The Farming Families of Sioux County-June 2019 by AGE Media and Promotion

of Sioux County JUNE 2019

Meet the

LEUSINK Family

FAITH

FAMILY

FRIENDS

FARMING

Proceeds from event will be given directly to

TEXT TO 72727 TO STAY POSTED ON NEWS AND UPDATES. The Farming Families of Sioux PORKPALOOZA County | June 2019

OUR PHILOSOPHY There was a farmer who grew excellent quality corn. Every year, he won the award for the best grown corn. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors. “How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?” the reporter asked. “Why sir,” said the farmer, “Didn’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn.” So is with our lives... Those who want to live meaningfully and well must help enrich the lives of others, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all. -Author Unknown

Call it power of collectivity. Call it a principle of success. Call it a law of life. The fact is, none of us truly wins, until we all win!

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

of Sioux County PUBLISHERS Garrett and Mindy Gross, AGE Media IOWA MANAGER Bob Fitch, AGE Media DIRECT ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, STORY SUBMISSIONS AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE TO:

712-551-4123 bob@agemedia.pub The Farming Families of Sioux County is distributed free exclusively to the farmers, ranchers, and producers in rural Sioux County, Iowa. ©2019 The Farming Families of Sioux County Magazine. All rights reserved. Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without written permission from the publisher. The Farming Families of Sioux County assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Content in articles, editorial material and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by The Farming Families of Sioux County.

COVER: Mike, Greg, Steve, Karen and Henry Leusink. Story begins on page 6. Photo by Bob Fitch

ADVERTISERS

CLEAN FUEL. LOCALLY PRODUCED. Located in NW Iowa, Siouxland Energy Cooperative makes clean ethanol, supports local corn growers and reduces the need for foreign oil, all with a very low carbon footprint.

AGE Media & Promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 American State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Benco Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CellOnly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Farmers Mutual Insurance Association . . . . . 13 Hutch Co H2Og Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Papik Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 PorkPalooza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sioux Center Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Siouxland Energy Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Van Bruggen-Wesselink Ins. Agency . . . . . . 33

3890 Garfield Ave. | Sioux Center, IA 712.722.4904 www.siouxlandenergy.com 4

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Van Voorst Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Van Zee Enterprises Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

BUILDING CONNECTIONS IN PRINT AND AT PORKPALOOZA! Mindy and I are the publishers of this magazine and we are excited to work with Bob Fitch as our Iowa area manager to bring this product to you every month. We hope you enjoyed the first issue of Farming Families of Sioux County last month. We have been doing these types of publications in Sioux Falls and southeast South Dakota for five years now. The goal of all our magazines is to build community and connections within a targeted group of people; in this case, the farmers of Sioux County.

in downtown Sioux Falls. Through the support of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, Pipestone Veterinary Services and Remedy Brewing Company, PorkPalooza II will take place May 31-June 1 (see full page ad on the front-inside cover of this publication or visit PorkPalooza Sioux Falls on Facebook). Proceeds from the event will go to Feeding South Dakota. This will be the 2nd annual event. Last year more than 12,000 people came to enjoy great local BBQ and local music and learned about the pork industry in the process.

Each month the content in our publications is intended to be positive, community-building information about the people, families, organizations and businesses within your community and similar communities in the region. This is not a publication about “How to Farm”, but it is publication about “People Who Farm”. While we live in the information age, we often don’t know the people who live in our immediate areas. We don’t care if someone farms 5,000 acres or 50 acres – everybody has a story, and everybody has their motives for doing what they do.

There is no charge to attend and listen to great local bands each day. On Friday night we will be having a rib cook-off where guests can purchase a “rib passport” and try ribs from each vendor. Passports are $20 and guests can get 12 punches on that ticket. Tickets will be sold at the event and you can also go to Eventbrite.com to purchase a ticket. We anticipate a great response, so we recommend you purchasing tickets in advance. We also have corporate sponsorship packages available to treat employees or customers, contact us for more information.

This publication is brought to you at no charge funded by businesses who also value our approach to promote their business. If you do business with one of our sponsors, let them know you appreciate their support of this publication. If you don’t do business with one of our sponsors, we’d ask that if you need their product or service to give them a call and get to know them personally.

We are confident the readers of this publication know a thing or two about the pork industry so come celebrate with us at PorkPalooza II and help raise some money for Feeding South Dakota in the process.

Outside of our publications, we also do events that build connections and promote agriculture to other circles of people. The most visible and largest event we hold is called PorkPalooza which takes place in the parking lot of 8th and Railroad Center

Garrett & Mindy Gross

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

Facebook.com/groups/farmingfamilies

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

FAMILY

LEGACY CARRIES ON AFTER STARTING FROM SCRATCH By Bob Fitch

Henry and Karen Leusink with their sons Mike, Steve and Greg

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

The Leusink family of Orange City is not scared to start out young. Patriarch Henry Leusink started country school when he was only 4 years old. At the time, his parents farmed west of Sioux Center in Center Township. “They needed to count me as a student to have enough kids to keep the school going.” That trick probably wouldn’t work today. Henry’s wife Karen said youngest son Greg was a pro with off-road vehicles early on. “They all loved riding 4-wheelers. When Greg was 4 years old, he was riding the 4-wheeler following the neighbor in the field. We could see his headlight bouncing through the field.” While he’s mostly traded in 4-wheelers for tractors, sprayers and combines, the joy is the same. Middle son Steve took it upon himself to tackle field work when he was still in grade school. “When my grandpa had a stroke and he was in the hospital, it was cultivating time. Dad was gone and I decided the cultivating needed to be done. I was 11.” Were there any crops left after Steve got done cultivating? “He did pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised,” said Henry. Steve said, “We always had hogs growing up, but my heart was in the field. My older brother Mike loved the hogs more. My passion was getting the equipment ready and going to the field.” Today, Mike works in marketing for Titan Swine. He may not work on the farm every day, but he Steve and Greg Leusink

