At the helm of Pineland Pasture Farms is Sophia “Sophie” Cheney, whose passion for farming, dedication to sustainability and commitment to ethical principles have not only shaped the success of her farm but inspired others in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
In a recent conversation with Benjamin Bunn, host of the Warrior Rising Podcast, Sophie shared her journey from budding entrepreneur to established farmer, and the challenges, rewards and mission that drive Pineland Pasture Farms forward. Her story is one of resilience, ingenuity and a deep connection to the land.
The Warrior Rising Podcast · Episode 012
Guest: Sophie Cheney, Pineland Pasture Farms
Farming is in her blood
Sophie’s love for farming began early, but it wasn’t until later in life that she saw the potential to turn that passion into a sustainable business.
“Farming is in my blood. Growing up, I was always surrounded by nature, animals, and this unshakeable feeling that the land could provide something bigger. But it wasn’t until I became aware of how disconnected people were from their food sources that I knew I had to take action.”
Sophie Cheney
Pineland Pasture Farms was born from that realization. For Sophie, it wasn’t just about producing food. It was about cultivating a relationship between the land, the animals and consumers. Her farm is a testament to the power of ethical farming, focused on sustainability, humane treatment of animals and environmental responsibility.
“When I started Pineland, I didn’t just want to run a farm. I wanted to change how people think about where their food comes from. It was about building a system that prioritized the health of the animals, the land, and ultimately, the people who consumed our products.”
Sophie Cheney
Building a farm, and a business
Building a farm from the ground up is no easy feat, and Sophie’s journey was full of obstacles, both personal and professional. Starting Pineland Pasture Farms was as much about resilience as vision.
“There’s this romantic notion about farming. But the truth is, farming is tough. It’s not just about planting seeds and watching them grow. It’s about dealing with the unexpected every single day.”
Sophie Cheney
One of her biggest challenges was balancing sustainability and profitability. As a small farm competing with industrial operations that prioritize mass production over ethical practices, Pineland faced numerous hurdles. “We wanted to make sure that we weren’t compromising our values for the sake of profit,” Sophie notes. “That’s a tough line to walk in the agriculture industry, where many corners are cut to keep costs low.”
She quickly learned that managing a farm also meant managing a business. From financial planning to marketing, Sophie found herself in uncharted territory. “You don’t get into farming thinking you’re going to be an accountant or a marketer,” she says with a laugh. “But when you’re running a small farm, you wear a lot of hats. I had to figure out how to make the farm profitable while staying true to our mission of sustainability.”
She also emphasizes planning and financial management. “There are so many moving parts to running a farm,” she says. “You have to think about cash flow, market trends, supply and demand — things I never thought I’d need to know as a farmer.”
What ethical farming means
At the core of Pineland Pasture Farms is a commitment to ethical farming. Sophie is passionate about making sure her animals are treated with respect and care, and she takes great pride in a farm environment that promotes the well-being of all living things.
“We have a responsibility to the animals that provide for us. At Pineland, our animals live in open pastures, they graze naturally, and they’re never subjected to harmful industrial farming practices. That’s what ethical farming means to me — it’s about treating the animals the way we’d want to be treated.”
Sophie Cheney, Iowa Business Shower Veteran Finalist
Beyond animal welfare, Pineland focuses on sustainable land management. Sophie uses regenerative techniques that enrich the soil, preserve biodiversity and reduce the farm’s environmental footprint. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword,” she says. “It’s a way of life. Farming should give back to the land, not just take from it.”
Through these principles, Sophie has built a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace. Customers who choose Pineland know they’re getting food raised and harvested with care, from a farm that prioritizes transparency and environmental stewardship.
Rooted in community
One of the most rewarding parts of running Pineland, Sophie says, has been the connection to her local community. Over the years, she has built strong relationships with customers and fellow farmers, creating a network of support that has been vital to the farm’s growth.
“Farming can feel isolating at times. But what I’ve found is that the farming community is incredibly tight-knit. We share resources, advice, and, more importantly, we share a common goal — to provide food that’s good for people and good for the planet.”
Sophie Cheney
Her commitment to community extends beyond her local area. Through social media and farm-to-table partnerships, Pineland reaches a wider audience of consumers looking for more sustainable options. “People are becoming more conscious of where their food comes from,” Sophie notes. “They want to know the story behind their meals. And that’s where we come in — we provide that transparency.”
Despite the challenges, Sophie remains passionate about what she does. “Every day is different, and that’s what I love about farming,” she says. “There’s always a new challenge, a new lesson, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”