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Category: Celebrate Family Farms
Categories:S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Gann Valley Farm Family
by Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union Looking out over what had been a field full of sunflowers in 2018 but is now 90 acres of water and Waconia cane, Brian Cain is deciding what to do next. “Initially I was going to bale this for forage, but it won’t quit raining long enough […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Camp Crook Ranch Family
By Lura Roti for SDFU Someone once asked Darwin Latham’s grandpa Frank about his heritage. His answer? “Texan,” says the Camp Crook rancher. As the story goes, Frank’s uncles, Doc and Willie, were among the area’s early settlers, first arriving in the 1880s, driving herds for Texas cattle companies. They trailed up herds from Texas. […]
Read MoreSD Farmers Union Celebrates Beitelspacher Farm Family
By Lura Roti, for SDFU Mark Beitelspacher followed his heart’s calling when he returned to his family’s cattle and crop operation near Bowdle in 2004, just a few years after college. “Either your heart is into it, or it isn’t. I’ve always been into the livestock side more than farming,” explains the third-generation cattleman, who […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Freeman Farm Family
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight Mike Miller and Michelle Friesen. The couple have […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates Wessington Farm Family
By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union Breeding cattle with larger, more muscular frames is a Johnsen family tradition. “I grew up hearing genetic talk about how cattle finish and how cattle feed from my dad, grandpa and great-grandpa,” explains Chris Johnsen, a fourth-generation Wessington cattle and crop farmer. And, even though the specific […]
Read MoreSDFU Celebrates Colome Farm Family
by Lura Roti for S.D. Farmers Union According to Joel Keierleber, flexibility is the key to success on his and Audrey’s Colome farm. “I am flexible and do what looks to be the most profitable way to use our farm ground,” explains the third-generation South Dakota farmer, of the strategy that has kept his farm […]
Read MoreSD Farmers Union Celebrates the Maher Ranch Family of Ziebach County
By Lura Roti, for SDFU Growing up one of 12 on a ranch north of the South Dakota state line, Mike Maher has many fond memories. “We did have a lot of fun. My brother next to me and I would hop on our horses in the morning and lope eight miles to help our […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Richter Ranch Family
By Lura Roti for SD Farmers Union Neal Richter began helping his dad move cattle on the family’s ranch near Enning when he was about 8. “That was a bad idea because I was hooked,” jokes Neal, 36, a fourth-generation cattle rancher. “He always wanted to be on the ranch,” explains his dad, Dick, 72. […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Hotchkiss Farm Family of Colton
By Lura Roti for S.D. Farmers Union Paul Hotchkiss’ first love is farming. “I don’t know why it’s what I love, but I do. It’s what I’ve done all my life,” explains the fourth-generation farmer, who has been running farm equipment since he was 6. “His mom and dad told stories of how Paul would […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Cable Ranch Family, Pukwana, South Dakota
By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union Dawn (Gilman) Cable was shorter than the barrels she raced around when she began competing at area playday rodeos. Her daughters, Jimmi and Kari, could say the same for the sport that also captured their hearts. After chores were done on the family’s cow/calf and club calf ranch […]
Read MoreSD Farmers Union Celebrates the Gonsoir Ranch Family of Groton
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union Kristen Gonsoir’s first horse was a small, naughty pony a neighbor offloaded for the horse-crazed 5-year-old to love. When its cantankerous nature didn’t deter their daughter’s affection, Kristen’s parents bought her the real deal – a mare named Cinnamon. Kristen trained Cinnamon for 4-H reining competitions and […]
Read MoreFarmers Union Celebrates the Feickert Farm Family of Aberdeen
By Lura Roti for SDFU The second oldest of seven, Dennis Feickert grew up on a traditional 1950s South Dakota farm. His dad, Elvin, and mom, Christina, raised pigs, chickens, a cow/calf herd, a 30-cow dairy herd and corn, oats, wheat and hay. It was on this 1,200-acre McPherson County farm that a strong desire […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Christensen Ranch Family
By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union Recalling his youth, Wessington seedstock producer, John Christensen says school wasn’t really his thing. His lack of interest didn’t go unnoticed. “My teacher caught me staring out the window one day, I was probably daydreaming about cattle. She moved my desk to face the wall. To this […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Bisgard Farm Family
by Lura Roti for S.D. Farmers Union Seed cleaning has been a part of the Bisgard family farm operation since Herbert Bisgard constructed a cribbed elevator in the middle of the farmyard more than 60 years ago. “We cleaned everything. Anything that was brought to us – flax, millet, oats, rye – in those days […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Beer Ranch Family
