LINDSBORG, Kan. - Although influenced heavily by the paths of others, Larry and Edie Dahlsten forged their own trail in production agriculture.

"We have looked for opportunities to build and grow our farm," Larry said. "Faith, family, friends and farm have shaped any success that may have come our way."

The Dahlstens will be recognized as a 2002 Kansas Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker during ceremonies at the Holiday Inn in Manhattan on March 14 at 6 p.m. Friends can make reservations for the banquet and program by calling 785-532-5820 by March 6.

The program, which recognizes six Kansas families every year, is co-sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nominated by the Extension Council in McPherson County, the Dahlstens will become lifetime members in an association dating back to 1926.

With German and Swedish heritage, their ancestors claimed homesteads in the late 1860s in McPherson County.

"All came in search of freedoms and opportunities," Edie said. "These generations provided a rich heritage. We wish to leave a solid path for those who will follow us by holding fast to the values instilled by earlier generations."

The couple married during their days at K-State, where Larry earned a degree in agricultural mechanization and Edie, a degree in education in 1966. They then returned to Larry’s home community where they entered into a 12-year farming partnership with his parents.

"We began farming and got involved in our church, community and agriculture-related organizations," Larry said. "These relationships continue today and have been a way to stay focused in an ever changing and dynamic agricultural environment. Our involvement has been a way to give back to the community, especially to those who believed in us."

The Dahlstens raised two children, Mark and Kim, both 1990 K-State graduates who were involved in 4-H, church choir, summer theater productions, school activities and community organizations.

Mark is a patrol deputy for the Decatur County Sheriff’s office and has been in law enforcement for 11 years. Kim is an assistant vice-president for Home State Bank and is a consumer-lending officer.

Larry and Edie served as 4-H Community Leaders for 15 years.

"Watching former 4-Hers fulfill responsible community leadership roles is more valued than a purple ribbon," Edie said.

The Dahlstens have both served as chair of their church council.

"They are a hard working, successful husband-wife team who really take a serious leadership role in both their community and the agriculture industry," said Dale Ladd, McPherson County Extension agent. "They are especially well liked within the community and across the county and state."

In 2001, Larry, Edie and Kim traveled to New York City with the Kansas Volunteer Aid organization to assist with cleanup at Ground Zero between Christmas and New Years Day. Kim organized a trip for 30 people.

"It was an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience to lend a helping hand," said Larry. "Our logo included: American ends with I CAN."

The Dahlstens farm more than 1,300 acres of dryland crops on the upland side of the Smoky Hill River. They have a no-till four-year crop rotational system that includes wheat, corn, milo, and soybeans.

The family’s work with livestock ended in 2000 with a planned two-year phaseout of a 34-year farrow-to-finish hog operation that included more than 100 sows.

"During the last few years, we were doing more repairs than working with the pigs," Larry said. "We would have needed to stay in for another 15 years to get the most out of any new buildings, so we instead decided to get more into cash crops."

The Dahlstens take water and soil conservation seriously. To that end, their farms include 58,000 feet of terraces and 30 acres of waterways. They converted to total no-till in 2000. They have also enrolled half of their tillable acres in EQIP programs, which are part of the conservation portion of the recent farm bill.

Their efforts have resulted in less wind and water erosion and better soil structure, as well as an added benefit: "Converting to a total no-till system caused a major shift toward a less labor-intensive and more thought-intensive process," Larry said. "The no-till system helps to implement practices which improve the land for future generations."

To efficiently apply nutrients, Larry and Edie use site-specific soil testing on all tracts.

"As farmers, our work is on public display every day, and we hope to be good examples for all who watch," Edie said.

In addition to traditional marketing, the Dahlstens occasionally pool their crops through the Mid-Kansas Cooperative. The cooperative markets more than 25 million bushels annually.

"Our business plan is for the long term," Larry said. "We choose not to sell just to pay the bills, but rather position for stronger markets.

The Dahlstens survived four decades in production agriculture by constantly restructing their goals.

And from their first date at the county fair until today, the Larry and Edie Dahlstens continue their passion for agriculture.