TEXT BENCO to

72727 for text updates! Proud dealer of

SPRAYER CONTROLS • SPRAY TIPS • PLASTIC FITTINGS • AND MORE

Your Ag parts dealer is here for you.

Benco Products Inc Daniel Severson 27093 Katie RD, Tea, SD 57064 1-888-649-4862 | dan@bencoparts.com June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

Karen and Henry Leusink with their dog Casey

puts in many hours throughout the year, especially during harvest. He loves to snag one of his nieces or nephews to ride along as he takes a load of beans to town (with a special stop to spoil them at the convenience store). Steve g r a d u a te d f ro m Northwestern College in 1996. After graduation, he went to work for the elevator as a retail agronomist in Orange City. He rented his first ground and started farming part-time around 2000. His part-time farm role continues today as he’s also an agronomist for Pioneer. Greg is full-time on the farm plus plows snow for businesses in Orange City during the winter. He’s a graduate of Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon. His wife 8

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Jenn works at Northwestern Bank in Orange City as an ag and commercial loan specialist. Jenn is also busy volunteering with several church and school associations. There aren’t many slow seasons in their family keeping up with their three daughters Brooklyn, Addy and Maelyn. Greg made sure to point out the Case International equipment. “Red runs in our blood. Dad’s brothers run red equipment and mom’s brother is also a Case IH operator.” Even the new farm dog is named Casey. When Henry was very young, the machinery his dad was using was a different color. “I came home one day and there was an H Farmall. The dealer from Hull – his name was Herm VanderVegte, an

old Dutchie kind of guy – was always trying to get Dad to try an International. One day, Herm said ‘I’m going to come out with an H Farmall and put it up against your tractor, and whichever one has the most power running the hammer mill, that’s the one you’re going to keep.’ Dad said, ‘Yeah, what’s that going to cost me?’ Herm said, ‘Nothing, we’ll do it even trade.’ We’ve been red ever since,” said Henry. Henry’s parents moved from rural Sioux Center to the Orange City area in 1954. “Dad had a little bit of everything, but milking was the big thing.” Although he’s now been a pork producer for several decades, “It’s funny to say today, but when I was a kid I hated the hogs. On Saturdays, I would take the calf pen and bull pen and pitch the manure all day

long by myself.” His brothers Ron and Glen continue to farm their parent’s home place. Henry was drafted by the army in 1969. He served for two years, spending the last 10 months in Vietnam. After his service, he got a job in town. “I always wanted to be on the farm, so Karen and I bought an acreage in 1976 and we got into hogs because that was the easiest and cheapest way to get into it.” Originally, using some older barns, they farrowed and then sold feeder pigs. They built a finisher in 1988 and a second one in 1993. They quit farrowing in 1999 and went to custom feeding. In 1980, he started farming a little ground owned by his father-in-law. They’ve grown the size of the farm and also custom-farm crops for other landowners.

Front: Amber, Maddie, Gavin and Maci. Back: Steve, Trevor and Karson

“When we do our customwork, we do theirs just as good as we do our own,” Henry said. “We’re not after the acres so much as the quality job.” Steve agreed. “We all take pride in what we do. We’re not going to do it halfway. Ultimately it comes down to leaving it better than we found it. We’re always striving to push yields and do the best we absolutely can. That comes from my career in agronomy. That’s my love – farming the dirt and growing plants. I make Dad and Greg do some odd and unusual things once in a while to push yields.” In addition to farming, Henry and Karen keep busy today following their eight grandchildren in sporting events. Looking back, Karen said raising kids on the farm was ideal. “It’s the best place

Jenn, Addy, Brooklyn, Maelyn and Greg June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

In January, Karen Leusink was part of a group of members from Maurice Reformed Church who went on a mission trip to Guatemala organized through Paradise Bound.

to be. They learned to work hard. They had to work when they came home from school and before school when there were sows to feed.” Henry added, “They developed a strong work ethic.” Karen had a 41-year career as a nurse at a clinic and the hospital in Orange City. Today, she volunteers on the Hospital Auxiliary Board which raises money for special projects such as buying a wheelchair assistance van for the retirement home. This past January, she also joined a group of 14 of her fellow members from the Maurice Reformed Church on a mission trip to Guatemala organized through Paradise Bound. They helped build homes. “The houses were about 12x16 with maybe 10 people living in it. Going into these little homes is luxury for them. They’re happy all the time and they have nothing. So many of 10

