Iowa Hog Barn Becomes Mushroom Farm as Transfarmation Opens Second Demonstration Hub

A former hog farm in Radcliffe, Iowa, has been transformed into a specialty mushroom farm and now serves as the second demonstration hub for The Transfarmation Project, run by nonprofit Mercy For Animals. The 1100 Farm, previously a concentrated animal feeding operation, now showcases how former CAFOs can be repurposed for specialty crop farming, research, and documenting the transition away from industrial animal agriculture. The Faaborg family, who operated the hog farm for 30 years, worked with Transfarmation to convert one of their barns into a mushroom growing space.

The Faaborgs ventured into producing mushroom tinctures, jerky, and other products, receiving positive feedback and a surge in orders after being featured in The New York Times. This conversion comes at a significant moment for Iowa, a major hub for factory farming, with Transfarmation aiming to show that transitioning from industrial animal agriculture to more sustainable practices is possible. Through the Faaborgs’ transformation of their farm, Transfarmation hopes to inspire other farmers to consider alternative and more ethical agricultural practices for the future.