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CHALK ROCK LAKE FARMS - Menominee, NE - Dan and Mary Schaefer family - Home raised Beef - Hormone-Free or Conventionally Raised. Selling whole, halves and quarters. 55773 895 Rd. Fordyce, NE 68736 -schaefdm@gpcom.net - (402) 357-2133 � www.ChalkRockLakeFarm.com
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, July 7, 2005)
Dan and Mary Schaefer and their sons Matthew and Mason are carrying on a special tradition. The Schaefers and their Chalk Rock Lake Farm were recently honored with the AkSarBen Pioneer Award because their farm has been owned and worked by the same family for four generations and over 100 years.
It takes an extraordinary commitment to the land and the livestock when you are passing on farming tradition. The family takes that same committed approach in selling their home-raised, Chalk Rock Lake beef to area customers.
The Schaefers finish out calves mostly from their 65-head cow herd for their hormone-free feeding program, so the Schaefers and their customers know exactly where their beef came from.
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Cedar County, Nebraska 4 miles south and three quarter miles east of Yankton near the hamlet of Menominee and Chalk Rock Lake, Dan and Mary raise and market their hormone-free, cornfed beef in quarters, halves, three quarters or the whole beef. They also sell 12 and a half pound and twenty-five pound beef bundles, offering a variety of their flavorful, high quality, home finished beef cuts.
The Schaefers have been direct marketing their homefinished beef for over fifteen years, so they know what their customers want. They can help you decide the type of beef bundles that might be right for your family or they can assist you in deciding how to have your beef processed and packaged.
And its nice to be able to fill your freezer with beef that you know was fed just down the road by a farm family you can trust. Most orders are taken over the phone at 402-357-2133, but you can also order their beef online at chalkrocklakefarm.com or by emailing Dan and Mary at schaefdm@gpcom.net. You can learn more about Chalk Rock Lake Farms and other families raising local food by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net.
And remember, the best food for your table is being grown today just down the road by farmers who care about your family and your food.
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Cwach Natural Meats, Yankton, SD - Gary and Mary Cwach. Homeraised beef. (605) 665-1341.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 24, 2008)
If you're looking for an old-fashioned beef taste, you'll want to make sure you try the products offered by Cwach Meats. Fifth-generation Yankton County farmers with a heritage of raising their own beef, Gary and Mary Cwach and their sons, Dan and Kevin, are pleased to offer beef produced without the use of any kind of antibiotics, chemicals or hormones. Cwach Meats sells whole animals, halves, quarters and individual cuts directly from their farm to satisfied customers around the region. They also offer delivery service to Yankton customers.
Gary says the special feeding system recipe his family has developed over the past 12 years results in naturally raised, great tasting, tender cuts of beef, and their animals are completely traceable from birth to the dinner table. The Cwach family consistently invests their best efforts on their dedicated small family farm to provide high quality food that they are proud to offer as a healthy part of a local food system. For the past 12 years, they have studied the value of and process for naturally improving their soil so that every step in their beef production is focused on nutrition and health.
The process the Cwachs use to raise high quality beef begins with a process to naturally build up healthy soils on their farm. Their animals graze on high quality pastures and grain crops that are carefully cultivated without the use of any type of chemicals. The absence of hormone implants and naturally occurring minerals in the soil combine to produce the flavor and tenderness customers have come to expect from Cwach Meats.
If you want to make home-raised beef from the Cwach family farm available to your family, give Gary and Mary a call at (605) 665-1341 or (605) 660-9362 or visit the web at farmtofamily.net. And remember, If you want to provide your family with food raised with care and integrity, grace your table with quality food from local farm families like Cwach Meats.
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KREYCIK RIVERVIEW ELK RANCH - Niobrara, NE - Kenard, Chris and Steve Kreycik family - Elk and Bison Meat - Weekend Tours of the Ranch - Elk Hunts - Elk Velvet Antler Capsules and Other Related Products. 88971 517 Ave., Niobrara, NE 68760 - (402) 857-3850 - Website - www.nebraskaelktours.com
Kreycik Elk and Buffalo Ranch, Niobrara, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, July 5, 2012)
There aren’t many spots on this earth where you can relive the Lewis and Clark experience, but Kreycik Riverview Elk and Buffalo Ranch at Niobrara, Nebraska, where the Niobrara River ends and the Missouri River bends, is one of those special spots.
Kenard and Chris Kreycik, their son Steve and daughter Stacy and her husband Clint work hard caring for their elk and buffalo herds and providing a lively historic experience of natural heritage through their summer covered wagon tours through the rolling grasslands around the ranch.
The family invites you to tour their elk and bison pastures for a small fee on summer Saturdays with tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Sundays, you can take tours at 2 p.m. They offer weekday tours for pre-registered groups of ten or more. Reservations are required for all tours on weekdays and weekends.
Kreyciks operate a gift shop where you can purchase tasty elk and bison meat, known for high protein and low cholesterol as well as elk velvet capsules, known for medicinal properties. They offer a variety of other elk and bison products as well as Lewis and Clark gifts. Kreycik’s sell buffalo and elk hides, buffalo skulls and don’t forget buffalo chips for that special birthday gift for the person who has everything.
The family also offers private elk and buffalo hunts seasonally. Kreycik’s are pros. They’ve been raising elk and buffalo for 31 years and have been offering tours for 16 years.
To get to Kreycik’s Ranch, where the elk and buffalo still roam, turn south off of Highway 12, the Outlaw Scenic Byway, just west of the Niobrara River Bridge and follow the signs until you reach a sweeping hill with a panoramic view of the river. Their ranch is nestled down below the ridge. Call ahead at (402) 857-3850. Get more information by visiting Kreycik’s websites at nebraskaelktours.com and kskbiggameoutiftters.com or log onto farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Take a tour to the past and make that Farm to Family Connection.
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North Star Neighbors, Fullerton, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 20, 2010.)
North Star Neighbors is a group of five families, small family farmers living near an old town in central Nebraska near Fullerton, called North Star. While the town is no longer around, the members of the group who surround this area hold true to the tradition of quality and stewardship. The group raises homegrown beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey and eggs. They treat customers like friends and families by providing the highest quality, best tasting and healthiest meats, direct from their farms to your table.
Animals are raised from birth on their farms. The animals are offered natural diets and are grown in the outdoors with lots of room to roam. For harvest, the animals are taken directly from the farms to a family-owned, USDA inspected processing plant where they are processed before any others ensuring natural wholesomeness.
North Star Neighbors� steps to a perfect product include naturally raised, antibiotic free, the best flavor and tenderness, years of experience by their members, hand selection of meat animals, source verification of your meat to North Star family farms, cuts are hand trimmed at the processor, USDA inspected for quality and sharp frozen to lock in freshness and tenderness, and their overall commitment to quality products for your family�s dinner table is second to none. All of North Star�s processed meats and sausages are also made from completely natural ingredients and home grown meats.
North Star Neighbors are part of a larger network of producers call the Nebraska Food Coop. Currently, the food coop has delivery locations in our region and they are discussing expansion into more locations as well. You can learn more about Nebraska Food Coop by visiting www.nebraskafood.org.
And if you�d like to try food products that are family raised with the customer in mind by folks you know and trust, contact North Star Neighbors at 1-877-617-2333 or email northstar@hamilton.net or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Purchase home raised food for your family, like the food raised by North Star Neighbors, and make the Farm to Family Connection.
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PRAIRIE BLOSSOM TRAILS - Fordyce, NE - Pat and Julie Steffen Family - Grass-finished Highland Beef - Selling wholes, halves or quarters � Ask about our Farm Tours - 55582 887 Rd., Fordyce, NE 68736 - (402) 357-3702
(Text from KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special, Apr. 1, 2004)
There is nothing more scenic than the rolling hills and valleys of northern Cedar County coming alive with the green growth of spring. Pat and Julie Steffen and their four children of Prairie Blossom Trails at Fordyce, Nebraska know all about Mother Nature�s handiwork, living and working their historic family farm and raising and selling quality grassfed beef.
Back in 1991, Pat and Julie seeded down their row crop land to orchard grass, clovers and wheatgrass pasture. Now they rotate their cowherd of docile Scottish Highland cattle around small paddocks, getting more grazing days from their land base and regenerating the diversity and health of their grassland and soils.
Pat says Highland cows are good mothers and the breed adapts well to the harsh climate of the Plains. Besides, Highland beef is high in protein and iron and its known for its good taste.
According to nationally acclaimed researcher and author, Jo Robinson, grassfed beef is low in cholesterol and provides a number of other cancer fighting, heart healthy benefits. Besides, Pat and Julie know that their grazing system � finishing cattle on grass � is good for the land.
They sell their beef right from the farm, as halves, quarters and by the individual cuts. They like to have orders in ahead of time so they can schedule their production through the coming months.
The family has always enjoyed their landscape, occasionally taking a picnic lunch on the high hills overlooking their valley and farm.
Now the Steffen�s are sharing their view, also offering farm tours through their prairie trails, where old wagon ruts and native wildflowers still grace the landscape, just in view of historic St. Joseph�s Catholic Church at Constance a couple of miles away.
For more information on Pat and Julie, their farm tours and grassfed beef, give them a call at 402-357-3702.
Give your children a taste of their heritage. Get to know the families raising your food
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GUNDY'S BEEF AND FARMERS MARKET, YANKTON, SD
Jon and Diana Gunderson - Mission Hill, SD - Selling natural beef, locally raised pork, lamb, poultry, vegetables and homemade bread and soup mixes through year around farmers market. Located in Charlie's Pizza parking lot garage. Gundy's Beef also featured on Charlie's Pizza. Place an order at (605) 665-9478 or email gundysbeef@webtv.net.
(Text from KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special - Sept. 6, 2012)
Jon and Diana Gunderson host their own farmers market all year long every Saturday in the garage in the parking lot at Charlie’s Pizza on Summit Street in Yankton. The Gunderson’s are well known for Gundy’s Beef, all-natural, farm fresh beef that is raised by the family and graces the legendary pizzas at the famous Charlie’s Pizza.
In addition to farm fresh and all-natural beef, pork and lamb, Gundy’s farmers market also features all kinds of fresh vegetables and locally raised fruit in season. They sell home made bread, organic brown eggs, free range chicken and a host of other food products important to local consumers.
With Labor Day weekend coming up, fill your freezer with mouth-watering steaks, pork chops or lamb chops at Gundy’s market. Or get the grill ready for farm fresh, lean ground beef, hamburger patties, or brats. All of your locally raised needs for farm fresh meat can be met at Gundy’s.
You can learn more about Gundy’s farmers market, open year around on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the garage in the parking lot at Charlie’s Pizza at 804 Summit Street in Yankton. Contact Jon and Diana at 605-665-9478 or 605-660-5922, or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Get it fresh. Get it local. Get it from Gundy’s farmers market in Yankton.
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Yankton Nurseries, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 9, 2013)
No one around the Missouri River valley grows the plants you need for Spring like Jay and Tracy Gurney at Yankton Nurseries. Of course, with a name like Gurney and a heritage in the nursery business that dates back to the Civil War, customers have learned to expect something special from Yankton Nurseries. Of course Jay and Tracy market vegetable plants, annual and perennial plants and flowers and trees and shrubs of all kinds and in all forms from their retail store.
With Mothers’ Day coming up, you can always give the gift of spring by purchasing a gift certificate from Yankton Nurseries. Yankton Nurseries probably has one of the best lines of roses in the region, including hardy shrub roses, tea roses and roses of almost any color you could want. Jay reminds his customers that it is still early and there is plenty of time for landscape, orchard and garden plantings. But be cautious, Jay says, about late frost into May, because many young plants might need extra protection if the temperatures dip down again.
The nice thing about Yankton Nurseries is that you can often find Jay and Tracy working with the plants. They and their knowledgeable staff can answer your plant and tree care questions, providing technical support for their customers’ projects. For Jay and Tracy, that’s one of the most enjoyable parts of their business.
Yankton Nurseries is located at 2000 Ferdig Street, just north of Sertoma Park in Yankton. They are open for special spring hours, 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. You can call Jay and Tracy at (605) 665-6560. Learn more about Yankton Nurseries and other families raising products for spring by visiting the web at www.farmtofamily.net powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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RICHARD AND KATHLEEN SOBOTKA FAMILY - Inman, NE - Natural Pork, Grassfed Beef, Free Range - Pastured Poultry and Eggs, Turkeys for Thanksgiving, Fresh Garden Vegetables in Season. Ask about our CSA garden or watch for our farmstand in O'Neill. RR 1, Box 48, Inman, NE 68742 �
(402) 394-5537
FEATURE FARM FAMILY � RICHARD AND KATHLEEN SOBOTKA, INMAN, NE �
(Text from their KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special � March 11, 2004)
Locally grown, fresh harvested, vine ripened produce just sounds healthy and good. But there aren�t many farms that grow and raise almost anything you could ever want to grace your dinner table. Richard and Kathleen Sobotka and their eight children have a family farm east of O�Neill, Nebraska near Inman, that does just that.
Farming the home place since 1963, the family has expanded their offerings to cover it all. They raise drug free pork, grassfed or cornfed beef, pastured poultry and eggs, turkeys and lambs along with a full offering of naturally grown vegetables in season.
They have a Community Supported Agriculture or CSA garden. Their CSA customers pay a pre-determined membership fee for the opportunity to come out and pick a big basket of food every week. They now have loyal CSA customers around the region including in the Yankton, Bloomfield and Neligh areas.
Richard loves the diversity of their operation. He really enjoys educating customers about the value of their quality food. The family started out by direct marketing sweet corn a few other vegetables fifteen years ago and have expanded into many varieties of almost any vegetable you could want, including heirloom, Asian and specialty vegetables. They still maintain a farmstand during regular weekly hours in O�Neill. In an effort to expand their farm diversity, develop relationships with more loyal customers and in hopes of keeping their enterprising children involved in the farm, they began raising pastured poultry and eggs four years ago. With help from their children that range in age from 6 to 19 years, they continue to expand their CSA garden.
For more information about joining their CSA garden or purchasing food from the Sobotka farm, you can contact the Sobotka�s at (402) 394-5537.
If you want to do something special for your family � help them make the farm to dinner table connection by purchasing locally raised, fresh harvested food.
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Tramp Buffalo Farm, Crofton, NE - Wilfred and Donna Tramp. (402) 388-4570
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 7, 2005)
Traveling down the Outlaw Scenic Byway, Highway 12, just east of Crofton, Nebraska, motorists are surprised to see a herd of buffalo grazing in pastures and stubble fields on the north side of the road. That herd has grazed there since 1990, when Wilfred and Donna Tramp bought their first buffalo breeding stock at a sale at Custer State Park.
At first these long-time family farmers purchased a few young buffalo just for the fun of it. But their hobby has turned into a full-fledged meat business. Since 1995, they�ve been selling high quality buffalo meat to satisfied customers directly off their farm and through a number of area restaurants and convenience stores.
According to the National Bison Association, buffalo meat is extremely healthy and low in fat with only 31 calories per ounce serving. And there�s something special about observing the majestic King of the Plains grazing right here, like they did in the days of Lewis and Clark.
Wil says that their buffalo seem quite content out on the range. They do best if you just leave them alone. So other than regular vaccinations of breeding stock, Wilfred and Donna run their buffalo herd drug free. The animals live on grass and hay for most of their lives, except for a short period just before processing when they are fed home-raised corn.
You can try Tramp�s buffalo at the Argo Hotel and Sports Stop in Crofton, Ole's in Niobrara or the Quarry in Yankton. Their tasty jerky sticks are available in convenience stores in the area.
If you�d like to pick up Tramp�s buffalo steaks, roasts or ground meat at their farm and try it out for supper, just give Wilfred and Donna a call at (402) 388-4570. Their farm is located one mile east and one mile north of Crofton. They also sell whole animals, halves and quarters, all processed at a federally inspected plant. If you want a taste of real prairie cuisine, grace your dinner table with Tramp home-raised buffalo tonight.
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T & R BUTCHER BLOCK, FORDYCE, NE
Rich and Tricia Millage � Fordyce, NE � Custom processing beef, pork and deer in season. Selling award-winning ham, sausage, ring bologna, beef sticks and hot dogs and other fine products. Cut to order ribeyes during grilling season. Located on Main Street in Fordyce or call (402) 357-3571.
(Text from KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special, May 20, 2004)
For many years, Fordyce, Nebraska has been known for producing some of the finest meat products around. Rich and Tricia Millage at T & R Butcher Block on Main Street in Fordyce have obtained legendary status of their own, winning over the taste buds of customers around the Missouri River valley as well as the judges of several meat product competitions.
In recent years, the Millage�s and their three daughters, Cady, Jaimie and Rachel, have taken honors at the annual Nebraska Meat Processor�s Association contests for products like summer sausage, ham and ring bologna.
Tricia says customers travel great distances for packages of five pounds or more of their jerky, but she is also proud of T & R�s award winning beef sticks and specialty hot dogs. If you want a little nostalgia on the dinner table, try out their ethnic and unique sausages including German, mild and spicy Italian, Mexican, Country or old-fashioned sausage like grandma always served.
All of their meat products are only made with lean meat from locally raised animals. Rich and Tricia make everything themselves, so every meat package they sell has been personally handled by the Millage�s to preserve quality. That�s why their customers say their meat tastes better and is a better value.
They also custom process beef, hogs and deer in season. Customers can book their own animals or the Millage�s can help them purchase animals for processing from local family farmers. Tricia says during grilling season they often cut ribeyes fresh to order for customers who want to take a meal home with them that evening.
T & R Butcher Block is open daily except Tuesdays and Sundays, from 8 am to 5:30 pm and til noon on Saturdays. You can call Rich and Tricia at (402) 357-3571 or stop by their business along Main Street in Fordyce.
If you want the best tasting meat for dinner tonight, buy locally grown and processed products from a family owned hometown locker you know and trust.
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TWO RIVERS SALOON � NIOBRARA, NE. � Terry and Tamralyn Kelley � Locally raised elk and buffalo on the menu. (402) 857-3340
FEATURE LOCAL RESTAURANT � TWO RIVERS SALOON, NIOBRARA, NE
(Text from KKYA Farm to Family Connection Special Feature � March 25, 2004)
Great service. Superb locally grown food, fresh and homemade. What more could restaurant customers want? Well, that�s what you get when you dine out at Two Rivers Saloon at Niobrara, Nebraska. Tamralyn Kelley, husband Terry and brother in law, Pat purchased Two Rivers back in 2002, when they moved with their children Jacob and Chase from Texas to beautiful western Knox County.
Talk about a setting. You can look out the restaurant back door and see the Missouri River and just up the road a bit is the confluence of the Niobrara and Mighty Missouri.
Not only do they feature great steaks, burgers, fish and prime rib on Saturdays at Two Rivers, but starting last year, Tamralyn and Terry made a special effort to complete their menu with other locally grown meat, like buffalo from Kreycik Riverview Elk and Buffalo Ranch located just across the Niobrara River and from Tramp Buffalo Farms at Crofton. The elk on their menu comes from Waipiti Springs Ranch south of Niobrara.
Two Rivers takes pride in offering great service to everyone who comes through the door. Tamralyn says she calls most of their customers by name and those they haven�t met before they walk in the door soon become friends. That�s the nice thing about a family owned and operated restaurant like Two Rivers.
So if you�re looking to dine out, travel over to Two Rivers Saloon, just across Standing Bear Bridge along Highway 12 in the main business district in scenic and historic Niobrara. It�s worth the trip. For more information, you can call Tamralyn and Terry at (402) 857-3340.
Treat your family to a special dining experience at a restaurant where service is number one and locally grown food graces the menu.
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CHUCK AND BEV HENKEL, NORFOLK, NE
Chuck and Bev Henkel, Norfolk, NE - Selling pastured poultry and eggs, natural pork and grassfed lamb and beef. Tucker Hill Farm, (402) 371-5787 or email bchenkel@conpoint.com.
(Text from KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special, June 3, 2004)
Chuck and Bev Henkel and their son Karl of Tucker Hill Farm northwest of Norfolk, Nebraska love diversity. They manage their rolling hills, wooded ravines and native pastures with a management intensive grazing system that fosters new plant growth and an abundance of wildlife, alongside their grazing livestock.
The family direct markets grass fed lamb and beef, pastured turkey, chickens and eggs as well as natural pork to customers around the region. Realizing the health benefits of grass based livestock systems for those eating the meat, poultry and eggs and those stewarding the land, the Henkels work hard to produce food that is good for you.
The Henkel�s love living among their grasslands and they particularly like the direct connection they have with their customers. Farm visits by customers picking up food at the Henkel�s farm result in a special relationship. Chuck and Bev say they learn from their customers and hopefully their customers enjoy learning more about how their food is raised.
Customers travel far and wide to purchase their quality products and because of the relationship they�ve developed with Chuck and Bev. The Henkel�s cattle and sheep are fed only a grass-based diet, with no antibiotics, hormones, commercial feed or starch grain.
They started out on the farm raising vegetables, a few hogs and meat rabbits while working in town, but in 1995, the town jobs ended and they started direct marketing their quality food in earnest.
Chuck and Bev are especially proud of their grass finished lamb, which many of their regular customers say is the best lamb they�ve ever tasted.
You can visit the Henkel�s farm by appointment or call them about their products at (402) 371-5787. They�d be happy to send out a letter to you with specific product information. You can email them at bchenkel@conpoint.com or learn more on the web at farmtofamily.net.