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Americans have everything and are not happy. The trip really put into perspective how blessed we are.” Henry said he and his sons agree Karen is the glue to the farm operation. “You can find Karen pulling corn or bean heads to the field, chauffeuring the boys to different fields, making suppers for the harvest crew each night and countless other daily tasks. She is a vital member of this family farm.” Steve’s wife, Amber, stays busy volunteering at her church as well as in the local schools and community. She also works for Entira, an agriculture business consulting firm. Steve and Amber have five children: Trevor, Karson, Maddie, Maci, and Gavin. Oldest son Trevor is 17 and will be a senior this fall at MauriceOrange City Floyd Valley High School. “All he wants to do is

farm,” said Steve. “He’s no different than I was in school. In the spring and fall, he sits there staring out the window wondering what’s going on at the farm and any minute he’s not in school, he’ll be here at the farm.” Trying to farm in a country where too many people don’t understand where their food comes from is a frustration shared by Greg, Steve and Henry. “We’re here to feed the world, but the world doesn’t seem to want us anymore,” Henry said. Greg and Steve hope the legacy they’ve inherited from their parents will continue to thrive. “We want to carry on what Mom and Dad started from scratch and build it,” said Steve. “We hope the next generation will have the same passion and pass it on.”

Everyone has a great story... Let us tell yours. AGE is a storytelling and strategy group of skilled professionals that creates media to capture your brand or business story or family farm history. Make sure your story is captured in its entirety along with the facts and emotions of the storyteller.

OUR SERVICES: POSITIONING

BRAND STORYTELLING

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

SMS MARKETING

VISION & VALUES

For more information, contact Bob Fitch at (712) 551-4123 or Bob@agemedia.pub June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

KEEPING LOCAL HISTORY ALIVE

THE ADVENTURE OF GROWING UP IN HULL By Bob Fitch

Several years ago, Peter Pals of Orange City decided to write down his memories of growing up in Hull in the 1940s and 1950s. The informal jottings were meant as a way to preserve for his family and friends the tales of a childhood in a midwestern small town in the post-World War II era. After reading the memoirs, Pete’s sonin-law had the writings professionally printed and bound into a short book called Memories of Growing Up in Hull, Iowa. 12

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Pete Pals of Orange City wrote “Memories of Growing Up in Hull, Iowa."

Blessed with both a razor sharp memory and excellent story-telling skills, Pete paints a vivid picture which might remind readers of some of the mischievous boys found in a Norman Rockwell painting or an episode of Leave It To Beaver. Following are excerpts from the book which give you a flavor of the homespun and sometimes irreverent stories Pete tells about his childhood. Old time services at the Hull Christian Reformed Church … “Up to age 7-8, we would have two afternoon services a month in the Dutch language. That was NOT great for kids who couldn’t understand a word of the service … lots of nap time.” “At that time, alcohol use was one of the activities expressly forbidden by our church, except for wine at communion … Anyway we liked to watch which men could get in a couple of really big swallows when the cup came to them. It was interesting to see how far the cup could travel before needing to be refilled! In some rows it went only halfway, in others,

The house where Pete Pals lived for much of his childhood.

more than a row. This was a very helpful diversion for kids, especially during Dutch services.” Who remembers Hull Ice Cream … “Dad was employed at the Hull Co-op Creamery beginning about 1942 … He worked from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. six days a week … At the creamery he was the cream grader and made the Hull brand bulk pack ice cream which was very popular in the surrounding towns … The ice cream made at the creamery came out of the whipper the consistency of soft serve so as kids we ate a lot of it as it left the whipper … Just the employees’ kids had this privilege.” Working hard was expected … “We worked hard as kids. We were expected to help around the house, yard and in the garden. Before age 10 we heated our house with a furnace in which we burned cobs, wood and coal. We only used coal late in the winter when our cob and wood supply was gone. Every fall our coal bin was filled with cobs. We scooped them from a wagon through a small door which opened into the coal bin the basement. Along with the cobs a good number of mice were also scooped into our basement.”

PREPARE FOR TOMORROW WITH COVERAGE TODAY.

Every day it’s our duty to earn our customers’ trust. That’s why we’re always looking ahead—and looking for better ways to serve your interests. Contact us today.

712-439-1722

1010 Main Street | Hull, IA fmiahull.com Serving northwest Iowa farmers and homeowners since 1886. June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

Left: Bill, Mina, Pete and Arn Pals at East Lake Okoboji in 1946.; Right: Bill, Arn and Pete Pals with a great catch of fish in 1957 at Lake Cormorant in Minnesota.

Who needs cats for rodent control when you’ve got 10-year-old boys … “On at least two occasions (my brother) Arn shot mice with his BB gun inside the house. One he spied in the refrigerator drawer, got the BB gun, shot him right in the eye. I can still see the blood bubbling out of the little mouse eye. Another time he shot one under the piano. He laid flat on the floor and could see the mouse under the piano and nailed it. Killing mice in our house was great sport.” “One of our favorite pastimes was killing rats. The town was overrun with rats. One neighbor, Bill Kuipers, had a mini farm with a barn, chicken coop and pasture. The barn yard was full of debris, under which the rats lived. A couple of kids would jump on the piles 14

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

of boards and branches and the rest of us would whack the rats with boards as they ran from under the piles. The dogs were along for the fun and had a great time catching rats.” Rowdy Halloween … “Halloween was an especially bad and exciting time. (Boys in the their late teens and early 20’s) would come from towns all around to raise trouble in Hull. I can recall a windmill being placed in the main street intersection. Manure spreaders were pulled down main street and emptied. The fire department would be called out and would hose down the crowds that gathered. One night Mayor Ben Meylink was in his outhouse when it was tipped over on the door, trapping him inside. Railroad cars were pushed off the tracks. It was an exciting time for little kids to observe.”

