The Farming Families of Lyon County-June 2019

of Lyon County JUNE 2019

Meet

DAREN WINKOWITSCH

FAITH

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FAMILY

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FRIENDS

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FARMING

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!

Proceeds from event will be given directly to

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

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

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE of Lyon County PUBLISHERS Garrett and Mindy Gross, AGE Media IOWA MANAGER Bob Fitch, AGE Media

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

DIRECT ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, STORY SUBMISSIONS AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE TO:

712-551-4123 bob@agemedia.pub

connections within the Ag circles of Lyon County and surrounding areas. If you have a fun story or would like to suggest a family to feature, reach out to us at Bob@agemedia.pub.

The Farming Families of Lyon County is distributed free exclusively to the farmers, ranchers, and producers in rural Lyon County, Iowa. ©2019 The Farming Families of Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon County.

COVER: Daren Winkowitsch of George, Iowa. Story begins on page 6. Photo by Bob Fitch.

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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 Lyon 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 Lyon 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

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June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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FEATURED FARMER

OLD STYLE HARD WORK FROM A YOUNG FARMER

By Bob Fitch

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.

Daren Winkowitsch with cattle on the farm near George, Iowa

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

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

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Left: Cattle on pasture at the Winkowitsch far; 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. 8

The Farming Families of Lyon 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 Lyon County

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KEEPING LOCAL HISTORY ALIVE

Orphans playing on the campus of the Beloit Lutheran Children’s Home.

The first sermon in the county was preached by Reverend Ellef Oleson at the Beloit residence of Halvor Nelson on Sept. 6, 1870. At the same time and place was the county’s first marriage, that of Ole Torberson and Petrina Peterson.

Beloit was briefly home to Augustana College & Theological Seminary before it moved to Canton and then to Sioux Falls (and is now known as Augustana University).

All historical photos courtesy of the Ames Historical Society.

BELOIT ORPHANAGE IMPORTANT ANCESTOR OF LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA 10

The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

The unincorporated hamlet of Beloit in extreme southwestern Lyon County is home to just a few dozen residents now on the banks of the Sioux River near Canton, S.D. But some of the earliest history of Lyon County can be traced to this village.

Lewis P. Hyde’s homestead, about two miles south of what is now Beloit, was the first permanent settlement in the county in July 1866.

Hyde, with his sons, built the first settler's cabin.

Finding a good use for the former college buildings was part of the motivation of the Norwegian Lutherans who founded an orphanage there in 1890. The Beloit Lutheran Children’s Home is perhaps the town’s greatest contribution to northwest Iowa.

By far the largest of the antecedents to Lutheran Services in Iowa, the home had a peak population of 177 in 1926, and by 1942 had given care to 984 children. In 1942 there were 28 boys and 12 girls at the home. At that time it consisted of four institutional buildings, a chapel, and numerous farm buildings. The farm consisted of 617 acres of land, and, debt-free, was valued at $236,952.

The home was closed in 1945 and its assets used for a later re-location in Ames, where it now continues to serve children as a part of the ministry of Lutheran Service in Iowa. A cemetery marker in

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formative years under the sheltering care and Christian influence of this fine institution. To them it has meant home. It has also meant father and mother care. It has meant their inalienable right to a fair chance and a coveted opportunity.”

From the 1919 Annual of the Norwegian Lutheran Church Orphan's Home at Beloit, Iowa: “We were particularly spared last year in that we did not have the influenza, although it raged all around. Among the 339 young people who have graduated or left the institution after a shorter or longer stay we find 99 percent are leading honest lives ... A great majority of our graduates, although most of them came from the city, are now found on the farm, most of them are laborers, while a number are married and operating farms of their own.

Students and their teacher in a classroom at the Lutheran Children’s Home located in Beloit in Lyon County from 1890-1945.

Beloit memorializes residents who died during those 56 years, giving silent testimony to a ministry that responded to need.