Give your family food you can be proud of � raised with tender loving care by a farm family you know and trust.
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HISTORIC ARGO HOTEL, CROFTON, NE
Argo Hotel, Crofton, NE - Sandra Bogner McDonald, Elegant dining featuring locally raised Tramp Buffalo Farms buffalo as well as prime rib, steaks and seafood. Honeymoon suite and other lodging. Built 1912. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Call 1-800-607-ARGO or visit their website at www.theargohotel.com.
(Text from KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special, June 23, 2005)
It's like getting away without going away. Every day is something special at Crofton's Historic Argo Hotel. Sandra and the folks at the Argo know how to make your celebration unforgettable. The Argo offers casual dining in an elegant atmosphere.
But the historic 1912 hotel also offers fine lodging with suites honoring Lewis and Clark, actress Leslie Brooks, the Governor's suite, Marcella's suite and others. Many of the suites offer a wet bar and jacuzzi along with the fine amenities folks have come to expect from the Argo.
Sandra is proud to list locally grown buffalo from Tramp Buffalo Farms east of Crofton on her menu � along with fine center cut steaks, prime rib, chicken and seafood � with a new dining room special every night. The also have a new children's menu.
The Argo goes Hawaiian for the month of August with a tiki bar serving cool pina coladas and other drinks from the tropics. The waitresses will be dressed for the islands and every guest will be welcomed with the customary leiau. After your meal, you can relax in the Argo's speakeasy lounge in the basement.
Sandra and her crew offer special packages that might include visits to other regional attractions or maybe even a balloon ride. They cater to hunters visiting the region as well.
Whether you are celebrating a special anniversary, wedding, birthday or just a night on the town, the folks at the Argo know how to pamper their customers and keep you coming back again and again.
The Argo Hotel is open for lodging all the time. The dining room is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Monday. The hotel is located at 211 W. Kansas St, just a block west of First Street in downtown Crofton. You can get more information by call the Argo at 1-800-607-ARGO or by visiting their website at www.theargohotel.com.
And remember, if you want to enjoy an historic hometown gem, visit the friendly place � the Argo Hotel in Crofton, Nebraska.
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CREIGHTON LOCKER, CREIGHTON, NE
Creighton Locker, Creighton, NE - Les and Diane Baller, Specialty Meat Products including Diane's Delicious Prime Rib - Ready to Use, Custom Processing, Deli with Homemade Salads and Meat. Call (402) 358-3442.
(Text from KKYA Radio Farm to Family Connection Special, Jan. 24, 2013)
Creighton Locker along Highway 59 in the heart of downtown Creighton, Nebraska in Knox County is a place you really can’t miss. Just look for the big steer outside their door. Les and Diane Baller had owned and operated Creighton Locker since 1972 until a few years ago, when they sold the business to their son Kevin and his wife, Leilani.
The Baller family offers a variety of specialty meat items for the summer season like hot dogs, bologna and luncheon meat through their deli section in addition to a variety of cheeses and homemade salads. But Diane’s Delicious Prime Rib is a favorite product because it is ready to go. This fully cooked product can be dropped into boiling water for five minutes and served, so it’s fast, convenient and good.
Kevin and Leilani, Les and Diane also make specialty meat products like all kinds of different sausages. If you’re looking for a quarter or half, they can hook you up with a local farmer you can purchase from or they can take care of it for you.
And don’t forget to stop by Creighton Locker while you’re in town to schedule custom livestock processing with butchering days for beef on Monday and Tuesdays and hogs on Wednesdays. They are open 8 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and until noon on Saturday. Call Creighton Locker for more information at (402) 358-3442 or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Grace your family’s dinner table with the best in locally raised meat products from Creighton Locker. .
(back to product index) (back to top of page)AVON LOCKER, AVON, SD
Avon Locker in Avon, SD is located at 104 N. Main. Call them for specialty meat products and custom processing at (605) 286-3427.
(Text from KKYA Farm to Family Connection Radio Special, July 1, 2004)
Dave and Sandy Brandt from Avon Locker at Avon, South Dakota have been processing locally raised meat from family farms around the region for over twelve years now. Dave says that all the specialty meat products they make at Avon Locker are really good, including their hot dogs, bologna and jerky sticks � but he probably likes their homemade brats best of all.
Avon Locker sells all of their homemade meat products from their processing facility on Main Street in Avon. They also do custom processing of beef, pork, lamb and deer in season with butchering days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Dave says that if you�ve never had farm fresh animals processed before, they can help you decide how to have it processed and packaged and which specialty meat products might be right for your family. If you are looking for halves or quarters, Dave and Sandy can help you purchase your meat from a local farm family. For custom processing, call ahead early to reserve a butchering day.
You can contact Avon Locker at (605) 286-3427 or stop by their facility at 104 N. Main Street in Avon. For more information about Dave and Sandy�s locker and other family businesses where you can purchase food raised right here in our own region by area family farmers, visit the web at www.farmtofamily.net.
Locally raised food processed by folks you know and trust is really the best quality and safest food there is. So support your hometown by placing your hometown�s finest food on your dinner table tonight.
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RUT�S HONEY, PLAINVIEW, NE
Rut�s Honey is collected in Boyd County and processed in Plainview. For more information call Mike and Deb at (402) 582-3532.
(Text from KKYA Farm to Family Connection Radio Special, July 8, 2004)
Mike and Deb Rutledge from Plainview, Nebraska are carrying on a family tradition that dates back to 1917. Their homegrown honey � Rut�s Honey � comes from bees feasting on alfalfa and clover fields in Boyd County near Lynch, in the shadow of Old Baldy along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Mike says it is the best kind of honey you can find in the world � light in color and aroma and mild in flavor.
Honey is nature�s perfect sweetener, containing a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants our bodies need. It has been recognized for its flavor and healthful properties as far back as the 30th century B.C. when Egyptians used honey as a food sweetener.
European honey bees were introduced into North America in the early 1600�s � now there are over 200,000 beekeepers in the U.S. and around 200 million pounds of honey is produced in our country every year.
That�s a lot when you consider it takes over two million flowers for honeybees to produce one pound of honey. Bees help agriculture too by pollinating millions of acres of fruit, vegetables, oilseed and legume seed crops that depend on insects for pollination.
So if you want some of the best honey around, call Rutledge�s at Plainview in the land of milk and honey. They bottle their product in squeeze bottles and one and three pound and larger jars. Their honey is sold at St. James Marketplace at St. James, Nebraska or you can order by calling Mike and Deb at (402) 582-3532. For more information visit the web at farmtofamily.net.
Nature provides us with the best food there is, so if you�re looking for something sweet to grace your dinner table, make sure it is honey from local fields, processed by a family you know and trust.
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CUTHILLS VINEYARD, PIERCE, NE
Nebraska's First Winery in a beautiful, elegant setting - just three miles west of Pierce, Nebraska. Visit them on the web at www.cuthills.com.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 17, 2006)
Ed and Holly Swanson of Cuthills Vineyard three miles west of Pierce, Nebraska near Willow Lake State Recreation Area are Nebraska pioneers. They are the innovators and dreamers who knew wine grapes would grow in Northeast Nebraska. That�s why Ed planted his first vineyard back in 1985.
Growing grapes and making wine was nothing new in the Heartland, but the Swanson�s winery became the state�s first commercial winery since Prohibition was repealed in the 1930�s. Ed researched hardy grape varieties that thrived in this region and became an ambassador for the state�s burgeoning wine industry, helping new vineyards get started and encouraging new interest in growing grapes.
Ninety percent of their award winning wine is sold from the vineyard�s beautifully restored 1920�s barn turned winery or shipped to customers where regulations allow.
Cuthills offers vineyard tours and wine tasting during regular hours, but serious wine and music enthusiasts won�t want to miss their 11th annual Blues Festival set for Saturday Aug. 19. Great Blues bands will again take the stage including the Midwestern sounds of Out of the Blue at 1 pm; Chicago blues standout Joe Moss at 3 pm; Andrew Jr. Boy Jones at 5:30 and young blues innovator, Eric Sardinas at 8 pm. Visitors can also enjoy wine sampling, winery tours, trolley rides through the vineyards, cooking demos, food vendors, a caricuture artist and the Midwest Kite Flying demonstrations. Parking at the festival is free or you can take motorcoach transportation from nearby Pierce.
So Ed and Holly tell visitors to bring a big blanket and some chairs and make a weekend of it at Cuthills Vineyard. They are located three miles west of Pierce on 853 Road just north of Willow Lake. Call Ed and Holly at 402-329-6774 or get advance discounted tickets online at cuthills.com. For more information about Cuthills Vineyard and other places you can buy locally raised products, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, for the finest wine and the best is Blues, visit Cuthills Vineyard � Nebraska�s First Vineyard - this Saturday for their 11th annual Blues Festival, just outside Pierce, Nebraska.
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Pierce Lockers, Pierce, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 8, 2010)
Terry Wragge has been in the locker business at Pierce Lockers in Pierce, Nebraska for nearly 30 years. For a good share of those years, he's been selling his famous hand-twisted hotdogs - the Wragge dogs - from the locker to customers stopping by from 47 states.
If you ask Terry, the Wragge dogs are one of his personal favorites when it comes to the specialty meat products they process in Pierce. But he's also proud of Pierce Lockers' summer sausage, ring bologna, dried beef, Polish sausage, beef and pork bacon, ham loaf and hamburgers.
Now that your mouth is watering, you need to know that its important to call ahead to the locker for some of these products because Terry says the Wragge dogs for instance fly off their shelves so fast, it's hard to keep enough made up ahead of time.
They do custom butchering of beef and pork on Tuesdays. He's already getting booked ahead, so be sure to reserve your processing date as soon as possible.
For folks who haven't purchased farm fresh meat before, Terry can help you find a local family farmer to buy from and he can help you decide how to have the meat processed and packaged for your convenience. If you don't have enough freezer space at home, you can rent locker space from Terry.
Pierce Lockers is open weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm and 8 am til noon on Saturdays. They are located at 117 N. Brown Street, just a half block off Main Street just south of the courthouse in Pierce. For more information, you can call Pierce Lockers at 402-329-4365. Learn more about Pierce Lockers and other places where you can buy locally raised food by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. And remember, when you buy local food, you buy the best food.
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OSMOND PROCESSING, OSMOND, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 28, 2013)
Of all the great specialty meat products Craig Davis makes at Osmond Processing in downtown Osmond, Nebraska, he probably likes his unique onion bratwursts and homemade bacon the best. Along with his hot dogs, these are customer favorites around Osmond.
Craig also makes summer sausage, ring bologna, breakfast sausage and other specialty products from locally raised beef and pork. Processing high quality food is in Craig’s family tree. He learned the business from his father who taught meat cutting at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City and who ran the locker in Crofton for many years.
Craig and his wife Paula bought the locker is Osmond in 1998 and are putting his experience in practice for the local community. They process beef and pork, Monday through Thursday. The processing calendar is filling up fast, so if you want to have an animal custom processed, be sure to call ahead soon to reserve a date.
If you’re looking for locally raised, farm fresh meat, Craig can help you purchase an animal from a local farmer and give you assistance in how to have it processed and packaged.
He says purchasing farm fresh meat becomes even more economical when two or more families go together to purchase an animal.
If you’d like to order some of Craig’s brats, bacon, hot dogs or other specialty items, just give him a call to order ahead. You can call Osmond Processing at (402) 748-3999 or stop in at North State Street in Osmond. It’s the big blue building downtown. You can’t miss it.
And remember, if you want high quality, local food on your family’s table, purchase your dinner from folks you know and trust like Craig and Paula Davis at Osmond.
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Pierce Old Time Threshing Bee, Pierce, NE (Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 10, 2009)
If you love old time farming, machinery and farming methods, then you will love the 33rd annual Pierce Old Time Threshing Bee at Pierce, Nebraska, one of the state�s finest reunions of farmers and their machinery from years ago. The Pierce Threshing Bee is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20 at the Pierce County Fairgrounds. And best of all, for the first time, admission is free.
This year, organizers are raffling off a classic 1947 Massey-Harris 20 tractor, with raffle tickets available for sale. The drawing will take place Sunday afternoon.
Things get kicked off on Friday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. from the fairgrounds with the fourth annual tractor drive. For more information, call Nick and John Gubbels at 402-329-0097.
This year, Agco affiliated tractors and implements are the featured machinery line. This includes some of the old time favorites like Advance-Rumely, Hart-Parr, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, Avery, Cockshutt, Wallis, Massey-Harris and Ferguson as well as the more modern White, Allis-Chalmers, Deutz-Fahr and Deutz-Allis.
The threshing bee grounds open each day at 8 a.m. There is a spectacular machinery parade of power scheduled on both days at 12:30. Gerald Henzler will be on hand with his dog penning and training clinic each afternoon, along with a large variety of exhibitors and vendors.
Don�t miss the steam threshing with a 1916 Case Steamer. Other afternoon activities on both days include wire tie baling, hand corn picking and shelling, potato digging, working horse equipment and demonstrations, unsanctioned pedal pull, barrel train rides and much more.
Displays will include flea marketers, Blue Birds Across Nebraska, Northeast Nebraska Model Railroad Association trains, stationary engines, Roger Hiebenthal, the Blacksmith, antique cars and trucks, toy dealers and dyno testing of tractors.
For the ladies, there is rug weaving, crafts, quilting and much more. Everyone will enjoy the food stand and vendors on the grounds, along with homemade ice cream making.
On Saturday morning at 9 there will be an antique auction including equipment, vehicles, household items, tools, toys, dishes, jewelry and collectibles by Ed Huwaldt Auction Service. They will start taking consignments on Friday afternoon.
A church service is planned for 9 a.m. on Sunday morning, including a Christian country gospel concert by "The Crusaders," a well known group from Lincoln. Tours of the impressive Pierce Museum Complex are set for Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., with shuttles leaving from the fairgrounds.
Exhibitors and vendors are welcome to attend and all horse drawn equipment as well as models of machinery and equipment will be welcomed as part of the show.
In today�s fast-paced, convenience minded society, we can�t imagine what life was like before cell phones and remote control. You will want to bring the entire family to the Pierce Old Time Threshing Bee, to show your children how farming was done in a bygone era.
For more information on the Pierce Old Time Threshing Bee, set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20 at the Pierce County Fairgrounds in Pierce, Nebraska, contact Elwood and Marilyn Meier at 402-329-4245 or Mike Kroupa at 402-329-6929, or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. A special thanks to Manzer Equipment of Osmond for supporting this program.
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MENNO PIONEER POWER SHOW, MENNO, SD
Menno Pioneer Power Show held annually at Pioneer Acres near Menno the last weekend in September. Visit www.pioneeracres.com.
(Text from Farm to Family Connection KK93 Radio Special, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005)
On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, Menno, South Dakota will have a show of power. We�re not talking about the gridiron � we�re talking about the pioneer power at their annual Pioneer Power Show, featuring a slice of life from the good old days.
Rumley-Allis tractors, the old Maytag engines and vintage Buick cars and trucks will be showcased at this year�s event, located at Pioneer Acres on the north edge of Menno. In addition to crafts, children�s games, a flea market, petting zoo, car and tractor parade and toy show, the 19th annual event features an antique tractor pull and corn cutting, binding and chopping demonstrations and a big parade. There�s a children�s pedal pull, mini-rod pull and a bale throwing contest.
Of course, each day, you can see steam threshing or plowing and an old sawmill in action. Visit the women�s display building or the steam building on the grounds that features a Murray Iron Works reciprocation horizontal steam engine of Corliss valve design complete with a 12-foot flywheel and weighing in at 12,000 lbs. The word "impressive" doesn�t do it justice.
And don�t miss the historic Hutchinson County Jail or permanent flour mill display. The kids will enjoy the barrel train and ferris wheel. Honoring old time life on the Great Plains, the annual Menno Pioneer Power Show gives the whole family a slice of pioneer life. For more information, visit the web at www.pioneeracres.com
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MIDWEST TREE MOVING, HARTINGTON, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 5, 2006)
Midwest Tree Moving, Jerry and Gerald Fischer with 16 years of experience and equipment that can move trees up to 25 feet tall. Nursery trees and tree spading. Call 1-800-354-6369.
When it comes to planting and caring for trees, Gerald and Jerry Fischer with Midwest Tree Moving at Hartington, Nebraska have the experience and the equipment for spading nursery trees of all sizes into any landscape. Jerry says Fischer�s showcase tree nurseries located near the Cedar County Fairgrounds and near their feed and farm supply store in Hartington are stocked up with all kinds of nice big trees. They have lots of quality lindens, oaks, maples, ash and hackberry trees as well as evergreens. This fall, they have a large selection of nice, big littleleaf lindens, red oaks, maples and ornamental crabapple trees with white or lavender blossoms. Jerry is especially proud of their beautiful Colorado Blue spruce trees.
Fischers offer specific trees to compliment the design of your landscape. If you want a mountain styled landscape, they now offer tall, narrow spruce trees for that setting. They can also color match beautiful, blue spruce trees, adding color and texture to your design.
If you want trees planted in a tight spot, they are able to plant large balled and burlapped trees in areas where a tree spade won�t fit.
Fischers have tree spades to move all sizes of trees including equipment to move tiny trees all the way up to trees at 12 inches diameter and more and up to 30 feet tall.
Jerry says that mulch is the key to successful tree plantings because it insulates tree roots from extreme temperature change. And the Fischers offer recycled rubber mulch � a non-degradable and non-toxic product � that works really well in all landscapes. They also market landscape edging, weed matt and attractive crushed river rock for the do-it-yourself landscaper. Their wood mulch comes mostly from ground pallets, so it is free of potential disease and pest problems. They also market a full line of species specific fertilizers, to assist with the unique nutrient needs of individual varieties.
They run their tree spades up to a 50 miles radius from Hartington. If you�d like to take a look at all the fine nursery trees grown by Jerry and Gerald or are interested in moving trees this fall, call Midwest Tree Moving at 1-800-354-6369, stop by their farm store at 503 N. Robinson in Hartington or visit the web at farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you want locally grown trees in your landscape, go with the folks you know and trust like Midwest Tree Moving.
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VERDIGRE BAKERY, VERDIGRE, NE
Homemade rolls, donuts, bread and kolaches. Call (402) 668-2233.
(Text from KKYA, 93.1 FM Farm to Family Connection Radio Special, Oct. 21, 2004)
Pete Pavlik of Verdigre, Nebraska goes in around 1 am every morning to work at the Verdigre Bakery. While most folks are sawing logs, Pete is busy mixing up fresh kolaches, donuts, rolls, bread and cakes that will be sold later that morning in Verdigre and in Creighton and Orchard too. Not only do Pete and his wife Mary Pavlik make up to 18 dozen kolaches every day with fillings like apricot, prune and cottage cheese, but they regularly ship their Verdigre-made kolaches across the nation from coast to coast. During the community�s annual Kolache Days celebration in June, they might bake upwards of 500 dozen kolaches.
There�s usually folks waiting by the door when they open up each day at 7:30 am. In addition to their baked goods, they also offer daily luncheon specials like soup and maybe a roast beef or ham sandwich.
Of all the great food they prepare at the Verdigre Bakery, Pete says he likes the breads most of all. Perhaps it�s the science or art behind breadmaking that challenges Pete a little. They make white, wheat, rye and pumpernickel bread as well as hot dog and hamburger buns and dinner rolls. Local restaurants are now featuring some of Pete�s homemade bread, buns and rolls.
If they get enough requests for specialty breads, the Pavliks are happy to give them a try. They�ve been particularly proud of some of their sourdough breads including tomato and basil, Jalepeno cheese or sunflower and honey.
Folks who are planning large gatherings, weddings or other celebrations might want to take in the bakery�s open house set for Sunday, Oct. 24 at the ZCBJ hall next door to the bakery in downtown Verdigre. Pete and Mary will have available samples of their breads, rolls, donuts and other baked goods, including wedding cakes.
So if you�re searching out something homemade for a meal, drive to Verdigre and just follow your nose to the Verdigre Bakery in Downtown Verdigre or you can call Pete and Mary at (402) 668-2233.
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RIVERBANK BATHING COMPANY, YANKTON, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 18, 2007)
Mary and Dave Johnson like telling folks to be sure to wash behind their ears, because helping folks get clean is their business. They�ve been making specialized, fragrant soaps to cleanse the body and invigorate the soul right in Yankton since 2003.
They produce 65 richly-fragranced soap bar varieties made of all natural plant and vegetable oils plus cocoa butters. How about applejack and orange peel, cool peppermint or night fire. Then there�s prairie earth, sage meadow and root beer. They make up special batches of other scents by season like soaps known as sleigh ride, tropical breeze and strawberry. They offer soap bar gift sets for nearly any occasion.
Dave does a lot of the heavy work in the soap making � weighing, mixing, cooking and cutting bars. Riverbank prepares soap in small batches of 25 bars. Mary says the soap holds its scent right down to the last portions of the bar, so a 4.5 oz bar of their soap will last and last. Saponified oils make each soap bar gentle on your skin. Cocoa and Shea butters moisturize, and essential oils and fragrant blends are added as a final enhancement, to their long-lasting, super-lathering bars.
You can purchase the Johnson�s quality, locally made soap in Yankton at several retail outlets. It�s available in other stores around the state and they sell direct at events like Riverboats Days. You can call the Johnsons with your order at 605-267-7627 or at 1-866-557-5998. Visit them on the web at riverbankbathingcompany.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Don�t forget to clean behind your ears, and be sure to use soap from Riverbank Bathing Company, handmade soaps that cleanse the body and soothe the soul.
