by JoAnn Alumbaugh

Barb Walker and her husband, Brett, who run a first-generation farm near Waverly, met after college in an exercise class. Barb was teaching in Hudson, Iowa, at the time and Brett was working for the Farm Credit System.

Thirty-six years later, they still exercise together at 4:30 a.m. nearly every morning. That cohesiveness underpins their relationship as a couple as well as the bond they have with their grown children. It also helps explain why Barb is being honored as a 2024 Iowa Master Farm Homemaker.

Family first

Family is a priority for the Walkers, just as it is for all Iowa Master Farm Homemakers. When their kids were younger, they’d share the highs and lows of their day every night at dinner. The kids took an active role in meal planning when they were younger and still love spending time together.

“Barb is the glue that holds the family together,” Brett says. “She finds ways to make every outing special and memorable.”

Her caring nature is an inherent trait. When Barb was attending the University of Northern Iowa, her roommate was a quadriplegic. Barb helped her all through college and was a personal attendant at her wedding.

That giving nature continues. When someone needs a meal, whether it’s a relative or an acquaintance in town, Barb is there.

“I was on bedrest when I was pregnant, so once you’ve received help, it’s a lot easier to help others,” she says. “Sometimes people don’t see what they need, so it’s important to be there and help out where you can.”

Barb was a full-time elementary school teacher before one of her kids had health issues. At that point, she filled in at school and has served as a long-term substitute since that time.

The Walkers have four grown children: Emily, who is married to Jake Van Diest; Hannah, who is married to Tyler Hemmingson; Madison, who is married to Jake Wilde; and Seth, who is married to Abby. They also are blessed with six grandchildren. Whenever a family member needs help, Barb is right there. She and her daughters run a business together by renting out wedding décor.

Legacy of community involvement

The Walker children showed beef cattle in 4-H and were involved in band, sang in the choir and participated in multiple sports.

“Education holds a paramount place in our family, ingrained within us as a cornerstone of success and growth,” Madison writes. “With pride, we stand as a testament to this belief, each of us proudly donning the cap and gown of college graduates.”

Barb credits her mom, Imogene Burgardt, and mother-in-law, Loy Walker, as being wonderful role models for her and laying a strong foundation built on values. No doubt, she’s providing that same groundwork for her own children as well as many others.

Alumbaugh is a freelance writer and president of the Iowa Master Farm Homemakers Guild from Linden.