Farming in Northeast Iowa...
Farming in Northeast Iowa...
The Decorah area was founded on fertile farmlands by early settlers. Although the agricutural industry has changed dramatically since those early days, our connection to the land and its importance to our economic vitality has not. Because topography has dictated the the necessity for smaller farms, the Decorah area has 2,650 active family farms and 137 dairy farms. In addition to traditional farming, the locally grown industry is growing rapidly with a push for sustainable living. It's all happening right here!
The Decorah area was founded on fertile farmlands by early settlers. Although the agricutural industry has changed dramatically since those early days, our connection to the land and its importance to our economic vitality has not. Because topography has dictated the the necessity for smaller farms, the Decorah area has 2,650 active family farms and 137 dairy farms. In addition to traditional farming, the locally grown industry is growing rapidly with a push for sustainable living. It's all happening right here!
Committee Programs
Committee Programs
Ag Appreciation Luncheon
Ag Appreciation Luncheon
For photos of the 2012 Ag Appreciation Luncheon, Ag Scholarship Recipients and Friend in Ag Awards check out the album.
The 12th Annual Ag Appreciation Luncheon was held on March 20, 2013 in the Danan Lansing Building on the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. Guest speaker for the event was Craig Hill, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau. Click the link below for Hill’s biography.
Craig Hill bio-11-12.pdf
click to download Stay Safe Take a Break
Stay Safe Take a Break
Harvest Season started early in 2012. On September 26th the Ag Committee is once traveled roads and fields in the Southwest quadrant of Winneshiek County (west of Hwy 52 and south of Hwy 9) and stopped every farm worker we found. 200 bags will be distributed to area farmers. The bags will be filled with items generously dontaed by local businesses. During harvest time, local farmers put in tremendous time in the fields so we take provisions out to them to encourage them to take a break from time to time.
Many local businesses donate items to fill the coolers. The program is a great way to take the business community out to the agriculture community. View the link below to see a full list of contributors.
Contact Kristina at the Chamber for more information.
Stay Safe Insert.jpg
click to download Dairy Luncheon
Dairy Luncheon
The June Dairy Luncheon was hostd at the Alan and Ruth Hageman family farm in rural Ossian on June 11, 2012. Lunch featured a brief presentation and was followed by a tour of the dairy facility.
Alan started farming with his parents, Eugene and the late Patricia, in 1983 after graduating from high school. Alan married Ruth in 1991 and they took over the dairy farm, milking 60 cows. Within the first years they replaced stanchions with tie stalls. In 1994, their dairy barn was destroyed by a tornado, and they rebuilt on the same location.
The Hageman’s have always involved their children, Scott and Karla, in the farm operation. The decision to expand has created an opportunity to keep Scott on the farm following graduation. Plans to expand their herd and build a new dairy facility (to include 2 Lely robots) began in the fall of 2009. Construction on the new facility began on May 18, 2011 and by September 20, 2011 the cows were being trained in the new barn.
Today the Hageman family milks 130 cows. Their herd consists of registered Holsteins and a few registered Guernseys. They raise their own dairy steers and farm 650 acres of corn, alfalfa and soybean.
Alan started farming with his parents, Eugene and the late Patricia, in 1983 after graduating from high school. Alan married Ruth in 1991 and they took over the dairy farm, milking 60 cows. Within the first years they replaced stanchions with tie stalls. In 1994, their dairy barn was destroyed by a tornado, and they rebuilt on the same location.
The Hageman’s have always involved their children, Scott and Karla, in the farm operation. The decision to expand has created an opportunity to keep Scott on the farm following graduation. Plans to expand their herd and build a new dairy facility (to include 2 Lely robots) began in the fall of 2009. Construction on the new facility began on May 18, 2011 and by September 20, 2011 the cows were being trained in the new barn.
Today the Hageman family milks 130 cows. Their herd consists of registered Holsteins and a few registered Guernseys. They raise their own dairy steers and farm 650 acres of corn, alfalfa and soybean.
2012 Ag Scholarship Winners
The DACC Ag Committee awards two $350 scholarships each year, one to a Winneshiek County High School Senior, and one to a NICC first year student studying agriculture and planning to complete a second year in an ag-related field. The Ag Committee announces scholarship recipients at the annual Ag Appreciation Luncheon.