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KAYLOR LOCKER, KAYLOR, SD
Kaylor Locker, Kaylor, SD - Homemade beef, pork and lamb, Famous Chislic. (800) 464-9648, ext. 1212.
(Text from Farm to Family Connection KKYA, 93.1 FM Radio Special, Nov. 4)
Kenny Konrad has really got something going at their business, Kaylor Lockers in Kaylor, SD, just six miles west and two miles north of Scotland. They are famous for their legendary chislic. In fact, Kaylor Lockers is one of the few local locker plants that will process lamb. And they sell chislic to lots of local taverns, restaurants and grocery stores.
Kenny says you can stop by their facility on Main Street in Kaylor just about any time and pick up chislic and homemade hotdogs and sausage, including their specialty, liver sausage.
They process beef, pork and lamb and make deer sausage as well. They do custom slaughter on Mondays and Thursdays, but anyone interested in having a farm fresh animal processed at Kaylor should call in advance to schedule a processing day.
Kenny has been in the locker business at Kaylor since 1961, so this veteran processor will work with first time fresh meat buyers, lining customers up with local families raising the animals. You can purchase whole critters, halves or quarters. Kenny said he can also help a family decide how to have their meat processed and packaged for convenience. If you don�t have room at home for all that frozen meat, they offer locker rentals too.
If you�re interested in purchasing some of Kaylor Locker�s famous chislic or other specialty meats, give them a call at 1-800-484-9648, extension 1212
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SWANSON HUNTING ACRES, NIOBRARA, NE
Swanson Hunting Acres, Niobrara, NE - Jim, Darrell and Betty Swanson, (402) 857-3794 for reservations.
(Text from Farm to Family Connection KKYA Radio Special, Nov. 11, 2004)
Jim, Darrell and Betty Swanson have been hosting hunters from across the country for over twenty years. Their Swanson Hunting Acres six and a half miles southwest of Niobrara, Nebraska, according to Betty, is where good folks meet for good hunting. That�s particularly true with Swanson�s fine accomodations including a new lodge built in a beautiful, wooded setting. Swansons offer 2300 acres of perfect habitat along the rugged Niobrara River valley near upper Lewis and Clark Lake. Pheasant, quail and chukar partridge are always abundant and the Swansons provide a dog handler with each party of three or four hunters.
Advance reservations are a must, because Swanson�s Hunting Acres is a popular spot, especially in the fall months. Their season runs from Sept. 1 to April 1 for hunting, but the lodge is open year around. Their reserved parties enjoy great hunting, good, old fashioned hospitality, food served in their own hunting lodge and lodging as well.
Be sure to call ahead at 402-857-3794 and visit with Betty about scheduling dates for your hunt.
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KSK ELK AND BUFFALO HUNTING, NIOBRARA, NE
KSK Elk and Buffalo Hunting, Kenard, Steve and Chris Kreycik at Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch, Niobrara, NE (402) 857-3850.
(Text from Farm to Family Connection KKYA Radio Special, Nov. 18, 2004)
These days you don�t have to drive thousands of miles to recreate the days of Lewis and Clark and hunt big North American game like trophy elk and buffalo. Kenard and Steve Kreycik and the KSK Elk and Buffalo Hunting Acres at Niobrara offer hunters from around the region and across the country the hunting experience of a lifetime, traversing some of the most rugged and beautiful landscape in the state � densely wooded hills and deep canyons all within view of the Niobrara River valley. Headquartered at Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch eight miles southwest of the Niobrara State Park entrance west of Niobrara, Nebraska, KSK guaranteed hunts offer guided hunting experiences of all kinds � black powder, archery or high power rifle.
Kreycik�s offer elk, buffalo and fallow deer hunting from their private herd, with animals of all sizes from medium to trophies. Depending on the size of hunt, Kreycik�s will provide meals for the hunting party and provide lodging at the local hotel.
KSK Hunts offers locker services for processing meat or you can purchase elk meat processed at a federally inspected facility from the ranch anytime. At the ranch gift shop, you can purchase elk and buffalo hides and skulls and elk antlers as well.
If you�d like to schedule this type of unique hunt at Kreycik�s Riverview ranch, call Kenard and Steve at (402) 857-3850 or email the ranch � elkranch@bloomnet.com.
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T.H.E. TREE FARM, BLOOMFIELD, NE
T.H.E. Tree Farm, Dan Hoppe, Bloomfield, NE, Christmas trees and wreaths. (402) 373-4866.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 22, 2007)
Start a family tradition. A fresh, locally grown Christmas tree adorning your home is really one of the best holiday traditions there is�and the experience of choosing and cutting your own tree is something children always remember and cherish. Dan Hoppe at T.HE Tree Farm southeast of Bloomfield, Nebraska can offer your family an opportunity to create your own holiday tradition starting with a real Christmas tree.
Dan planted his first evergreen trees back in 1987 and started selling Christmas trees from his five-acre field in 1993. Dan has always loved Christmas and operating a tree farm is just another way his family celebrates the holidays. Their tree farm offers Scotch Pines and Spruce trees.
Dan enjoys making all kinds of Christmas decorations from their greenery like 12 to 30 inch wreaths and swags as well as pinecone wreaths and other decorations. Dan supports the Bloomfield Boy Scout Troop 149 and Bloomfield FFA chapter, with members of both organizations helping clean, bundle and load trees at the farm this year as part of their fundraising efforts.
The tree farm is open Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24 from 11 am to dark and Sunday, Nov. 25 from 1 pm to dark. They are also open the following three weekends on Saturdays from 11 am to dark and Sundays from 1 pm to dark. The farm is open weekdays from 4 pm until dark by appointment only. To get to their tree farm, follow Broadway south from the main intersection in downtown Bloomfield and stay on the same road as it turns into 544 Ave. Go one mile south of town and two thirds of a mile east on 880 Road. The tree farm is located on the south side of the road. If you�d like to set up an appointment at another time or find out more about THE Tree Farm at Bloomfield, call Dan at (402) 373-4866 or (402) 640-3820. You can learn more about locally grown trees and other food and farm products by visiting the web atfarmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heat Hospital.
And remember, grace your home with a fresh, quality Christmas tree grown right here by folks you know and trust like Dan Hoppe at T.H.E. Tree Farm.
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SVARSTAD'S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, IRENE, SD
Curt and Mary Svarstad and family, located two and one quarter miles east of Irene, SD. Call (605) 263-3494.
(Text from Farm to Family Connection, KKYA, 93.1 FM, Dec. 2, 2004)
Folks around Irene, South Dakota and throughout the region are really lucky this time of year, because they have the opportunity to share a special Christmastime tradition with their families. Choosing and cutting a fresh, real Christmas tree grown on Curt and Mary Svarstad�s Christmas Tree Farm a couple of miles east of Irene has made holiday memories for countless families for nearly 20 years now.
With the majority of their trees sold right out of the fields, Curt says they offer a number of popular varieties to choose from. Of course Scotch Pine are some of the most popular Christmas trees in our region, but Svarstad�s farm also grows beautiful Colorado Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce trees too.
With help from lots of family members Curt and Mary are including a whole new generation of tree farmers in their operation during the holidays, grandson Isaac, age 8, is tree shed forman and grandson Easton, age 3, is chief assistant.
They began in 1986, planting a block of 1000 trees on one acre. They�ve planted thousands of trees since then, enlarging their fields and expanding their offerings for folks looking for the perfect tree.
Svarstad�s sell landscape trees from their fields in the Spring, but right now, if you�re looking for a quality, fresh Christmas tree grown right, Svarstad�s are open conveniently every weekend right up to Christmas. They open up from noon to 5 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so you have plenty of opportunity to join in the fun and tradition at Svarstad�s tree farm.
They are located two and a quarter miles east of Irene. If you want more information, give Curt and Mary a call at (605) 263-3494.
And remember, if you want the freshest Christmas tree gracing your living room this holiday season, choose a real tree grown with care by a family you know and trust.
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LYNCH DAWGS, LYNCH, NE
(Text from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 16th, 2004)
Lynch Dawgs, Lynch, NE - Furry little replicas of Lewis and Clark's prairie dogs. Handmade by volunteers in Lynch, Nebraska. Order online at www.lynchne.com.
Joan Faith, a veteran teacher with Lynch Public Schools in Lynch, Nebraska and her faithful crew of volunteers have been staying after school these days. For the past several months, Faith and the crew, which ranges in age from the very young to over 80 years young, have been handstuffing and stiching furry little prairie dog replicas they affectionately call "Lynch Dawgs".
When Lewis and Clark passed through the Lynch vicinity, visiting a well-known hill north of town they called the Tower, but locals know as Old Baldy, their men spent nearly a day coaxing a prairie dog out of its hole to send back to President Jefferson.
Today the prairie dogs, or "barking squirrels" as Lewis and Clark called them, are scorned by local ranchers for the damage they inflict on grazing land. But at the urging of Lynch promoter, LeRoy Purviance, Faith designed a cuddly prairie dog replica that the town could sell to raise funds for community improvement, and capitalize on their connection with the furry varmints.
Purviance says they have sold nearly 1500 Lynch Dawgs so far and volunteers continue to handcraft the critters at full steam. Faith says all the Dawgs are unique, with some fatter and others thinner, depending on who in the group is doing the stuffing.
So if you�d like the perfect Christmas gift for someone who appreciates something extremely unique, you should purchase a Lynch Dawg from the fine folks volunteering for good of their town. Purviance says Lynch Dawgs are an authentic registered Lewis and Clark bicentennial gift. Get your Lynch Dawgs by calling Purviance at 1-800-337-2706 or you can purchase them online at www.lynchne.com. And remember, this Christmas season, give your family only the best � something uniquely made with tender loving care by local hands.
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HOWARD AND JAN GRIMM, LYNCH, NE - RED CEDAR WOOD PRODUCTS
(Text from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 23, 2004)
Howard and Jan Grimm, Lynch, NE, Red Cedar Wood Products - paneling, for woodworking, fenceposts. Call 402-569-2358.
Howard and Jan Grimm and their son-in-law, Canon LeBlanc are busy logging the pastures around their rural homes near Lynch, Nebraska. It might seem that logging and a grassland state like Nebraska just don�t seem to go together, but with growing red cedar tree forests encroaching on thousands of acres of prime grazing land, the Grimms look at cedar trees not so much as a weed, but a resource.
In the early days, the Grimms logged the hardway, with chainsaws and back breaking lifting. Today, With a skidloader and dump truck, they take to the hills and valleys around Lynch, clearing out unwanted trees and utilizing the big timber trees for special products. Howard says after they cut the big trees down, the crew clears some of the lower limbs and move the big trunks in close to home where they are processed.
They have the beautiful cedar wood milled into lumber for cedar paneling, wood perfect for furniture making and woodworking and for other products. They also market cedar wood fence posts ranging from seven to ten inches in diameter and custom cut lengths from five feet all the way up to twenty four feet.
They�ve marketed their locally cut cedar wood products all over the region, from Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. The Grimms are making good out of something most people would discard.
You can learn more about the Grimm�s quality cedar wood products by calling 402-569-2358. And remember, if its local, it�s the best.
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M&M LOCKERS, BRISTOW, NE
M&M Lockers, Bristow, NE - Jim and Barb Korb - Beef, pork and deer custom processors. Homemade sausage and other local meat products. (402) 583-9933
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 22, 2005)
Jim Korb started helping his father Maurice at M and M Lockers in downtwon Bristow, Nebraska when he was in grade school. Little did he know at the time, but he was carrying on a family tradition, because Maurice helped at the locker in Colome, SD when he was in grade school � so the legacy was merely being carried on by another generation.
Maurice and Marcella Korb started the locker plant in Bristow nearly fifty years ago, in 1956, so the Korb family has experience in meat processing on their side. Now Jim, his wife Barb, son Max and daughters Sarah and Adrienne help out in the business too.
They do custom butchering of beef and pork as well as deer in season, with a specialty of homemade sausage, home cured meats and other specialty cuts too. Jim says his customers recognize the high quality meat products coming from M& M Lockers and they particularly like their ring bologna and hot dogs as well as their sausage products. If you are looking for farm fresh meat, the Korb�s can help you find a local farmer you can purchase quarters, halves or the whole animal from. They can also help you decide how best to have the meat processed and packaged for convenience for your family.
The best thing about buying meat from a local locker is that you know the meat is fresh and locally grown by folks who care. M&M Lockers is located on main street in Bristow, about halfway between Lynch and Spencer, Nebraska along Highway 12 in Boyd County. You can contact Jim and his family by stopping by their store in downtown Bristow, calling (402) 583-9933 or by visiting the web at www.farmtofamily.net. And remember, if its local, it�s the best.
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MARY'S 'MAGINATIONS, ATKINSON, NE
Mary's 'Maginations - Mary Pospichal, Atkinson, NE - Custom painting saw blades, cream cans, vases and canvas originals - Sandhills scenes, wildlife and birds. (402) 482-5698.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 6, 2005)
With the backdrop of birds and wildlife of Nebraska�s Sandhills as her inspiration, Mary Pospichel of rural Atkinson is coming into her own as a painter. When she doesn�t have a paintbrush in her hand, she ranches with her husband Mike, caring for their family�s cowherd and ewes and lambs on their spread twenty-two miles south of Atkinson, near Chambers.
This self-taught artist has been painting for nearly six years, but she�s really devoted more time to her art now that their son and daughter have both graduated from high school. She paints Sandhills scenes and custom landscapes on nearly everything. She�s done some beautiful saw blades, cream cans and even specialized vases for wedding flowers. When she does get a chance to paint on canvas, this rancher brings the scenes she�s most familiar with � Nebraska�s Sandhills � to life.
Squeezing her painting in between ranch chores, Mary is a fast and efficient painter, but the quality of her work speaks for itself. She�s exhibited her work at regional shows in O�Neill and Elgin. If you�d like to view or purchase some of Mary�s work or if you have a custom painting opportunity for Mary, call her at home at (402) 482-5698. And remember, the most reflective and creative works are crafted by local hands.
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VERDIGRE FARM SHOW, VERDIGRE, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 17, 2013)
Bring the whole herd over to the Verdigre FFA Alumni Farm and Home Show in beautiful Verdigre, Nebraska, set for Saturday January 19, at the Verdigre High School Gym. This large, hometown farm and home show will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be over 60 vendors covering almost everything you will ever need for the home or farm, as well as hourly drawings.
Nebraska Cornhusker star, Justin Jackson, will be on hand to sign autographs. There will be free water testing by the NRD and two bikes will be given away, sponsored by Pischelville Lodge. Grand Prize drawings will be at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this huge show set for Saturday Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Verdigre High School Gym. For more information, go online at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, and be sure to bring the family to Verdigre this upcoming Saturday for the Verdigre FFA Alumni Farm and Home Show.
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DENIM RUGS BY JENNY LEBLANC, LYNCH, NE
Handmade, custom order by calling (402) 569-2379
(Transcript from KKYA Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 20, 2005)
From the ranching country among the rugged cedar covered ridges along the Missouri River near Lynch, Nebraska in Boyd County, Jenny LeBlanc markets her unique handcrafted rugs.
On a loom her grandmother purchased back in 1960, Jenny began making rugs about six years ago. She takes blue jeans and cuts the seams and zippers out of them. She cuts the remaining panels into strips. Jenny says she sews the strips together, end to end to make longer pieces that are rolled into balls. These are put on shuttles and started on the loom.
So the rugs she makes are all handcrafted with tender loving care, making them a perfect gift for the home.
Jenny makes rugs from 2 feet to 8 feet long and her denim rugs are washable and durable as well. She exhibits her wares at local craft shows, but the best way to order a handcrafted rug from Jenny is by contacting her at home at (402) 569-2379. Mornings are the best time to catch her. You can also reach her through email at jcleblanc@threerivers.net. And remember, if it�s locally crafted, it�s the best there is.
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HUFFY'S AIRPORT WINDSOCKS, SPENCER, NE
Gary and Karen Hoffman - www.huffyswindsocks.com (800) 218-7625
(Transcript from KKYA Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 16, 2006)
Spencer, Nebraska farmers, Gary and Karen Hoffman turned their aviation hobby into a full-time business. Huffy�s Airport Windsocks, Incorporated is flying high these days, with Gary and Karen selling their handcrafted airport windsocks and old-style welded brackets in all shapes, sizes and logos, across the country from their downtown Spencer shop and on-farm manufacturing facilities housed in a former hog barn.
Gary and Karen, who run cattle on their Boyd County farm, started their windsock business by accident. Long time aviators, they made their own windsocks for their farm airstrip. When they took their windsocks as door prizes for a flying farmers� conference, they received a number of orders for more.
Since starting out in 1985, they�ve supplied windsocks for airports around the state and their windsocks have flown from the Harbor Patrol in New York City, for the Air National Guard in Pennsylvania to the marina at Weigand Recreation Area on Lewis and Clark Lake.
Gary says that calibrated windsocks like the ones they make tell folks more than wind direction. A properly crafted windsock can tell you wind direction and to some extent, velocity, and it can tell you if the wind is gusty or not, an essential indicator for pilots.
They sell their windsocks and brackets at aviation shows from California to Florida and points in between. They are exhibiting this upcoming week at the Helicopter Association International show in Dallas, the largest helicopter industry show in the world.
They often garner contracts from corporate businesses that purchase quantities of windsocks with their company logo for use in promotions. Gary and Karen, their children and a few employees do all the work themselves from sewing and printing logos on the windsocks to actually manufacturing their own special pattern brackets.
In spite of their volume contracts, they also custom craft windsocks for rural airstrips and backyards as well, providing technical assistance to customers looking for just the right windsock for their situation. You can call Gary and Karen at Huffy�s Airport Windsocks, Incorporated at 800-218-7625 or visit their website at huffyswindsocks.com. Learn more about Huffy�s Windsocks and other locally designed and on-farm manufactured products by visiting farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if it�s crafted locally be folks you know and trust, it is the best there is!
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Dick's Country Butcher Shop, Irene, SD - Dick Sherman - Beef, Pork, Lamb and Deer in Season. (605) 263-3388.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 17, 2005)
Dick Sherman has a good thing going northwest of Irene. Dick�s Country Butcher Shop two miles north and a half-mile west of Irene is a popular spot for locally grown beef, pork and lamb.
Dick�s experience in meat processing pays off with quality meat products. He sells halves and quarters of course, but he also retails all kinds of specialty cuts from his shop. Lots of folks stop by for his 90-93 percent lean hamburger or his specialty homemade bratwurst or dried beef.
And Dick says there just aren�t too many places around where you can buy rollapose � an old Danish delicacy that he alone features.
Dick does custom meat processing of beef, pork, lamb and deer in season, but you want to make sure you call ahead to schedule a processing day. He can also help customers looking for locally processed meat find the cuts and packaging most convenient for their families.
Dick�s Country Butcher Shop is open 8 am to 5:30 pm during the week and from 8 am to noon on Saturdays. You can call Dick at (605) 263-3388. And remember, show your family you really care � grace your dinner table with great tasting local food you can trust.
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Creighton FCCLA Farm and Home Show, Creighton, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 7, 2012)
Students in Creighton, Nebraska’s Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter have been hosting the community’s annual Farm and Home Show for over 20 years. This year’s show, set for this Saturday, March 9 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Creighton High School gymnasium, is sure to be bigger and better than ever.
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Waupacona Farms - Marvin DeBlauw, quality grassfed beef. Hartington, NE (402) 254-3429
(Transcript for March 3, 2005 Farm to Family)
Marvin DeBlauw of rural Hartington, Nebraska farms an area with lots of heritage. He calls his place, Waupacona Farms, named for one of the early settlements in the county and the old country school nearby where DeBlauw attended elementary grades.
Marvin has made history too � he�s one of the region�s most experienced graziers � converting much of his row cropland to grass-legume pasture from which he raises and sells his premium grassfed beef.
Farming three miles north and five and a quarter miles east of Hartington on 886 Road, Marvin has utilized intensive rotational grazing for more than twenty years, that is moving his cattle regularly to fresh pasture paddocks and allowing grazed paddocks a rest period.
In the 1990�s, Marvin transitioned from a conventional dairy operation to a grazing beef herd, marketing his special, great-tasting drug and hormone free grassfed beef directly to local customers.
Recent studies show that grassfed beef is high in Vitamin E and in heart healthy and cancer fighting Omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids, the good fatty acids in food.
Because it is lean, Marvin says that you need to slow-cook grassfed beef for meat that is tender and juicy. He likes preparing roasts for instance by cooking them in the oven with a little salt and pepper at 250 degrees for four hours. When he grills his grassfed steaks and burgers, Marvin likes to place a piece of tin foil under the meat on the grill, to keep the juices and maintain moisture.
Marvin sells his Waupacona Farms beef by halves, split quarters, split eighths or the whole critter. All of his animals are processed at the USDA facility in Wausa, Nebraska. His customers can order their beef through Marvin and pick up their meat after processing at the Wausa Lockers or you can purchase meat directly from Marvin off the farm.
Order today by calling Marvin at (402) 254-3429. And remember, show your family you really care � grace your dinner table with great tasting local food, because if you know your farmer, you know your food.
