The Farming Families of South Dakota—Dec. 2022/ 2022 Year in Review

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Revisiting some of your favorite stories.

of Plymouth County

Faith / Family / Friends / Farming

Photo by Brett Davelaar, BD Photography

PUBLISHERS

Garrett and Mindy Gross, AGE Media (605) 690-4071

EDITOR

Bob Fitch, AGE Media (712) 551-4123

ADVERTISING SALES

Garrett Gross, AGE Media (515) 231-9367 garrett@agemedia.pub

© The Farming Families, Age Media & Promotion

The Farming Families is distributed free exclusively to the farmers, ranchers and producers in rural southeastern South Dakota. All rights reserved. Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without the written permission of the publisher. The Farming Families assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Content in articles, editorial and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by The Farming Families and Age Media & Promotion.

ADVERTISERS

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RiversEdge Bank 25

Roto Rooter 22

South Dakota Farm Bureau 3

Tieszen Memorial Home 15

THE HORSTED FAMILY

Lincoln County, January 2022

Ned and Bobbi Jo Horsted have big dreams of feeding their urban neighbors with locally- and sustainablygrown produce. Nom Nom Gardens north of Harrisburg combines good old-fashioned hard work with application of modern technology.

Horsteds utilize a geothermal greenhouse and aquaponic agriculture to produce lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, and celery year-round. Tomatoes grow as perennials in the greenhouse and re-planting is rarely needed. “We just cut them back and they keep producing fruit,” Bobbi Jo said. Currently, customers are advised to call, text or email ahead to ensure the produce they’re looking for is in stock (605-321-5603 or nomnomgardens@gmail.com.) In the summertime, perennial berries, elderberry, rhubarb, corn tomatoes, peppers, okra, beans, and wild flowers are grown in their outdoor garden.

THE ZWINGER AND SELKEN FAMILIES

Years of experience on her parents’ dairy farm and at Boadwine Dairy provided perfect training for Heidi Zwinger’s role as outreach director at Ag United for South Dakota. With an outgoing demeanor and upbeat attitude, she relishes telling the story of South Dakota agriculture and ag’s economic importance.

Heidi has been a storyteller about farming since she was a kid tending dairy cattle at the fair. Between her dad, his siblings, Heidi and her siblings, and now Heidi’s son, Brody Ahlquist, members of the Selken family have competed in dairy contests for 50 of the last 60 years. Heidi’s parents, Royal and JoAnn Selken, were attitude leaders –enthusiastically participating in the State Fair’s adult dairy showmanship contest which included themed costumes. Royal and JoAnn are retired, although JoAnn helps feed the family’s small herd of dairy heifers and calves. Heidi’s husband, Mark Zwinger, has worked as “the most popular parts man” in the Mitchell area for 24 years.

Brody Ahlquist, JoAnn and Royal Selken, and Heidi and Mark Zwinger.

Minnehaha County, January 2022

Ned and Bobbi Jo Horsted with their son, Dean.

SOUTH

DON AND VICKIE HERMAN

Don and Vickie Herman have crops, stock cows and feed out calves west of Freeman. Don also hauls fuel to farmers for Klaudt Service. It’s a few years until his retirement, but Vickie joked that she is tired of chasing cows and being in the “puck-a-brush” alone: “And the pay is not good at all – I’ve never seen a raise!”

Don started farming in 1976. “Three of the first 5 years, I had less than 3 bushels an acre for corn. Between hail and drought, it wasn’t a real good start.” Fortunes improved after putting in center pivot irrigation in 1981. “They cost a lot of money, but at least you know you’re going to get a crop every year.”

Later, losses of rented land, pigs hit by pseudorabies and cows lost to bitter cold pushed him to add work off the farm. Nevertheless, “During the hard times, you’ve just got to work a little harder and say your prayers; and hope things work out for you. When things are good, be sure you put a little bit of money away.”

THE WIPF FAMILY

John and Sara Wipf of Oak Lane Colony farm land in northwestern Hutchinson and southern Hanson counties. Oak Lane was started in 1986 after several families spun off Rockport Colony, where John was born. Sara is originally from a colony near Britton, S.D. The couple has been married 44 years and have 8 children and 17 grandchildren.

