Shaffer Ridgeway is a conservationist with the USDA who has dedicated his career to helping farmers care for their land and build healthy, sustainable operations. A native of Alabama, he grew up on a small cow/calf operation owned by his father and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from Alabama A&M University.

In 2000, Ridgeway moved to Iowa to work as a Soil Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), where he has served in several roles over the years, including his current role as District Conservationist in Black Hawk County. After many years advising farmers on conservation practices, he began applying those same principles outside of work.

In 2019, Shaffer and his wife, Madelyn, founded Southern Goods LLC, a produce farm focused on bringing Southern vegetables to Midwestern tables. The Ridgeways market their products through the Waterloo Urban Farmers Market and the We Arose Co-op, and their operation also includes feeding cattle that are directly marketed to local consumers.

Over the last several years, Ridgeway has become a strong advocate for regenerative agriculture and for teaching producers the importance of following the five soil health principles. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Farmers Union, championing opportunities for small farmers.

Shaffer and Madelyn live in Waterloo, Iowa, with their three sons — Solomon, Max, and Jacoby.