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Wausa Farm and Home Show
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 4, Feb. 24, 2011)
Northeast Nebraska’s town with Swedish roots, Wausa - is ready to host their third annual Farm and Home Show, this Saturday, February 26 in the Wausa downtown Community Auditorium, on the south side of Highway 121. The annual Farm and Home Show runs from 9 am to 2:30 pm and there will be lots to see and do for everyone attending.
In addition to around 30 vendors that supply nearly everything you might need for the home or farm, there are also hourly drawings, fundraisers and food on hand. Exhibitors this year include creative artisans, service and utility businesses, retailers, crafters and local civic groups. Don’t miss the annual Wausa Pancake Appreciation across the street at the Wausa Fire Hall, serving from 9 am to 1 pm and hosted by the Wausa Community Club.
After the Farm and Home Show, students in FBLA will hold their labor auction as a fundraiser. Be sure to bid on students for babysitting and other special labor needs.
If you’d like more information on the Wausa Farm and Home Show or if you’d like to be a vendor this weekend, contact Katie at CHS in Wausa at 402-586-2272. For more information on this show and for transcripts, audio clips, wellness tips and a directory of local food producers and family farms and businesses, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
.And remember, get out and support your community and attend the Wausa Farm and Home Show this Saturday, February 26 at the downtown Community Auditorium in northeast Nebraska’s Swedish Capital - Wausa, Nebraska.
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Bloomfield Bakery, Bloomfield, NE - Homemade baked goods of all kinds, including lots of specialty items. Call 402-373-2343.
(Transcript from KK93 Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 21, 2005)
Deland and Pam Reynolds know when it�s time to make the donuts and the cookies, cupcakes, pies, sweet rolls and bread because they�ve been operating the Bloomfield Bakery at 104 N. Broadway in Bloomfield, Nebraska since 1983.
The bakery in Bloomfield is an institution in Knox County because it�s been operated continuously since the 1920�s. Hometown folks and visitors from around the region have come to know all the wonderful baked goods the Reynold�s make every day.
They also bake angel food cakes, regular white and wheat bread and a number of specialty breads and dinner rolls. They make three sizes of sandwich buns as well as their own pancake mix and everyone�s favorite, homemade noodles. And it�s all made from scratch, without preservatives, for that authentic, homemade flavor their customers have come to enjoy.
The annual Knox County Fair in Bloomfield each August is extremely busy at the bakery, because the Bloomfield Bakery provides the church lunch stands on the fairgrounds with buns and pies each day. Many of their products are also used at school functions, fundraisers, family reunions, promotions and Bar-B-Ques around the region. They also deliver within the city limits of Bloomfield.
The bakery is open for lunches daily with a noon special and homemade soup in season.
The Bloomfield Bakery is open Monday through Friday, from 5:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 5:30 am to 1 pm. You can get more information on the bakery at Bloomfield, Nebraska by calling the Reynolds at (402) 373-2343. And remember, If you want food with integrity for your family, grace your table with local food made from scratch by folks you know and trust.
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Sheila's Country Gardens, Hartington, NE - Locally grown flowers, perennials, shrubs and custom baskets and planters. Call 402-254-6379.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 25, 2013)
Sheila’s Country Gardens, just three miles south of Hartington, Nebraska along Highway 57 is set for their 24th year of sprucing up your gardens and landscapes around the home and farm. Sheila’s is anxious for customers to visit her greenhouse and gift shop, housing all of your lawn and garden needs, including her garden and yard plants, that she starts from seed.
Sheila is excited about their new fairy garden planter, complete with miniature plants and furniture, making it a perfect gift for the kids or even Grandmas. She has a great selection of non-stop, ever blooming begonias in almost every color imaginable. Sheila also loves the popular tiger eye and Denver daisies.
She sells hanging baskets and planters, garden décor and benches, along with many unique foliage plants. Sheila has hundreds of premade hanging baskets, but if you bring your own basket or planter in, she will be glad to custom plant those for you too. Don’t forget all of her garden seeds, potato and sweet potato sets. If you’re looking for a Mothers’ Day gift, just give Mom a gift certificate to Sheila’s and let her pick out the plants she loves most.
Sheila’s Country Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5. They are open on Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m. So if you are looking for the best in the lawn and garden this spring, stop by Sheila’s, just three miles south of Hartington on Highway 57, or call 402-254-6379. Learn more at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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St. James Marketplace, St. James, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 17, 2009)
St. James Marketplace Heritage Fest
The beautiful little village of St. James, Nebraska is a bustling place, thanks to several local farm families and over sixty talented regional vendors who make St. James Marketplace something special.
Set atop a grassy knoll in the architecture of a Spanish mission, the Marketplace � listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the former parish schoolhouse has become a special spot for travelers and local residents to find unique things they can�t find anywhere else.
The big event for the Marketplace season is Heritage Fest set for Sunday, Sept. 27. On Heritage Fest Day, St. James is transformed back to the old days of huge community picnics with nostalgic games, heritage demonstrations and exhibits and great food. Demonstrations open at 11 am. Watch demonstrations ranging from grinding and grading, operating a hand apple cider press, homemade ice cream making, needle work, weaving and spinning, cornhusk dolls and much more. There will be traditional competitions like a hand log sawing contest featuring editors and writers for local media. Don�t miss the hilarious skillet toss and the cow chip flip. The kids can join in old time games like the potato roll and watermelon seed spitting contests or enjoy horse and wagon rides and barrel rides. And be sure to visit and the every popular antiques room. This year�s speakers include LaRayne Topp, who will talk about the strong faith and stubborn will of women in the development of the wild West. Jim Horn of Plainview will bring the mountain men, like Jim Bridger and John Colter back to life. Food concessions will also be available throughout the day.
The Marketplace is located at St. James, just two miles east of the Wynot spur along the Outlaw Scenic Byway, Highway 12 in northern Cedar County. It�s just 12 miles west of the Vermillion-Newcastle bridge. They are open weekends from 10 am to 5 pm from early May until just before Christmas and Heritage Fest is set for Sunday, Sept. 27. Get more information by visiting the marketplace on the web at www.stjamesmarketplace.com or at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Don�t forget to get in on the good life by visiting the St. James Marketplace in beautiful downtown St. James, Nebraska.
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Diane's Greenhouse, Fordyce, NE - 402-357-3754
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 18, 2013)
Diane Dickes has a green thumb. Ten years ago she took her passion for plants to a new level, opening her own retail greenhouse, Diane’s Greenhouse, one mile west of Fordyce, Nebraska on their family farm.
Diane knows her stuff when it comes to gardening and designing planter baskets. She designs 1600 baskets each year. With help from her husband Greg and their children, she grows over 400 different perennials, a huge assortment of annuals, trees and shrubs.
Diane recommends that gardeners work mushroom compost that she has available in bulk and in bags into their gardens and flower beds, to replenish the soil after last summer’s drought. It is a good, natural fertilizer and when it is applied in the fall, the compost provides important mulch around perennials to regulate the soil temperature from extremes, as we have seen this spring. Diane advises mixing two ice cream buckets of mushroom compost into the soil around vegetable plants, to help hold the moisture in the soil during hot summer temperatures. This could prevent some of the seasonal diseases we’ve experienced in recent years in our gardens. And, after the heat of last summer, be sure to ask Diane about proper watering tips for new and existing trees and shrubs.
Diane’s Greenhouse is open Monday through Friday from 9 am until 7 pm., on Saturdays from 9 until 5 and on Sundays from noon until 5. You can visit her greenhouse a mile west of Fordyce, Nebraska. Just turn by the sign off Highway 81. For more information, you can call Diane at 402-357-3754 or log onto the web at dianesgreeenhouse.com or visit Diane on Facebook. You can learn more at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. And remember, grace your landscape and gardens with high quality plants grown right here by someone who cares about their customers.
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Pierce County Fair, Pierce, NE.
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, July 21, 2011)
There will be family fun for everyone this week at the Pierce County Fair in Pierce, Nebraska. Beginning today, fairgoers will enjoy the 4-H cat show, beef showmanship and the breeding beef show. At 1 p.m., don’t miss all of the action of the NNPAI Tractor Pull, followed by the Nebraska Bush Pullers at 7 p.m.
On Friday, July 22nd, enjoy a wake up call with a free pancake breakfast sponsored by Farmers’ Pride. At 8 a.m. things get rolling with the 4-H sheep and goat show. Other shows planned for Friday include the swine show, market beef show, open class and FFA beef. The 4-H livestock sale begins at 7 p.m. Also at 7 p.m., the hall of fame, Pioneer and outstanding individual awards will be handed out. The Bull-A-Rama and Last Go-Around Calcutta begin at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, July 23rd, activities begin with the 4-H dairy show, horse games and rabbit and poultry show at 9 a.m. The 4-H bucket calf judging starts at 11:30 a.m., with cow chip throwing contest at 1 p.m. and the kid’s pedal pull at 1:30. The Sand Creek Western Show begins at 1. The 4-H Style Revue starts at 6. Then, get ready for the star studded sounds of Joe Diffie, with Frankie Ballard as the opening act. Following the grandstand show, Side Step will be playing at a dance at 10:30.
Finally, on Sunday, July 24th, the 4-H inspirational service will begin at 8:45 a.m. There is a sand volleyball tournament at 9 a.m. and at 10 there will be a 4-H livestock judging contest. At noon there will be the Nebraska Garden Tractor Pull. A Ranch Rodeo starts at 1. At 5:30, the Demolition Derby begins. At 8:15, there will be a retiring of the colors ceremony by Pierce American Legion Post 72.
Carnival rides courtesy of Mac’s Amusements will be on hand throughout the fair, and you can get all the great entertainment with daily passes, or by purchasing a season pass. For more information, visit the web at piercecountyfair.org or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
This summer, take in the games, entertainment and competition of the annual Pierce County Fair in Pierce, Nebraska.
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Cedar County Fair, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, July 14, 2011)
The fair in Cedar County, Nebraska began back in 1874 in a farm field south of St. James. By 1875, the fair had moved to St. Helena. The first official Cedar County Fair to be held in Hartington took place during incessant rain in 1884, and the fair moved to its current location just east of Hartington in 1892.
So Cedar County has a long tradition of hosting the fun, pageantry, livestock, exhibits and competition that make a fair great. The 2011 version being held in Hartington this week is no different.
Today, things kick off with the 4-H/FFA Light Horse Show, 4-H and open class bucket calf show and 4-H/FFA Dairy Show. Also on the slate for today are interviews for the exotic animals. There is a hamburger feed in front of the fair office beginning at 5 p.m. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., you won’t want to miss the 13th annual MSRA/IRA Rodeo.
Tomorrow, Friday, July 15, 4-Hers and FFAers will be participating in the goat and sheep shows in the morning. Chainsaw carving runs from 3-5. Then at 7:30 p.m., Gotcha Covered Band takes the stage as the opening act for the feature concert, Country Music stars, Trailer Choir, which begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Grandstand. Gotcha Covered Band will be playing for the dance following the concert.
On Saturday, July 16, don’t miss the 4-H and FFA swine and beef shows. Dutch oven cook off begins at 1 and chainsaw carving will run from 2 to 4. Also from 2 to 4, Diane Gubbels will be presenting her stories of inspiration trunk show at the open class building. That evening, Them Other Dudes band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. as the opening act for the legendary Diamond Rio, taking the stage at 8:30. Them Other Dudes will be playing at the beer garden after the concert.
On Sunday, July 17, activities begin with a non-denominational church service at 9 a.m. at the open class building. The parade will be at 12:30. Colors de Clown Face Painting runs from 1 until 5 p.m., Old Time Fiddlers play from 2 to 4, and an FFA Ice Cream Social takes place at 1:30 p.m. Be sure to enter your best baking in the Best Pie in the County contest Sunday afternoon. A Pedal Tractor pull starts at 3:30 p.m. Finally, in grand tradition, the fair closes out with the annual Cummins Stock Car Races with race categories for 4-cylinder, hobby and street stock and Grand Nationals.
Admission to the fairgrounds is free. Mac’s Amusement provides the carnival rides throughout the fair. Don’t miss the quilt and school exhibits, bingo parlor, beer garden, 4-H, commercial and open class exhibits.
For more information, visit cedarcountyfair.net online or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
If you are looking for the finest in fair entertainment, with a long tradition of hosting high quality fun for the whole family, bring your herd over to Hartington, Nebraska this week for the annual Cedar County Fair.
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Lindy Country Club, Lindy, NE - Locally raised elk and buffalo on the menu. 402-373-2440.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 4, 2005)
Private George Shannon, the youngest member of the Lewis and Clark expedition takes center stage in Lindy, NE for a special festival on Saturday, Aug. 6. The Corps of Discovery String Band plays at 1 pm with the dedication of the Shannon sign at Lindy's Shannon monument following at 2:30 pm.
There is a car show from noon until 4 pm with registration starting in the morning at 9:30. There's also a sand volleyball tournament. Teams of three men and three women are welcome to register for the tournament at any time to the day of the festival. Prizes are awarded in the double elimination tourney.
The Knights of Columbus will be serving brats at the beer garden, raising money for the Bloomfield playground. The band - Potbelly - takes the stage from 9 pm until 1 am.
It all takes place at the Lindy Country Club, where there is always elk and buffalo on the menu as well as catfish and walleye and fantastic prime rib on Saturdays.
The Lindy Country Club is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. They are closed Mondays. For more information on Lindy's Shannon Day or the great food at Lindy Country Club, call Tamaralynn at 402-373-2440.
And remember, for the best local entertainment and locally grown food - look no further than Lindy, Nebraska.
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Knox County Fair, Bloomfield, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 9, 2012)
The 129th Knox County Fair in Bloomfield, Nebraska, August 9 through 12, is sure to be one of the best ever. Dedicated to Ryan Bloomquist and family, the fair this year will include all of the usual 4-H and FFA livestock and project exhibits and shows, along with State Fair entertainment at County Fair prices.
Tonight, Thursday, August 9, D.C. Lynch will open the midway at 6 p.m. Don't miss the Bull-A-Rama at 7 and a free open air dance following. Tomorrow, Friday, August 10, a special fair dedication ceremony will take place with the Bloomquist family at the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. with Country Music star, David Nail taking the stage. Another free open air dance will take place after the concert.
On Saturday, August 11, a Tractor Pull begins at 1 p.m. Colors De Clown will be entertaining on the midway from 3 until 7. At 8 p.m. Hairball takes the stage, with a free open air dance following the show. Then on Sunday, there will be an ATV Rodeo at 1 and a kid's pedal pull at 2 p.m. Leonard Havranek will entertain at the beer garden at 2. The bicycle giveaway and Pioneer Farm Family awards will take place at the Grandstand at 6:30 and J.T. Hodges takes the stage at 7 p.m., with a free open air dance following the concert.
For 4-H and FFAers, livestock entry day is today. Events today include the livestock judging contest and the 4-H/FFA cat and dog shows. On Friday, don't miss the small beef and cow/calf shows. Saturday's activities include the FFA livestock show, 4-H/FFA rabbit show, dairy and dairy goat show, sheep and meat goat shows. Then on Sunday, don't miss the 4-H swine show, open class horse show, 4-H/FFA poultry and pet shows as well as the 4-H beef show.
It is fun for all ages, with large machinery displays, rides for the kids, commercial exhibits and all kinds of open class exhibits. Get your farm to family connection. Don't miss a single day of the huge Knox County Fair in Bloomfield, Nebraska. For more information, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Mulehead Ranch ATV Adventures, Gregory, SD - Joe and Lynne Duling - 800-378-3077.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 25, 2005)
If you are an explorer at heart, Joe and Lynne Duling and their daughters, Abby and Alexa from Mulehead Ranch near Gregory, South Dakota have an adventure for you. Mulehead Ranch ATV Adventures provide guests with 40 miles of trails on 5000 acres with five miles of frontage along the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case.
Whether you�re a beginner, intermediate or advanced ATV rider, you�ll have a blast riding their winding trails, climbing sixty foot bluffs and enjoying spectacular views for thirty miles around. Their trails take guests through rugged hills, open prairie, rocky shoreline and oak forest. Wildlife galore abounds around the trails.
You can bring your own ATV or rent one from the Dulings. The accomodations are great for clubs and groups. It�s the perfect destination for families and family reunions. You can spend the night at the ranch at a main guesthouse for instance, that accomodates nine to twelve people or another guesthouse that accomodates five people. They are complete with a kitchen, artesian water hot tub, horse shoe pits and sand volleyball as well as campfire pits. The Dulings also offer horseback riding, boating as well as hunting and fishing packages.
Mulehead Ranch got its name when Peter Heggested found a whitened skull of a mule embedded in a cottonwood tree on the ranch in the early 1900�s. And the name has stuck ever since.
Mosey on over to the ranch � Mulehead Ranch at Gregory � for an adventure in the wilderness. The ranch is located 13 miles north of Bonesteel and about an hour north of O�Neill, Nebraska. You can contact the Dulings at 605-835-9911 or call them toll free at 800-378-3077. Visit their website at muleheadranch.com or learn more at farmtofamily.net.
And remember, real adventure is just around the corner � at Mulehead Ranch at Gregory.
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Hartington Tree, LLC - Ken Hochstein Family, Hartington, NE - 402-254-6710
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, May 11, 2006)
Ken and sons Kyle and Kent Hochstein have been involved in the tree business for nearly twenty years. The family takes pride in their work as licensed arborists, helping local folks by providing high quality trees from their own nursery and providing professional tree spading service as well as balled and burlapped trees.
Kyle says that fall is one of the best times of the year to plant trees. Autumn blaze maple is one of Kyle�s favorite trees. It�s fast growing and takes on beautiful red foliage in the fall. But the family has a wide assortment of Colorado Blue Spruce and other evergreens, shade and ornamental trees too.
The family has a 60 foot boom truck, so they can take on even the really big tree trimming and removal jobs with ease. They also provide stump cutting and cleanup, tree fertilization, iron injections and disease and insect control in your landscape trees.
The Hochsteins serve tree customers all around the region as far as 80 miles from their nursery and headquarters in Hartington. With Kent�s background in landscape design, they can even provide ideas about how to improve your home landscape environment.
So if you are working with trees, get licensed arborists like the Hochsteins on your team. Call Ken, Kyle or Kent at Hartington Tree LLC at 402-254-6710 in Hartington.
And remember, if you want the highest quality tree nursery stock and professional, courteous service, stick with local licensed arborists like the Hochsteins. Folks you know and trust.
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Missouri River Expeditions, Vermillion, SD - 866-875-2529
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 13, 2005)
If you want to experience the Missouri National Recreation River up close and personal, you want to take in a river adventure with Chad Caldwell and his Missouri River Expeditions based out of Vermillion.
Chad and his crew are the premier outfitters on the Middle Missouri. They�ve been operating on the Missouri for six years and they specialize in 1 to 4 day kayak expeditions and waterfowl hunting on the river.
Chad is an expert guide and outfitter, not only does he outfit around the Missouri River, South Dakota and Nebraska, but in the winter months he guides kayak and sailing adventures in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Chad says that his trips are fully outfitted, complete with gourmet meals. They are located two miles west and two miles south of Gayville, right on a shallow stretch of backwater out of the main channel of the Missouri River. They have cabins and tipis for rent on the water as well as numerous tent camping facilities.
The crew at Missouri River Expeditions can customize trips for groups, corporations, schools and churches. They can run up to twenty-five people at one time and you don�t have to be an expert on the water to enjoy one of their adventures.
Chad says they can accommodate all levels of expertise from the beginner to the veteran. They do single adventures and family outings too.
You�ll want to bring your binoculars on the river to view the local wildlife as you paddle along the steep banks and shallow backwaters. Chad says his company flows like the river � they are flexible to the needs of their guests. Right now they have a great package that includes discounted lodging at Lewis and Clark marina and resort with his hunting expeditions on the river.
Missouri River Expeditions guarantees shooting opportunities on their hunts and if you don�t have opportunities, they will grant you a raincheck for another time. The best thing to do is to give Chad and the crew a call and let them customize an adventure for your needs.
Call or email Missouri River Expeditions today to reserve your adventure dates. Call Chad toll free at 866 875-2925 that is 866 USKAYAK, email him at ccmrepaddler@yahoo.com or visit their website at missriverexp.com. And remember, real adventure is just around the corner � right here in our beloved Missouri River valley.
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Pavlik Crop Consulting, John and Ardis Pavlik, Royal, NE - Call 402- 893-9944
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 10, 2005)
With fertilizer prices on the rise, farmers are more concerned than ever before about getting the most for their inputs on the land. That�s why soil testing for nutrients this fall is more important than ever before.
John Pavlik and his wife Ardis have been operating their independent crop consulting business just a stone�s throw from Grove Lake near Royal, Nebraska for many years. Pavlik Crop Consulting helps farmers with nutrient management, integrated pest management and irrigation scheduling. But this time of year as well in the winter and spring, John is busy with surface and subsoil nitrate sampling and testing.
Nitrogen recommendations made using the top eight inches or surface of soil or basing the recommendation on what the previous crop yielded are not as reliable as annually deep soil testing. These results save you money by taking residual nitrogen into account and the practice is more environmentally sound too.
John says that subsoil sampling to a depth of at least three feet for residual nitrate-nitrogen determines the amount that could be available and credited to next year�s crop � protecting future yields and saving money. Pavlik also gives nitrogen credit for manure applications, drought conditions that might leave extra fertility in the soil and prior soil-building legume crops.
John is concerned about saving you money and protecting the quality of surface and ground water, while still protecting your yields and ultimately your bottom line. He says that several of our local natural resource districts even offer attractive cost-share programs for deep soil testing, making it an even more economical practice.
