Released: March 01, 2002

Abilene Couple Named Master Farmer, Homemaker

ABILENE, Kan. – Breaking new ground in livestock sales, the Jerry and Sandy Sleichter family began a tradition 34 years ago with the first swine sale in Kansas to target 4-H and FFA members’ market hog projects. Dispersing their stock across the Midwest, the operation found a niche with the Five-Star Pig Sale each April.

"We have several swine breeds, including purebred Chester White, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Duroc and many crossbreds, since there was a need to have more to offer in the selection process," Jerry said.

On March 22, the Sleichters 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 banquet 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 Dickinson County, the Sleichters will become lifetime members in an association that dates to 1927.

The Five-Star Pig Sale that the Sleichters have been so involved in draws buyers from across the Midwest to purchase more than 150 show pig prospects.

"The sale started because people always wanted to come and have first pick," Jerry said. "This way everyone has an equal chance to set their price."

Many hogs produced by the Sleichters’ have earned high rankings at county, state and national shows.

"In 1990, we took the grand champion boar in the National Duroc Congress," Jerry said. "It was something we’ve always dreamed about."

Livestock shows presented each of the couple’s three children with skills and insight on life. While growing up, Jeff, Jay and Jill enjoyed many successes in the livestock ring.

"Shows taught them a lot about life by putting them in situations to give a bigger exposure of what life holds," Jerry said. "There are a number of difficulties to face and they must learn to handle them."

Regardless of the final ribbon placing, Sandy said the results were not as important as the learning process.

"It helped with their self-confidence," she said. "They always put forth their best effort."

The Sleichter’s parenting methods reflect their own upbringing which centered on commitment and dedication. Jerry and Sandy met at Kansas State University while earning degrees in animal sciences and industry and home economics education, respectively. The couple returned to Jerry’s family farm outside of Abilene, Kan.

The Sleichter operation includes nearly 500 acres and represents four generations of agriculturists. They grow sorghum, wheat, alfalfa and grass hay and the farm has more than 425 acres of pasture. The hog herd, which numbers 120 head, rounds out the operation.

The couple has taken numerous leadership roles in organizations ranging from project leader in the Willowdale 4-H Club to "reasons judge" at the American Royal College Livestock Judging contest.

Service projects have included donating pig books to children’s libraries, sponsoring petting zoos, taking piglets to schools for show-and-tell, arranging ‘piggie’ favor trays for Meals on Wheels, creating pigskin bookmarks for summer reading programs and sponsoring livestock shows.

Along the way, there have been plenty of obstacles. In 1992, the family lost most of their machinery in a fire. Through it all, they learned lessons on coming together and thanking God for their ability to keep going.

"We were blessed no one was hurt in the devastating fire," Jerry said. "We had to buy a whole new line of equipment. There are times when I still think about a tool lost in the fire."

Experience weighs heavy for the Sleichters. With a specialized operation, they have endured the hard times by adapting to the circumstances within their field.

"More and more operations are specializing to find an agricultural niche," Jerry said. "It still takes flexibility to adapt to changes within the narrowed area."

Advancements in the swine industry have prompted drastic changes, he said. From artificial insemination to facilities updates, the family has completed numerous improvements. In marketing terms, they sell their hogs on a grade and yield basis. The couple pools resources with other producers to market hogs, Jerry said.

"It has been our only good way to market," he added.

The Sleichters’ two youngest children are pursuing education degrees at K-State. Jeff, the oldest, started a cattle operation on the family land while also working at Suther’s Feeds.

"Jeff has been tied into our operation with a cattle herd, yet farming is not his full income," Jerry said. "The family farm is becoming endangered. It takes such an investment to get started."

To support the farm, Sandy works as a paraprofessional with special needs children in the Abilene school system. Jerry serves on the board of directors for the local cooperative.

"Producers have to stay knowledgeable," Sandy said. "We use the internet, along with newspapers and magazines, to keep up to date on all the quick changes. It is a challenge on our part to meet these demands."

Regardless of any demand, Sandy said positive attitudes are required around the Sleichter homestead.

"We have a family guide of ‘believe and achieve.’" Sandy said. "Through feeling the support from family, friends and faith, you can discover strengths to develop life skills. With patience and commitment, you can achieve."

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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