Not even Raphael Dohmen, a current senior in Animal Science, could have predicted that his family's move to southwest Missouri would be the catalyst to starting his now first-generation farm. Raphael started with only three pigs in 7th grade and has grown it into a diversified farm with cattle, sheep, chickens, goats, and, of course, pigs.
After graduating high school, Dohmen attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, as a member of their football, basketball, and boxing teams. He explained that he had to put his farming dreams on hold during the three years he attended to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.
Dohmen continued his story, saying, "The pandemic allowed me a huge step forward with my dream since I was sent home and had time to invest in the farm." During this time, Dohmen started to realize that there may be a path to a profitable future ahead for his first-generation farm. When Dohmen got out of the military, he took advantage of the benefits outlined in the GI Bill to pursue formal education at Iowa State University. He decided to continue his passion for raising livestock and providing customers with healthy, safe, and reliable protein by majoring in Animal Science with minors in Biology and Ag Business.
While at Iowa State, Dohmen has had the opportunity to take classes that apply directly to his future career and dreams. Dohmen described ANS 225: Swine Science with Assistant Professor Laura Greiner as "the best class I have taken, and one that truly hit home for me. I previously knew only what I had experienced myself, and Dr. Greiner opened my eyes to a whole new level of the swine industry and provided me with hands-on learning like no other class I have experienced before." Through his classes, Dohmen has created marketing and expansion plans for his farm, including filling a niche market for home-raised pork in his hometown and beyond.
Dohmen has also received the opportunity to participate in the Iowa State Student Incubator Program. This program offers students the resources for starting and building a business and provides them with a community of other aspiring student entrepreneurs. By applying the tools he learned through this program, Dohmen's farm was able to achieve $30k in sales this past summer.
When asked if there was an achievement he was most proud of, he did not respond with starting the farm or his recent success this summer but instead humbly answered his family. "My family is my greatest achievement and one that I am very proud to claim. Everyone in my family is unique, and I am grateful for the way that they have helped me through life and have enjoyed celebrating their success as they have my own." Dohmen explained that they were imperative for keeping the farm running for the three years he was away in Maryland. While the farm is his dream, it is one that he is proud to share and create with his family.
After graduation, Dohmen plans to start his career as a farm manager, allowing him to develop the skills and tools needed to manage his personal farm and financially support its growth. His long-term goal is to build the farm to the point where he can farm full-time and continue for generations to come.
Raphael's Advice for students:
"Talk to the professors and ask questions. The questions I have asked Dr. Greiner and Dr. Sterle have changed my business. If you dream of starting a farm like me, I have one piece of advice: do it, and don't make up excuses for why you shouldn't. It is okay to fail; just learn from it."