiliate to better understand their contribution to the program. In this edition, we’re spotlighting SWOF’s own Amanda Shetler. With a unique background rooted in hands-on conservation work and firsthand farming experience, she brings valuable insight and passion to her role. We invite you to learn more about Amanda and how she leverages this expertise to guide farmers to implement sustainable practices with ROI in mind.
Amanda working on her farm in southwest Iowa.
Tell us a little about yourself and your upbringing, and how that influenced your career choices, including your work at SWOF.
I didn’t have the typical farm kid upbringing. The 1980s were tough on farmers, and my dad’s operation was no exception. Early in his career, the farming crisis forced him to pivot. He took on diverse jobs—working wheat harvests, trucking pipe to and from Alaska, starting a trucking business, and eventually launching his dream venture: a dirt work conservation business.
Growing up, he made sure I understood how a diversified farm operation worked, and as I got older, I began helping with the construction side of his business. We worked on many Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) projects, which sparked my interest in soil conservation. This led me to apply for an NRCS internship, where I discovered a passion for understanding soil health and its role in cropping systems.
Inspired by this experience, I pursued degrees in Agronomy and Ag Business. After college, I joined NRCS as a Soil Conservationist, where I worked closely with farmers to improve their operations, both financially and environmentally. Helping farmers achieve conservation goals was deeply fulfilling, and I thought I’d stay with NRCS forever. However, when I learned about the opportunity to join SWOF, I knew it would allow me to make an even bigger impact across more farming operations.
Tell me about your work with conservation practices on your own farming operation. How does this first-hand knowledge help you better serve SWOF farmers?
On my farming operation in southwest Iowa, I focus on four key conservation practices: cover crops, small grain production, no-till, and incorporating hay into rotations. These practices are the foundation of how I manage my land to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance overall productivity.
Having firsthand experience with these practices allows me to connect with SWOF farmers on a practical level. I understand the challenges they face when adopting new methods and can offer insights into what works and what doesn’t. For example, I’ve seen how cover crops can improve soil structure over time, and I’ve learned how to fine-tune rotations to maximize profitability while staying sustainable.
By using these practices myself, I can help farmers not only identify the best conservation strategies for their operations but also guide them on implementing those strategies with ROI in mind. It’s rewarding to help others achieve their goals while building long-term resilience on their farms.
What does a typical day look like for you as a field program representative at SWOF, and what do you find most rewarding about supporting farmers in Southwest Iowa and Northwest Missouri?
A typical day for me as a field program representative involves a lot of phone calls and some travel throughout my territory. I work with potential and enrolled farmers, guiding them through the process of adopting conservation practices and enrolling in our program.
What I find most rewarding is the chance to connect with farmers and learn about their operations—each one is unique. Hearing about the goals and challenges within their systems and helping them implement SWOF conservation practices is fulfilling. Knowing that our work contributes to the long-term sustainability of their operations for future generations is what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Can you share a success story or memorable experience from your time working with SWOF farmers that highlights the impact of your agronomic support?
Amanda stands in one of her fields of cereal rye.
I’ve had the privilege of hearing many success stories from the farmers I serve, but one common thread stands out: when they share how conservation practices have positively impacted their soil health, yields, or ROI. Each story reassures me that the work we do at SWOF is truly making a difference. Whether it’s healthier soil, higher yields, or a stronger bottom line, knowing that our program helps farmers succeed motivates me every day.
Is there anything about either SWOF or the implementation of these conservation practices that you’d like to help farmers better understand?
One area I believe is underutilized in my territory is small grain production. While our high humidity does require extra attention to detail, farmers willing to dig deeper into both production and marketing can achieve excellent results. On my own operation, small grains have significantly outperformed traditional corn and soybean rotations in terms of ROI.
Beyond the financial benefits, I’ve seen other advantages, such as increased soil carbon levels, which lead to healthier soil and exceptional yields in the following soybean crop. The amplified soil microbiome activity also makes more nutrients available for future crops. And if you’re a hunter, it’s also not a bad thing for our small game bird population either!
Are you looking to adopt or expand conservation practices on your farm? SWOF is here to help get you started. With a reenrollment rate of over 92%, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund has earned the trust of farmers across the country. And as part of the Iowa Soybean Association family, you can be sure delivering value and support to farmers is always at the forefront of our efforts. Contact Amanda Shetler with your questions at amanda@agoutcomes.com or join our enrollment waitlist today.