But the rowdiness got under control when Louie the cop came to town … “Louie came from Texas. He was a big guy, maybe six feet four, and wore two 45’s on his hips at all times. Most everyone got the message not to fool around or challenge Louie. It was amazing the change that occurred. We became a normal civil community.” New experiences at Lake Okoboji … “One thing I remember about the resort was the shower. Remember at home we had baths in a little round tub in the dining room. (The resort) was our first experience with a shower. We thought getting to stand under the shower was one of the best things of the entire week.”

Left: Pete, Bill and Arn Pals ready to hunt pheasant in 1948.; Right: Bill and Pete Pals with their dog King. Note the big console radio.

The world’s meanest principal … “Our principal Louis Zuiderhof, better known to the kids as ‘Zuidy,’ … was NOT a kind person … Zuidy was about five feet tall maximum, with about a 40-inch waist … He was short and round … Zuidy was very insistent on things being orderly and quiet … He carried a very heavy hand bell on which he beat time for our marching into school. I can still see him standing there watching out for anyone out of step or talking. Any one out of step or noisy would be hit over the head with the bell … He would knock little kids right off their feet, with them landing on the floor. You then had to go back outside and march back in step. THESE ARE TRUE FACTS.”

tist in Vietnam. After the service, Pete and his wife Helen moved to Orange City. He set up a practice from which he retired about 10 years ago. He and Helen have two daughters, Robin and Kay, and three grandchildren, Todd, Courtney “The little town of Hull is just and Tara. typical small town Iowa. We had about 25 kids in our neigh- Only a limited number of copborhood and I was the young- ies of the book were printed, est. Boy, if we had kids in our but it can be checked out neighborhood today who did from the public libraries in what we did then!” Pete said. Hull, Orange City, Sioux Center, Alton, Hawarden and Rock Following college, Pete served Valley. It is listed for purchase two years in the army at Fort at Amazon.com, but availabilBenning first as a dental intern ity is very limited. and then as a dentist. Then he served a year as a den-

the folks just loved it,” he said. In fact, he was invited to speak at the Hull Public Library where a crowd of 75-100 people showed up and they all spent the morning reminiscing about their home town.

Farming Families wants to share your stories about the Pete said after his son-inlaw had the book printed, he shared copies with a few of his friends from Hull. “I thought they’d have a good laugh about it. Well, they passed it on and

old days in northwest Iowa. Help keep local history alive by emailing your stories and photos to bob@agemedia.pub.

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

SPONSOR

CELLONLY, your Verizon Authorized Retailer In 1998, CellOnly was founded with the principle to offer a hands-on approach to customer service. The Verizon authorized retailer will not direct customers to an 800 number or a website. “Our team is dedicated to helping customers solve problems 1-on-1, without the need to call someone else or be directed to a website,” says BJ Olson, Director of Business Development for CellOnly. CellOnly, your Verizon Authorized Retailer, has locations throughout the Midwest; you can find them in Sioux Falls at 41st Street next to EyeMart and at Dawley Farm in front of East side Target. In Northwest Iowa, they have locations in Sheldon and Orange City. Ce l l O n l y ’s s p e c i a l i ze d business teams prioritize building strong relationships with businesses and residents. “Our team sits down with customers to learn about their operation and business and their goals before we begin exploring solutions,” says BJ. CellOnly’s services include a s s e t t ra c k i n g , t a n k monitoring, wireless security BJ Olson

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

cameras, remote internet capabilities, electronic logs, GPS tracking, digital forms, Voice over IP services, failover internet services, on top of smartphones, basic phones, and tablets. CellOnly partners with a vast network of businesses that specialize in specific technologies and serve as an advocate for their customers to ensure they get the best price, solution, and results. BJ recognizes that as area farmers consolidate through farm consolidations, the area farmers need to observe continually increases. “We provide services to help them monitor their operation from across the county road to across the county line. We can connect farmers with what matters most. Our technology

can allow them to remotely turn on their pivot irrigator, or we can install security cameras in various buildings with remote viewing capability.” “If they’re looking to haul cattle or crops over 100 miles, we can help with electronic logging solutions to comply with the federal mandate,” continues BJ. “We can also set up customers with e-log compatible, LTE connected tablets.” He notes that people in the Ag industry are usually more open to technology ideas that will make them more efficient and allow them to get things done faster. Whether it’s a small family operation cellphone plan or a little bit larger cooperative, CellOnly values each opportunity to grow with

Stay connected out there.

our nation’s producers. “We understand how important their time is—whether they’re calving, planting, or harvesting, we adapt to their schedule and are more than happy to come to them when they need us most,” says BJ.

CellOnly, your Verizon Authorized Retailer For service inquiries or more information, contact BJ at BJ.Olson@CellOnly.com Cell-Only.com Facebook.com/CellOnlySiouxFallsSD

Stop in for a free plan analysis today! ORANGE CITY

Connected fields. Better yields. (712) 707-8900 SHELDON

(712) 631-4110

Cell-Only.com June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

LOCAL FARM AT SUNSET. PHOTO BY BRETT DAVELAAR, BD PHOTOGRAPHY.