An excerpt from the 1940 Fiftieth Anniversary Festival Program stated: “The Lutheran Church … has in a measure furnished the urge for establishing a definite program for caring for such children … It has meant the providing of comfortable and attractive shelter, good clothes, plenty of wholesome food, a fine home atmosphere, Christian influence and environment, facilities for learning through the grades of a standardized course of study as well as helpful guidance and study in the elements of the Christian religion ...

Orphans sitting on the front step of the Beloit Lutheran Children’s Home.

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

“Through these years (since 1890) hundreds of boys and girls, who otherwise would have been deprived of these home privileges, have been nurtured through their

“… during the year 1918, with one man in charge of all farming activities, including cattle and hogs, assisted by the manager and the boys, the farm produced $7,896.29 cash, as shown by report, and in addition $3,671.66 which was sold but not in time to be included in the report. In addition to this there was consumed on the farm, milk, butter, meats, potatoes, eggs, garden, wheat for flour, wood, etc., to an estimated value of $8,185.00, making a total of $19,755.95, yet the farm could have yielded more with more supervision, but it seemed impossible to secure help.”

The 1919 report said entrance to the home required a child to be “be poor, of sound mind and decent habits, and in need of a home.”

A monument in the Beloit Cemetery recognizes the names of the children who died while residents at the orphanage there.

Farming Families wants to share your stories about the old days in northwest Iowa. Help keep local history alive by emailing your stories and photos to bob@agemedia.pub.

Sources: Ames Historical Society and IAGenWeb Project.

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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FINANCIAL FOCUS What do you need to discuss with your children?

Many farms are multigenerational. If you farmed your land with your parents and hope your children will follow suit, there are many things you would be wise to consider as you look to the future.

Conversations you have with your children might include: • Do your children want the farm? Although it might be heartbreaking to consider, perhaps your children have moved out of Iowa and established careers of their own. Even if they want to keep the farm in the family, maintaining its day-to-day operations might not be their reality.

• Is there a way to leave your land to your children but allow someone else to farm it? It might be possible to keep the farm in your family even if your children will not be handling the daily operations.

Running a farm requires hard work, business savvy and vast knowledge related to both your animals and the land use. Willingness to consider land rental agreements could possibly be a way to leave the farm as an inheritance to your children without overwhelming them.

• Can your children get along while managing the farm?

Leaving your property, and your family business, to siblings could become tricky.

One child might want to live on the land more than

another. Or perhaps one is more interested in the financial aspect of the property at stake. In some instances, it might be better to transfer ownership of your property to a trust you establish for your children.

You likely have many options for leaving an inheritance.

When you consider everything at stake on your farm, you can probably see how planning for your land, operations, and equipment as thoroughly as possible could help prevent tax problems or probate disputes for your children after you are gone.

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

You’ve built a legacy through hard work – in many cases, generations of hard work.

At The Krause Law Firm, we guide you through the legal process to protect you, your assets, and your family. We are here to support your growth and success. That’s how relationships are built and remain strong.

As a parent, thorough estate planning is important as you strive to meet the needs of your children in as fair a manner as possible once you are gone.

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FOCUS ON FAITH in previous churches. I always had prayer in the service, but never interactive prayer. In my second month or so, one of the parishioners asked if I could pray for rain. I said ‘absolutely.’

About three weeks later it was ‘Pastor, can you pray for the rain to stop?’”

Gordon said in Washington state, precipitation for the crops was provided by the man-made reservoir at Grand Coulee Dam. “The farmers here pray cause they know who’s in charge of the rain. Right now when the ground is so wet, what do they have? They have God. I love that – the realness of God and the connection to God.”

Pastor Richard Gordon leads prayer before the offering at Grandview Covenant Church. Photo by Janna Severson.

