What happens when a man who grew up on a factory farm learns about environmental sustainability? He was driven to make changes on the farm that would benefit the environment, and his search for alternatives was nurtured when he found an organization called Mercy for Animals, whose goal is to end factory farming, through a program they call Transfarmation. That our story in this edition of Mothering Earth.
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Tanner Faaborg is the founder and operator of 1100 Farm, a 25-acre property in Hamilton County that is undergoing a major transition from factory farming to sustainable mushroom cultivation. Together with his family, Tanner is creating a demonstration hub to showcase innovative approaches to rewilding, conservation, and agricultural diversification while fostering job creation in rural areas affected by industry consolidation and population decline. By shifting from a CAFO model to mushroom cultivation, Tanner hopes to inspire others by proving that transformative change in farming is both possible and practical.
In addition to his work on the farm, Tanner serves as the Board President of Urban Ambassadors, a Des Moines-based non-profit dedicated to urban sustainability. His efforts include helping to develop and implement Des Moines’ first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, spearheading urban tree planting initiatives, and hosting monthly Green Drinks networking events that connect sustainability advocates.
With a background in entrepreneurship, non-profit leadership, and a passion for travel—having visited over 90 countries—Tanner brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his mission of driving meaningful change in both rural and urban environments.
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Since it began in 2015, Mothering Earth has been bringing listeners informative programs on a broad range of environmental and sustainable living topics .