A GroundBreaker in Farming and Community Impact: Jon Goetz
Jon Goetz, the visionary farmer behind Grappling Gardens in Washington County, Wisconsin, has turned his passion for agriculture into a thriving specialty farm operation. His commitment to sustainable, pesticide-free farming and community engagement has earned him recognition as a 2025 GroundBreaker of the Year honorable mention.
From his deep-rooted family farm to inspiring the next generation of wrestlers, Goetz is proving that perseverance and innovation can transform both agriculture and community.
A Passion for Specialty Farming & Sustainability
Grappling Gardens began with a simple crop—garlic—but under Jon’s leadership, it has grown to include decorative corn, pumpkins, honey and maple syrup. Situated on farmland that has been in his family for seven generations, Jon’s operation is dedicated to providing high-quality, farm-to-table products while prioritizing sustainability and soil health.
Goetz’s commitment to pesticide-free farming and direct consumer sales ensures that his customers receive fresh, locally grown products while fostering greater awareness about where food comes from. His dedication to sustainability extends beyond his fields, as he actively engages with other farmers and consumers to promote environmentally responsible farming practices.
From the Wrestling Mat to the Farm Field
Before stepping into full-time farming, Goetz built a career as an engineer. However, his love for agriculture and his desire to make a difference led him back to his family’s land. That same dedication and discipline he once showed on the wrestling mat now fuels his farming efforts.
A former competitive wrestler, Goetz overcame a devastating knee injury in college to win a crucial match for his team. Today, he carries that same resilience into his work on the farm. He continues to give back to the sport by coaching young athletes at Askren Wrestling Academy, sharing lessons of perseverance, discipline and hard work. His farm also sponsors wrestling tournaments and donates to local wrestling clubs, ensuring the next generation has the support and encouragement they need to succeed.
Community Engagement & Industry Leadership
Goetz’s passion for education and agriculture doesn’t stop at the farm gate. He actively participates in industry discussions, sharing his knowledge and experiences to help young and beginning farmers navigate the challenges of modern farming. Recently, he served on a panel at Compeer Financial’s GroundBreakers Conference, providing insight into overcoming obstacles, diversifying farm operations and creating direct-to-consumer markets.
Compeer’s GroundBreaker of the Year award celebrates young, beginning and small farmers who make a lasting impact on agriculture and their communities. As a 2025 honorable mention recipient, Goetz received a $2,500 award in recognition of his dedication to sustainable farming and community engagement.
Compeer Financial supports the next generation of farmers with customized financing solutions, grants and business planning resources, helping them build strong, resilient operations. By providing financial tools tailored to the needs of young and beginning farmers, Compeer ensures that agricultural innovators like Goetz can continue growing their businesses and making a difference in their communities.
Learn More & Get Involved
Do you know a young, beginning or small operation farmer who embodies resilience and innovation? Nominations for the 2026 GroundBreaker of the Year Award will open in early summer. Learn more about the award and eligibility criteria.
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