NARKA, Kan. – The values and character traits common in the Great Plains are exemplified in the Paul and Sylvia Shoemaker family.

"Sylvia and myself have attempted to provide family leadership qualities and good work ethics, not only to our own children, but also those we work with," Paul said. "Being honest, loyal, sincere and helpful to others has served our family well, and we have been blessed."

The Shoemakers 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 banquet and program reservations for $22 by calling 785-532-5820 by March 3.

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 Republic County, the Shoemakers will become lifetime members in an association dating back to 1927.

Growing up on the farm with a 1935-D John Deere, three bottom plow and a horse-drawn mower introduced Paul to the cattle and farming enterprise.

"I learned about feeding cattle by accompanying the cattle shipments to the Omaha Stockyards with my father," he said. "The Omaha market was the largest in the world at this time and we were able to top the market several times with steers."

Paul attended a one-room school house and completed one 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 to farm life, 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 and earned citizenship with the help of his daughter.

"He took a 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."

With a two-year degree from Bethany, she began a 12-year teaching career. Sylvia and Paul married in 1954 and raised two children, Lori and Lester.

"When Sylvia and I were first married, we immediately decided that daily family prayer and devotions were to be an important part of our family life together," Paul said. "And today, this is still a key part of our family life."

Their oldest child, Lori, graduated from K-State in home economics education and currently serves as a 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 and raising three children, Marti, Lacie and Lane. Lester currently helps on the farm and owns a floor covering and installation business.

Both of the children were involved in sports, music, church, FFA and 4-H. They have contributed back to the community by serving on a number of boards and organizations.

"As a family, we would always plan on the 4-H entries at the state fair, Kansas Junior Livestock Show and American Royal to be a vacation of sorts for us," Sylvia said.

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.

The Shoemakers said they are thankful for the blessings they have experienced.

"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."