by JoAnn Alumbaugh
Ericka Breuer’s life has always centered on service: to her family, her friends and her students. As a former educator for 25 years in the Burlington, Iowa, school district, she primarily served as a reading interventionist teacher.
From preschool to eighth grade, she built close and lasting relationships with countless students. That dedication and resiliency applies to every aspect of this busy farm woman’s life. For this, she has been honored as a 2025 Iowa Master Farm Homemaker.
Although Breuer battles rheumatoid arthritis — diagnosed in 2006 — one would never know. Her spirit of camaraderie and fun is readily evident, which may explain her wide network of friends. Her love for teaching is carried through to members of a sewing club in which she participates and friends whom she’s taught to quilt and sew.
Her own foray into quilting came at age 9 from her great-grandmother, and later from a dear neighbor when she was expecting her son, William. She was a 4-H member, college 4-H volunteer and leader for many years, and still serves in numerous capacities at the county level.
Farmer in training
During the years that Breuer was working full time, she served as errand-runner, hay-hauler and “chore girl” on the farm.
“Now I get to learn and do many new things — sometimes more than I want,” she says with a wry chuckle. She’s an “auger cart driver in training,” as well as a go-fer, hay-hauler and lawncare specialist. Breuer is happy to help and — for the most part — enjoys being a more active participant in the farm.
Donald, Ericka’s husband of 32 years, appreciates her pitching in to help. When asked what he values most about his wife, his answer is, “Everything.”
Donald and Ericka work together with his twin brother, Ron, and Ron’s wife, Anne. They grow corn and beans, and produce a half-acre of sweet corn that they share with family and friends. They also have a cow-calf operation with about 100 commercial cows.
Family is pivotal in Ericka’s life. She spends a great deal of time helping her mother and other family members, and holiday get-togethers are especially fun. Donald grew up with nine older sisters and his twin brother, so organizing that group is no small feat.
Their son, William, helps on the farm and runs Breuer Earthworks. Daughter Sophia was married last year to Trevor and is a business analyst for JBS live pork operations. Their youngest daughter, Grace, is a recreational therapist who works at ChildServe in Johnston, Iowa. William and Sophia are Iowa State University graduates, while Grace is continuing her education at Arizona State University, pursuing a degree in family and human development.
Cultivating creativity
Ericka thrives in a creative environment. She loves quilting, often using her longarm machine to quilt for others. Although she gives away many of her own quilts, each one is lovingly crafted, whether for family members or friends.
Baking and flower gardening also are happy pursuits. However, since one adds calories and the other burns them, she says she leans toward outside activities since she retired from teaching.
In every role Ericka plays in her busy life — whether teacher, homemaker, volunteer or mother — this 2025 Iowa Master Farm Homemaker brings an upbeat attitude and quiet determination. Her warmth, wisdom and a legacy of care reflect the very best of Iowa’s farm families.
Alumbaugh is a freelance writer from Monroe, Iowa, and president of the Iowa Master Farm Homemakers Guild.