Meet the Growthland Farm Management Team

Meet the Growthland Farm Management Team

At Growthland, farm management is about protecting land values, maintaining productive farms, and preserving agricultural assets for the next generation. For many of our clients, farmland is both an investment and a legacy. Our Farm Management Team brings together decades of experience in agronomy, grain markets, land stewardship, real estate, appraisal, and agricultural business to serve landowners across Iowa.

With offices in Marion, Hampton, Humboldt, and Ottumwa, our team combines local knowledge with statewide expertise to provide proactive, hands-on farm management focused on row crop land.

Experienced Farm Managers Who Farm Themselves

One of the strengths of Growthland’s Farm Management Team is that several of our managers are actively involved in farming. This firsthand experience helps us understand the realities facing today’s tenants while ensuring landowners receive informed, practical guidance. Our managers understand today’s production challenges, cost structures, and market pressures because they experience them firsthand.

Scott Borcherding

Scott Borcherding

Scott Borcherding of Latimer, Iowa, Farm Manager, Licensed Crop Insurance Agent and Associate Real Estate Broker, brings extensive grain industry experience from his 12 years with Bartlett Grain Company. His background in grain origination, ag retail, and commodity position management provides valuable market insight for landowners. In addition to his professional role, Scott is actively involved in raising corn, soybeans and hogs on his North Central Iowa farming operation. His firsthand knowledge of crop production and input management strengthens his ability to advocate for landowners.

Jake Thomsen

Jake Thomsen

Jake Thomsen of Kalona, Iowa, Farm Manager and Real Estate Salesperson, grew up on a diversified crop farm in northwest Iowa. He holds a degree in Agronomy from Iowa State University and has worked in retail agronomy, large-scale farming operations, and farm equipment. Jake has a strong interest in agronomic data and uses it to help landowners improve productivity, manage costs, and reduce risk on their farms.

Mac Chilton

Mac Chilton

Mac Chilton of Bloomfield, Iowa, Farm Manager, Associate Real Estate Broker, and Associate Appraiser, was raised in Southeast Iowa and previously worked with NRCS field offices. His background in conservation and land stewardship allows him to help landowners balance profitability with long-term soil health and responsible land management practices.

John Airy

John Airy

John Airy of Central City, Iowa, Real Estate Salesperson and Farm Manager, has spent nearly 20 years in the auction business specializing in agriculture and construction. He offers strong market analysis skills and a clear understanding of property marketing strategies. John is also actively involved in farming, giving him practical insight into tenant relationships, input decisions, and operational realities that impact land performance.

Royce Rottinghaus

Royce Rottinghaus

Royce Rottinghaus of La Porte City, Iowa, Farm Manager and Real Estate Salesperson, brings decades of leadership experience from roles at UnCommon Farms, Syngenta, Wyffels Hybrids, and AgVenture GroMor. His career has focused on agricultural marketing, team leadership, and building strategic partnerships. Royce is also actively engaged in farming, which strengthens his understanding of landowner and operator priorities. His combination of leadership and practical experience enhances the service and communication Growthland provides to clients.

Strong Operational Support for Landowners

Effective farm management requires accurate accounting, detailed reporting, and consistent communication. Our Farm Management Assistants play a key role in delivering that service.

Christy Eisentrager

Christy Eisentrager

Christy Eisentrager, Farm Management Assistant based in Hampton, began working with Wearda Farm Management in 2007. In 2020, Growthland acquired Wearda Farm Management, and Christy became an integral part of the Growthland team. She supports clients served through both the Hampton and Marion offices. With extensive experience in bookkeeping, farm accounting, and client communication, Christy ensures landowners receive timely reports, accurate records, and dependable service.

Joyce Ware

Joyce Ware

Joyce Ware, Farm Management Assistant in Ottumwa, oversees the daily administrative and accounting functions of the Ottumwa office. Prior to joining Growthland, Joyce worked with Mid States Farm Management. When Growthland acquired the business, she transitioned to the Growthland team, bringing with her valuable experience and established client relationships. Her background also includes work with the Wapello County Farm Service Agency, the Wapello County Treasurer’s Office, banking, real estate, and accounting. Joyce manages farm accounting, reporting, file management, and transaction support, helping ensure that every detail is handled accurately and efficiently for our landowner clients.

A Foundation Built on Experience

Richard Isaacson

Richard Isaacson

Growthland traces its roots back to 1990 when Richard Isaacson founded Agri-Management Services, which was later renamed Growthland. Richard is a Certified General Appraiser, Accredited Farm Manager, and Real Estate Broker with over 40 years of experience in farm property management, rural appraisals, and farm real estate. He has worked in 67 of Iowa’s 99 counties, as well as in surrounding states. His leadership within the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers has helped establish the strong professional network and reputation that Growthland clients benefit from today.

Ben Isaacson

Ben Isaacson

Ben Isaacson, President and CEO, Certified General Appraiser, Farm Manager, and Real Estate Salesperson, continues that legacy. Since joining Growthland in 2013, Ben has helped guide the company’s growth while advising clients on farmland valuation, management strategy, and real estate transitions. With advanced degrees from Iowa State University and deep agricultural roots, Ben provides both technical expertise and strategic insight for landowners navigating today’s evolving farm economy.

A Team Approach Focused on Your Land

At Growthland, strong farm management means balancing profitability with long-term stewardship. Our team works closely with landowners and tenants to ensure farmland remains productive, well-maintained, and positioned for the future.

We believe farmland is not just an investment. It is often a family legacy. Our responsibility is to manage it with knowledge, transparency, and respect for both the landowner and the operator.

If you would like to learn more about Growthland Farm Management services, we welcome the opportunity to visit with you about your land and your goals.

Have questions about farm management?

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