CASCADE, Iowa — A Cascade native was named to the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Food and Drink list for her work to support family farmers and ranchers and sustainable agriculture.

Elle Gadient, 27, a farmer advocate for Niman Ranch, was featured on the list of young leaders who are redefining the way people “eat, drink and think about consumption.”

She is a Cascade native and Cascade Junior/Senior High School graduate who now works for Colorado-based Niman Ranch, a premium meat brand with a network of farmers and ranchers who raise pork, lamb and beef “traditionally, humanely and sustainably,” a press release states.

In her current position, Gadient provides support, education and community building for Niman Ranch’s network of farms and ranches. She has been a leader in efforts such as a farmer mentor program and a grant program “to help young farmers improve their operations and adopt regenerative practices,” the release states.

Gadient makes regular trips to back to Iowa to help on her family’s farm.