SWOF Spotlight: Get to Know SWOF’s Peyton Vest

Peyton Vest – Field Program Representative, Ohio and Michigan

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 one of our newest team members at SWOF, Peyton Vest. Peyton grew up on a small hog farm in southwest Ohio and developed a deep connection to agriculture from an early age. His years of hands-on experience and academic background in soil science make him a wonderful resource on the SWOF team.

Peyton with his grandfather as a young child. 

Tell us a little about yourself and your upbringing, and how that influenced your work at SWOF.

I’ve been surrounded by agriculture my entire life and have always had a passion for crops and soil. My grandpa put out a little corn every year to feed the pigs that we had, but I also always helped other farmers in the area with several jobs, from driving a grain cart to hauling grain. Even throughout college, I continued to work with these same farmers, always learning from them. No matter the task, I have always enjoyed being on the farm and working closely with farmers. This is why I like the SWOF program so much; it gives me the opportunity to be able to work alongside farmers to help them rebuild their soil. 

How does your educational background in soil science play a role in the support you provide to SWOF’s prospective and enrolled farmers?

I graduated from Wilmington College in fall of 2019 a degree in Agronomy with a concentration in soil science. I’ve always believed that good crops start with good soil. Without healthy soil, we can’t grow quality crops, and without quality crops, we don’t eat. It’s as simple as that. My educational background helps me better understand the soil types that the farmers are working with here in Ohio and in Michigan. I can tailor recommendations to best suit their specific operations and help them build a stronger soil profile.

Peyton learned so much by working for this neighboring farmer throughout high school and college.

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 with your work?

A typical workday for me involves making phone calls to growers, mapping fields, entering data, and meeting farmers face-to-face. But these interactions are more than just routine tasks—they’re opportunities to connect with farmers on a personal level, understanding their challenges and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing farmers rewarded for becoming true stewards of the land. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help them give back to the ground that has given them so much.

A young Peyton with his family's first homegrown champion market hog.

What do you think sets SWOF apart in the support we provide to farmers?

My favorite thing about SWOF is the holistic approach we take with farmer support. It’s not just about monetary incentives. It’s about building a one-on-one connection with farmers. That relationship is crucial in this industry, and it’s easier to work with someone you feel comfortable with.

I also like SWOF’s one-year contract. You never really know what’s going to happen five or ten years down the road, but with a one-year contract, farmers can plan with a clear idea of what’s coming up next year. Finally, our in-field verification process sets SWOF apart. It gives us a chance to see the hard work and dedication our enrolled farmers put into the program. It’s a real privilege to witness their commitment firsthand.

Peyton with the tractor he recently finished restoring. 

 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 Peyton with your questions at peyton@agoutcomes.com or sign up for a free estimate today and discover why so many choose to stick with SWOF.