Anya Irons is a FarmHer who was raised in a Russian orphanage from 5 months of age. She was adopted by an Illinois farm family over 15 years ago. Once she stepped foot on the farm she found her home and has never looked back. When she found her family and the farm I would say they found her too. She has not only taken to the farm but has been an integral part of growing and changing the generational operation.
After being adopted into the Ioerger (pronounce yayger) family at age 15, she really took to the garden where produce was raised. Having grown up in a Russian orphanage, the concept of endless fresh produce was a joy for the young woman. She started school, and went about the task of not only school work, but learning the completely new and foreign language of English. She gradually pushed the Ioergers, and especially her dad, Lowell, to expand the garden. After high school, Anya knew her future was on the farm, with her hands in the dirt so she set about making that dream a reality with the support of her family. Today they grow acres of Dahlia tubers, which are a strikingly beautiful and big flower. In addition to her signature flower, they also grow acres of produce ranging from asparagus to squash out in the fields. They have also expanded the operation to include hanging and potted plants in the series of greenhouses. As the business expanded, the family has worked to expand the network through which they sell their produce - from farmers markets to wholesale accounts.
From a girl raised in a Russian orphanage with no dreams of the future, to a transplant flourishing a half a world away from her native home, Anya Irons exemplifies the FarmHer life!