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Released: February 25, 2003 Six Kansas Couples Named Master Farmer, Homemaker MANHATTAN, Kan. - Six Kansas couples have been named to the ranks of Kansas Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker for 2002.
The couples will be recognized at a ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Manhattan on March 14 at 6 p.m. Friends and family can make reservations for the banquet and program by calling 785-532-5820 by March 6. The couples will become lifetime members in an association that dates back to 1927. 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. This year’s award winners, in alphabetical order by their hometown, are: LaVerne and Jeanette Myers He graduated from K-State in agriculture in 1966, a year after marrying Jeanette. She studied home economics. The couple returned to the farm near Abilene to raise their family. The early years were not without difficulties, however. While living in a mobile home, the Myers endured a tornado in June 1969, which destroyed a barn, machine sheds, cattle sheds and a silo. "That was the last night we stayed there," Jeanette said. The couple raised three boys on the farm, which stretches across more than 1,500 acres and includes 500 heifers. Their son, Alan, a veterinarian in Dickinson County, and his wife Leslie manage a clinic. They have three daughters, Emily, Katelyn and Molly. The Myers’ son, David, came back to the farm to work with his parents after graduating from K-State. He and his wife Amy married a year ago. Brian, the youngest son, works as a design engineer in the tillage department of John Deere in Ankeny, Iowa. He and his wife Jennifer have two sons, Peyton and Brady. "Our boys learned responsibility at an early age," Jeanette said. "Milking was a great time to have conversations and relate with each other." The Myers’ farm includes nearly 500 acres of pasture land, 500 acres of wheat and nearly 200 acres of sorghum, as well as around 100 acres each of corn, alfalfa and grass hay. Although they enjoyed milking, health problems prompted the family to try something new. In March 1997, they entered into a contract with Duane Meier Dairy in Palmer, to raise heifers, breed them and return them at two years of age at contract price just before calving. The partnership has provided a steady supply and market on the other end, and has been a good way to add value to the feed the Myers raise, LaVerne said. In addition to her work on the farm, Jeanette worked for 16 years as a food service manager with the Abilene school district before moving up to the director position last year. The Myers currently participate in the K-State Research and Extension Farm Management Association. They also were involved with the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. and the Kansas Holstein Association – all of which helped them keep up with technological advancements. "The father and son perspective makes a rather interesting partnership in adopting technology," LaVerne said. "While the younger generation wants to pick up new technology, the older tends to be more reserved. Speaking from experience, the son will usually try new things." "Before you can be a leader in your community, you have to earn the respect of other people," Jeanette said. "As a family, we have tried to do this by being honest and fair in our business dealings. A willingness to volunteer time and energy is usually a good way to get to know lots of different people." ### Tom and Carolyn Perrier Dalebanks Angus Ranch near Eureka is owned and operated by Tom and Carolyn Perrier. Tom’s ancestors homesteaded in Greenwood County in 1870. Traced back to a region in England, Dalebanks was also the name of the original homestead and has become a trademark through the generations. "We are one of the oldest continually-run Angus cattle operations in the nation," Tom said. "Most of our cows can still be traced back to the first purchases in the early 1900s." Tom graduated from K-State in 1967 and entered the Kansas National Guard. He and Carolyn married in May, 1968, and she moved with him to Fort Carson, Colo. during his time in the military. They moved back to his family operation a year later and took over after Tom’s father retired. Carolyn, who grew up in Kansas City, Mo., found a new lifestyle in rural Kansas. She taught junior high school home economics for two years in Eureka before becoming a career ranch partner. "I became a full-time homemaker, ranch go-fer and a career substitute teacher," she said. "I found that life at ‘home on the range’ has never been boring for this former city girl." The Perrier children built on their rural upbringing as they ventured into the business world. Matt works with the American Angus Association, Michele is employed by Baxter BioScience and Mark works with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The three were heavily involved in church, sports, music and 4-H through their time at Eureka High School and while at K-State. The family’s farm and ranch includes more than 5,000 acres – much of it dedicated to native grass pastures in the Flint Hills. Crops include 200 acres each of wheat and corn and 150 acres each of alfalfa, hay and soybeans. "Everything we do is directed toward the cattle," Tom said. "We classify ourselves as progressive, however, we don’t get radical. We continually strive for improvement." In 2002, they sold 110 bulls and 67 bred heifers. Another 50 bulls are sold at private treaty each year. To improve the herd’s genetics, the Perriers use performance records, expected progeny differences (EPDs), artificial insemination, embryo transfer and estrus synchronization. The home computer became a part of the record-keeping system in the 