Oak Lane grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa along with cattle, turkeys, and hogs. The 300-head Jersey cow herd is transitioning to robotic milking. John is a member of the 4-person leadership board overseeing farm and business financial decisions which support the 31 families and 138 individuals at Oak Lane. Trust and honest communication are vital in a society where so many families depend on each other. Sara is Oak Lane’s head cook, overseeing 3 meals a day for colony members and guests. Oak Lane is known for its baked goods and smoked ribs.

The long-term goals for Oak Lane are simple: Stay true to Hutterite doctrine, live Christian principles and pass those down to their children.

John and Sara Wipf.

Hutchinson County, January 2022

Hutchinson County, February 2022

Don and Vickie Herman.

THE VANDER LAAN FAMILY

Louis Vander Laan grew up the son of a John Deere dealer, but said he was fortunate to marry Carol Bonine, whose parents, Everett and Nora, farmed north of Beresford. “When Carol’s dad was having some health issues, he wanted us to come out and start farming.” Her parents had stock cows, milk cows and chickens. “That was back in the day when you had a little bit of everything,” she said.

Today, three generations raise grain and have both cowcalf and feedlot operations. Louis and Carol’s son, Todd, and their grandson, Levi, run the farm. Levi has added sheep to the mix, selling club lambs and show lambs.

Through the ups and downs of the past 60 years and the tough times of the 1980s, Louis said he succeeded in cattle feeding and farming because of stubbornness. But Todd said, “The best thing Dad taught me is to always think about it before you say it – although I don’t always follow that. And he’s been good at teaching me patience.”

THE SIEMONSMA FAMILY

Ken Siemonsma lived in Dell Rapids until he was 5 years old when his dad started farming. He helped milk cows every morning before going to school. After high school he worked at a gas station and at the elevator before joining Morrell’s. “I doubled my pay to $6.17 an hour!”

Ken and Marcia were married in 1977. She was a nurse at McKennan Hospital. In 1978, they purchased 40 acres with a loan from Morrell’s Credit Union. “Back then, you could still start on your own. But if Morrell’s wouldn’t have loaned us the money, we wouldn’t have got to be farmers.”

Ken worked the line at Morrell’s for 8 years, but wanted to be his own boss, so began raising hogs full-time. Over the years, they bought more land. Several years ago, sons Nick and Jeff took over most of the farm work. The sons also custom-farm for a neighbor. Nick feeds hogs for a large producer from Larchwood, Iowa, and Jeff custom-feeds hogs on the home place in the summer.

Louis, Levi and Todd Vander Laan. Photo by Maggie Mae, Creative Co.

Lincoln County, February 2022

Minnehaha County, February 2022

Nick, Ken, Marcia and Jeff Siemonsma.

LYNDON AND JUDY GRABER

SOUTH

Old motorcycles and bikes have captured the interest of Freeman area resident Lyndon “Lindy” Graber. He and his wife, Judy, live in the home where he grew up. In his shop is a collection of bikes, scooters and motorcycles he has been tinkering with for decades.

Lindy developed an appreciation and interest in these items with his father, Cleon Graber, who enjoyed fixing and restoring vintage bikes before his death in 2014. Lindy is a contractor by trade, so being mechanically inclined and being able to work on and fix these old items comes naturally.

Several of the restoration projects he’s proud of include a 1904 Indian single cylinder that Cleon found near Springfield, S.D. This is a unique item due to its age and rarity. A 1913 Indian was found near Tyndall and partially restored by Cleon and Lindy over the years. Lindy plans to continue the restoration of this bike and return it to its original paint color which is a bit darker red.

THE SCHOENFISH FAMILY

Bill, Mary, Robert and Abby Schoenfish work together near Menno raising corn, soybeans and hay; plus have stock cows and feed cattle. Robert and Abby also have sheep and sell feeder lambs, a tradition carried on from Abby’s grandfather. Mary has worked for the Postal Service for many years. Bill and Robert were the first Menno High father-son graduates to both earn their FFA American Farmer Degree.

They’ve always had cattle, but an old fashioned farrowto-finish swine set-up used to provide steady income. Mary said, “When we got low on money, he’d say ‘Well, I think I’ve got some butchers out there I could sell.’ Farming is a gamble every day with the elements. Farming needs more faith than other professions.”

In addition to 4-decade marriage and 45 years farming, Bill has been a high school basketball referee for 45 years. Most games today are officiated in tandem with oldest daughter, Kari. It’s hard to find officials, so the father-daughter duo travel as far as Kimball, Burke, Bonesteel, Armour, Lake Andes and Dakota Christian.