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

COUNTRY NEIGHBOR

OLD STYLE HARD WORK FROM A YOUNG FARMER By Bob Fitch

Daren Winkowitsch with Polypay sheep on the farm near George, Iowa

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Daren Winkowitsch thrives on hard work and keeping himself busy on the farm northeast of George. In a region dominated by corn, soybeans, hogs and cattle, the Winkowitsch farm embraces an almost-oldfashioned diversity. “There’s never a dull moment. We start the year lambing, then calving, then field work, then pasture work, then sweet corn, silage-cutting, harvesting the crops, and preg-checking the cows, along with everything else farming throws our way.” said the 25-year-old Daren. In addition to sheep, cattle, corn, soybeans, and a thriving sweet corn business, he sells farm-fresh eggs and broiler chickens. Oh, don’t forget putting up 5,000 square bales a year, the garden tillage business, raising a large garden, starting up a lawn seeding enterprise, and working a few weeks a year at a butcher shop. He also enjoys construction projects on the farm and helps his dad farm 750 acres. He hopes to find some land of his own to rent soon. In his little bit of free time, Daren enjoys playing in a slow pitch softball league, hunting deer, and going to high school spor ting events, mainly wrestling meets and football games. In 1978, Daren’s dad Dennis began in the sheep business and in 1988 bought his first 30 Polypay ewes. Daren bought into the business in 2007. Now Daren and Dennis own 180 purebred Polypay ewes. Daren recently joined the board of the Northwest Iowa Sheep Producers which is focused on educating people about the

sheep industry. Demand for lamb and mutton is primarily driven by ethnic markets on the east coast. They also sell breeding stock. He has a bedroom in the barn so he can try to be there for every lamb that is born to ensure a low death rate. At any given time in the late winter/ early spring, there will be 8-10 ewes giving birth. Dennis said, “Daren really is a good son and hard worker. But I keep telling him the girls probably aren’t going to come and find him in the barn.” Dennis serves on the Lyon County Farm Bureau Board, the Lyon County Zoning Board of Adjustments, and is the chairman of the Extension Council. Lo c a l l y, D a re n is probably best k n own fo r h is sweet corn. He and his brother, Derek, started growing and selling sweet corn in 2002. Today his brother operates Winkowitsch Trucking and helps on the farm when time allows. In the spring, Daren begins planting sweet corn in early April and plants a

new patch every 10 days until early June. The first crop is usually ready by the 20th of July. “My parents and I go out about 5 a.m. every morning and pick the estimated supply for the day. We sell in George from Monday through Saturday mornings; and in Rock Rapids on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The Rock Rapids sales really increased my business. We aim to sell 1,5002,000 dozen each season – and we exceeded that last year.” The sheep graze each patch once they’re finished harvesting that section. “A month-and-half of hand-picking sweet corn six days a week does take its toll.” He sells fresh brown eggs yearround. Sales of fresh chickens coincide with the sweet corn

VA N VOOR VOORS ST EQ UI P ME NT CO .

I O WA PL ASTI CS CO .

20 YEAR WARRANTY

Stainless steel Thorp gating, feeders & doors, and horse stalls too!

LARGEST U.S. DISTRIBUTOR of Faroex ﬂooring

NO COOKIE CUTTER BUILDS HERE Built how you want, EVERY TIME!

www.VanVoorstEquipment.com sales@VanVoorstEquipment.com 712.722.1462

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

Left: Cattle on pasture at the Winkowitsch farm; Top Right: Daren Winkowitsch feeding sheep., Bottom Right: Kimberly, Dennis, Derek and Daren Winkowitsch.

selling season. He got into the poultry business when he was 9 years old. “The laying hens were my grandma’s business and I took it over when she moved to town.” In the three weeks before sweet corn picking starts, he works at the butcher shop near Alton to help process chickens. He and his dad have about 90 cows and 125 acres of pasture. Also in the winter, they background heifers for relatives who ranch near Wall, S.D. 22

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

His dad also sells Champion seed corn and soybeans. His mom, Kimberly, works at a nursing home two nights a week. All three of them work together to bale the hay which sometimes finds them in the field until 1 or 2 in the morning. “I wouldn’t be able to farm at all without having access to Dad’s equipment. It’s nice to have that resource. In return I work for him.” The Winkowitsch’s have improved their facilities over the last several years which

has improved the viability of the livestock operation. Dennis said they do most of the design and construction themselves. Daren said, “Last year, we didn’t lose a single calf because of weather with much better facilities than when I started. You invest so much into that cow all year long, you don’t want to lose the calf.” Daren started his cattle herd when he got a bucket calf for a 4H project in the 4th grade. “By my senior year, I was showing 9 sheep and 11 cattle at the Lyon

Clockwise: Selling sweet corn occupies a large portion of Daren Winkowitsch’s summer; Daren Winkowitsch’s “man cave” on the farm near George includes a display of the many ribbons he’s won over the years in both open class shows and in 4H as a child; a clock he made which includes the skulls from deer shot by he and his grandfather; and patio lights hung from the deer antlers.