LOCAL FARMERS KNOW WHO’S IN CHARGE OF THE RAIN

By Bob Fitch A community of faith has been meeting near the IowaSouth Dakota border west of Larchwood for nearly 150 years. Originally served by missionaries in 1872 and meeting in members’ homes for 40 years, Swedish families with names such as Swanson, Bonander, Ruud and Long formally organized in 1912 and the ministry continues today as the Grandview Covenant Church.

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

Among the corn and soybean fields of Lyon County, change came slowly to Grandview in the classic country church building topped with a white steeple. Services at the church weren’t offered in English until 1921. Electric lights in the sanctuary were installed in 1941 and pews didn’t replace folding chairs until 1962.

But convenience and comfort aren’t central to the worship experience here. At the center

is the ongoing relationship farmers and rural people have with their Creator.

Originally from the Pacific Nor thwest, G randview Covenant Pastor Richard Gordon says it’s thrilling to him the connection his members have with God. “One of the advantages of a small church is you can have an open prayer time where people can share their prayer requests.

I’d never been able to do that

In a sermon he preached at the Granite Threshing Bee several years ago, Gordon said, “There are endless elements to farming that are out of the farmers’ control. In the book of James in the New Testament, James is instructing people to be like the farmers who have learned to be patient for their crops to grow. No matter how much a farmer wants the corn or beans to grow faster, sometimes the farmer just has to have the wisdom to wait … We will find peace as we wait on the Lord through the trials of our days on this earth.”

Since moving to Larchwood in 2015, he and his wife Beth have fallen in love with the area, the people, and the community. “It feels great to live with salt of the earth folks who value God’s creation and His word like us.”

While the congregation is small at about 70 members and has regular attendance of 35-55 people, Grandview Covenant has a big impact on the community through its leadership of the Awana

program in Larchwood. Awana is an international and interdenominational program which equips local church volunteers to help children and youth become tomorrow’s Christian leaders in society and culture.

Gordon thinks the Swedish heritage of the church is a big reason Grandview Covenant has survived and is vibrant today. He joked, “Swedes are really stubborn by nature. The tenacity of the Swedes: ‘My kids will be going to church or they’ll die.’”

In 1962 during the 50th anniversary of the church’s formal organization, member Phoebe Swanson Johnson c apture d the spirit of Grandview’s founders and the hopefulness of current and future members in her poem “Our Pioneers Who Built Upon The Rock.” Following are excerpts from the poem: They chose God as their director and foreman.

His Work was their law, their comfort and Light.

With visions of new lands and homesteads They pressed forward with steadfast, undaunted might.

About eighteen-seventy-two - J.F. Wretlof Came to seek and to shepherd this pioneer fold; He would gather small groups in a sod house or shanty Home altars were hallowed - their faith was made bold.

May we too build on Christian foundation, Have courage for new fields of service as they, Keep our Lord’s saving Light aglow here in Grandview And afar send His Love! - For this let us pray!

Top Left: Pastor Richard Gordon with the church’s kids and youth on Easter Sunday 2015. Photo by Janna Severson.; Top Right: The Grandview congregation in 1914, two years after their church building was completed.; Middle Right: An aerial view of Grandview Covenant in the 1960s; Bottom Right: Grandview Covenant Church at sunset. Photo

by Christian Begeman.

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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COUNTRY NEIGHBOR

LEGACY CARRIES ON AFTER STARTING FROM SCRATCH

By Bob Fitch

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

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

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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 on 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.

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 22

The Farming Families of Lyon 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

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 Lyon County

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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 24

The Farming Families of Lyon 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.”

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25

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

KIDS COME FOR THE HORSES, BUT LEAVE WITH A GROWING FAITH

By Bob Fitch Photos courtesy of Destiny Youth Ranch

“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.

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.

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The Farming Families of Lyon 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.

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 Lyon County

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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.

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.

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 façade 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

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.