Judy and Lyndon Graber.

Turner County, February 2022

Hutchinson County, March 2022

Abby, Robert, Mary and Bill Schoenfish.

Rich and Paula Horton farm with their son, Jeff, and his wife, Sydney, near Hurley. They grow corn and soybeans and have a cow-calf herd. Jeff also custom-cuts haylage, oat silage, rye and corn silage. Sydney is an occupational therapist at Avera.

Jeff wishes his dad had added land in the 1980s when it was cheap, but Rich said: “I was lucky to make the payments I had. The crop prices were low, 1980 was a drought, and in 1984 we drowned out. Paula was a teacher so at least we had food, clothes and insurance.” She taught at Chancellor and then Lennox for a total of 39 years.

According to Rich, “Life is a lot more rewarding if you learn to forget the bad and remember the good. There’s days when you come out and the cow’s got a dead calf, your crops have withered away in the drought, or something breaks down. You don’t want to dwell on the bad too long because it’ll drive you nuts. You’ve got to remember the good and be an eternal optimist.”

About 4 years ago, Jona and Michelle Leo hit life’s “reset button” when they moved from Sioux Falls to rural Lennox, which returned them to roots similar to their own childhood. Jona was raised on a seed stock cattle ranch in Dannebrog, Neb., while Michelle grew up on a farm in Estelline, S.D.

Jona is literally one of the strongest people on earth. He’s a world champion weight lifter who has pressed over 800 pounds. He owns Liberty Barbell in Tea and Michelle owns Renew Therapeutic Massage in Sioux Falls. They moved to the country to share with their children the rural lifestyle they each enjoyed as children.

According to Jona, “Being raised on the ranch molded me and played a critical role in my powerlifting success. The mundane tasks of doing chores and preparing for the next project are easily transferable to training for athletic endeavors. After sorting cattle in a hot corral for 12 hours, showing up for a workout in a climate-controlled gym is a piece of cake.”

Turner County, March 2022 Lincoln County, March 2022

The Horton family: Jeff holding Clay, Sydney holding Micah, and Rich. Michelle and Jona Leo with their children Liberty, Lennox and Lyncoln.

SOUTH

THE BUUS FAMILY

In the early 1990s, Chuck and Elaine Buus were looking for an additional enterprise to help make ends meet on their farm. They started custom baling. Consequently, their kids spent a lot of time in the field every summer. The determination and hard work their children have demonstrated on and off the farm since then may have been a byproduct of early years spent in the hot South Dakota sun. “There was a lot of life lessons learned on the hay rack,” Elaine said.

Their son Colton got interested in purebred cattle during college. He and his wife, Maria, now operate Horizon View Farms near Canova. Colton’s interest brought Chuck and Elaine into the field and their company, B2Us Cattle Co., focuses on Simmental and Sim-Angus cattle. B2Us brings its bulls to Horizon View at weaning time and Colton takes care of them from there. Together, they presented their first full-fledged production sale with a professional auctioneer last March.

Chuck has also raised purebred hogs, manufactured bale feeders and gates, and worked at the Sioux Falls Stockyards.

THE JOHNSON FAMILY

In the world of show cattle and breeding cattle, you used to buy a product, but today you’re buying service, said Matt Johnson. His brother Brad agreed: “We take a lot of pride in helping our customers.”

MPJ Cattle Co. has 3 sites spread over 2 states. Brad and their mom, Pam, are in charge of calving at their Maurice farm. Then the cattle are pastured and the calves are weaned near Hinton. Subsequently, the calves are trucked north to the family’s site near Garretson, S.D. Based there, Matt and his wife, Melissa, focus on marketing as well as communications with their customers. Melissa said they each play to their strengths.

The target customer for their calf crop is junior exhibitors. Matt said. “The day we sell the calves is just the beginning of our job. The families do the day-to-day stuff, but we’re basically with them at every show; helping them make breeding decisions; helping them sell the calves they get out of those cows; and everything else in between.”

The Johnson family: Matt, Melissa, Sawyer, Harper, Pam and Brad.

Minnehaha County, March 2022

Turner County, April 2022

Elaine and Chuck Buus.

LARRY FOSSUM THE MUNTEFERING FAMILY

Drew Muntefering is a Dimock native who brought his bride, Bridget, to his home stomping grounds to join his parents in farming and being a part of Dimock Cheese. Owned and operated by a group of area residents, Dimock Cheese is known for its distinctive cheese products. Drew’s background in construction management helped facilitate the company’s buildout of a world-class retail location on Highway 37.

