In north-central Iowa, farming isn’t just a profession for the families behind Kittleson Brothers—it’s a lifelong calling rooted in tradition, community, and a deep respect for the land. For more than 100 years, onions have been part of the farm’s story, connecting generations of growers who share a simple goal: produce high-quality food for the people around them.
Today, Kittleson Brothers is owned and operated by Steve and Beth Rachut alongside Adam and Rosalie Koch. Located in St. Ansgar, Iowa, the operation grows and packs onions and potatoes for customers across the region. The farm produces 45 acres of onions and 45 acres of potatoes, distributing fresh vegetables to more than 30 grocery stores throughout Iowa. Twice each week, a delivery route carries their crops to local retailers, while additional onions move wholesale to repackers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. From October through May, customers can also buy directly from the farm at the warehouse store, where neighbors stop in daily to pick up locally grown produce.
All of the crops are grown near Fertile, Iowa, before being transported during harvest back to the packing and storage facility in St. Ansgar. It’s a system built on efficiency, but more importantly, on trust with the customers who rely on them.
Farming Roots Run Deep
Each of the farm’s partners brings a personal history tied closely to agriculture.
Steve Rachut grew up on a farm near Osage, Iowa, and began building his agricultural experience early.
At just 12 years old, he started a roadside business called Steve’s Sweet Corn, selling produce he grew himself. His interest in vegetables expanded in high school, when he planted several acres of onions as part of his FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience project.
Steve later graduated from Iowa State University in 2004 with a degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in Agronomy. After college, he farmed his own ground while helping with his family’s operation. Onion growing was already part of his family history—his grandfather Wilmer began raising onions in the 1930s. Today, Steve represents the third generation of onion growers in his family and the sixth generation of American farmers.
Beth Rachut also grew up on a farm, near Guthrie Center, Iowa. A graduate of Iowa State University in Agricultural Communications, Beth spent years working in conservation, manure management, and agricultural recruiting before joining the Kittleson Brothers operation in 2019. Her work in marketing, billing, and customer service strengthened the business as it expanded its reach. In 2024, she transitioned to farming full time. Beth is a seventh-generation American farmer.
Adam Koch’s path to Kittleson Brothers also started with a childhood spent on a livestock and row crop farm near Osage. From an early age, Adam was drawn to fruit and vegetable production. While in high school, he worked for Steve’s Sweet Corn and gained hands-on experience growing produce. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a degree in Agricultural Education.
During college, Adam worked harvest seasons and winter breaks at Kittleson Brothers. After graduation, he returned home to farm and joined the business full time. In the spring of 2023, he became a business partner, helping lead onion and potato production. Adam represents the sixth generation of farmers in his family.
Commitment to Quality
For the team at Kittleson Brothers, quality begins long before harvest.
“Because we are involved in every step of onion production—growing, grading, marketing, and sales—we see our onions every step of the way,” Beth Rachut says. “We strive to be as close to perfect as you can get.”
Maintaining that standard requires constant attention. Relationships with seed suppliers, crop consultants, and fellow growers play a large role in helping the farm make informed decisions each season. Being located in what they describe as a “vegetable island,” where relatively few vegetable growers operate nearby, means their onions are often the only locally grown option available in the area.
“That makes quality even more important,” Koch says. “When customers buy our onions, we want them to be proud to serve them at their own table.”
Adapting While Honoring Tradition
Agriculture has changed significantly over the past decade, and the Kittleson Brothers team has embraced those changes while still relying on the lessons passed down through generations.
From planting techniques and equipment upgrades to distribution strategies and customer outreach, the operation constantly evaluates ways to improve. New technologies and production tools are introduced carefully, with a focus on what truly benefits the farm and its customers.
Networking with other growers and industry contacts helps them stay informed about new products and market opportunities. At the same time, the values that guide their work remain straightforward: do the right thing, work hard, and earn respect over time.
Investing in the Next Generation
Looking ahead, the farm’s future depends not only on the land, but also on the people who will care for it.
Kittleson Brothers has begun working with local school districts to employ high school students interested in agriculture who ma
y not otherwise have the opportunity to gain farm experience. These students work alongside the team, learning about everything from agronomy to marketing and customer relations.
It’s a partnership that benefits everyone involved. Students gain practical experience and exposure to agricultural careers, while the farm helps cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The operation also continues investing in updated facilities, improved food safety practices, and stronger branding to prepare for expanding markets.
Growing for the Future
For the Rachut and Koch families, stewardship remains central to every decision.
They want future generations to look back and see a farm that cared for the land, supported its community, and built a strong foundation for those who come next.
By focusing on local markets, maintaining high standards, and nurturing young talent, they believe they are positioning Kittleson Brothers for long-term success.
After more than a century of onion production, the mission remains simple: grow food the right way and provide neighbors with produce they can trust.