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

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 Lyon County

29

YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

West Lyon students who attended the 2018 conferece were: Back Row: Justin Kooistra, Talia Knobloch, Miranda Wieker, Adison Evans, Ethan Meyer, Trent Hoogendoorn, Josh Gayer, Harrison Bosler, Payton Potter and Zach Hamann. Front Row: Erica Meyer, Erica Kellenberger, Dayra Knoblock, Emery Martin, Izzy Warner, Dana De Smet, Levi Horstman, Will Kooi, Trevor Van Middendorp and Austin Van Veldhuizen.

West Lyon students who will attend the National FFA Leadership Conference in 2019 are: Back Row: Carter Van Veldhuizen, Gabe Knobloch, Matt Hamann, Cade Metzger, Henry Rens, Blake Meyer and Molly Roemen. Middle Row: Jordan Klarenbeek, Kory Kock, Kendall Van Ommen, Adam Knoblock, Lucas Moser, Ty Ulmer and Quin Horstman. Front row: Lydia Lee, Sophie Van Anken, Jayda Kruse and Megan Van Wyhe

WEST LYON COMMUNITY HELPS BUILD LEADERS Parents, friends, businesses and many others from Alvord, Lester, Larchwood, and Inwood step up every year to provide life-changing leadership training for members of the West Lyon FFA. Every year in November, students, teachers, parents and volunteers work together to raise approximately $60,000 at a one-night event in order to send all West Lyon juniors in FFA to the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference.

The fundraising event includes a soup and pie supper, a carnival for the young kids, a major league silent auction and a live labor auction.

The labor auction contracts eight hours of labor 30

The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

from each of the FFA juniors. Silent auction items typically include seed corn and beans, tools, furniture, household items, gift certificates, and this year even included a top load washing machine donated by a local appliance store.

Local farmers also donate grain which is sold for the benefit of the students going to D.C. West Lyon High School vocational agriculture instructor Craig Winquist said it’s gratifying to see the community support for the strong ag education tradition at West Lyon. “This school district is pretty amazing with its support of agriculture and agricultural education. The folks in our part of the country understand the importance of agriculture, not only to the communities in our little part of the world, but

the role that agriculture plays to all of us living on this planet.

“Let’s be honest, a small portion of people keep the rest of us alive,” Winquist said. “You only need four things to live – shelter, air, water and food.

These people understand that idea and support those who are making the food part happen.”

M o st h i g h s c h o o l s i n northwestern Iowa have a strong vocational agriculture program, but West Lyon is one of the few which has two full-time instructors.

Winquist’s fellow ag teacher Shauna Kill said it’s inspiring to live in a little community full of big opportunities. Not only is money raised at the annual soup supper, “but the spirit and camaraderie of the junior parents who volunteer their talents is infectious. This

tradition has proved influential in a number of people’s lives and I feel blessed to see the impact both in the kids at West Lyon and on the families here at home,” said Kill.

Farmers Rob and Dori Horstman are among the volunteer leaders of the soup supper. “The Washington Leadership Conference is an investment in young people that we see pays big dividends throughout their lifetime,” said Rob, who is also a local pastor.

“These young people will take the leadership skills which they learned at West Lyon and bring them into their families, organizations and communities in which they will live and serve in someday.”

According to Dori, “Anytime we can teach a person to lead and look beyond themselves to the needs of others and the

needs of their communities, that’s when real and positive change takes place. That is a win for all of us.

“These young people go on to lead not only the FFA chapter but also their churches, school boards, businesses and community organizations which benefit all of us. As parents and as a community, we are willing to go all in on this investment because we have seen the dividends it will pay back,” said Dori, who also works for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

West Lyon junior Ty Ulmer said, “We put lots of time and effort into the soup supper and it will all pay off the moment we step off that plane in Washington D.C. We’re very thankful for the community and alumni that step up every year to support the program which they helped build.”

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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Molly Roemen, another junior at the school, said, “I look forward to going because I have known about the conference since I was little. Both my dad and my aunts went to it. They still tell me about all the leadership activities they did and how much fun it was for them to go. It’s really awesome that we have a community that is willing to help us raise the money.”

who look, think, or were raised differently than us.