The newest enterprise Drew and his father, Mike, are developing is a line of homegrown Wagyu beef. Wagyu beef is distinctive because it is highly marbled, contributing to meat that is flavorsome, tender and juicy. The meat is sold at Dimock Cheese and can also be found at area restaurants including The Depot Pub & Grill in Mitchell, Mad Mary’s Steakhouse in Flandreau, and Murph’s Butterguts in Sioux Falls. The long-term strategy includes selling products online and shipping the beef in sizes ranging from small packages to full quarters of beef and more. To learn more, search “Monument Meat” on Facebook.

Minnehaha County, April 2022

Larry Fossum leads “The Cowboy Way,” a nontraditional, come-as-you-are church held in a barn on the Fossum acreage south of Hartford. Larry has been involved in rodeo for many years, but about 15 years ago wished for a rodeo event with a greater family atmosphere. He learned about the concept of a rodeo where riders participate for free because ‘He (God) paid your fees.’ The only requirement to take part was attending a church service.

That experience led to a ministry called The Cowboy Way. After a few years as a traveling rodeo ministry, “Preacher Larry” decided it was time to conduct services at home. The story-telling country gospel music used at the church reflects Larry’s approach during services which are informal and conversational. “When I pray, I’m just talking to God when I start off ‘Lord, we’ve got a few things on our heart.’ Even if I mess it up, the Lord knows what I mean.”

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Hutchinson County, April 2022

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Drew and Bridget Muntefering with their children, Hayden, Finn and Wren.

SOUTH

THE PATZER FAMILY

Minnehaha County, May 2022

Marco and Laura Patzer gave up successful careers in Ohio to move to South Dakota to own and operate Cherry Rock Farms near Brandon. The seasonal vegetable market was started In 1925 in Sioux Falls as Cherry Rock Gardens by Marco’s great grandfather, John Picasso, an Italian immigrant. Second generation Robert and ‘Toots’ Picasso were the drivers of the growth of the old Cherry Rock Gardens.

Marco and Laura’s highest priority is to provide the best life possible for their 3 children. “In the summer time, our kids help with picking vegetables every day. They love working in the market. It’s been exciting to watch them grow,” Laura said. Marco said the farm and entrepreneurial environment shows their children how just about anything is possible with a combination of opportunity and hard work

Marco’s semi-retired father, David Picasso, has embraced changes in production practices. Marco said, “He’s the kind of guy who’s always interested in a new and better way. He always willing to try new things.”

JOHN AND LORNA HAVERHALS

Lincoln County, April 2022

John is a past president of the SD Cattlemen’s Association and served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “I’m passionate about the beef industry and the product we present to our consumers. Whether it’s Shanghai or Sunshine in Sioux Falls, it’s important to have the demand for your products to get a good price.”

John gave credit to his wife, Lorna, and his 50-year operations manager, Chuck Boyer, for ensuring he never had to worry about things on the home front. “I considered it a privilege that I didn’t have to worry about what was happening at home. Lorna’s always been supportive of the craziness I get myself into, too,” he said.

Cattle are still in the midst of the elements, fighting heat and dust and bitter cold, even though equipment advances, mechanization and other technologies have made feeding cattle more comfortable for farmers. “But the part that’s still the same is it’s about the care of the animals, to keep them comfortable and well taken care of so they grow,” John said.

John and Lorna Haverhals.

Laura and Marco Patzer with their children, Griffin, Clara and Carson. Photo by Tami Carda Photography.

SOUTH DAKOTA STRIPES

PHOTO BY JON KLEMME

THE NORDMANN FAMILY

Turner County, May 2022

Todd and Coral Nordmann raise swine breeding stock and sheep on the family farm south of Chancellor. Plus, with business partner Steve DeGroot of Orange City, Todd runs the sheep alley at Sioux Falls Regional Livestock. In addition, he judges livestock shows across the country. Wherever his family travels, Todd runs into people who know him and he never forgets their face. “Even if I don’t remember a guy’s name, I know he’s got really good black-faced lambs that I sold for him. I have a photographic memory

THE WIELENGA FAMILY

“Even though we’re not directly farmers, we pride ourselves on having the farmer work ethic. Both of our dads are hard workers and we definitely learned that from them,” said Ryan Wielenga. His wife, Cassie, added: “We work for the farmer. We definitely put in the hours.”

