Released: March 01, 2002

Agenda Couple Named Master Farmer, Homemaker

AGENDA, Kan. – From running the time clock at local football games to civic service in the Republic County Courthouse, Ron and Cheryl Denk have committed themselves to the Agenda, Kan. community. They have been involved in township and cemetery boards, extension councils, church events, and their rural fire and school boards - not to mention the activities of their three children and later the grandchildren.

"Sometimes, we may have taken on a few too many projects, yet in a small community involvement is a must," Cheryl said. "I just can’t say no."

Even through their other commitments, however, farming still ranked as a high priority. Both sides of the family are dedicated to preserving their heritage, Ron said.

On March 22, the Denks will be recognized as a Kansas Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker during ceremonies at the Holiday Inn in Manhattan. Friends can make reservations by calling 785-532-5820 by March 8. Tickets, including dinner, cost $20. The program begins at 6 p.m.

The Master Farmer-Farm Homemaker program, which is co-sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, annually recognizes six Kansas families.

Nominated by the Extension Council in Republic County, the Denks will become lifetime members in the Master Farmer-Homemaker Association, which dates to 1927.

"We started out in the late ‘50s by farming my wife’s folks’ ground," Ron said. "Then, we rented my uncle’s land and a quarter where I grew up. We slowly grew and took over all of it."

Influenced by his father and uncle, Ron grew up manually throwing bales of hay in the evening and weekends after working at his uncle’s gas station through high school. He said this rigorous schedule set a pattern of a hard work ethic and gratefulness for modern farming equipment.

"I’d never make it now," he said. "It is not even a matter of mind over body. I was never in on farming with horses, but we did start out with two and three bottom plows. I am thankful for bigger machinery that moves a little faster."

A year after their marriage, the Denks entered into a partnership with Cheryl’s parents to begin the transition of operating the farmstead in 1959.

"While in college, we helped with the farming after my father had back surgery," Cheryl said. "Since we were both born and raised on farms, we had it in us as something we wanted to do."

Conservation and operational upgrades have improved the farm over the years. The Denks enrolled in the Great Plains Conservation Plan in 1974 to preserve and improve their land for future generations, by adding more than 87,000 feet of terraces, more than 2,000 feet of tile terraces and nearly 30 acres of waterways. The Republic County Bankers awarded the couple the Soil Conservation Award in 1984.

"We’ve been able to keep adding to farming acres with terraces and waterways to actually see growth," Cheryl said. "Farmers do not get rich at all, but it has been satisfying to know that through hard work we have gotten ahead."

In the summer of 1951, Ron remembered watching constant rains create a ditch down the middle of a field. As a young man, the impact of sustainable farming practices for dryland operations were not forgotten.

"We need to save some of (the topsoil) before it washes down to the Republican (River)," Ron said. "It may take longer to farm, but we’re trying to save some soil for the next generation."

Contour farming, crop rotation and no-tillage for crop land as well as limited and rotational grazing for pastures keep the Denks’ operation in compliance with current conservation trends.

Again following in the footsteps of father and uncle, Ron put on another hat in the fall of 1966 when he began driving a school bus for Hillcrest schools. "It got me out of bed in the morning, and it helped buy the groceries," Ron said. "The schedule didn’t work out too well in terms of dealing with fall crops, but I was able to take the kids to school and activities. You can’t beat a deal like that."

After 30 years and 30 days, Ron retired from bus driving. Cheryl also drove for 15 years. Outside income proved necessary for the Denks. Along with the bus routes, the family owned and operated Denks Dog Kennel from 1976 to 1990. Cheryl has also served as deputy clerk in the county clerks office since 1988.

"Most people don’t realize the expense with chemicals, machinery and other costs," she said. "‘You’ve got to be kidding’ they say when they learn that our crops don’t even come close to covering it. Even government payments throw people off as they think it’s all gravy for us, yet they don’t see that we have to have it in order to survive."

The Denks, who remain optimistic, say their motivation comes internally. "There is always next year," Ron said. "I think my bullheadedness has a lot to do with it. We decided to farm so we have to hang in there and go with it. If farming is what you’ve got your mind set on doing, it’s a pretty good life."

The Denks’ children, Cynthia, Timothy and Candace, and seven grandchildren provide evidence to the success of the "good life."

"The farm is the best place to raise children," Cheryl said. "It provides freedom. I like seeing new life as spring comes and things start popping out of the ground. We have always been family oriented, with everything centered around family. That came from our folks."

Harvest draws all three of the children and their families to the homestead. "What a fun time we all have," Cheryl said. "It brings back a lot of memories. There is something about harvest; even if it’s 110 degrees in the field, we’ve always enjoyed it and still do. You just can’t get the country out of these kids."

In 1997, Ron sat his family down to make some decisions regarding the future. Throughout his lifetime, he dreamed of owning and driving a grain semi tractor-trailer. With "Go for it, Dad," support, the 59-year-old farmer bought his rig and began making in-state cycles to and from various grain elevators.

Nearly 600 acres and more than 400 acres of pasture and waterways were handed down to Cindy and Lance, their daughter and son-in-law. Delivering a similar agreement as was given to them, Ron and Cheryl continue to have an active role in the farm operation.

"We have been pleased with farming and quitting was hard," Cheryl said. "It did help to know that family would be taking over and that we’d still help."

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News