You can call Pavlik Crop Consulting today and set up a time for your subsoil sampling and tests by calling 402-893-9944.
And remember, protect your bottomline, your yields and your environment by scheduling a subsoil test today with Pavlik Crop Consulting, local independent experts you know and trust.
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Jolene Steffen Art Gallery and Open House
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 28, 2010)
Jolene Steffen of rural Crofton doesn�t have to look far for scenes to paint. Nestled in the Bow Creek valley just one mile south of the Highway 81-12 junction and a mile and a quarter west on 888 Road, Steffen�s farm and gallery is in full sight of some of the most inspirational rural scenes around.
She has transformed those scenes, some of which are just outside the window of her studio and farm home, into striking oil and watercolor paintings that capture the beauty of farm life.
Jolene, her husband Jeff farm within site of the historic hamlet of Constance. She worked as a commercial artist for local newspapers and magazines for ten years. The self-taught painter learned her trade over the years and began to paint what she knew � her family, friends and farm � right from her farm home.
She has painted countless memorable scenes over the years that will be on display, like Bow Creek Awakening, Lovers Lane, Crofton Lakeview Golf Course, Rattlesnake Road, Meridian Bridge and of course her own image of Lewis and Clark on the Missouri. Her newest painting, Nature�s Prayer, is prominent in her gallery along with a new print of the St. Helena Cemetery, titled �A Quiet Place.�
Jolene travels to display her talents at major art show in Omaha, Brookings, Lincoln and of course, Riverboat Days in Yankton. And she is hosting an open house at their farm next weekend, Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7 from 10 am to 6 pm on both days.
A visit to her gallery is a real treat, because visitors not only get to view her studio and displays of her paintings and frames, but they get to meet and talk with Jolene herself about her work. The Steffens also display the creative woodwork of Jolene�s husband, Jeff, along with artwork from her talented children, daughter Jenna and son Cole.
You can learn more about Jolene Steffen by visiting her website � jolenesteffen.com or by visiting farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. If you can�t make the open house, call for an appointment at 402-357-3740. Take a drive in the country and visit Jolene Steffen and her family at her art studio on the Steffen farm near Constance, Nebraska.
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Brady Tree Farm, 4 miles east of Yankton. Christmas trees, home made decorations. 605-665-4726
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 1, 2005)
Scotch Pine, White Pine, Austrian Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Black Hills Spruce and Balsam Fir. Nothing says Christmas like a homegrown, REAL Christmas tree and you will find some of the finest quality real trees right here in the Missouri River valley at Brady Tree Farm four miles east of Yankton on Highway 50.
Tom and Jody Brady and their children Beau and Brooke spend the whole year � planting, weeding, shaping and shearing � in preparation for the holiday season � so they can offer their customers the finest Christmas trees around.
The Brady family is fond of all types of trees they offer, but Tom especially like Balsam Fir trees because of the evergreen fragrance they bring into the home.
In addition to harvesting trees for Christmas, the Brady family also sells what Jody calls � big, fluffy, old fashioned wreaths as well as fresh roping and centerpieces, the kind of special decorations that make holiday traditions so memorable.
Brady Tree Farm is located at 265 Antler Drive four miles east of Yankton. Turn by the Brady farm sign on the south side of the highway and you�ll see their beautiful tree fields in full view. They are open Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 6 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm every day til Christmas.
For more information on Brady Tree Farm, call the Brady family at 605-665-4726.
Make a true holiday tradition for your family this season. Bring the whole family out to Brady Tree Farm east of Yankton for your REAL tree Christmas.
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Buol Custom Landscaping, Curbing and Recycled Barns, Norfolk, NE - (402) 750-9173. Terry, Judi and Jeff Buol.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 15, 2005)
Terry and Judy Buol and their son Jeff at Norfolk love old barn wood. That�s why they�ve been recycling old barns for the past decade and transforming the beautiful, weathered wood into all kinds of creations. The Buol�s specialize in yard and garden benches made from barn wood and custom designed with birdhouses and all kinds of home and garden d�cor.
The Buol family can make a unique creation for your home and garden. Terry says customers should make an appointment to stop by their home for a look at all kinds of sample benches they have made. In addition to benches, they also use barn wood to create decorative sleds and wreaths for Christmas.
In addition to recycled barn wood for the garden landscape, the Buol family also specializes in custom concrete curbing that can accent almost any landscape. They can install concrete curbing for plant and tree islands and along flowerbeds and walkways around the home. The curbing is wide enough to make mowing and trimming around the lawn a breeze.
Terry says they work all around the Norfolk vicinity and you can call the Buol family for more information anytime at 402-750-9173. Call today for an appointment to stop by their home and inspect all kinds of sample ways that the Buol family can enhance your home and garden.
For more information about Buol Custom Landscaping, Curbing and Recycled Barns, visit the web at farmtofamily.net.
And remember, if you want unique accents around your place, put your trust in Terry, Judi and son Jeff Buol at Norfolk, Nebraska.
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Ober's Original Bar-B-Que Sauce, Royal, NE - 402-893-2880
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 29, 2005)
It might be cold outside right now, but a Royal, Nebraska family wants to bring great bar-b-que taste to your dinner table all year around. Ober�s Original Bar-B-Que Sauce, made in Royal by Gary, Diane and Kelli Ober originates from a secret family recipe.
Years ago, Gary Ober and his friend Bernard Glover started doing bar-b-ques for friends and family. They started getting requests from guests for extra sauce to take home. And suddenly, a new venture was born.
The family gained use of a commercial kitchen and learned how to package their tasty product from Nebraska�s Food Processing Center at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
When daughters Lisa and Kelli were home, they helped with the two to three-day process of preparing the produce, making and canning the sauce and labeling the jars. Now the Ober daughters are grown, but Kelli still returns home from college to help her parents. She�s in charge of labels and brochures.
The family makes pints and quarts of sauce. You can find their bar-b-que sauce at stores like Royal One Stop Shop in Royal, TJ�s Market in Orchard, Thriftway in Neligh, M&M Lockers in Bristow, Gragert�s Grocery in Creighton, Mitch�s Food Center in Plainview and the gift shop of the Born Again Barn in Orchard. They sell their sauce wholesale or retail, so you can purchase your sauce directly from the family by calling 402-893-2880 or email them at fullboremfg@frontiernet.net. The Ober�s are members of GROW Nebraska and the Highway 14 Association.
So remember, if you are craving bar-b-que tonight, don�t wait for the weather to warm up. Enjoy the Ober family�s secret recipe and get great bar-b-que taste with Ober�s Original Bar-B-Que Sauce, made in Royal, Nebraska.
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Stockmen's Livestock Auction - East Highway 50, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 5, 2006)
There aren�t many places in today�s marketplace where there is real competition bidding for a farmer�s products. But livestock auction barns are one of the last remaining places where farmers have bonafide price realization.
Stockmen�s Livestock Auction in Yankton is one of those places where producers, large and small, can still sell their animals the auction way and have lots of bidders competing for the critters. Located on East Highway 50, Stockmen�s is easily accessible and has a tremendous reputation for satisfied producers and buyers.
Gail and Janet Sohler purchased Stockmen�s back in 1962. Now along with son Jay, they offer all kinds of marketing services. Even Jay�s son Clayton takes part in the family business during the summer.
Stockmen�s specializes in selling fat cattle, feeder cattle, slaughter cows, bred heifers and cows, cow-calf pairs and butcher hogs. Tuesday sales include slaughter cows and bulls at 8:30 am with the weekly feeder calf sale starting at 11 am.
The fat cattle sale starts at 8:30 am on Wednesday. In season from November to May, Stockmen�s holds bred heifer and cow sales every other Thursday afternoon at 1 pm. Butcher hogs sell every Monday and Thursday morning from 10 am to noon. Stockmen�s also hosts a number of purebred bull sales throughout the late winter and early spring months.
You can call Stockmen�s anytime at 1-800-532-0952 and talk with one of their experienced market representatives. If you�d like one of the representatives to come to the farm to visit with you about your livestock, they�d be happy stop by.
Get more information about Stockmen�s Livestock Auction in Yankton and other family-run farms and businesses by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net.
And remember, if you want real market access � sell your livestock the auction way at one of our fine local livestock auction barns like Stockmen�s in Yankton.
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H and J Lures, Royal, Nebraska - Max and Linda Hieter and Gary Jones. (402) 893-4531.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 12, 2006)
Max Hieter, his wife Linda and partner Gary Jones are avid fishers and they�ve been committed to the sport of fishing for many years. That�s why it is only natural that experienced fishermen like themselves would be able to create handpainted ice jigs, hand tied spinner baits and walleye spinners that almost make fish jump into the boat.
Since 1986, H and J Lures, headquartered in Royal, Nebraska near Grove Lake, has used only quality material to design and produce their one of a kind fishing lures. Max and Gary were tired of buying lures for winter fishing that lost their paint after a couple of outings, so they began testing their own handmade lures. Friends and neighbors asked to purchase these homemade lures and their business was born.
Testing in the field is important when it comes to fishing lures, that�s why H and J Lures is so sure you�ll find success with their tournament tested products.
Their fine spinner baits are so successful because of superior flash of diamond cut blades, the click of the triple or the vibration of twin spins. You can buy their lures ready to go or custom made.
H and J markets their lures by special order or through bait and tackle shops and True Value hardware stores in Nebraska and South Dakota. They always welcome inquires from new dealers and they can handle all sizes of orders, large and small.
You can order your lures today by calling Max and Linda at 402-893-4531 or call Gary at 402-842-3035.
If you�re going fishing, you need H and J Lures in your tacklebox. Visit their website at h-jlures.com. For more information on H and J Lures and other local family businesses in our region, visit the web at farmtofamily.net powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, try the best and out fish the rest with hand made H and J Lures from Royal, Nebraska.
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Creighton Livestock Market, Creighton, NE - 402-358-3449. Since 1942.
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 11, 2010)
Creighton Livestock Market in Creighton, Nebraska has been an agricultural institution in northeast Nebraska since 1942 when Harry Reese managed the sale barn. The market was founded by Creighton business people who wanted to offer auction services for local farmers.
Today, Creighton Livestock still offers quality auction services to farmers around the region. Selling between 75,000 and 80,000 head of feeder cattle every year, they have become one of the state�s premiere feeder cattle auction.
There is a sale every Tuesday with feeder pigs selling at 11:30 am and feeder cattle at noon, with weigh up cows following. Creighton Livestock also hosts regularly-scheduled bred cow and heifer sales throughout the winter months. Upcoming sales at Creighton Livestock include a bred cow and heifer sale on March 16th and a big feeder calf sale on March 23rd. Creighton Livestock is also a representative for Superior Cattle Auctions video cattle sales.
The experienced staff at Creighton Livestock offers on farm appraisals as always and efficient livestock handling and marketing service. For information, you can contact Keith Saathoff, Warren Deidrecksen, Ryan Creamer or Dick Suhr.
Whether you are buying or selling livestock, stop by Creighton Livestock Market at 1103 Peabody Street in Creighton. For more information call 402-358-3449 or visit the web at creightonlivestock.com. For information on Creighton Livestock and other local family farms and businesses, visit the web at farmtofamily.net powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, keep competition in the marketplace � market your livestock at one of the fine auction barns in our region like Creighton Livestock Market in Creighton, Nebraska.
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Bloomfield Farm and Home Show, Bloomfield, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 11, 2010)
On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Bloomfield High School gym comes alive for the annual Bloomfield, Nebraska Farm and Home Show. Not only will the gym be filled to capacity with business vendors from around the region, including lots of vendors and exhibitors new to this show, but there are lots of fun activities set for the day as well. And this year�s show, scheduled to run from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, looks to be bigger and better than ever.
Be sure to come hungry, because the Bloomfield Ruritan will be serving pancakes from 10 am to 1:30 pm. The local Boy Scout troop is again hosting their popular pinewood derby races.
Of course there will be lots of prize drawings every hour throughout the day from the numerous vendors planning to attend. If you need something for the home, garden or farm, or are looking for new services and entertainment with a local flare, the Bloomfield Farm and Home Show will help you shake the winter time blues. So plan on bringing the whole herd over to the Bloomfield High School gym for the annual Bloomfield Farm and Home Show on Saturday, Feb. 13.
For more information about the show, contact Eunice Palu at Farmers and Merchants State Bank � 402-373-4321 or visit the web at www.farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you want to celebrate hometown style, plan on attending the Bloomfield Farm and Home Show, Saturday, Feb. 13 at Bloomfield, Nebraska.
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Rosebud Beef Ranch, Dwaine and Susan Umberger, Herrick, SD - 605-775-2477
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 2, 2006)
Dwaine and Susan Umberger have been raising premium lowline grassfed beef on their Rosebud Beef Ranch near Herrick, SD for the past five years. The Umbergers are working land that was homesteaded by Dwaine�s grandfather back in 1905.
The Umbergers chose to raise Australian lowline cattle for their direct farm fresh beef sales because they are known to be small and naturally tender.
At Rosebud Beef Ranch, beef cattle are fed only forage rations. Their cattle don�t receive any growth hormones, feed additives or grain. They are fattened on grass and sometimes alfalfa and grass hay, because the pasture growing season around Herrick is pretty short.
Dwaine and Susan are well versed in healthy food, so they started raising grassfed beef for their own family meals first. Then they decided to share their premium beef with others by selling it directly off the ranch.
Their grassfed beef � with high concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids or CLA�s and Omega 3 fatty acids � is known for its leanness and heart healthy, cancer fighting properties.
You can order premium lowline grassfed beef from the Umbergers by emailing them at deumberger@gwtc.net or calling 605-775-2477. Rosebud Beef Ranch is located four miles east of Herrick, SD on Highway 18. Get more information on Rosebud Beef Ranch and other farm families raising high quality, healthy food and selling their products fresh from the farm by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, get your food directly from farm families you know and trust like the Umbergers at Herrick, because if you know your farmer, you know your food!
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Fred Frank Tree Nursery - Wausa, NE - 402-586-2564
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 9, 2006)
Fred and Kathy Frank love trees. That love of growing trees has blossomed into a tree nursery business for the Franks. The Franks have operated a Nebraska licensed and inspected tree nursery in the rolling hills on the southeast corner of Wausa on McKinley and Wilson Streets for the past seven years.
They grow around sixty different types of trees � both deciduous and conifers � providing nearly any type of landscape tree you could want in your yard or around your place. You can almost name a cultivar that you are interested in and the Franks will have it.
Fred really likes his white and Austrian pines, white, blue and Black Hills spruce, hackberry, sugar and purple maples, kentucky coffeetrees, white ash and bur oak to name just a few of his favorites.
Fred and Kathy also grow ornamental trees like flowering crabapple, river birch, European white birch. They offer trees from four feet high all the way up to fifteen feet.
They operate two tree spades to move your trees into place, a big 48 inch spade and a smaller 24 inch spade.
This spring they will be selling potted fruit trees as well like apple, cherry, plum, pear and peach. So you�ll want to stop by the Frank�s nursery soon to schedule your tree spading and to look over their fine inventory of trees.
Depending on the weather, Fred will start spading trees this Spring in April sometime and he spades again in the fall months. He can offer consultations on how to best care for spaded trees as well.
So contact Fred and Kathy Frank to plan your Spring tree projects. It�s best to call in the evenings at 402-586-2564. Get more information on Fred and Kathy Frank of Wausa and other local tree nurseries and greenhouses in our region by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you really want it to grow, look to local tree nursery operators like Fred and Kathy Frank at Wausa, Nebraska.
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Garnet Anderson Name Search Gifts, Wausa, NE - 402-586-2346
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 6, 2006)
Garnet Anderson has a unique name and she always wondered about the root of her name and where it came from. That curiosity has blossomed into an on-farm business for Garnet. From Chuck and Garnet Anderson�s farm east of Wausa, Garnet looks into personal names like no one else.
Her home-based computer business looks up the roots of an individual�s name as well as the meaning of the name and traits of someone holding that name like personality, ability, sentiment and more. She can do name origins and meanings as well as name stories, family trees, star signs, calendars, cups and mugs, poems, motivational sayings, awards, dedications and family heraldry.
Her business uses these things to make an unusual, but very personalized gift, listing everything about one�s name in a matted and framed finished product.
These name portraits are great for all kinds of special occasions and they can be printed on backgrounds for Christmas, birthdays, wedding days, for Mothers and Fathers day gifts, with a poem as a background or for new babies. There are about 100 backgrounds to choose from.
Garnet says her gifts make everyone feel special and put a smile on everyone�s faces. She sells her customized gifts at farm and home shows and craft shows in Wausa, Elgin, Mitchell, Yankton, Norfolk and Pierce. But you can contact her anytime at the farm at 402-586-2346. Or learn more about Garnet�s business at farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you want to know what is in a name, ask Garnet Anderson from Wausa, Nebraska.
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Whispering Hills Hunting, Verdigre, NE - 402-668-2250
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 16, 2006)
Russ Hirschman and his wife Pat are fortunate to live and farm among the rugged backroads west of Verdigre, Nebraska in some of the finest wildlife lands in northeast Nebraska. That�s why their Whispering Hills private hunting and outfitting is so unique.
At Whispering Hills, the Hirschmans offer pheasant and quail hunting, deer and turkey hunting and coyote and crow calling. They also have private spring fed fishing ponds ready for you to wet a line.
The Hirschmans offer single day adventures and multiple day hunting excursions that include guide service and hunting dogs, as well as top notch home cooked meals after the hunt is through.
You can lodge in secluded cabins among the scenic countryside of western Knox County. Russ says their turkey and deer hunting takes guests over some of the most beautiful ground they�ll ever see.
Their controlled shooting season for pheasants runs from Sept. 1 to March 31. All other seasons follow game season dates set by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. For the convenience of their guests, Hirschmans are also a hunting and fishing permit vendor.
The Hirschman family raises and direct markets homegrown pork and beef, so before you leave, be sure to bring something locally grown home for your dinner table.
If you�d like to just get away from it all and hunt in some of the most secluded and interesting landscapes around, plan your next hunting or fishing venture at Whispering Hills west of Verdigre.
You can call Russ and Pat at 402-668-2250 or email them � pat@whisperinghillshunting.com. For more information, visit their website at whisperinghillshunting.com or visit farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember that you don�t have to drive a thousand miles for a great hunting or fishing excursion. Plan your next adventure with Russ and Pat at Whispering Hills Hunting near Verdigre, Nebraska.
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West Hodson Lumber Company Redwood Tanks, Crofton, NE - 402-388-4330
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 13, 2006)
All watering tanks are created equal � or are they? Well, if you ask LeRoy and Ron at West-Hodson Lumber Company in Crofton, they will tell you that they most definitely are not created equal. West-Hodson at Crofton builds a superior water tank from the heartwood of redwood trees.
These tanks � if kept full of water and preserved from livestock damage � have been known to last 40 years or more. Ron says that it takes around 8 hours to build one tank, depending on the size. He has built around 200 redwood tanks over the past few years, ranging in all sizes, with two, four and eight foot diameter tanks the most popular. They come with two-foot sidewalls or 30 inches.
The bottoms of the tanks are tongue-in-groove with the sides built using a half-moon groove system that helps prevent leaks and extends the life of the tanks. While the tanks are generally purchased for use for livestock watering, they have also been utilized to catch rainwater and for a variety of other situations.
West-Hodson has full service lumberyards in Osmond, Creighton and Crofton and they�ve been one of the fine Farm to Family Connection sponsors since the beginning of our program. You can order West-Hodson Lumber Company custom built redwood watering tanks by calling LeRoy or Ron in Crofton at 402-388-4330. Talk with them about building a redwood tank to fit your needs.
And remember, if it�s made by local hands at West-Hodson in Crofton, it has quality guaranteed.
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Ornaments for You - Phil and DelRae Hilfiker, Concrete Lawn Ornaments, Fountains, Statues, Benches and More, Fordyce, NE - 402-357-3525
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 24, 2008)
If sprucing up your yard is on your to-do list this summer, you�ll want to check out the largest selection of law ornaments available in northeast Nebraska. That�s Ornaments For You, just 2 miles west of Fordyce, right on Highway 81.
You�ll find some new items that Phil and Del Rae added this year and a well-stocked inventory of both painted and natural products. You�ll be in awe of the 450-pound, three-piece dragon and the 3-and-a-half-foot tall bear. Of course you�ll find all the old favorites that include deer, fountains, urns, planters, baskets, statues, benches, bird baths, memorial verse stones and bench, a huge selection of animals and many, many more items.
Phil and Del Rae�s business started out as a hobby with just five molds. Now, with more molds than ever, Ornaments for You is a full-fledged business venture. Phil pours most of the ornaments, which cure for 28 days. DelRae uses her expertise to paint and create the finished product.
Items found at Ornaments For You make great gift ideas for Mother�s and Father�s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas. They�re also a welcome gift for memorials and funerals. If you�re searching for an easy way to shop and find an always-welcome gift, request a gift certificate for any amount. Just watch for the huge selection of concrete ornaments on their farmplace in front of the big white barn or behind their log house.
If you're driving a distance, you're welcome to call ahead. You can also leave a note or take one of their business cards from a box near their barn. You can call the Hilfikers' Ornaments for You at 402-357-3525 or email Phil and Del Rae at ofy@gpcom.net.
So for something handcrafted with care to grace your home or memorialize your loved ones, look to local folks you know and trust like Phil and Del Rae Hilfiker of Fordyce, Nebraska. An original and charming way to celebrate the Farm to Family Connection.