Based on an acreage south of Menno, Ryan and Cassie operate Wielenga Trucking, LLC. Ryan and 4 full-time employees and several part-time employees haul cattle, grain, and wet

TRUST US

that way. But it’s a weird photographic.”

They’re proud of their children and the success they’ve had in the show ring. “When our son, Denver, was born; and then a year later our daughter, Sami, was born, I said ‘They will win the FFA livestock judging at the state convention.’ And 17 years later, they did.” Sami is a showman who can “stick it” when the chips are down. “Denver is a livestock whisperer; he is so good with handling animals,” Todd said.

and dry distiller’s feed. Cassie does all the accounting, taxes and reports.

The couple has 4 children. Cassie said, “We strive to keep the kids active and outdoors. And it’s nice having my mom and dad (Bill and Mary Schoenfish) just north of town where they’re free to roam on the farm. Also, my dad owns the farm in this quarter and my sister (Kari) lives in the next house over where we used to live.” The kids frequently run through the alfalfa patch to her sister’s house.

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Hutchinson County, June 2022

Coral, Todd, Denver and Sami Nordmann.

Cassie and Ryan Wielenga with their children Savanah, Jensen, Lillian, Valerie and their dog, Buddy. Photo by DeAnn McClure, Photography by DeAnn.

DANIEL RISLOV

Daniel Rislov graduated from SDSU where he studied biology and medical laboratory science. He became a medical technologist at various Sioux Falls facilities. The flexibility of that career allowed him to start Dakota Mushrooms & Microgreens. The company supplies restaurants, farmers markets and retail stores. “Our mushrooms and microgreens are grown with safe, all natural ingredients. Everything is grown indoors for consistent results, and I strive to harvest the same day the product is sold.”

“I stumbled into mushrooms and microgreens on my quest for better health,” he said. Mushrooms are a low-calorie food which include health-boosting vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and antioxidants. Mushrooms are also a source of selenium, copper, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. His microgreens product line includes cabbage, cilantro, kohlrabi, leek, pea, sorrell and sunflower. Microgreens are loaded with nutrients, such as vitamins, C, E, and K, lutein, and beta-carotene. Microgreens are not a substitute for mature vegetables, but do fill in gaps in a person’s dietary needs.

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Daniel Rislov

Lincoln County, May 2022

SOUTH

THE VAKSDAL FAMILY

“A lot of hard work, long hours, research and paying attention to the little things make a big difference. I’m not happy with status quo and I pride myself on that,” said Ryan Vaksdal. Located north of Beresford, Ryan grows corn and beans, custom-farms, custom-sprays, sells seed, and trucks. That’s a full plate for someone who is supposed to keep his stress level down since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 5 years ago. His wife, Taylor, does her best to help him chill out when he gets too wound up.

Taylor is a nurse practitioner working in trauma and emergent surgery at Sanford Health. Even though she didn’t grow up as farm girl, “I always wanted to live in the country. I have a love for animals – way more than he does, that’s for sure.” They’ve had everything from horses and dogs to chinchillas and ducks. Ryan said, “Taylor will text me ‘Oh, by the way, we need to go pick up a fainting goat on Tuesday.’”

MATT AND MARIE MEHLHAF

“The other day somebody asked me, ‘What's your dream getaway?’,” said Marie Mehlhaf. “I didn't have to think about it. My front yard is actually a pretty dream getaway. For us, we just love going out to the pasture. Going out there is really a blessing.”

Marie and her husband, Matt, farm north of Menno and are focused on high intensity rotational grazing with sheep and goats. The animals graze together, with the goats grazing higher, eating the seed heads off; and eating the thistles before they get too tall and woody. The sheep eat closer to the ground. Marie said, “They eat everything down at the same rate, kind of like when buffalo would graze across the prairie.” The pasture is planted with a mix of brome, Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa and red clover.

New this year are moderate-sized British White cows, which also do well on grass and forage. On top his farm duties, Matt also works for his dad and uncle, for neighboring farmers and at Menno Livestock Auction.

Matt and Marie Mehlhaf.

Hutchinson County, July 2022

Lincoln County, July 2022

Ryan and Taylor Vaksdal with their children, Ethan, Hobey, Braelyn and Nick.