By Lura Roti, for S.D. Farmers Union Pulling back a thick layer of crop residue with his bare hands, Mike Beer digs into the earth and holds up a black clump of soil alive with earthworms. “This is heavy clay and when I first started farming, it was hard as a rock. Now, look at […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Hanson Farm Family of Sisseton
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union When it comes to his farm, it doesn’t take much to make Gary Hanson smile. “I just enjoy going out and putting in fence. The posts are straight, the wires are tight – it gives me joy,” explains the fourth-generation Sisseton farmer. “I tell people that when […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Schiley Ranch Family
S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Schiley Ranch Family By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union It’s a hot June day and Hope Schiley is on Chico, riding out past the tree belt. When her mom and dad drive out to check on their 5-year-old, she is smiling. “Just this summer she really started to enjoy riding. […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Springer Farm Family
by Lura Roti for S.D. Farmers Union Rock hound and fourth-generation Dixon farmer, Terry Springer, 65, says when he’s outdoors he’s always on the lookout for a stone that catches his eye. “Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been walking around with my head down,” explains Terry, who over a lifetime has amassed […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Martinmaas Farm Family
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we feature the Martinmaas farm family from Orient. Ray and […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Mendel Farm Family of Doland
S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Mendel Farm Family of Doland South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. Thismonthwe highlight theMendel […]
Read MoreTwo PE Teachers Working Together to Keep the Family Farm
February 2, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Feb. 2, 2017Two PE Teachers Working Together to Keep the Family Farm: The Story of the GooseMobile Sixty-four years ago Ruth (Iburg) and Tom Neuberger embarked on their life’s adventure together beginning with a road-trip from South Dakota to Ft. Benning, Georgia, where Tom’s orders were awaiting them. Along […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Kenzy Ranch Family
January 31, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union By Lura Roti, for S.D. Farmers Union Ralph Kenzy used to tell his sons, “You can’t put it all in your pocketbook.” “He meant that agriculture is a lot more than money,” explains his oldest son, Brett, 45. “You get to be on the land, raising your kids. You […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Mehling Farm Family
January 2, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we feature the Mehling family who raise […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Rocking Z Acres Farm Family
November 21, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union By Lura Roti for S.D. Farmers Union The phrase, “That will never work,” doesn’t slow BJ McNeil down. Not when he converted 4,000 acres of his grandpa’s conventionally tilled land to no-till. Not when he was among the first Wessington farmers to plant Roundup Ready soybeans. Not when he […]
Read MoreSchaefers Siblings Say Growing Up on the Farm Prepared Them to Serve
October 25, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Schaefers siblings – farm kids and soldiers: Sam, Paivi, Josie and Paul. Their youngest brother, Jacob, is pictured right. By Lura Roti, for S.D. Farmers Union Growing up actively involved in their family’s fourth-generation South Dakota farm prepared Josie Ries and four of her siblings well for military service. […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Schaefers Farm Family
October 25, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union When Cheryl and Fred Schaefers tied the knot 40 years ago, the two farm kids shared a strong passion for farming. And, along with crops and livestock, the couple wanted to raise a large family. “We originally wanted 12 kids. Fred […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Greenway Farm Family
September 27, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we’re highlighting the Greenway […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates our State’s Family Farmers & Ranchers, Rural Youth & Community Heroes During the 2016 S.D. State Fair
Farmers Union Day at the 2016 South Dakota State Fair, Saturday Sept. 3, is a great opportunity to showcase South Dakota family farmers and ranchers and all they do for the state’s economy, rural communities and the world. “In the tradition of the State Fair, Farmers Union Day honors the cream of the crop,” explains […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Vedvei Farm Family
August 24, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Emerging from the show ring with a big smile, first time 4-Her, Hadlee Holt, 9, was greeted by her parents, Corrie “Vedvei” and DJ Holt, with a big hug and sighs of relief. It was nerve-racking to watch, but seeing that smile was priceless,” explains Corrie of watching her […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Painter Ranch Family
July 25, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Painter Ranch Family By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union Running cattle on Harding County grasslands has been a part of the Painter Family legacy since 1895 when great-grandpa, Lewis Levi Painter, rode the open range as a horse wrangler for the […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Symens Farm Family