Kilah Hemesath of Decorah is the 2012 high school scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Keith and Linda Hemesath. Kilah is active in 4-H and the county council, FFA, St. Benedict's youth group, Just for Kix Dance, cross country, cheerleading, tennis, marching band, speech and the National Honor Society. She is uncertain on whether to pursue an agricultural business or education career path. Although she plans to provide leadership to farmers and help the community understand agriculture more clearly.
Nicole Massman of Ossian is the 2012 NICC scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Jerome and Brenda Massman. At NICC Nicole is active with the Dairy Science Club and she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Her future plans include finishing her ag business degree with certificates in ag office tech and animal science. Following that she plans to enroll in the large animal vet tech program. With her education she would like to work at a vet clinic working with small animals.
Friend in Ag Awards
Each year the Ag Committee presents two Friend in Ag awards. An award will go to an individual and a business that has made a positive impact on the ag community. Nominations are sought by peers, colleagues, and friends. Winners are announced at the annual Ag Appreciation Luncheon.
The 2012 Friend in Ag business recepient is Decorah Veterinary Clinic.
Decorah Veterinary Clinic is a full-service veterinary medical facility. The professional and courteous staff at Decorah Veterinary Clinic seeks to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their patients. They are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Decorah Veterinary Clinic strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to Decorah and surrounding areas.
Services include 24 hour hospital care with emergency and critical care and a fully stocked pharmacy, radiology, surgery, and ultrasound services, house calls, and nutritional counseling
Dr. Robert Stalberger became a partner with Decorah Veterinary Clinic in 1990. Since that time, he has been involved in mixed animal practice in and around the Decorah area. Most of his practice time is spent on dairy herd health visits, beef herd production, dairy goat consultation and sale barn inspection and processing. He enjoys small animal practice when time allows.
Additional veterinarians on staff at Decorah Veterinary Clinic include Jerry Robinson, Thomas Shroyer, Amy Gibbs, and Mark Jaehnig.
The 2012 Friend in Ag individual award went to Mary Steen.
Mary Steen recently retired from her job as continuing education program manager for agriculture and industrial technology at Northeast Iowa Community College's Calmar campus. Through her position she has been vital in organizing programs such as the annual Midwest Dairy School at the Dairy Center and annual farm safety days
Her farm safety events for children and their parents were always a hit. Mary believes "it is very important that kids learn to be safe on the farm, not just kids who live on farms, but those who visit, too,
Colleague Dave Lawstuen notes "She's been a key partner in that in that relationship between the Dairy Foundation and the community college. The Dairy Foundation board has really valued her input, her competence, her professionalism. It's a rare combination — everyone respects per professionally and you love her personally."
Mary has also been active in the Northeast Iowa Food and Farm coalition, WAVA – Women Adding Value to Agriculture, Decorah Area Chamber Ag Committee, and Women Land and Legacy
Member Businesses
Ag Committee
Ag Committee
Kyra Bellrichard
Northeast Iowa Community College
Eric Dietzenbach
Farm Credit Services of America
Lashelle Evans
Viking State Bank & Trust
Jerome Fulsaas
Bank of the West
Bob Kane
Farm Credit Services of America
Dave Krieger
Decorah Bank & Trust
Steve Langland
Chris Miller
Northeast Security Bank
Kent Nelson
Nelson Dairy Consultants
Jess Rediske - Committee Chair
Viking State Bank & Trust
Todd Seigenthaler
Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank
Duane Tlusty
Viking State Bank & Trust
Doug Van Sloten
Winneshiek Cooperative Association
Julie Vulk
Farm Service Agency
Northeast Iowa Community College
Eric Dietzenbach
Farm Credit Services of America
Lashelle Evans
Viking State Bank & Trust
Jerome Fulsaas
Bank of the West
Bob Kane
Farm Credit Services of America
Dave Krieger
Decorah Bank & Trust
Steve Langland
Chris Miller
Northeast Security Bank
Kent Nelson
Nelson Dairy Consultants
Jess Rediske - Committee Chair
Viking State Bank & Trust
Todd Seigenthaler
Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank
Duane Tlusty
Viking State Bank & Trust
Doug Van Sloten
Winneshiek Cooperative Association
Julie Vulk
Farm Service Agency
Ag Sponsors
