A Sac City storefront built on Iowa‑grown goods is now in the running for statewide recognition. Paige Elbert and her business 4 Roots are competing for the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Grow Your Future Award, and online voting through Dec. 14 will determine if she makes the final round.
Elbert runs a family-owned retail space that features Iowa-grown goods like beef, eggs, milk, flour, honey, soaps, and fresh-cut flowers. She says the idea grew out of her love for gardening and her desire to connect families with local producers.
Since opening earlier this year, 4 Roots has grown steadily, offering everything from curated gift baskets to weekly fresh milk drops.
Elbert says the store has quickly become a hub for local producers and customers alike.
The Grow Your Future contest aims to help young farmers, ages 18-35, expand their specialty businesses. Elbert learned about the opportunity from social media, saw she met the requirements to apply, and decided she didn’t have anything to lose.
Voting is open through Dec. 14 at iowafarmbureau.com/growyourfuture. The top three vote-getters will advance to a live pitch-off at the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference in January, where the grand prize winner will take home $10,000. The second- and third-place finishers will receive $5,000 and $2,500.
Elbert explains that the contest is not only about recognition, but also about expanding offerings. If she brings home one of the top prizes, Elbert’s goal is to dive further into pork offerings and connect with more people to offer hands-on farm-to-table experiences.