1980s. The Perriers helped with the development of the American Angus Association herd management software, which has been a great help in managing the Perriers’ cattle and genetic selections, Tom said. "We feel a real sense of pride in our operation," Carolyn said. "Agriculture is a very challenging industry and we are not experts. We gained more knowledge from our mistakes, especially early on, but we have made sacrifices to keep things going." "When times seemed very difficult, we reminded ourselves that the sun would always come up tomorrow," Tom said, "We were also fortunate to employ very reliable and dedicated co-workers. "Our goal and contribution has been to continuously provide the best genetics for the commercial beef industry," he said. See full-length feature on the Perrier family ### Larry and Edie Dahlsten "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’ German and Swedish ancestors claimed homesteads in the late 1860s in McPherson County. 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 later returned to the family farm. "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 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 have served as chair of their church council, and as 4-H community leaders. "Watching former 4-Hers fulfill responsible community leadership roles is more valued than a purple ribbon," Edie said. The Dahlstens farm more than 1,300 acres of dryland crops near the Smoky Hill River. They have a no-till four-year crop rotation system that includes wheat, corn, milo, and soybeans. Their farms incorporate terracing and the family converted to total no-till in 2000. Half of their tillable acres are enrolled in EQIP programs, part of the conservation portion of the recent farm bill. Those efforts have cut wind and water erosion and improved the soil structure, as well as adding another benefit: "Converting to a total no-till system caused a major shift toward a less labor-intensive and more thought-intensive process," Larry said. To efficiently apply nutrients, Larry and Edie use site-specific soil testing on all tracts. For 34 years the farm included a farrow-to-finish hog operation, but the family ended it in 2000: "During the last few years, we were doing more repairs than working with the pigs," Larry said. In addition to traditional marketing, the Dahlstens pool their crops through the Mid-Kansas Cooperative. "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. And from their first date at the county fair until today, Larry and Edie continue their passion for agriculture. See full-length feature on the Dahlsten family ### Paul and Sylvia Shoemaker Paul learned the cattle business by accompanying cattle shipments to the Omaha Stockyards with his father. He attended a one-room school and completed a semester at Bethany College before being drafted into the Army for two years of service in Korea. "I met all kinds of people," Paul said. "We were one of the first integrated companies, and we got along just fine. I wouldn’t do it again for a million bucks, and I wouldn’t take a million for the learning experience." Upon his return, he enrolled in a farm school for veterans to learn the latest practices in record keeping, crop practices and Extension recommendations. "Extension cannot be replaced in the value they’ve provided us," Paul said. "They keep new blood interested in farming and reach out to help in so many ways." Sylvia credits her father for her interest in teaching. He immigrated from Czechoslovakia as a 17-year-old blacksmith apprentice. "He took a [citizenship] class one night a week, and I helped him with his homework," she said. "When we received his citizenship papers, he had the look of sheer joy, grinning from one ear to the other. This sparked my interest to teach." Sylvia earned a two-year degree from Bethany College and began a 12-year teaching career. The couple married in 1954 and raised two children, Lori and Lester. Lori graduated from K-State in home economics education and is the Rice County 4-H and family and consumer science Extension agent. Lester earned an animal science degree from Fort Hays State University before marrying his wife Kay. They have three children, Marti, Lacie and Lane. Lester helps on the farm and owns a floor covering business. Both of the children were involved in sports, music, church, FFA and 4-H as they grew up, and have contributed back to the community by serving on a number of boards and organizations. The Shoemakers’ farm includes more than 550 acres of non-irrigated cropland. A blend of typical Kansas crops are grown including wheat, sorghum, soybeans, alfalfa and sunflowers. "We always seem to be trying something different," Paul said. "We tested new varieties of wheat and hybrid corn and sorghum. We were one of the first to be involved in things." They also raise crossbred red Angus and Simmental cattle. "We had the Angus seed stock through breeding heifers and got acquainted with Simmental through the kids’ 4-H projects," Paul said. "Sometimes it takes long hours, extra good management, comparison shopping and a do-it-yourself attitude," Paul said. "Being a good neighbor, offering to help someone in need and living by the golden rule sure doesn’t cost a whole lot." See full-length feature on the Shoemaker family ### Kendal and Barbara Grecian "Farming is based on hope," Ken said. "It has always been challenging, however, this drought we are facing makes the immediate future look rather bleak." But the Grecians have found strategies to sustain their operation. Ken earned an animal science degree from K-State in 1970 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Barb graduated in 1971 with a degree in home economics. The couple married in July 1971. During his years in the Army, Ken