farm and livestock production. We’re proud of our community and its progressive approach,” Brad said. Jacob Den Herder (Gary’s younger son) said, “Custom feeding is a way for young guys to get started in farming. It provides cash flow and builds equity.” Brad said, “Since we were very little, Grandpa always preached to us that hog buildings were cash flow and equity. When I was young, I didn’t really want to feed pigs; I just wanted to be in the tractor in the field. But he stressed to us you need to have both the livestock and the land to make a living out here. That’s really been true for all of us.” Brad is glad to stand up to any custom feeding critics. “For me, I’ll be a so-called hired man any day as long as I get the check every month. The hog barns have given us the steady monthly income and helped us build equity. That helps with the crop farming – most of our barns are spread out and the manure gets applied to our land.” “And you’re still the boss of your own units,” Gary said. Austin Van Beek farms with the Den Herder family. Brad said, “Austin and I were friends from high school. He showed a lot of interest in the farm. He started as an employee, but now he has his own hog barns, too.” Austin said, “There was no room for me at our family farm and I was fortunate enough for them to take me in under their wing here. It just worked out. Now I don’t want to be anywhere else.” Gary said, “Austin is a guy who has a passion for farming and we’re privileged to have him work with us.” Austin met his wife, Jaclyn, via Brad – their wives are cousins. Austin and Jaclyn have a two-year-old daughter named Everly. Brad and Austin started a custom corn stalk baling business in 2010 which has grown significantly in recent years. They began with one baler, but have five today. They had a record year in 2020. Brad said, “Fall is a rat-race here between grain harvest and baling. We have multiple part-time employees.” Gary said, “They’re able to get these young guys after work because baling is pretty much an evening job.”
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Gary and Deanne Den Herder.
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Many of the stalk bales are sold to nearby feedlots. In turn, Den Herders will purchase some of the cattle manure to spread on their cropland. Jacob’s sideline business is to haul manure with his side-dump trailer. Jacob’s manure hauling business along with Brad and Austin’s stalk baling business are good examples of the spinoff jobs which come with a strong livestock sector. “Think of all the jobs tied to livestock, from the bankers and co-ops to the construction and cement people to insurance and manufacturing,” said Brad. “Sioux County’s towns are strong compared to other areas, not because of the farm ground, but because of the livestock.” Gary’s dad is Garold Den Herder. Garold said, “Our goal is to keep the younger generation going. The way the farming situation is today, it takes a huge amount of money. So they have to have a little backing once in a while. And they build off of that.”
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July 2021 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine
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