Born and raised in Japan and then becoming an Iowa farm wife, Yoshiko Johnson is the epitome of global awareness. In 1969, after meeting and marrying Erwin Johnson, a young man from northeast Iowa, she made the trip to live on an Iowa farm. Surrounded by farmland rather than a busy city, she improved her English language skills and adapted to a new life completely foreign to anything she had known in Japan.

Erwin was an International Farm Youth Exchange delegate in Venezuela during his college years, which sparked his interest in international agriculture. He was in Laos during the Vietnam War, assisting Laotian farmers as he worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development. He met Yoshiko, an airline stewardess, traveling from country to country in Southeast Asia.

Recently celebrating 50 years of marriage, Yoshiko and Erwin over the years grew their family farming operation near Charles City, where they raised two daughters. Amy is married to Robert Kassad, has two children and lives in California. Wendy Johnson and husband Johnny Rafkin and their daughter live on a farm near Yoshiko and Erwin. Wendy works for the family farm corporation, Center View Farms. Wendy and Johnny also have their own operation, Joia Food Farm, a certified-organic farm.

Center View produces corn, soybeans, hay and sheep. For many years, Erwin and Yoshiko farrowed and finished hogs. Center View was formed in 1979, and Yoshiko has been secretary and treasurer.

“I’ve had excellent mentors in Erwin and our family,” she says. Erwin’s cousin Doug Johnson also works on the family farm.

Hosting international visitors

Now semiretired but still active on the farm, Yoshiko and Erwin provide childcare for granddaughter Vivienne, while Wendy works on farm activities. They are mentors for young Vivienne, only 6 years old and very interested in what’s happening on the farm. Staying in contact with daughter Amy and her family in California, Erwin and Yoshiko visit when possible and Skype via computer to talk with grandchildren Miya and Massimo.

As Amy and Wendy grew up, Yoshiko helped them learn about their heritage, taking them on trips to Japan and providing other ways of learning. Yoshiko and Erwin have hosted many international visitors over the years, especially young people interested in learning about Iowa agriculture. The Johnsons keep in contact with some of the many students they’ve hosted in the past.

Yoshiko and Erwin support their community in many ways. Erwin served on the Charles City School Board and Floyd County Community Foundation board. He chaired county Farm Bureau committees, is finance chairman for a local Methodist church and was on the drainage district steering committee. In earlier years when they were pork producers, Yoshiko served on the county Porkettes and was active in the local Farm Bureau women’s group, serving as chairwoman. Yoshiko was a 4-H leader with Erwin. She continues to teach Sunday school at church.

Accomplished artist

Yoshiko is a gifted artist in various mediums, including painting, batik art and pottery. She often sells her artwork at shows and for special orders. Active in the Charles City Art Center, she served as board chairwoman and interim director of activities. She also contributes her artistic talents to various local causes.

As a volunteer teacher in the art center’s workshops, “Yoshiko aided me many times when I directed school musicals,” says Janiece Bergland, former choral director. “She made costumes and assisted in other ways. Over the 45 years of the Charles City Art Fest, Yoshiko often exhibited her work. She is indeed worthy of recognition for her contributions to our community’s cultural environment.”

SHARING HER ART: Yoshiko Johnson has an art studio on the farm, where she makes and decorates pottery. She donates some of her handiwork to local fundraisers.

On the wall of the country church Yoshiko attends hangs a batik painting of the head of Christ she crafted. Above the altar is a stained-glass window she created with another member.

“Yoshiko is kind and generous,” says Sue Allen, a longtime friend. “I’ve worked with her on numerous committees. She grows flowers for our weekly church services. She uses her talents to help improve our community.”

Consummate provider, homemaker

Yoshiko made sure her daughters learned to play piano when growing up. Music is still an important part of their lives. “The daughters value their mother’s artistic abilities and support her in all endeavors. They respect their mother’s wishes and advice,” says Cindee Schnekloth, who nominated Yoshiko for the Master Farm Homemaker award. “The family remains close and works together well.”

An avid gardener, Yoshiko provides fresh vegetables for the family’s meals and shares with others. “Her specialty is cooking great meals, and sh­­e is a wonderful homemaker,” says Schnekloth.

Daughter Wendy adds: “My father was quite involved with international agriculture, and my parents hosted many people from all over the world. Growing up on a farm in Iowa, I didn’t feel so isolated, because sometimes it felt like a revolving door at the United Nations, as we had many visitors throughout the years. Many were here to learn about U.S. agriculture. Others were here for an American experience. My mother was, and is yet today, the ultimate hostess.”