Farm to Family Connection is written by Curt Arens - www.downtoearthbooks.com.
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Dakota Aerial Photography, Yankton, SD - 605-665-7777
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 18, 2006)
There is something breathtaking about a view from the sky. But what Dave Tunge and Dakota Aerial Photography offer to farm families, local businesses and residents is more than just a snapshot from above. An experienced pilot like Dave, who has logged over 20,000 hours in the air since he began his flying career in the 1960�s also brings photographic expertise to each project.
Using state of the art photography equipment, this award-winning photographer takes views of local sites that result in sharper images because Dave knows how to use the natural lighting at particular times of the day to his advantage. Flying in his Piper Super Cub, he has an unobstructed view of the farms and sites he is photographing.
Dave has taken aerial photos for farm families, of landmarks, industrial and commerce sites and of landscapes for scenic value to a new level. His shots offer more than just an aerial view � they offer images that have historic significance because of the quality they provide.
He can customize your aerial photography project to your needs and according to his past customers, Dave provides shots that are so unique, they are unforgettable.
You can learn more about Dakota Aerial Photography and what Dave can do for you by taking a look at their website � dakotaaerials.com or by calling Dave at 605-665-7777.
And remember, if you want high quality prints with a view you�ll never forget, contact Dave and Dakota Aerial Photography and get the skyview of your home place.
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Kolach Days, Verdigre, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, June 9, 2011)
Driving along Highway 14 near the beautiful town of Verdigre, looking out over the wooded hills locals call the Czech or Bohemian Alps, you get an Old World feeling.
Verdigre is proud of its Czech roots and every year that proud heritage is on full display at the community’s annual Kolach Days festival. For over 40 years, Kolach Days has drawn thousands.
This year’s Kolach Days festival begins with a Variety Show tonight, June 9 at 7:30 pm at the ZCBJ Hall, featuring the Verdigre Community Chorus’ rendition of Viva Las Vegas. Tomorrow, Friday, June 10, in addition to a pool party at Wildwood Acres, the Doc Walstrom Memorial Turtle Races are set for 4 pm. You can register for the Amazing Race at Chalupnik Park at 6. The evening activities for Friday are capped off with the Kolach Queen’s Coronation and Royalty Ball at ZCBJ Hall from 8 until 12 and a Street Dance on Main Street from 9 until 1, featuring Gotcha Cover D.
On Saturday, June 11, things get started with a memorial fun run/walk with registration beginning at 7am and a mud volleyball tournament that starts at 9:30. There will be a Kiddie Parade at 11 am, and a Poker Run sponsored by the Verdigre Improvement Club. Duck races start at 1:30 pm. Verdigre High School alumni are welcomed home for their annual alumni banquet at the ZCBJ Hall. There will be a free dance following the banquet, featuring the Tyndall Accordian Club, a youth dance at the high school gym and another street dance from 9 until 1, featuring Black Water Band.
Sunday, June 12 begins with a Polka Mass at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church at 9:30 am. The Verdigre High School drill team will entertain at 1 pm and the Grand Parade begins at 1:30, with entries from around the region. If you’re really hungry, enter the Kolach Eating Contest after the parade. There will be a 4-wheeler pull and an antique tractor drive. A Polka Dance Contest is set for 5 pm at the ZCBJ Hall, with the events schedule culminating with the ever-popular Old Fashioned Bathtub Races at 5 pm on Main Street.
During the festival, you can find your favorite ethnic food, including Kolaches, at all around town, including the Verdigre Bakery where they make literally thousands of Kolaches in preparation for this big weekend. Souvenir stands and the wonderful Verdigre Heritage Museum Complex, including a fantastic gristmill, is open Saturday and Sunday. And be sure to stop by art show on Main Street and the Verdigre Public Library. DC Lynch will provide the rides throughout the celebration.
Learn more on the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Be sure to Czech out Verdigre’s annual Kolach Days festival this weekend, starting tonight in beautiful Verdigre, Nebraska.
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Regional Farmers Markets
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, July 19, 2012)
Every Summer Saturday morning and Wednesday evening, from now until the end of the growing season in mid October, you will find vendors of all kinds – from fresh vegetables, fruits and produce to artisans, crafts and baked goods – at the northeast corner of the Yankton Mall parking lot, under the shade tree.
Bring your entire family from 8 am to 12 noon on Saturdays and 4 pm to 7 on Wednesdays. Farmers markets and summer markets like the one in Yankton hearken back to the days when folks knew the farmers raising their food. The market allows children to meet and learn from farmers in the area, and it allows local farmers to explain their produce and tell their customers how it was raised.
Don’t miss out on the great locally grown food, produce and baked goods, every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening at the Yankton Mall parking lot. For more information on vending at the market or visiting the market, call 605-665-5999 or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Get to know the folks raising your food by visiting the summer farmers market in Yankton.
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Dixon County Fair, Concord, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, July 28, 2011)
End your July and begin your August in style by taking the entire family over to Concord, Nebraska for the annual Dixon County Fair. Things get rolling on Sunday, July 31 with a sunrise worship service at 8 a.m. The Dixon County 4-H Teen Leaders will be serving omelets from 8 until noon. Then at 10 a.m., the shows begin with the open class horse show and the 4-H dog show. In the afternoon, there is a horseshoe tournament, 4-H household pet show, cat show and cow/calf judging. At 7 p.m., there will be a presentation of the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family awards and Good Neighbor awards, followed by the gospel music of the Part Time Trio.
On Monday, Aug. 1, the 4-H horse show is on the schedule. Monday’s activities will also include an archery demonstration and a free barbeque sponsored by the Dixon County Ag Society, as well as an ice cream social by the Dixon County 4-H Council. Team penning starts at 7, with the Sheila Greenland taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, you can take in the market beef, feeder calf, breeding beef, dairy and bucket calf shows, as well as poultry judging and the rabbit show. At noon, enjoy the antique, farm and modified tractor pulls. At 7, there will be an ATV pull, followed by a teen dance, featuring Complete Music at 9:30.
The fair closes out on Wednesday, Aug. 3 with the swine, sheep and goat shows, with the fashion revue, music revue and presentation of home economic trophies beginning at 4 p.m. Be sure to take in the kiddie pedal tractor pull at 12:30 and the demolition derby and figure 8 race at 8 p.m.
The first week of August never looked so good, so be sure to plan a trip to this year’s Dixon County Fair at Concord, Nebraska, Sunday through Sunday, July 31 through Wednesday, August 3rd. For more information, visit the web at dixoncountyfair.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Entertainment, youth exhibits, livestock, food and fun all await you in Concord, Nebraska at the Dixon County Fair.
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Niobrara Sesquicentennial Celebration, Niobrara, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 24, 2006)
Niobrara, Nebraska celebrates the community�s 150th birthday this week, Thursday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 27. Niobrara, set at the confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers, has been touched by history since the early days.
Niobrara folks are throwing a party to celebrate that heritage. The L�Eau Qui Court Cemetery Walk is one of the most interesting events of the weekend, with costumed historic figures adding local color to the cemetery�s rich heritage. The walks are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 pm until 7.
On Friday, Aug. 25, there is a quilt show at the Lutheran Church and a Style show at the Presbyterian Church. It�s also Cruise Night beginning at Ole�s Caf�. There is an openair dance beginning at 9 pm, featuring the band Average Joe. During the dance, the "Briding the Shores" royalty will be crowned.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, things get started at 8 am with a fun run/walk. The car show begins at 9 on the east side of Niobrara. Brothers of the Brush beard judging, Sisters of the Swish and recognition of the oldest lifelong residents of Niobrara all takes place at 10 am at the new fire hall.
There is a Sand Dig for Kids at 10 am at the Presbyterian Church. Grandstand entertainment begins at 10:30 at Sage Brothers Memorial Field, with model car races, Just Because polka band, Dakota Pride cloggers, and Northern Ponca and Santee Sioux tribes are putting on a Native American dance exhibition.
There will be a military helicopter landing at the Niobrara Trading Post and a noon flyover begins the grand parade. Parade entries will be judged at 1:30 pm. In the afternoon, there will be catfish races, stoplight drag races and an alternate vessel calcutta. Terry Lane will be on hand to portray Buffalo Bill Cody. A road rally is set for 5 pm at the Sage Brothers Field. Elaine Peacock will be entertaining everyone with her singing talents and there will be free hot air balloon rides at 6 pm. Another open air dance and fireworks closes out Saturday�s events.
On Sunday, Aug. 27, there is a community church service planned for 9 am, with birthday cake fellowship following at Sage Brothers Field. The NE Nebraska Antique and Hot Rod Tractor Pull is set for noon, with an alternate vessel regatta and duck float closing out the schedule.
Don�t miss out on Niobrara, Nebraska�s 150th birthday celebration this weekend. For more information, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Wausa Labor Day Celebration, Wausa, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, September 1, 2011)
Wausa, Nebraska knows how to throw a celebration. The Swedish community’s annual Labor Day party is one of the best. It all gets started on Saturday, September 3 with a trap shoot at Gladstone Park at 11 a.m. and with sand volleyball and Frisbee golf tournaments too. The beer and game garden opens at noon, with ladder ball, Polish horseshoes and more games planned for the volleyball area. The Scavenger Hunt starts at 5 p.m., with a bratwurst feed at 7.
Then, on Sunday, September 4, the firemen’s breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 11. The 22nd annual Wausa Auto Show registration begins at 9 a.m., with the show starting at noon at Gladstone Park. Awards will be presented at 4:30.
There is a food court in the park from 11 to 4 on Sunday, and a beer garden at Gladstone Park from noon to 5, featuring the local brew master from Duster’s in Columbus. A kid’s carnival begins at 1 p.m., with homemade root beer on sale at noon. The horseshoe tournament starts at 1, with bingo in the park area at 2. HSJH Band will perform at 2 p.m. A tug of war takes place at the swimming pool area at 2:30.
Things close out with a ping pong drop at 3:30 and the ever popular bathtub races on the street by the pool, with registration beginning at 4. The FBLA Bar-B-Q runs from 5 to 7 at the Wausa Fire Hall. In the evening, don’t miss the Lib Dub contest and the “Skits from Saturday Night Live” community play at the auditorium. Karaoke begins at Bill’s Place at 8.
You and your family won’t want to miss a single minute of Wausa’s famous Labor Day celebration at Wausa, Nebraska. For more information, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Shelterbelt Lane Natural Meats, Verdigre, NE - Roger and Carolyn Vech
(Transcripts from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 7, 2006)
The livestock around Roger and Carolyn Vech�s farm is well protected by windbreaks and shelterbelts, first planted by Roger�s parents and grandparents. That�s why their natural meat company, based on the Vech ranch northwest of Verdigre, Nebraska, is called Shelterbelt Lane Natural Meats. After the farm crisis in the 1980s, Roger and Carolyn began selling their corn finished, drug free, natural beef as a way to diversify their income without having to increase their cow herd size.
The Vech�s take their time finishing their beef animals. Roger says they are fed like his parents and grandparents did � not pushing the animals too hard and allowing them to finish slower. This process provides a more consistent, good-tasting product when it shows up on their customer�s dinner table. All of their animals are processed at the USDA facility in Wausa, so they can market their beef from coast to coast. They�ve sold beef that was shipped west to Los Angeles and east to New York City.
But most of their beef is sold directly to customers who have come to know and trust the Vech�s beef. They market eighths, quarters, halves and even bundles, so their products can fit any family size or freezer space. Of course, the Vech�s market ground beef, roasts and steaks, but they are especially proud of their own unique recipe for weiners. They also sell pre-cooked roasts that are quite popular, as well as cured dried beef, perfect for sandwiches, receptions, picnics and snacks.
They usually have some beef on hand, or you can place an order for their next processing date. The Vech�s guarantee their products and they will help you get their beef processed and packaged they you want it.
Be sure to contact Roger and Carolyn Vech at 402-668-2381 to place your order today. For more information, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. And remember, if you want natural beef on your table, purchase your meal from ranchers you know and trust, like the Vech�s at Shelterbelt Lane Natural Meats, located in the rolling hills known as the Bohemian Alps, northwest of Verdigre, Nebraska.
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Hebda Family Produce - Garrity's Prairie Gardens, Mission Hill, SD - 605-665-2806
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 11, 2012)
It’s apple harvest time at Hebda Family Produce east of Yankton. Hebda Family Produce has been growing vegetables for years and selling at local farmers markets. Hebda’s farm store and farm market is now open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Because of the drought, U-Pick is not available for apples this season, but there is a good supply of pre-picked Cortland and MacIntosh apples in their store now. The family also has "made from scratch" apple pies and other fruit pies including cherry, strawberry/rhubarb and peach along with their awesome apple cider, apple butter, jams and jellies, fresh salsa, spaghetti sauce and much more. Be sure to ask about their fine gift packages like the dessert basket, apple pie with server, apple gift box, salsa gift box and great jam and jelly gift packages.
Hebda Family Produce is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Regular weekend hours at Hebda’s are just around the corner, beginning in October. Contact the Hebdas by calling them at 605-665-2806, email the family at hebdaproduce@msn.com or visit online at hebdaproduce.com. Hebda Family Produce is located east of Yankton, or two miles west of Mission Hill on 444th Avenue.
Get more information on locally raised food by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. You know what they say about an apple a day. So get your apples from the Hebda family. Buy fresh. Buy local. Buy healthy. Grace your family’s table with food grown locally by a family like the Hebdas, who you know and trust.
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Wausa Swedish Smorgasbord, Wausa, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 18, 2012)
Wausa, Nebraska, the state's "Little Sweden" will be celebrating their Swedish heritage with food and fun at their annual Wausa Smorgasbord, set for Saturday, Oct. 27 from 5 pm until 8 pm at the Wausa City Auditorium.
The Smorgasbord started back in the 1940's, when the ladies from the Wausa Methodist Church cooked up the idea of a smorgasbord as a fundraiser. But the popularity of the fine feast grew so fast, the church ladies knew they couldn't handle all of the work alone. So, since 1968, the Wausa Community Club has enlisted the entire community to pitch in.
Now, nearly everyone in Wausa helps out in preparing food, decorating, selling tickets and serving between 500 and 700 guests, including lots of folks from other states and even other countries.
No where else will you find over 150 pounds of hot, creamy scalloped potatoes, 200 pounds of Swedish meatballs, dozens of rings of home-town potato sausage, trays of spicy cold meats and cheese, 2000 home-made cookies, fresh home-baked bread, ostakaka, sweet biscuits, rice pudding, rye bread, herring, nut bread, fruit soup, Swedish mints and much, much more. And it is all served by costumed waiters and waitresses amid an atmosphere of Swedish decor.
Profits from this community event support local scholarships, and numerous community improvement projects and activities.
So, even if you aren’t Swedish, you might want to be, at least for one night in Wausa, Nebraska. Gather your friends for the annual Wausa Smorgasbord and take a trip to Sweden with food and fun. Tickets are on sale now at Commercial State Bank in Wausa. Call 402-586-2266. There are three serving times, at 5, 6 and 7 pm, so be sure to specify which time you prefer. For more information on the event, call 402-586-2718 or log onto the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
We�ll see you in Wausa, Nebraska on Saturday, Oct. 22.
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Gubbels Hunting, Randolph, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 19 and 26, 2006)
It�s hunting time again and you don�t need to look any farther than your own backyard for a good place to find game birds. Steve Gubbels and his family offer prime hunting opportunities and traditional Northeast Nebraska hunting for individuals and small groups on their farm just east of Randolph, Nebraska in southern Cedar County.
The Gubbels offer five different areas to hunt, each with unique habitat and sure shooting opportunities. They have land in Conservation Reserve Program, grass waterways and standing corn strip with good upland grass and woods as well. The Gubbels can customize a hunt for your specific needs.
They offer guide service as well and they work regularly with youth groups, encouraging new generations of safe, responsible hunters who enjoy their past time. Hospitality is number one on a Gubbels hunt.
And you can get out of the weather and relax awhile in the Gubbels barn, a perfect spot for gathering, eating a sack lunch or processing birds and freezing your birds for the day. If you like, great food is also available close by in Belden or Randolph.
Hunting at Gubbels farm offers ringneck pheasants of course, but they also have the unique black pheasant and chuckers as well. They charge a base price per bird per day, depending on the game you are hunting.
So don�t drive hundreds of miles from home this year for your memorable hunt. Find your hunting adventure right here in our own region in southern Cedar County at the Steve Gubbels farm.
You can contact the Gubbels family for more information by calling 402-337-1329, Steve�s cell phone at 402-360-1445 or by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, put your hunting experience in the hands of people you know and trust like Steve Gubbels and his family near Randolph, Nebraska.
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B & B Lockers, Wynot, NE - 402-357-3515
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 9, 2006)
Karen Boeckman and the crew at B & B Lockers in Wynot, Nebraska are real professionals in the meat processing business. I found that out firsthand when Karen gave me the nickel tour of their facilities recently. B & B Lockers is one of the most modern processing plants in our region and they have become well-known around the area not only for quality custom processing of beef and pork, but also for their great, specialty products.
They are open for custom processing on Mondays through Thursdays, but be sure to reserve your date ahead of time, because the processing schedule fills up fast. B&B Lockers can help you choose the best cuts and specialty meats as well as packaging options for your family�s needs.
In addition. B&B products like ring sausage, summer sausage, dried beef, bratwurst, breakfast links and of course, bacon are available at the plant all the time, but also at HyVee Stores in Yankton and South Sioux City. They also sell their fine meat products in season at the Omaha Farmers Market, where return customers keep coming back for more each week.
In addition to their meat products, you can also pick up a gallon of milk, juice or other grocery items during their regular hours from 8 am to 6 pm during the week and 8 am to 3 pm on Saturdays.
So get ahold of Karen at B&B Lockers in Wynot, Nebraska for all of your meat processing needs. Call B&B at 402-357-3515 or visit the web at farmtofamily.net.
Remember, trust your family�s dinner table to someone you know and trust like the fine folks at B&B Lockers in Wynot.
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Jeanne's Antiques, Crofton, NE - 402-388-4631
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 16, 2006)
You know, there are just some things you have to see to believe. That�s the case with the gigantic inventory Jeanne and Donavon Schmidt have lovingly compiled at Jeanne�s Antiques along Highway 12 one mile east of Crofton, Nebraska after 40 years in the antique business.
When the Schmidts gave me a tour of their meticulously-organized warehouse, my jaw literally hit the floor. I couldn�t believe the care that had been taken in identifying quality pieces and their knowledge in actually telling the stories of many of their beautiful items.
These antique professionals really specialize in oak and walnut furniture and that is one of the first things you notice when you visit. They have glass china cabinets, claw foot tables, oval library and parlor tables, fireplace mantles, china buffets, princess dressers, washstands and even an 1886 Victorian sofa.
At Jeanne�s Antiques, they have Red Wing and Western crocks and potteries such as Hull and Watts Ware. They have depression and carnival glass and crystal as well as plates and tableware from old Europe. With Christmas around the corner, take a look at their collectibles like children�s rockers, brass and iron beds and primitives like trunks, butter stamps and molds. They even carry some coveted "saleman samples" and a huge selection of vintage lamps.
Don�t forget about their fantastic jewelry collection including sterling, rhinestones, diamond and pearl earrings and necklace sets and Victorian jewelry boxes. Vintage silverware is a popular gift item and Jeanne and Donavon have done their research so they can tell you the year it was made and the company that produced the pattern. They have lightning rod balls and weathervanes as well as original brass hardware and a selection of over 400 patterns.
They are also proud of their offering of religious items like pictures, rosaries and statues. You don�t need a fat wallet to visit. At Jeanne�s, they even have a dollar and five dollar retail area.
If the Schmidts know your preferences, they can keep your needs in mind. Jeanne�s Antiques is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. They live right next door to their warehouse east of Crofton, so even if there are no vehicles around, be sure to stop by. For more information, call Donavon and Jeanne at 402-388-4631 or visit their website at jeannesantiques.com. Remember, to truly appreciate the collection at Jeanne�s Antigues, you have to see it to believe it.
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SantaLand, Creighton, NE - Creighton Area Chamber of Commerce
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 13, 2006)
If you want to get into the spirit of the holiday season, this year you have to bring your family over to Creighton, Nebraska for a visit to SantaLand in Bruce Park. SantaLand is Creighton's fantastic annual Christmas light display that runs throughout the month of December. In addition to a large number of outdoor displays, SantaLand also houses Santa's Workshop, where sixteen of Santa's motorized elves can be seen hard at work, preparing for Christmas. Visitors can even talk with Santa himself, and enjoy refreshments provided by local businesses.
The outdoor and workshop displays were donated to the City of Creighton in 1995 by local residents. Since the original donation, SantaLand has been set up and maintained by the Creighton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Creighton Area Ruritan Club, with the help of many other organizations and individuals. Setup usually begins the first weekend in November, with much of the work done by volunteers, with ages ranging from 5 to 82. In all, over 2,000 hours of volunteer work come together to make SantaLand a reality.
General operating costs and improvements to SantaLand are funded substantially by the donations of organizations, individuals, and visitors. Donations of any amount are graciously accepted, and will help make sure that others will be able to enjoy SantaLand for many years to come.
SantaLand's Drive-Through Hours through the end of December run from 6 to 10 p.m. If you want to visit Santa's Workshop during operational hours, stop by from 6:30 pm to 9 pm on Sunday through Thursday and 7 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. The workshop is open evenings until just before Christmas Eve, when Santa and his elves have to prepare for their big night.