County Fair. I always enjoyed the fair, working with cattle.” He never aged out of 4H. “I finished up my 4H career in July 2012 after my senior year and by the next month I was a 4H leader.” Winkowitsch has helped the Town & Country Kids 4H Club grow from nine kids when he started as leader to roughly 30 members now. “I started with a co-leader, then had four years leading it on my own. I’m sure glad to have a co-leader again. I became a 4H leader because I didn’t want

our club to dry up. I guess it’s just one way for me to serve the community. “The club does service projects like planting trees, cleaning the trail, and serving at the 4th of July celebration. We take some fun trips such as going to Arnold’s Park. The kids really like the fair, whether they’re showing livestock or arts and crafts.” He sells a few bucket calves to 4H kids each year at below-market prices. “I want to help them get their herd started the same way others

helped me start.” Hard work and a strong faith are his standbys. “I guess it was just instilled in me early on to work hard. Dad always says we need to look to God for our strength every day – and thank Him every day for what He has provided. During the hard times in the ‘80s Dad says he wouldn’t have made it, wouldn’t be here today without the Lord.”

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

KIDS COME FOR THE HORSES, BUT LEAVE WITH A GROWING FAITH By Bob Fitch Photos courtesy of Destiny Youth Ranch

Jason Boer and Pastor Corilee Boer are the directors of Destiny Youth Ranch, a retreat in Alvord for kids and families where horses are the calling card, but a relationship with Jesus is the goal.

Ten years ago, Corilee and Jason Boer of Alvord were searching for a way to reach more children with the story of Jesus Christ.

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

“A good friend of mine gave me a book called Hope Rising by Kim Meeder,” said Corilee, who recently retired as the pastor of a local church. The author Kim Meeder created Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch near Bend, Oregon. In the book, she explains how horses and children can navigate a minefield of a broken child’s soul in a dance of trust that only God can understand.

“Kim Meeder has used horses as way to promote healing for kids who have been in difficult situations. Animals are very healing,” said Corilee. She was intrigued. So in the spring of 2009 she and her daughter Lana traveled to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch for training. Four months later, Destiny Youth Ranch in Alvord held its first camp with nine girls.

they get here, the horses will just accept the kids without question. The horse will come right up to a child. The kids just love it. Our volunteer mentors also accept each child without question,” said Jason, who operates Boer Insurance and is a native of Alvord. Corilee is a native of Hills, Minn., and was a nurse specializing in oncology before becoming a pastor.

Jason said, “We were not horse people and we didn’t own a horse. The folks from Crystal Peaks Ranch told us to just surround ourselves with smart horse people.” The Boers went from zero horses to the 60 they have today. The ranch now ministers to about 400 people each year.

“The kids come for the horses, but once they’re here we can talk to them about ‘do you know Jesus?’” he said.

“Some kids may have been bullied while others may have been through some other traumatic situation. But when

Camps for youth are held each summer. There are also women’s retreats, mother-daughter retreats and family retreats throughout the year. Typically, a day consists of worship time, teaching and speakers, crafts, games, campfires, and, of course, time with the horse with which they are paired.

Past experience with horses is not required. Volunteer leaders teach basic horsemanship skills, ground work, safety and grooming. “Camps are the perfect place for kids to seriously think about their faith. It’s away from everybody they know. A lot of kids accept Christ for the first time at camp. We’re always excited when that happens,” Corilee said. Th e m i n i s t r y i s n o n denominational and they stay focused on keeping the faith story really basic. “Some of the kids know nothing about Jesus before they come here,” she said. Neither Jason nor Corilee nor anyone else are paid a salary. Everything is done on a volunteer basis.

Pastor Alice Christianson leads youth campers on a trail ride. Pastor Christianson is vice president of the Destiny Youth Ranch Board and is an NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor as well as being a writer, speaker and having a degree in social work. June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

Campers come from about a 70-mile radius and volunteers come from as far as five hours away.

Summer camp fees are extraordinarily low compared to many others – only $125. A third of the kids come for less than the regular $125, either at a further reduced cost or free. “We don’t ever want a child who doesn’t know the good news of Jesus to not show up because of cost. Money is never going to be a reason for a child not coming to this camp,” said Jason. That being said, Destiny Youth Ranch has real expenses. Basic maintenance and feed for a typical horse is about $1,250 per year. “So we’re always looking for donations, additional revenue streams or donations of hay,” he said. Eighty-five percent of their annual expense is for hay. On the last day of camp, there is a horse show. “Each child rides their horse through the arena for the show,” said Corilee. “Beforehand, they get to doll them up, paint them and braid their hair, get them ready for the show.” Jason said, “We announce each child and the name of their horse and what their favorite thing about camp was. The kids are smiling from ear to ear. Controlling that 1,000-pound animal gives them a lot of selfconfidence.” Volunteers are the lifeblood of the effort. “People have heard about us and that we’re trying to do this as cheaply as possible. Some want to help but don’t know anything about horses. Well, we say: ‘can you be a counselor, can you work in the kitchen, can Destiny Youth Ranch has about 60 horses. 26

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

you take pictures, can we teach you how to put a saddle on a horse?’ We can fit you in somewhere,” said Corilee. Volunteers come from as far away as Alexandria, Minn., which is a five-hour drive. Destiny Youth Ranch also takes its camp on the road once each year to do outreach at the Red Lake Chippewa Indian Reservation in Minnesota. “Most of them are in foster placement. It’s a pretty rough life for some of those kids,” said Corilee. “At the beginning of the week, they are pretty stoic and quiet, but by the end of the week, they’ve opened up and are really being kids.” Locally, Hope Haven from Rock Valley and Rock Rapids are regular visitors for day camps. Their headquarters building is currently in the midst of an upgrade. Thanks to a grant from the Forster Charitable Trust in Rock Rapids, new sleeping quarters for campers are being built. The area will be divided into 3 rooms by curtains or bi-fold doors during camps, but will be available for birthday parties, anniversaries or weddings. For more information about camps or how to donate, go to www.destinyyouthranch.com.