THE WILLARD FAMILY

Minnehaha County, July 2022

Mike Willard grew up farming and feeding cattle with his dad. After college, he started farming on his own and raising cow-calf pairs. But what he really wanted in life was eluding him. “I spent a lonely 10 years by myself on this farm. I had to turn on the radio in the house to keep me company.” He met his wife, Jamie, in 2006. “She had Bella and Vincent already. My life got pretty full and rich when I found her and got her 2 children. Now my house is full of life, love, conversation and purpose.” After marrying, they added Cruz and Dolce to the family. Both of them are active in 4-H.

Jamie has been a teacher, a stay-at-home mom and a metal artist. Clad in a char coat and welding goggles, she wielded a plasma cutter in her studio called the “J Coop” (the old chicken coop on their farm). She would sell her artwork at various shows as well as at their own farm. Today she is a real estate agent.

Jamie and Mike Willard with their children, Cruz and Dolce.

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VANNORSDEL

FAMILY

Shawn’s 17-year banking career was a priceless education, giving him insight into what works and what doesn’t as he moved to the farm full-time. His wife, Jessica, grew up on a farm near Davis and has enjoyed a long career as a speech therapist.

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The Vannorsdel family’s formula for success is simple: Do the best with what you have; invest in land improvements and avoid unnecessary risk. A lifetime of farming experience by Allen and Blanche Vannorsdel plus the banking background of their son, Shawn, add up to a positive balance in their farm’s long-term ledger.

Blanche worked side-by-side in the field with Allen. Now they try to spend more time on green fairways in Arizona than green fields, although they’re still home for field work from planting to harvest. Shawn is in charge now and has invested substantially in land improvements such as tiling and precision technology. Adjusting inputs based on the potential yield of each acre helps them maximize their return on investment.

THE VAN BEEK FAMILY

Lincoln County, August 2022

Jaron Van Beek grew up helping with his dad’s commercial cows and he always loved calving season. In 2012, he started developing a purebred Simmental herd. Hilltop Simmental had its first sale in 2015. “Simmentals are a strong market to be in, but also a tough market. You have to build your name,” he said. Customer confidence has grown rapidly, with buyers coming from as far away as Kentucky and Mississippi.

Jaron and his wife, Kadee, are both natives of Hudson, but discovered the perfect spot to plant their flag just north of Worthing in 2018. It’s a former horse farm with a heated barn and a big machine shed. Kadee owns and operates Willow Creek Boutique (shopwillowcreek.com) in Rock Valley with her sister, Shayla Louwerse. Willow Creek offers clothing for women of all ages. Shayla’s husband, Adam, works at Hilltop and the other key fulltimer is Craig Lackmann. Jaron said, “I could leave for a month and this operation would be taken care of just as good, if not better.”

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SOUTH

BURGGRAFF FAMILY

When the derecho struck on May 12th, Wade and Jolene Burggraff’s acreage was hit hard as were many area farms. The next morning, neighbors pulled into the yard with an excavator and loader. “It was the whole community coming together just to help clean up,” Wade said.

Wade has been part of the rural Colton neighborhood his entire life. He is one of 17 children of the late Joe and Alice Burggraff: “Come Christmas, we didn't get much because there was just too many kids. But actually we got a lot –because there was a lot of love there.” Jolene grew up on her parents’ Lennox farm. She and her siblings showed livestock and Jolene was also part of high school rodeo.

Record winds or a peaceful calm evening … no matter the circumstances, the acreage where they raise sheep, run a few horses, and bale hay is home sweet home. Friendly conversations with their neighbors roll right into the friendly conversations they enjoy with customers at their full-time jobs at Equipment Blades of Tea.

EVAN AND IVORY WINTERSTEEN

Evan Wintersteen was a nuclear missile operator in the U.S. Air Force and considered a career in the USAF, but felt called to return to farm with his parents, Ken and Lynn Wintersteen, of Olivet. The Wintersteens have a stock cow operation, background cattle, and grow corn and soybeans. Evan continues to serve his country as a member of the SD Air National Guard.

His wife, Ivory, is a dental assistant who grew up near Corsica on her parents’ farm. Evan and Ivory were married in June 2021. “I should have married her a long time ago, but I wasn’t ready yet. The Lord had not done enough work on me to be worthy of her,” he said. They are expecting their first child in December.

Evan is planning for the baby to be part of life’s daily adventures. “I'm going to get one of those baby carriers with the front mounts facing forward. We can use that skiing and motorcycling, and we can use it on the farm so they can be strapped in when I'm driving tractor.”