For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Creighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 402.358.3737, or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Remember, for the spirit of a real community Christmas, bring your family this evening to SantaLand in Creighton, Nebraska.
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Burbach Countryside Dairy - Hartington, NE - Dean and Lisa Burbach
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 21, 2006)
Milk lovers deserve glass. That�s what Cedar County dairy farmers, Dean and Lisa Burbach and their family of rural Hartington believe. They believe in the fresher taste of milk in a glass bottle so much that they recently opened their own on-farm bottling facility, taking their commitment to freshness to a new level.
In addition to having a retail country store at their Burbach Countryside Dairy, consumers can pick up Burbach�s glass-bottled milk from grocery and convenience stores in Sioux City, Yankton and Hartington and points in between.
The milk produced on the Burbach Dairy is hormone free and family farm fresh. Dean says that glass bottles preserve the real taste of the milk, it keeps the milk colder and therefore, it extends the shelf-life of the milk. Also, glass doesn�t absorb odors and other flavors.
The Burbachs and their seven children offer milk products including whole milk, 2 percent, 1 percent, skim and chocolate, to cover the tastes of all kinds of milk lovers. Their milk is also available in all kinds of different bottle sizes. The bottles are reusable too.
The Burbach family milks around 120 head of cows. They began dreaming of this venture four years ago, so they started doing their homework and came up with the bottling/processing facility plan. Their milk is all pastuerized and bottled in an on-farm FDA inspected facility.
Milk you purchase from Burbachs has been bottled within 24-36 hours of being produced. Now, that�s fresh!
So if you�d like to grace your meal tables with some of the country�s freshest milk, look for glass-bottled milk from Burbach Countryside Dairy. And if your local grocery store doesn�t carry their milk yet, ask them to. You can get more information about Burbach Countryside Dairy by visiting the web at burbachscountrysidedairy.com or farmtofamily.net, now powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Remember, glass-bottled milk from the Burbach family dairy of rural Hartington is milk the way it ought to be.
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Dakota Farm Show, Vermillion, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 3, 2013)
Start the New Year on the right foot by bringing the whole herd to the 30th annual Dakota Farm Show, set for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, January 8th, 9th, and 10th at the climate controlled confines of the USD Dakotadome in Vermillion.
This year’s show is sure to top all others, with more than a thousand lines of the very latest farm machinery and equipment. The show has power equipment, tractors, sprayers, dryers, tillage and planting equipment, hi tech tools and innovations, seed, tools for your shop and information from researchers and Extension.
For the health of it, there are health screenings available, and almost anything you need for the farm or ranch family. Admission and parking are free, as always. Don’t miss a minute of the Dakota Farm Show. The show runs 9 am to 5 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and until 4 pm on Thursday.
Get in and out of the cold. Drive over to the University of South Dakota Dakotadome at Vermillion for the 30th annual Dakota Farm Show, Tuesday through Thursday, January 8th, 9th and 10th.
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Sioux Falls Farm Show - Sioux Falls Arena and W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 20, 2011)
For the past 58 years, the Sioux Empire Farm Show has brought the agricultural community and the industry’s finest products together to highlight agriculture. This year, livestock events at the W. H. Lyons Fairgrounds begin at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 25 and run through 6:30 pm Saturday, January 29. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 26, 27 and 28, the commercial show will be housed at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center.
Commercial exhibits are open 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday and Thursday and 9 am to 4 pm Friday. Livestock event schedules begin at 8 am Wednesday through Friday and 6:30 am Saturday. Details about the livestock and commercial shows are available at farmshowsusa.com and siouxempirefarmshow.org. Ag producers are invited to enjoy free coffee and rolls from 8:30 to 10 am Wednesday through Friday morning at the convention center.
Extension Educators will be offering a series of educational programs during the Farm Show at the Sioux Falls Arena Convention Center on January 26, 27 and 28. These sessions are open to the public at no charge. All sessions will be held in Conference Rooms 9 and 10. Topics include cover crops, changes in crop insurance and the benefits and impacts of agricultural drainage.
Livestock events at the WH Lyons Fairgrounds will include a swine show, Angus and Red Angus, Simmental, Hereford, Charolais, Limosin, feeder heifer, market lamb, rabbit and judging shows. A Pony Pull will be held Saturday at 6 pm and a Draft Horse Pull begins that evening at 6:30 pm.
You can find more details about the show schedules at farmshowsusa.com or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Another enjoyable way to celebrate the Farm to Family Connection.
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Taste of Home Cooking School, Yankton, SD (605) 665-7892
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 8, 2007)
Be sure to bring your appetite to the Yankton Summit Activities Center tonight, March 8, for the Taste of Home Cooking School. The annual cooking school begins at 7:30 pm in the Summit Center Theater. Vendors booths open in the commons area at 5:30 pm.
There will be sandwiches and refreshments available from the HyVee concessions booth. Some of the folks sponsoring the show and displaying booths include JoDean�s Steakhouse and Lounge, Larry�s, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, Linda�s Angel Crossing, Country Cupboard Floral and Gifts, Home and Garden Party, Pampered Chef, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, At Home America, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Bag Lady and Farm to Family Connection.
Enter your best appetizer recipe and earn a chance to win a prize pack from Taste of Home Entertaining, plus the winning recipe will be featured in a future Taste of Home Cooking School magazine.
Tickets are available at HyVee in advance for $8 or you can pay $10 at the door. Don�t miss out on the cooking school of the year.
Learn more by visiting the web at kk93.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Get your tickets today and show up tonight for the Taste of Home Cooking School, at the Yankton Summit Center with vendors available at 5:30 pm and the cooking school starting at 7:30. See you there.
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Bloomfield Ruritan Exotic Bird and Animal Sale, Bloomfield, NE (402) 373-2454
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 22, 2007)
The Bloomfield Ruritan Club is set for the 20th annual Exotic Bird and Animal Sale, scheduled for this Sunday, March 25 at the Harms and Tulley Events Center on the Knox County Fairgrounds at Bloomfield, Nebraska. Sale cordinator, Ken Gil, expects over 100 consignors this year for the big event. Consignments begin at 7 am and the sale starts at 10 am. Typically, consignors represent scores of communities from five states.
All of the proceeds from the event go toward special projects in the region, accomplished by the local Ruritan. They provide assistance to families in need who have suffered disaster and they provide scholarships and other programs for the residents of the region.
The sale is run by volunteers, along with helpers from the local FFA and Boy Scout troop. Chuck Rasmussen, Marvin Hochstein and Daryl Peters are this year�s auctioneers.
The sale will consist of not only exotic birds, but hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, horses, donkeys, pigmey goats and much, much more.
If you�d like more information about how to consign animals, how to pitch in as a volunteer or how to learn more about the sale in general, contact Ken Gil at 402-373-2454 or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
If you�re looking for a special pet or just for something unique and fun to do, bring the whole herd and flock over this Sunday, March 25 to the Harms and Tulley Events Center on the Knox County Fairgrounds at Bloomfield, Nebraska for the 20th annual Ruritan Exotic Bird and Animal Sale.
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Wagner Farm, Home, Garden and Recreation Show, Wagner, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 29, 2007)
Spring is in the air, so get your family ready by attending the Wagner Farm, Home, Garden and Recreation Show, set for Friday, March 30, from 10 am to 7 pm, at the Wagner National Guard Armory along East Highway 46. There are nearly 40 vendors ranging for implement dealers, feed and farm supply, photography, farm manufacturing, health and family care, banking, household and home care, construction, recreation and insurance.
At 11 am, South Dakota Extension presents a seminar on emergency preparedness. From noon to 1 pm there is a workshop on Water Wise Gardening and Creating Beautiful Outdoor Living Spaces on a Budget. At 2 pm, there is a workshop on Grain Progressive Marketing. A session on Concrete Stamping starts at 3 pm and interactive science activities are set for 4:30.
Weather permitting, balloon rides will be available from Wayne Hajek of Tyndall starting at 4 pm. Food is available all day, supplied by the Wagner Good Samaritan Home Fun Bucks Committee. Local FFA chapters are sponsoring a crop competition and the Charles Mix Crop Improvement Association is hosting a Farmer Crop Show at the event.
The Wagner Farm, Home, Garden and Recreation Show is sponsored by the Wagner Chamber of Commerce. Don�t miss out on a single minute of the fun. Bring the whole family over to the Wagner National Guard Armory for a big day of activities, Friday, March 30 from 10 am to 7 pm. For more information, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Support our local communities by visiting the Wagner Show this weekend.
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Ornaments For You - Fordyce, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 19, 2007)
For the past sixteen years, Phil and DelRae Hilfiker of Ornaments for You have been producing hundreds of specialized concrete lawn ornaments from their farm two miles west of Fordyce, Nebraska at 888 Road along Highway 81. In fact, with over 350 molds, and several new creations, they maintain the largest selection of lawn ornaments in northeast Nebraska.
It all started out as a hobby with five molds. But their little hobby has grown into a full-fledged business venture. Phil does most of the pouring of the ornaments and DelRae does the painting. The finished poured product is allowed to cure 28 days before painting, DelRae says.
Their largest ornaments include a 900 lb. Moose, 800 lb. Buffalo or a 600 lb. Elk. Deer are among the most popular ornaments in their huge wildlife selection. They also make a large variety of religious statues and angels. One of the most popular memorial gifts is a 36-inch fairy angel. These have become popular memorials for funerals or on the occasion of the loss of a loved one, DelRae says. Along with customized benches with imprints of a Cross and roses for cemeteries and parks, that they can also make, these types of gifts serve as long-lasting memorials. They have a large variety of fountains as well.
While the Hilfikers don�t ship many of their ornaments because the shear weight of them makes it cost prohibitive, they did ship a statue to a church in Alaska and a vacationing couple from Texas took two pigs weighing 200 lbs. each home in the bed of their pickup.
Customers can leave the ornaments, fountains, statues or benches in their natural state or DelRae can custom paint them to the needs of the customer.
Their busiest seasons are Mother�s Day and Christmas, but you can stop by the Hilfiker farm anytime. Just watch for the huge selection of concrete ornaments on their place in front of the big white barn or behind their log house.
If you stop by and no one is around, leave a note or take one of their business cards from a box near their barn. You can call ahead at 402-357-3525 or email Phil and DelRae at ofy@gpcom.net. For more information on Ornaments for You and other on-farm businesses in our region, visit the web at farmtofamily.net powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you want something handcrafted with care to grace your home or to memorialize your loved ones, look to local folks you know and trust like Phil and DelRae Hilfiker of Fordyce, Nebraska.
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Mensch Greenhouse and Flower Shop, Avon, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 17, 2007)
Mensch Greenhouse and Flower Shop along Highway 50 in Avon, South Dakota has been a source of high quality plants and nursery stock for local residents for decades. Carol says that their greenhouse always has a good stock of annual and perennial plants, flowers and vegetables. They also keep trees and shrubs on hand.
She says the greenhouse along with their flower shop truly take care of a family�s needs for a lifetime. They offer a wide array of floral arrangements for Memorial Day, including gravesite decorations of all kinds. They also can provide florals for all of the big events in a person�s life like weddings, anniversaries and birthdays and funerals as well.
They offer custom hanging baskets and planter arrangements, and pretty much anything you need for the garden and landscape around your home.
Mensch Greenhouse and Flower Shop is open year around and provides plants and flowers for all of your seasonal needs. They are open at 8 am Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from noon to 5 pm, depending on the season.
You can contact Mensch Greenhouse at 605-286-3638 or call them toll free at 877-887-6878. For more information on Mensch Greenhouse and Flower Shop and other places you can find locally raised food, plants and products, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you want high quality plants for the landscape around your home and garden or the best in floral arrangements, go with a family you know and trust like Mensch Greenhouse along Highway 50 at Avon, South Dakota.
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Dakota Harvest Farm, Bob and Barb Corio, Jefferson, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, June 28, 2007)
If you are looking for lamb to grace your dinner table, look no more. Bob and Barb Corio at Dakota Harvest Farm have been farming their piece of heaven on the flatlands near Jefferson, South Dakota for thirty years. Now they offer the finest grassfed lamb, produced from their Dorper hair sheep.
Dorper sheep are known especially for the tenderness and quality of meat and the Corios offer a wide variety of cuts as well as whole, halves and quarters during the processing months of March, July, November and December. Studies have also shown that meat from Dorper sheep has less shrinkage and when the lambs are finished on pasture and home-raised forage at Dakota Harvest Farm, the production methods translate into the best quality, healthful meat on the market.
Some of the Corio�s favorite cuts include leg of lamb, chops, shanks and ground lamb. Their frozen lamb cuts are available directly from the farm or at the Floyd Boulevard Organic Market at 5th and Floyd Boulevard in Sioux City or on Saturday mornings at the Floyd Boulevard Farmers Market, also in Sioux City.
In recent years, the family has added Dexter cattle to their operation and they plan to have Dexters available for processing by the fall of next year.
You can learn more about the Corios and their Dakota Harvest Farm Lamb by visiting the web at dakotaharvestfarm.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. You can call at 605-966-5490 or email the farm at info@dakotaharvestfarm.com.
Remember, if you are looking for high quality, grassfed lamb, stick with the folks you can trust, family farmers like the Bob and Barb at Dakota Harvest Farm near Jefferson, South Dakota.
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Bridging the Shores Festival, Niobrara, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, July 5, 2007)
Niobrara, Nebraska, where the Niobrara River flows into the Missouri, is one of the beautiful spots in northeast Nebraska. And the community is set to celebrate their annual Bridging the Shores Festival this weekend, July 6 through 8, honoring the construction of the Chief Standing Bear Bridge across the Missouri River to South Dakota.
Things get started this Friday, July 6 with the Niobrara Alumni golf tournament at 10 am. Friday evening there is an open-air dance at the civic center, beginning at 9 pm, with music by Tornado Alley. Proceeds from the dance go toward the community and the Niobrara Public Library. There will be fireworks at 10:30 and the Bridging the Shores King and Queen will be crowned at 11 at the open-air dance. There will be fun and drawings for cash prizes.
A Fun Run and Walk kick things off on Saturday, July 7, with registration at 7:30 am at the Niobrara Elementary School. There will be a Kid�s Coin Dig at 9 am at the Sage Brothers Memorial and a Sand Volleyball Tournament will begin at 10, also at the memorial.
The Rolling Thunder Car Show begins with registration at 8 am, with three places awarded in each class. Car Show Entries should enter Moody Motors north of Highway 12.
The Niobrara Alumni Reunion is set for Saturday evening, with registration beginning at 4 pm, a social hour at 5 pm, and banquet at 7 at the WFLA Hall. The alumni dance will follow the banquet.
A pancake breakfast kicks things off on Sunday, July 8 from 8 am to 11 at the Sage Brothers Memorial. There will be a community ecumenical church service at 9 am at the memorial. The big Calcutta and Alternative Vessel Regatta is set to begin at the town boat dock at 1 pm and it ends at the Chief Standing Bear Bridge. Finally at 1:30 pm there is a duck float and catfish races at the Standing Bear Bridge.
Get more information on individual events by calling Sharon Scott at 402-857-3838 or by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Bring the whole family for fun and entertainment to the Bridging the Shores Festival, July 6 through 8 at Niobrara, Nebraska.
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Ponca Tribe Powwow, Niobrara, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 16, 2007)
Bring to whole family to the 14th annual Northern Ponca Powwow, set for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 17 through the 19th, along the Niobrara River, west of Niobrara, Nebraska. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska welcomes everyone to join in their unique cultural celebration. Vendors, Drums, Dancers and spectators are all welcome.
Things get started with the blessing of the Powwow grounds tonight. Flag raising takes place each day at 9 am. On Friday, Aug. 17, a Fun Run starts at 5 pm. Grand Entry and dancing begins at 7 pm. Princess registration closes out at 9:30 pm.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, there will be dances all day, with Grand Entry scheduled for 1 pm and 7 pm, as well as the Princess Crowning Ceremony and Honor Dance at around 8:15 pm. A horseshoe tournament commences at 10:30 am on Saturday. Then on Sunday, Aug. 19, Grand Entry and dancing begins again at 1 pm.
Meals will be provided. Vendors will be on the grounds all weekend. Security and first aid as well as restrooms, running water and camping is available on the Powwow grounds. Admission is free.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska was situated at the time of Lewis and Clark along the Ponca Creek near what is now Verdel, in Knox County. They were eventually forcibly removed from their native northeast Nebraska to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. When the son of the great Ponca chief, Standing Bear, died in Oklahoma, the chief wanted to honor his son�s wishes and bring the remains of his son home to Nebraska to be buried. He and a small band suffered great hardship, but made it back to Nebraska. However, Standing Bear was arrested for leaving the reservation. The 1879 trial of Standing Bear and the historic decision handed down, allowed, for the first time, that Native Americans were considered "persons" under the law, and Standing Bear�s band was allowed to proceed.
Today, the Northern Ponca Tribe has membership of around 2500. Their Powwow is held this weekend on the tribal grounds, near their historic community building and cemetery, along the Niobrara River, west of Niobrara. For information about the Northern Ponca Powwow, call Gary Robinette at 402-857-3519 or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Spirit of the Plains Magazine, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 6, 2007)
The enduring threads of Christian faith are abundantly interwoven with the rich and colorful history of the northern plains states that were born out of vast and rugged territories over the past 125 years. An abundance of charming and aged country churches scattered throughout nearly every community in the area are a touching reminder of this important element of life that pioneers from many countries brought along with their determination to establish a new home here.
Preserving and documenting that diverse spiritual legacy from the states of North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, is what Spirit of the Plains Magazine is all about. Spirit of the Plains is published four times a year and features the personal faith stories and inspirational writings of individuals from this area.
Founder of the Christian publication, Loretta Sorensen, is a South Dakota native and longtime journalist with a passion for showcasing the intricate depth and color of the people of this area. In addition to writing for a wide variety of publications, Loretta has acquired a master's degree in journalism, established her own publishing business, Prairie Hearth Publishing, and has co-authored the autobiography of a Tyndall man. For the past seven years, she has presented writing workshops, and offered inspirational and motivational talks throughout the area. In June 2005 she established the magazine's headquarters in Yankton and began providing four issues of the publication every year.
The very first copies of this one-of-a-kind magazine combined an inviting slice of history, inspiration, and insight through the interesting and diverse articles. That pattern has continued to be evident in every issue.
One of the most valuable elements of the magazine is the opportunity it provides for area writers and speakers to share their Christian essays, poetry, and devotional writings with others. The unique flavor and insight found in works from the area blend well with the mission of the publication.
Stories in the magazine focus on how faith played in the lives of individuals who struggled with illness, spiritual growth, loss of a loved one, and many other life situations. One of the favorite feature of subscribers is the church history article that is included in every issue. The church feature outlines the unique highlights of the church's history and illustrates how the congregation is blending their treasured traditions with the needs of the world around them today.
Each magazine also includes a review of a current Christian book, devotional materials, church event news, and many other features.
The magazine is subscription based. More information about it is available on the website at www.spiritoftheplainsmagazine.com, by calling Prairie Hearth Publishing at 605-260-2487 or toll free at 1-800-576-7959.
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Missouri River Outdoor Expo, Ponca State Park, Ponca, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 20, 2007)
There is nothing around quite like the hands-on outdoor activities planned for the 2007 Missouri River Outdoor Expo, set for this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23 at Ponca State Park.
According to park superintendent, Jeff Fields, this year�s expo is better than ever, a great way to celebrate the heritage and natural beauty and wonder of the Missouri River and the outdoors in our region. There will be a new "shooter�s village" with opportunities to try out firearms from several national sporting manufacturers. The new splash dogs national dog jump competition will surely be a crowd favorite.
There will be over 75 demonstrations with hands-on experiences like canoeing and kayaking, camping, fishing, hunting, trapping, outdoor cooking, wildlife art, outdoor survival, wildlife viewing, bird dog training, firearm safety, game calling, hunter ethics, fly fishing, outdoor photography, conservation history, habitat stewardship, shooting sports and much, much more.
National outdoor cook, Cee Dub will demonstrate dutch oven cooking and sausage making. Henry Doorly Zoo is sponsoring live animal demonstrations, and there will be free guided hayrack shuttles to venues through the beautiful fall foliage of Ponca State Park. Manufacturer�s representatives will be on hand from Avery, Zink calls, Browning, Pure Fishing, Beretta, Buck Gardner, Game calls, Final Approach, Benelli, Remington, Weatherby, Sport Dog, DT Dog Training and many others.
This year�s event will even feature Federal Duck Stamp artist, Mark S. Anderson. Heritage sponsors for this year�s event are Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Scheels, Interstate Batteries, Pheasants Forever and KTIV Channel 4.
Bring the whole family over the Ponca State Park, along Highway 12 just one half hour northwest of Sioux City at Ponca, Nebraska, for the 2007 Missouri River Outdoor Expo. All events are free and open to the public. A Nebraska Park Entry permit is required. For more information, contact Ponca State Park at 402-755-2284
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Schiferl's WJ Ranch Cowboy Christmas
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 24, 2011)
Greg and Jan Schiferl and their family love playing host to folks from around the country, for renowned Western entertainment, horse clinics, and their favorite, the WJ Ranch Cowboy Christmas. Their 10th annual holiday event on the ranch is set for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26 and 27.