In addition to the new sleeping quarters on the second floor, the facade of the building’s interior is being remodeled by volunteers to have an “old west town” theme. Much of the construction material is from former buildings which were being torn down.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1922

712-476-5343

Van Zee Enterprises, Inc. | FAMILY OWNED and OPERATED SINCE 1922 2015 N Main Street, Rock Valley, IA 51247 | vanzeeent.com June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

The Dordt Ag Stewarship Center north of Sioux Center is home to many classes and labs for the Dordt programs in agriculture and manufacturing technology.

FAITH IS INTEGRATED INTO AG CURRICULUM AT DORDT Northwest Iowa is a rich mecca of farming – and is also home to a collegiate agricultural program that has been breaking new ground for 40 years. The agriculture program at Dordt University in Sioux Center operates on the principle that creation belongs to the Creator, and humans have been given the privilege of caring for and using it. “Our faith-based piece is integrated in all of our classes,” said Gary De Vries, an instructor and chair of the agriculture department. “The faith piece is interwoven, it’s not just frosting on the

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

cake. We see our work as worship – who we’re doing it for, and also why and how.” On both the crop and livestock sides, producers in northwest Iowa are among the most technologically savvy in the world. Dordt’s ag program embraces the forward march of technology. “God has allowed us to discover a lot of different technologies along the way,” De Vries said. “We want our students to be critical thinkers. How can how can we best use those new technologies? Is every technology always a good one? Is every technology right? We’ve got to be wise.

In addition to hosting many classes for agriculture majors, the Dordt Ag Stewardship Center is also home to many classes and labs for its Pro Tech program which started in the fall of 2017. Pro-Tech is a two-year, vocational program that offers students a hands-on education by combining internship experience with classroom activities in the fields of manufacturing technology or farm operations and management. Pictured here, the ProTech program cooperated with the Siouxland Lean Consortium to host high school students from as far away as Wisconsin in a manufacturing-related competition.

“We want our students to be articulate about why they do what they do so that they can share that information with others,” he said. The agriculture program is housed on campus in the Science & Technology Center which was recently updated to the tune of $27 million. Three miles north of campus, a new facility opened last fall at the Dordt Agriculture Stewardship Center. It includes several classrooms, a large meeting space, a welding lab and a high bay for housing farm machinery and doing repairs. The college’s 340-acre farm includes a small beef herd and crop trials. Trials are done cooperatively with the

Northwest Iowa Experimental Association and the Iowa State University Extension Service. Crop trials are not in micro-plots, but rather in 10- or 15-acre plots. Students have the chance to harvest, collect data and publish data as undergrads, something that is typically turned over to graduate students at larger land grant institutions. In national competitions, Dordt’s students have measured up well to students from Ames, Lincoln, Brookings, St. Paul and elsewhere. Local producers and agribusiness also cooperate with the college in providing real-world lab experiences and internships.

Agribusiness is the favorite major among students, but other majors include ag education, animal science, biotechnology, plant science and pre-veterinary. Of the 150-160 total students in the program, about 35 are pursuing a two-year AAS degree in farm operations and management via the college’s new “Pro-Tech” program. On the four-year side, about 30-40 students graduate with a bachelor degree each year. A significant number of graduates go into production agriculture and others have a long-range plan to return to their family’s farm later. Besides Iowa, Dordt draws strongly from Michigan, California and Washington, June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

The high bay machinery area in the Dordt Ag Stewardship Center provides real-world, hands-on opportunities for students in both agriculture and manufacturing technology.

Gary De Vries is director of the agriculture program at Dordt University

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

states which have strong pockets of people with Dutch heritage and from the tradition of the Reformed Church.

as adjunct instructors. The position of recently-retired Dr. Dick Joerger will also be filled soon.

The graduates are very much in demand at farms and in the agribusiness community. “We probably have too many opportunities for jobs,” said De Vries who joined Dordt in 2011 after 33 years as an agricultural teacher at West Lyon Schools. The strong demand for ag college graduates and a resurgence in high school agriculture and FFA programs speaks well of the career possibilities and the evaporation of an anti-farm stigma that may have existed in decades past.

De Vries said, “We get to know each of our students personally. Our doors as instructors are open.”