went through jump school, advanced individual training and officers’ candidate school. He served a three-year commitment and returned to the farm in 1974. The couple started their operation with land rented from a friend. In the first year, they bought 20 heifers from a neighbor and 40 cows from Wyoming. Seven died and they sold 30 because of drought. "We moved back the year of $5 wheat, but when our crop was ready to harvest the price dropped dramatically as well as the cattle market," Ken said. "Our first experience taught us about failure and tough times." The couple did not give up, however, and instead they learned from the experience. "We learned to start slow, build a profitable farm and not carry a large debt load," he said. "Financial independence is a key guideline to our success." In 1979, the Grecians expanded the cow herd and increased their crop production. They also made their first land purchase at that time. Now, more than 20 years later, the farm includes 295 cow/calf pairs and 50 heifers, with 3,000 acres of crop land and 400 acres of land in the CRP program. "Conservation has been important to us," Ken said. "We have built more than 31,000 feet of terraces, put highly erodible, low production land in CRP and planted more than 1,500 trees." The family has a certified seed wheat business and are members of the 21st Century Alliance with part ownership in flour mills in Texas and New Mexico. Ken and Barbara raised three children who were involved in their church’s youth fellowship, high school athletics, forensics, debate, 4-H and FFA. "Our children were our best crop on the farm," Barb said. Their son, Brent, graduated from K-State in 1999 and works as a manager for Wells Fargo Bank in Bellevue, Wash. His wife Stacey teaches second grade. The Grecian’s daughter, Jennifer, married Derek Durbin in 2001. Both attend the University of Nebraska School of Dentistry and plan to return to Derek’s family practice near Topeka. Stephanie, the youngest daughter, attends K-State, and majors in finance and political science. Ken and Barb helped to charter the Eastside 4-H Club. "Involvement in our community and church, trying to be a good neighbor and working on agricultural issues is important to us," Ken said. See full-length feature on the Grecian family ### Dave and Sherry Novak "The best way to be a leader is by doing and setting an example for our boys and others to follow," Sherry said. "Things don’t get done until someone does them. Business success is built on the same principle." Dave graduated from Goodland Technical School in farm and diesel mechanics in 1974. He returned to his family farm in 1977, after marrying Sherry in May 1976. Sherry earned a degree in medical technology from K-State and an allied health degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She worked at the Wichita County Hospital for several years before making more time for family and the farm. The farm dates back four generations in the Novak family, to Dave’s great-grandfather who homesteaded the land. "I started with my dad and things expanded from there with custom farming opportunities to get a good start with the cash flow," he said. "From growing up on the farm, I knew what to expect." The Novak operation spans nearly 3,500 acres of wheat, sorghum and fallow. Nearly 600 acres are irrigated. Since 1979, they have also custom farmed 3,000 acres for another landowner. The family had a feeder pig operation for years, but sold out of it in 1992 due to eroding profits. Conservation practices have been a vital part of the farm. Dave terraced three quarter sections and regularly no-tills sorghum into wheat stubble. Equipment upgrades, including global positioning and yield mapping technologies, also help keep the Novaks’ operation more efficient and environmentally friendly. "It has helped us cut back on chemicals since we are not overlapping," Dave said. "It takes five to six years of yield mapping to get consistent records to justify changing fertilizer and seeding rates." The Novaks raised three boys who were involved in 4-H, athletic teams, scholars bowl, science olympiad and Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Brian graduated from K-State in 2002 in chemical engineering and currently attends Notre Dame University working on an advanced degree. Matt studies horticulture and landscape design at K-State and has operated his own garden center business on the farm. Nick is a sophomore at Wichita County High School. He participated in the 4-H entomology project for nine years and is the junior leader for the geology project. "We were able to do more things as a family since we lived on the farm," Dave said. "Rather than having to make family time, it is just always there." See full-length feature on the Novak family -30- 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 is at 785-532-5806 |
LaVerne Myers never strayed far from the family dairy business due to his commitment to past generations who worked to build the operation for the future. 
"We run a cattle business with a strong philosophy on the importance of record-keeping programs to determine how our cattle will perform in the commercial industry," Tom said.
Although influenced heavily by the paths of others, Larry and Edie Dahlsten of Lindsborg, forged their own trail in production agriculture.
The values and character traits common in the Great Plains are exemplified in the Paul and Sylvia Shoemaker family who farm near Narka. 
With half the normal rainfall, Kendal and Barbara Grecian of Palco came off a difficult year in 2002 that was marked by record-breaking drought. 
Whether working on the farm or lending a hand to community organizations, Dave and Sherry Novak of Scott City operate with a driven work ethic.