Then the conference walks students through the power of hands-on advocacy including the power of the first amendment right of free speech.

The pinnacle occurs on the fourth day when students take part in a service day project. In recent years, the projects have been targeted towards serving the needs of those in Washington D.C. Examples of the service projects include: gleaning a field of kale for a D.C. food coop, packaging meals for the homeless, and working on community cleanup and beautification.

Fellow student Adam Knoblock said, “I’m looking forward to meeting FFA members from across our country. I think it will be a good way to better my communication skills by talking to other members that I do not know.”

West Lyon senior Erica Meyer went to the FFA Leadership Conference last year. It showed her how “each individual has a purpose in this world and a role as a society member, and it is up to us whether or not we are willing to activate our purpose to make a difference in the lives around us.”

Over the past 30 years, West Lyon FFA has sent nearly 450 junior students to be a part of this leadership program.

The National FFA Washington Le a d e r s h i p Co n fe re n ce curriculum is based on four tenets: me, we, do, serve.

Building upon each of these four tenets points students to the overall objective of becoming an engaged citizen who can make a measurably positive difference in their community.

Over the course of the first three days of the conference in June, students visit Arlington Cemetery; the national monuments such as the Washington, Lincoln 32

The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALSO ENJOY THIS MAGAZINE? of Lincoln County March 2018

APRIL 2018

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CINDA WILSON and KARLA ROMEREIM

MARCH 2018

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HARLAN and RITA TEMPLE

Meet the JOHNSON FAMILY

FAITH • FAMILY • FRIENDS • FARMING FAITH

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FARMING

FAITH Photo by AllScapes Photography

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Subscriptions are available! One year (12 issues) only $50.

Email: Bob@agemedia.pub for more information.

Active farmers already receiving this magazine will continue to receive it for free. However, non-farmers in the designated county require a subscription.

Top: Eggs were sold on the West Lyon FFA live auction for up to $15/dozen.

Bruce and Harriet Metzger have donated a whole case of eggs each of the last 10+ years to help support the West Lyon FFA. Nearly 100 businesses from northwestern Iowa donate each year to help the students raise the money.

Bottom: Auctioneer Mark Zomer fires up the crowd to bid on a custom-made quilt at the West Lyon FFA fundraiser.

and Jefferson Memorials; the Newseum; and the U.S. Capitol.

Students look inward at the unique offerings they bring to the table and are walked through developing a purpose statement.

The conference teaches

students about bringing people together to work towards a common cause. Lessons focus on how when different people are brought together it’s important to appreciate, embrace, and celebrate the rich diversity which occurs when we engage with people June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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FROM THE KITCHEN BLUE RIBBON SUGAR COOKIES From 1960 cookbook of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Inwood

Let the Papik team take care of all your automotive needs.

We make it easy!

Miss Irene Anderson

CREAM: • 1/2 cup butter • 1/2 cup Crisco • 1 1/2 cups sugar ADD: • 2 well beaten eggs (beat until light) FLAVOR WITH: • 1 tsp. lemon extract • Dash of nutmeg SIFT TOGETHER: • 1/2 tsp. soda • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 1/4 tsp. salt • 3 cups flour DIRECTIONS: Add 3 tbsp. of thick sour cream to the egg mixture, then work in the flour. Chill dough until quite stiff. Roll out on floured board until then as a dime and cut in shapes.

Bake on a greased baking sheet at 400 degrees for 5 minutes till a golden brown. Sprinkle with sugar before baking if desired.

Farming Families wants to feature your recipes! Email your recipe, your name and hometown, and a high-resolution

507-283-9171 | 712-472-2595

photo of the finished dish to bob@agemedia.pub.

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The Farming Families of Lyon County | June 2019

June 2019 | The Farming Families of Lyon County

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