Dordt agriculture department faculty include Dr. Jeremy Hummel, Dr. John Olthoff, Dr. Spring Dahl, Kyle Dahl, and Tom Colarossi, as well

Dordt’s program seeks to prepare students to work as professionals and servantleaders in agriculture. Students are called to transform local and global food systems so that they better reflect the biblical principles of justice, love for one’s neighbor, and care for creation.

hog confinement cleaning & disinfection

Our publications are based on families and their stories. Our goal is to build community and

LOCAL, DEPENDABLE & EFFICIENT hog confinement maintenance

connections within the Ag circles of Sioux County and surrounding areas. If you have a fun story or would like to suggest a family to

(605) 251-6374

feature, reach out to us at Bob@agemedia.pub.

hutchcohogwash.com facebook.com/hutchcohogwash

SIOUX CENTER HEALTH

is here to serve our local farmers At Sioux Center Health, we are here to serve you and your family throughout the continuum of care — from birth to end of life, and every stage in between. As a health ministry guided by Christian values, we are committed to consistently delivering an excellent experience to every person at every encounter to fulfil our mission of bringing hope, health, and healing to life. • • • • •

Family Medicine and Clinics Hospital and Outpatient Care Birthing Center Therapy and Rehabilitation Senior Living

• • • •

Hospice and Home Care Childcare and Preschool Occupational Health Home Medical Equipment

For more information about our services, visit siouxcenterhealth.org.

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

FINANCIAL FOCUS

3 generations of family-oriented customer service from the Van Bruggens: Emily, Brian, Ted, Doug and Brad.

VAN BRUGGEN-WESSELINK: A FAMILIAR VOICE EVERY TIME YOU CALL By Bob Fitch

Service is a byword used by thousands of businesses. But at Van Bruggen-Wesselink Insurance in Sioux Center, they take it to a higher level – familyoriented service is their promise. “You’ll get a familiar voice every time you call,” said Brian Van Bruggen. 32

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Employee turnover is virtually non-existent at the agency allowing them to intimately know their customers and anticipate their needs. “With our group of employees and owners and customers, we treat everyone as family,” said Brian. Brad Van Bruggen said, “I just got off the phone with a customer who told me ‘handsdown your responsiveness’ is what makes our firm stand out. This customer said ‘at the other place, I never know who to talk to – I’m juggled from this person to the next.’ Here we get to the know the customers and can respond to what they need pretty easily.”

Van Bruggen-Wesselink is a full-service firm providing insurance lines for farm, auto, health, life, business and personal needs. The agency represents Allied, Auto-Owners, EMC, Travelers, and many more. “With our professional staff, we can be your liaison with the insurance carrier in the event of a claim. We work for you, not the insurance company,” said Brad. Brad and Brian are part of the family’s third generation in the insurance business in the Sioux Center area. Their grandfather Ted Van Bruggen bought into the RozeboomBroek Agency in the early 1970s. Prior to entering the

insurance business, Ted farmed and sold feed between Carmel and Rock Valley. Ted’s son Doug joined the firm in the late 1970s. Ted and Doug became sole owners of the re-named Vans Insurance in 1991. In 2000, the firm merged with the Wesselink Agency which has roots in the community going back to 1920. Also in 2000, Doug’s daughter Emily became the first member of the third generation to join the Van Bruggen-Wesselink Insurance Agency. Brad came on board in 2004 and Brian in 2010. Their sister Elizabeth also works at the firm part-time. In 2017, Van Bruggen-Wesselink merged with Agency One in Hawarden, providing that firm and its clients with access to more lines and better pricing “because of the volume we bring to the table. It’s really a benefit for the west side of Sioux County and into South Dakota,” said Brad. “We couldn’t grow like this if the community wasn’t growing,” said Brad. According to Doug, Sioux County stands out in Iowa as a beacon of success

in rural economic development. He praised the can-do, progressive attitude of businesses and others in Sioux County and Sioux Center. “What’s happening here is really a reflection of the city’s motto of ‘progress through cooperation.’” Brian agreed. “We’ve got developers and other businesses willing to take risks and cooperate with each other in nontraditional ways. That cooperation spreads throughout the city. You see the public school and the private school and Dordt University all working together. They all know they need each other. “It’s good for us to p ro m ote th e city and invest in the community because it’s paying us dividends back in growth,” Brian said.

YOU CAN’T PREDICT ACCIDENTS. ONLY PLAN FOR THEM. Our Umbrella coverage provides additional liability protection, ensuring an accident today doesn’t jeopardize your plans for tomorrow. Trust in Tomorrow.® Contact us today. 712-722-2243 www.vansinsurance.com

Back Row L to R: Tyler Knobloch, Doug Van Bruggen, Dan Van Ravenswaay, Brian Van Bruggen, Brad Van Bruggen; Front Row L to R: Angela Kroeze, Emily De Groot, Elizabeth Roskam; Not Pictured: Todd Ericson, Brenna Ericson from Hawarden Office

“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2018.

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

FROM THE KITCHEN

YUMMY ROLLS From the kitchen of Claudette Winterfeld, Sioux Center

INGREDIENTS: • 2 tubes biscuits (20 rolls) • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 1 cup butter or oleo • 1 cup brown sugar • Cinnamon for dipping

DIRECTIONS: Combine ice cream, butter and brown sugar. Microwave until dissolved. Dip each roll in cinnamon. Put sauce in 9x13 cake pan and set roll cinnamon side down in sauce. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until brown. Take out of oven. Let cool 5 or 10 minutes. Turn pan with rolls upside down onto a plate. Let caramel sauce dribble all over rolls.

Farming Families wants to feature your recipes! Email your recipe, your name and hometown, and a high-resolution photo of the finished dish to bob@agemedia.pub.

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019

Let the Papik team take care of all your automotive needs. We make it easy!

507-283-9171 | 712-472-2595

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Sioux County

of Sioux County JUNE 2019

The Farming Families of Sioux County | June 2019