May 23, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. By Lura Roti, for South Dakota […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Three Generations of Farm Moms This Mother’s Day
As we reflect on the women who raised us this Mother’s Day, S.D. Farmers Union would like to celebrate the many women who support the state’s number one industry – Farm and Ranch Moms! Read on to learn the story of three mothers. Each of these Farmers Union members represent a different generation of women […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Wonnenberg Family Ranch
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we’re highlighting the Wonnenberg family who ranch near Dallas. As […]
Read MoreMeet South Dakota Farm & Ranch Families During National Ag Week
March 15, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionDuring National Ag Week, South Dakota Farmers Union and its 17,000-plus members want to introduce South Dakotans to a few of the many farm and ranch families who make up the state’s number one industry by inviting the public to read their stories which can be found on the organization’s […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Wienk Charolais Farm Family
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we’re highlighting the Wienk and Eschenbaum farm family who operate […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Birgen Farm Family
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union; Photos by Kathy Birgen […]
Read MoreRanch Family sees Past as Part of the Future
December 23, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Ranch Family sees Past as Part of the Future South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Sumption Farm Family
November 30, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Sumption Farm Family By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union photos by Kaylee Speck Photography Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, each month South Dakota Farmers Union highlights members who farm or ranch with […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Sombke Farm Family
November 2, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union highlights members who farm or ranch with their families each month. This November, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Sombke family who farm together near Conde. By Lura Roti, for SDFU; […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Meeks Ranch Family
October 5, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union highlights members who farm or ranch with their families each month. This October, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Meeks family who ranch on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Land is sacred […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Clark Ranch Family
August 24, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union highlights members who farm or ranch with their families each month. This month, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Clark family who ranch 40 miles southeast of Lemmon. […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Reis Ranch Family
August 3, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight members who farm or ranch with their families each month. For the months of July & August, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Reis family who ranch near Reliance. […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Kolousek Farm Family
June 8, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Kolousek Farm Family Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight members who farm or ranch with their families each month. For the months of May and June, South Dakota Farmers Union features […]
Read MoreCelebrating Farm & Ranch Families: Ries Family Farm
April 26, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionIn 1950, Donald and Armella Ries purchased some farmland a few miles southeast of Watertown and began milking four cows. A year later, their son, Mel, was born. Today Mel, his wife Orla, and three of their five grown children continue to milk cows on the farm. “I was raised […]
Read MoreEarth Day: A Celebration of the Family Farmer
April 22, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionToday marks the 35th anniversary of Earth Day. This holiday serves as a celebration of continued efforts to protect and improve our environment. There is no one who understands this holiday better or pursues its mission with more conviction than family farmers and ranchers. I am hard-pressed to come up with […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates Christensen Farm Family
March 16, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Ask Marlow Christensen and his three sons, Dale, Don and Doug, why they chose farming as a career and their responses are similar. “It’s all we’ve ever known,” explains Dale, who, like his younger brothers, joined the family operation full-time right out of high school. His brother, Don, adds, […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates January Farm Family
January 29, 2015Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight a South Dakota farm or ranch family each month. In January, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Kippley family who farms near Aberdeen. Like all business owners, farmers are always crunching numbers, so […]
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