Anya Irons is an absolutely amazing and completely unexpected FarmHer. Raised in a Russian orphanage from five months of age she was adopted by an Illinois farm family over 15 years ago, Once she stepped foot on the farm she found her home and has never looked back.
Loerger Family Farms
When she found the family and the farm I would say they found her too. She has not only taken to the farm but has been an integral part of growing and changing the generational operation. The farm raises produce, flowers, meat, has greenhouses, and an on-site kitchen that produces jams and jellies.
I found my way to Minonk in central Illinois and the Loerger (pronounce yay-ger) Family Farm on a crisp but sunny early spring day where I was met out in the driveway by Anya. She was a contrast to the muddy brown spring landscape, dressed in a bright pink sweatshirt bearing the farm name and as I can guess she usually is, she was ready to roll!
We started out the day in one of the many greenhouses on the farm. There she explained that after being adopted into the family at age 15, she really took to the garden where the family had raised produce. Having grown up in a Russian orphanage, the concept of endless fresh produce was a joy for the young woman. She explained that she started school and went about the task of not only schoolwork, but learning the completely new and foreign language of English. She gradually pushed the Loerger family, and especially her dad, Lowell, to expand the garden.
Anya Irons Helps Grow A Family Farm
After high school, Anya knew her future was on the farm, with her hands in the dirt, so she set about making that dream a reality with the support of her family. Today they grow acres of Dahlia tubers, which are a strikingly beautiful and big flower. In addition to her signature flower, they also grow acres of produce ranging from asparagus to squash out in the fields. They have also expanded the operation to include hanging and potted plants in the series of greenhouses. As the business expanded, the family has worked to expand the network through which they sell their produce – from farmers markets to wholesale accounts.
While the sun was shining strong, the wind outside was brisk so I quickly found myself thankful for the warmth of the greenhouse. Anya walked me from house to house, showcasing the plants she has raised from tiny seeds. Most of the time she was joined by her young daughter who obviously takes to the farm like her mom.
After finishing at the greenhouses we went into an outbuilding where Anya showed me boxes and boxes of Dahlia tubers, waiting to be split, then soon, planted.
A Home on the Farm
Our trip to the Ioerger Family Farm finished up in the warmth of the family kitchen with a wonderful meal for lunch. It not only nourished my body, but it made my heart happy to watch Anya with her daughters and interacting with her family. It reminded me that there is a plan for everything in life, and the plan for Anya was a great one. From a girl raised in a Russian orphanage with no dreams of the future, to a FarmHer with a family of her own, flourishing half a world away, at home in the Midwest dirt.
UPDATE: Check out my latest blog as I go back to visit Anya’s farm for a second time. You won’t want to miss the current update on her wonderful family farm.
One of the best Farmher programs we have seen. Thank you
Loved the show and what an inspiration this young lady is!
We were so touched by this story. She should be FARMHER of the year
Such a touching story of adoption and family.
My husband and I loved this show best of all the ones we have ever seen. Such a sweet and inspiring story of Anya and her family’s life.
Very inspiring story. Anya’s passion is evident. What beautiful family and wonderful story. Thanks to Anya and FarnHer for sharing.
We know Anya. She comes to our Farmer’s Market. The longest lines are people wanting her flowers.
wow. The show that featured Anya was such a wonderful one, she is truly a great example of being a fantastic American. Her energy, her ambition, her dreams coming true, her attitude of hard work produces ‘joy’ . She is not just a beautiful person, she has one of the sweetest hearts of anyone I’ve seen on TV. She is a fantastic example of hard work produces success and happiness. I am totally an Anya fan. If I was a neighbor of her family, I’d be over there helping and encouraging. I am seventy five years old, and I think I could count on one hand, any other young person that can equal her character and I believe that God certainly placed her in that family. And, a true Blessing from Him has happened for all.
I met her several times when she set up the truck down the street from my house.
She is very sweet and knows her flowers!
I knew Anya since I was a little girl in the orphanage. She was always someone to look up to and many girls did. Now that she farms her own farm and is successful even more people can look up to her. She has always been an inspiration from orphanage to now!
Wonderful place, great story
Anya is such an inspiration. I loved this episode. What an example and difference in the life of a child people that adopt can make. She is now spreading her love and joy to others. Thank you Anya.
Replayed it for friends tonite that were just as impressed as we were !