Taylor Kuper, and Jolene, Wade and Sommer Burggraff.

Minnehaha County, August 2022

Hutchinson County, August 2022

Evan and Ivory Wintersteen.

Hutchinson County, September 2022

André and Lillie Eisenbeis operate Prairie Roots Produce, a market garden producer of vegetables located near Freeman. Now in its 5th season, Prairie Roots has gained a good following not only in the Freeman area, but also in Yankton and Sioux Falls. André and Lillie grew up on local farms about 7 miles apart and started dating as students at Freeman Academy. They went to different colleges, but shared an interest in market garden production and the lifestyle component of a small farm.

Prairie Roots Produce sells product through 2 farmers markets and a CSA (community supported agriculture) wherein individuals buy a share of a farm’s production before each growing season. Then CSA customers receive a box of assorted produce delivered to their door 18 times over 20 weeks in the summer.

Market gardening has a low-cost-of-entry, but it’s physically demanding and not necessarily an easy business to sustain. At the farmers markets, Lillie said they enjoy the customer interaction and the educational aspect – even if that’s explaining why watermelons aren’t ready in June.

Lillie, Jesse and André Eisenbeis.

SOUTH

MARK KASTEN

Mark Kasten is in his 13th year as a State Farm agent in Parker and Freeman. He coached his sons in youth sports and has been active in community organizations such as the Parker Volunteer Fire Department. St. Christina’s Catholic Church is also a focus point for him and his wife, Kathy, who is an accounting specialist with Electric Supply Company of Sioux Falls.

Mark graduated from Parker High School and SDSU. “Growing up in Parker, I was blessed to have both sets of grandparents close by. I can still vividly remember the ‘ting’ that Grandpa Woody’s 1968 Ford F100 would make when you slammed the door. Every time I smell fried potatoes it brings me back to being in Grandma Garry’s kitchen,” he said.

“Advice that I would give to a young person is to pursue your passion. Whether it’s playing the guitar, farming, cars, whatever it might be, pursue your passion and you won’t work a day in your life!”

DAVE & GAIL STRASSER

Dave and Gail Strasser operate “The Harvest,” growing sweet corn, vegetables and pumpkins on the north edge of Lennox. “We started with our boys selling sweet corn out of the back of the pickup at the end of the driveway. That was when they were in grade school 30-some years ago. Over time, people started asking us if we grew tomatoes and cucumbers, so we decided we could do that, too,” said Gail.

Dave worked 44 years for Sioux International and Gail worked as teacher in Sioux Falls for 24 years. In 2007, she retired early to stay home and babysit their grandchildren. At the same time, “We also started to work this business up and have it blossom more,” she said. “We grew up on farms in Turner County and we both were in 4-H and had big gardens growing up. We both like to grow things. We’re just 2 old people having fun.” Dave said they pride themselves on their sweet corn and growing 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds.

Mark and Kathy Kasten with sons, Ethan, Shane and Alex; and Shane’s wife, Abigail.

Turner County, September 2022

Lincoln County, October 2022

Gail and Dave Strasser.

JUSTIN BECKSTRAND

Justin Beckstrand grew up in Sioux Falls but spent many weekends and summers at his grandparents’ farm northeast of Marion. Justin is vice president of lending at Rivers Edge Bank in Marion and his wife, Lindsey, is the director of surgery at Ophthalmology Limited in Sioux Falls plus owns a small boutique. The couple also has a Red Angus cow-calf herd and a row crop operation.

Justin said his grandfather, Luverne Langerock, had a profound effect on his life and career. “He always taught me to work hard and appreciate what you have. We spent a lot of time together in the field and on the golf course.”

In addition to his position at Rivers Edge, he is also a certified crop insurance agent. “I am very fortunate to be able to work in a great community bank in a great small town. It is a good feeling to know the majority of folks that walk thru the door.”

Justin and Lindsey Beckstrand with their children, Jeb and Kinley.

Turner County, October 2022

SOUTH

THE KOLTZE FAMILY

When Miranda and Alex Koltze first got together, he started gardening as a hobby and discovered he loved it. They started selling produce at farmers markets and then Miranda picked up soap-making. About two years ago, they opened Sweetgrass Soapery at 319 North Main Street in Sioux Falls where they sell her soaps, salves, balms, sweetgrass ropes and more. The ingredients are derived from plants found on their Viborg farm. Many of the crops and products lean into Miranda’s heritage as a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.

Their surprising set of crops includes not only sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco, but also plantain, dandelion and comfrey. They also harvest willow and cottonwood buds and twigs as well as clover, mulberries, raspberries and elderberries. Products are dried and infused into liquid oils used in soaps and other products.

Their daughters also have an entrepreneurial spirit. Bridget, 13, makes jewelry like earrings of little glass bottles filled with herbs and rose petals. Claudia makes “sleep pillows” by combining herbs known for their relaxation properties.

THE BRENDTRO AND KELLY FAMILY

For decades, “The Kelly Barn” near Crooks was home to a small herd of gentle Holsteins. Today, the refurbished barn is home to both 150 years of family history and also the laughter and love of the descendants of pioneer William F. Kelly.

From 2014-2016, the family of Gary and Mary Brendtro spent countless hours restoring and remodeling the barn to become a tribute to her family’s ancestry and a gathering place for the family to make new memories. Mary is one of the four “Kelly girls” who inherited the farm from their parents, George and Alice Kelly. Books written by Mary’s sister, Joan, are an informational foundation to stories included in the barn.

Mary is sad any time she sees old farm buildings falling down and in disrepair. She likes a quote from the book “Rural Wisdom” which says: “Tear down an old barn and you destroy a piece of your heritage.” The Kelly Barn was saved from that fate through the hard work and dedication of Mary’s husband, Gary, and their daughter, Kärin Renner.

Alex and Miranda Koltze.

Turner County, November 2022

Minnehaha County, November 2022

Mary Brendtro, Kärin Renner and Gary Brendtro.

Tim and Claudia Wassom own Tannenbaum Tree Farm, a choose-and-cut Christmas tree growing operation. Claudia also makes wreaths and holiday planters. They planted their first Christmas trees in 1988 on 20 acres west of Sioux Falls. As the city encroached, they purchased a new farm and moved to Lennox in 2009. Establishing trees at the new site was tough with alternating years of drought and deluge.

When they moved, Wassoms added a greenhouse to grow flowers and vegetables from seed and cuttings. That built on their expertise from long careers at Hiebert’s Greenhouses. They grow 40-50 varieties of tomatoes and 20 varieties of peppers.

Tim started growing tomatoes to sell when he was a sophomore to help pay for his tuition at O’Gorman High School. Few people were raising tomatoes back then, but a lot of people still liked to can tomatoes. “My dad drove me around on Saturday mornings to deliver 5 pounds here and 10 pounds there, especially to the older women who lived in apartment houses,” Tim said.

Claudia and Tim Wassom.

Lincoln County, November 2022

FROM

CINNAMON ROCK CANDY

From serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup water

• 3¾ cup sugar

• 1¼ cup light corn syrup

• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (Optional)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon candy oil (2 tsp. for spicy)

• 1½ powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Butter a 15 inch x 10 inch x 1 inch rimmed metal sheet pan.

2. Line with parchment paper, and butter the parchment paper, making sure the edges of the parchment paper are well buttered to prevent the candy from seeping underneath. Do not use wax paper as it won't hold up to the high temperature of the candy being poured.

3. In a large deep sauce pan combine water, sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring. Mix over medium high heat until sugar starts to dissolve. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan making sure it does not touch the bottom of pan for an accurate temperature.

4. Continue to boil until sugar mixture reaches 300 degrees (hard crack stage) about 20 minutes. Watch closely, if mixture starts to boil to close to the edge of pan remove from heat, and stir until bubbles subside. Then return to medium high heat. It's better to slightly be over 300°F than under for candy to set properly.

5. Once mixture reaches 300 degrees remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon oil, working quickly. Keep face away from the mixture as it is extremely strong, and keep area well ventilated.

6. Pour immediately into prepared pan. Allow to cool for 4 hours.

7. After 4 hours dust the top of candy with powdered sugar. Flip candy over onto a large cutting board or cookie sheet, and remove parchment paper. Return candy to the pan and use the tip of a sharp knife to break candy into bite size pieces. Dust with more powdered sugar and store in a airtight container.

In 1923, Northern States Power installed South Dakota’s first rural electric line in an experimental project at Renner. The 8.5 mile line served 17 families. The line was energized on Dec. 24, 1923, bringing lights to the Christmas trees of Renner farm families. Photos and information from South Dakota State Historical Society.