There will be arts and crafts available from vendors, displayed in a unique country setting. Of course, there will be buggy rides, to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit. Kids can enjoy pony rides, trick roping, Model T and buggy displays and special crafts.
Some of the artisans that will be on hand for this year’s event include log furniture, designer clothing, primitives, Western art, barnwood, hats and headbands, jewelry, florals, Christmas décor, metalwork, pottery, purses and bags, garden décor, aprons embroidery, jams and jellies, food gifts and much, much more.
At WJ Ranch’s Cowboy Christmas, the Schiferl’s are serving up more than arts and crafts, refreshments and entertainment. They are serving up the real spirit of Christmas in the country, a nostalgic, old fashioned Christmas feeling.
So plan to set out for WJ Ranch, located seven miles south of Yankton on Highway 81, along 892 Road, in northern Cedar County, Nebraska, on Nov. 26 and 27, for their 10th annual Cowboy Christmas. Activities run from 10 am to 5 pm both days. For more information, contact the Schiferl family at 402-357-2102 or visit their website at schiferlswjranch.com. Or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Candlelight Christmas, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 15, 2012)
Hartington, Nebraska honors the 12 days of Christmas at their 12th annual Candlelight Christmas, set for this Friday, November 16. The big event, which annually draws hundreds of folks to Hartington each year, is set to begin at 3 p.m. with open houses at several downtown businesses. This year there will be a petting zoo and horse-drawn carriage rides. Don’t miss out on the Hartington Chamber of Commerce sponsored cookie bake-off, roller skating and card playing at Skylon Ballroom later in the evening, Bingo at the Senior Center and a chili feed from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall.
Of course, it all leads up the ever popular lighted vehicle parade beginning at 7 p.m. After the parade, the kids can visit with Santa at the Senior Center. The Hometown Countdown Give away will also take place after the parade.
Start the holiday season is style. Bring the whole family to all of the special events at the 12th annual Candlelight Christmas in Hartington, Nebraska, Friday afternoon and evening, November 16. Learn more by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Fresh by Jody, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 25, 2010)
Christmas is a special time of year and to truly enjoy it, you need special accents around your home. There is nothing like the fresh scents of real Christmas greenery. Now you can take fresh holiday roping, wreaths, memorials, trees, and custom arrangements by Jody, home with you to spruce up your place for the holidays.
In her fourth year at the Cottonwood Corral Convenience Store, north of Lewis and Clark Lake Marina west of Yankton, Jody is a veteran at making Christmas special for area families.
She has four kinds of greenery available to work with, providing for the perfect fresh custom-made holiday gifts for your home or for special loved ones, especially those in the hospital or in the nursing home.
Jody specializes in custom arrangements, using traditional fresh greenery, pepperberries, holly and mistletoe. If you’re looking for a special gift for the person who has everything, Jody suggests trying one of her fresh mailbox huggies, or if you just need 25 feet of fresh roping, be sure to stop by her lakeside store.
Jody can use heirloom pots, baskets and planters to make a unique arrangement that will be especially designed for your home. She also designs heart-shaped memorials or cross memorials this time of year.
Load up on fresh greenery, wreaths, garland, roping and decorations for your household or the homes of your friends, relatives and other loved ones by stopping by to see Jody at the Cottonwood Corral Convenience Store, north of Lewis and Clark Lake Marina west of Yankton, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27, to jumpstart your Christmas decorating plans. You can call Jody for more information about custom-designed fresh Christmas wreaths, roping and more at 605-660-4726 or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
New this year to the wreath making world is the gigantic 36 to 48 inch wreath and the new peace symbol for all your decorating needs.
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Nissen Wines, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 23, 2013)
Summer is a great time to travel northern Nebraska and enjoy the scenic countryside and local tastes of the region. Northern Cedar County vineyard owners, Tim and Dave Nissen, say that great wines begin with great vines. And the Nissen vineyard, located on twelve acres of rolling countryside, is filled with trusted favorites that have been worked into their fine wines.
All of their wines, including Nissen favorites like Roselyn’s Blush and Mystic, as well as the unique Outlaw Trail series which honors the history of the region, are fermented from locally grown grapes and fruit. The Nissen brothers began planting their first commercial grapevines on the Nissen family farm in 2003. After considerable research and toil, they harvested their first major crop and fermented their first wines in 2006.
You can now find Nissen Wines at your favorite house of spirits around the region. For the Nissens, high quality wine comes from producing grapes on their calcium rich, rocky soils. As the Nissen Brothers say, “grape growing is a correlation of the vine, soil, climate and our passion for excellence”. They hand harvest their grapes and fruits, partnering with Mother Nature, to produce the highest quality grapes and stone fruits. And the Nissens work hard to be good land stewards and neighbors, caring for their farmland and vineyard using time-honored, sustainable methods.
That’s why Nissen Wines are excellence you can taste. Be sure to learn more about Nissen Wines by calling 402-254-3426 or by visiting them online at nissenwines.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Nissen Wines of Cedar County, another Farm to Family connection.
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M and J Originals, Sioux Falls, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 13, 2007)
If you are looking for one of a kind Christmas gifts for your children this year, look to M and J Originals, for toys and play clothing perfect for kids of all ages.
Marge and Jerry Sylvis of Sioux Falls, design and handcraft play tee pees of all sizes. Of all of the items they make, Marge says that the Native American tee pees are the best sellers. They market five and six foot tee pees, with decorative Indian designs, including a good luck buffalo on the door flap. These are fashioned after traditional Lakota tee pees. They are sturdy and fold down quickly for fast set up and takedown. They are ideal for naptime, play time, daydreaming or reading.
They also sell six-foot denim tee pees with patriotic d�cor, including flags with red, white and blue emblems or whimsical designs, including embroidered animals on four sides and balloons on the back. Marge and Jerry haven�t forgotten your pets, because they offer a pet tee pee as well, complete with an artificial fur floor and suspended from a curved PVC frame.
M and J Originals has been making toys, tents, tee pees, playhouses, costumes, stick ponies and other playthings with Native American themes, since 1983. M and J Originals Indian costumes are made from a brown buckskin-like fabric trimmed with fringe. They are available in sizes: x-small, small, medium and large.
They make feathered headbands that can be personalized with your child's name at no extra charge. M and J ship nationally and even internationally, so you can have your order shipped just about anywhere you like. You can place your order today by calling Marge and Jerry of M and J Originals at 605-338-4069 or visit our website at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
For that unique, handcrafted Christmas gift that your children will remember for years to come, contact M and J Originals of Sioux Falls.
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Cooking Gone Wild Cookbook from Outdoorsmen Adventures, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 20, 2007)
A cookbook is a cookbook, right? Actually, that statement is wrong. Because a new cookbook called "Cooking Gone Wild", produced by Gary Howey and his popular Outdoorsmen Adventures, is something entirely unique that you would come to expect from Gary.
Howey�s Outdoorsmen Adventures TV has been on the air for 12 seasons, producing some of the finest outdoor action for audiences across the country. This award-winning program is syndicated across the nation, touting the adventures of Team Outdoorsmen, a group of the finest anglers, hunters and outdoor speakers, writers and enthusiasts.
"Cooking Gone Wild" cookbook produced by these same folks, is packed with the finest, high quality, tried and tested wild game recipes gathered from across North America, from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. It also contains several breath-taking samples of the work of nationally acclaimed Sioux Falls, SD wildlife artist, Mark Anderson, whose most recent accolades come from his 2005-2006 Federal Duck Stamp of the Year.
There are also great hunting and fishing tips from the folks who know the outdoors, Team Outdoorsmen Adventures members. These things all make "Cooking Gone Wild" one of the finest wild game cookbooks to come along in a very long time, providing a great addition to the cookbook collection for any family who loves the outdoors.
You can obtain autographed copies of "Cooking Gone Wild" by sending a check or money order for $12.95 plus $5.99 shipping and handling to: Cooking Gone Wild, P.O. Box 354, Hartington, NE 68739. For more information on this great new cookbook, visit the web at outdoorsmenadventures.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Remember, if you�re cooking wild game this season, get "Cooking Gone Wild" for your cookbook collection.
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Sioux Falls and Sioux Empire Farm Shows, Sioux Falls, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 17, 2008)
Two great farm shows, the Sioux Falls and Sioux Empire show, will salute agriculture again this year on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 23, 24 and 25 at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center, with livestock events held at the W. H. Lyons Fairground. Livestock shows begin at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 22 and run through Saturday evening, January 26.
The shows are open 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday and Thursday and 9 am to 4 pm on Friday. Livestock event schedules begin at 8 am Wednesday through Friday and 6:30 am on Saturday. Show details are available at farmshowsusa.com
Ag producers are invited to enjoy free coffee and rolls from 8:30 to 10 am each morning at the convention center throughout the show. The show will be made up of a wealth of fine exhibits, drawings, displays and presentations.
This year's South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service Seminars will be held each day from 1 to 2 pm in Conference Rooms 9 and 10. Wednesday's seminar will feature Land Values and Flexible Cash Rent; Thursday, Grain and Livestock Market Outlook; and Friday, Crop Weather Outlook for 2008.
Sanford Health will offer a variety of screenings at reduced or no cost during the show, including no fast glucose and blood pressure
.Livestock events at the WH Lyons Fairgrounds will include a swine show, Angus and Red Angus, Simmental, Hereford, Charolais, Limosin, feeder heifer, market lamb, rabbit and judging shows. A Pony Pull will be held Saturday at 6 pm nd a Draft Horse Pull begins that evening at 6:30 pm.
You can find more details about the show schedules at farmshowsusa.com or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
So make sure you're ready to head to the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center January 23, 24 and 25 and the W. H. Lyons Fairgrounds January 22 through 26 to enjoy one of South Dakota's finest farm shows.
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Lewis and Clark Sport Show, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 14, 2008)
Area sportsmen will want to aim at catching as much fun as possible this weekend during the three-day Lewis and Clark Sport Show at the Yankton Mall sponsored by KK93. The action starts this Friday, February 15, as the show runs from 5 pm to 9 pm. The show opens again 10 am to 5:30 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday.
Boats, ATVs, motorcycles, campers, trucks, small tractors, scooters, and more will take over the Mall and no matter what sport has hooked you, you'll find something about it at the Lewis and Clark Sport Show this weekend.
Of course, once you start dreaming about you'll use that new boat, camper or motorcycle you're eyeing, you'll want to begin planning your summer vacation! The Shannon Trail folks will be on hand during the show to help you review the wealth of tourism information about recreation opportunities in northeast Nebraska. They can help you identify details about the places you want to visit and things you want to do that are right in your backyard.
If you've been wondering how to serve up the game you bagged this past season, you'll want to take time to stop and visit with Outdoorsmen Adventures personality, Gary Howey. Gary will be signing copies of his recently released "Cooking Gone Wild Cookbook." You'll find more than 300 of the best wild game recipes Gary and his colleagues have collected over the years. The book also contains hunting and fishing tips, wildlife artwork, and Team Outdoorsmen Adventure photos.
So get this weekend in your sights and make sure you get your fair share of the excitement at the Lewis and Clark Sport Show at the Yankton Mall Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event is sponsored by KK93 and more information is available by calling 605-665-7892.
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Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 28, 2008)
Excellent health care: it's a crucial element of life in any community and Hartington, NE, has been fortunate to have a quality medical clinic in their community for over 40 years.
Since 1962, primary care was provided in Hartington by Dr. Charles Vlach, a popular physician who cared for generations of families in northeast Nebraska. In 1997, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital purchased Dr. Vlach�s clinic and the name changed to the Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic.
The Hartington clinic now employs two family physicians, Dr. Steven Vlach, the son of Dr. Charles Vlach, and Dr. Connie Micek, as well as a nurse practitioner, Tonya Joachimsen. In addition, there are nine people on staff including three nurses. As part of Hartington's home town health care team, the providers offer services in the clinic six days a week - 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays.
Dr. Connie Micek also provides prenatal obstetric care and delivers babies at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital � truly caring for your entire family for generations.
And because the clinic is Avera-owned, they benefit from the regional partnership of health professionals who share support services to maintain excellent care at more than 229 locations in eastern South Dakota, northeastern Nebraska and surrounding states.
To make an appointment, call 402-254-3935. For more information, check out our "Wellness from Avera" page on this website.
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Central States Scrap Recycling, Coleridge, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 6, 2008)
Are junk metals, downed trees or deteriorating buildings cluttering up your farm site or acreage? Central States Scrap Recycling in Coleridge can help you clear it out. They specialize in developing a plan to clean up whatever you may find is in your way.
Dead trees and downed limbs can pose a hazard for livestock grazing in an area where tree trunks and limbs are scattered. Central States Scrap Recycling will come in and remove scrap wood in either a pasture area or an entire windbreak.
They are experts in demolishing and removing buildings ranging from small sheds to large metal buildings. If you've already demolished a building and need to remove cement foundations, Central States Scrap Recycling will work out a plan that suits your individual need.
In order to remove accumulated scrap metals, Central States Scrap Recycling will work with you to customize a plan suited to your site. That plan could include removing trees or taking other steps necessary to access the metals that need to be removed.
If you're working to contain scrap metals so they can easily be disposed of from time to time, Central States Scrap Recycling can provide you with rolloff containers that serve as a handy way to collect scrap materials.
For any cleanup plan they develop, Central States Scrap Recycling will give you the option to decide what you want them to dispose of and what you want to keep. If you want to give your your farm site, rural home or community residence a brand new look, call Central States Scrap Recycling in Coleridge at 402-283-9209 today!
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Celebrate Women, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 3, 2008)
It's a women's night out! And the Yankton Press and Dakotan is proud to offer this evening of food, fun and entertainment for the fourth year. Celebrate Women will be held Thursday, April 3 at the Riverfront Event Center from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. This year's tickets are already sold out, but you'll want to consider reserving the evening for next year's event.
If you already purchased your ticket, you'll be able to enjoy a unique and uplifting message from Pat McGill, an energizing and engaging educator from northwest Iowa. Pat will share her special presentation, "Be Seated," a lesson in chairology that's developed around the many stages of women's lives and the people who've sat beside them through those experiences and seasons.
As part of the presentation, the Yankton women's and children's shelters have organized a raffle for the chair that Pat will use. It has been inscribed by a talented area painter with inspirational quotes. Proceeds from the raffle will help support Yankton's women's and children's shelters.
Organizers of Celebrate Women say the event is intended to offer women an opportunity to refresh their spirits and rejuvenate their minds as they gather to share good food, fellowship, and uplifting activities. Vendors offering products and services especially for women will also be on hand.
The Yankton Press and Dakotan is pleased to offer Yankton and area women this opportunity to gather for good food, entertainment, and an opportunity to support a local charity. This year's Celebrate Women will be held Thursday, April 3 at the Riverfront Event Center from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are already sold out, but make sure you mark your calendar for Celebrate Women in 2009. It's an opportunity you don't want to miss!
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Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic � Crofton, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 10, 2008)
Excellent health care: it's a crucial element of life in any community and Crofton, NE, has been fortunate to have a quality medical clinic in the community for more than a decade.
Responding to a need in the community of Crofton, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, opened the Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic in Crofton in 1995.
Jamie Miller, Nurse Practitioner, is the main health care provider at the clinic with physician oversight from Connie Micek, MD, at Hartington�s Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic. In addition to Jamie, Helene Hegge, RN, and Charlene Schmadeke, MLT, are also members of the Crofton clinic staff. As part of Crofton's home town health care team, the providers offer services in the clinic from 8:30 to Noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
And because the clinic is Avera-owned, they benefit from the regional partnership of health professionals who share support services to maintain excellent care at more than 229 locations in eastern South Dakota, northeastern Nebraska and surrounding states.
To make an appointment, call 402-388-2343.
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River Rose Restaurant � Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 17, 2008)
The River Rose Restaurant. It�s a delightfully unique eating establishment where an elegant but informal atmosphere greets patrons at the door and savory and distinctive menu choices tantalize tastebuds. A variety of tasty soups, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts can make it difficult to know which item to select.
Many River Rose menu items are made from scratch with wholesome, healthy ingredients, yet provide a modern day taste. No matter which delicious choice you make, you�ll enjoy a genuine, home made taste known to revive memories of the goodness found in your grandmother�s kitchen.
It may be nearly impossible to resist sampling the homemade breads and pastries baked right in the River Rose ovens. However, diners can also select a nutritious and satisfying meal from the salad bar that features a variety of delectable vegetables that will surprise your palate.
If you�re searching for a distinctive location for a special party or event, there�s no more enchanting or romantic setting than the River Rose. Whether it�s a graduation party, birthday, anniversary or one-of-kind celebration, the food and accommodations offered by River Rose can meet your need.
And, of you�re looking for an extraordinary way to express your appreciation for your mother on Mother�s Day, call today to reserve a table at the River Rose.
No matter what the occasion, if you want to share some time with someone special or treat yourself to a relaxing and lovely experience, come to the River Rose Restaurant at 214 W Third Street in Yankton. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and dinner is served Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm. For more information or to reserve a party or Mother�s Day meal, call 605-260-ROSE, that�s 605-260-7673. Make River Rose your special place.
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Hartington 125th Celebration, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 15, 2008)
Four days of celebration will mark the city of Hartington's 125th anniversary as they celebrate the humble 1883 beginning of what has become a jewel of a community in northeast Nebraska.
Festivities begin Friday, May 23 with a wagon train, ladies luncheon, steak fry and parade. Community tours, library exhibits and the opening of a time capsule are all part of Friday's excitement. The Celebrate Freedom Parade of Lights will begin at 9:30 p.m. in Felber Park and travel along Main Street.
Saturday's lineup includes a Fun Walk and 5K run, Golf tournament, craft fair, a Rediscover the Past parade, and outhouse races. Cedar Catholic will host alumni programs and banquets and a 7 pm street dance with Small Town Fire and Go Figure headining will be held downtown.
Sunday kicks off with morning church services, a Q125 Appreciation breakfast at the KC Hall and an all-day car show. Throughout the day, a variety of activities will include a Volleyball tournament, horseshoe tournament, craft fair, bingo and more. At 1 pm, firemen will provide a water fight downtown while a plowing bee begins at the Bob Eickhoff farm one mile west of Hartington. Sunday is also Youth Day at the Hartington Athletic Complex. Events start at 2 pm and include Ping Pong Ball Drop, kids parade, Penny Scramble, etc. Heritage booths and historical displays will open at 2 and judges will award prizes for attire and beards following the kiddie parade. Evening events include a fireworks display at the Rec Complex at 9:30 pm.
Monday's schedule includes morning Memorial Day Services followed by a 1 pm Q125 Appreciation BBQ at the Skylon.
Details on all the events are available at www.hartingtonq125.com or by calling 402-254-6547. Don't miss this opportunity to join Hartington and Cedar County residents as they commemorate their heritage.
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Spruce Up Your Yard Program, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, May 29, 2008)
Do you have a gray rocky crater occupying space on your lawn that makes you and your neighbors cringe with horror every time it catches your eye? Or foliage that�s taken on a life of its own and threatens to overtake the creative landscaping you�ve worked so hard to develop? Or maybe a yard fence that would even be rejected by the producers of "Green Acres?"
Whatever eyesore is afflicting your yard, turn it into an opportunity with the "Spruce Up That Spot In Your Yard Contest." Entering the contest is as simple as e-mailing a snapshot of that dilapidated area to news@kynt1450.com. Or bring your picture into our KYNT Radio Station at 202 W 2nd Street in Yankton.
If your photo is selected as the contest winner, you�ll receive just what you need to "Spruce Up That Spot." Yankton Nurseries at 2000 Ferdig will develop a garden design just for you! They�ll provide bushes or trees valued at $400 and a selection of plants valued at $300 to help redesign your yard.
Stockmen�s Trailer Sales will present you with a Toro Variable Lawn Mower and Yankton�s Tractor Supply Company will provide a two-cycle Yardman Weedeater.
Plus! Wireless World will present you with a Blue Tooth Headset to make it easy for you to keep in touch while you�re working on your lawn or in your garden.
So grab your camera and snap away! Yankton Nurseries, KYNT, Stockmen�s Trailer Sales, Yankton�s Tractor Supply Company and Wireless World are all waiting to help you "Spruce Up That Spot in Your Yard!" Contact us today! What do you have to lose besides the worst looking spot in your lawn!
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St. Rose of Lima Parish Centennial, Crofton, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, June 19, 2008)
Members of Crofton's St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church are taking time this weekend for a fond look back over the 100-year history that saw them establish both an enduring and faithful congregation and a school where children are tutored in both academics and spiritual principles.
The public is invited to join in the festivities that begin on Friday with 5:30 pm volleyball tournament. A flag raising ceremony on Saturday is scheduled for 8 am and everyone will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and look over several displays that include antique machinery, museum items and quilts.
The 5K Run/Walk also begins at 8 am Saturday, followed by the St. Rose School Open House and Alumni Gathering from 9 to noon. The open house will feature school tours, drawings, memorabilia and more, with coffee and refreshments. At 10 am the parade begins, followed by horse and buggy rides and photo opportunities provided by Memories Forever.
Afternoon activities begin at 1 with a Horseshoe Tournament and Beer Garden. Old Time Youth Games begin at 1:30 and a 2:00 fashion show will be followed by a wine and cheese party. Father Tim Lange will provide a recital at 4 pm and Mass begins at 5:30.
Saturday evening's Open-Air Concert will feature Choir of Fire, Tonic Sol Fa, Youth Band, a parish video, Beard Judging, and the Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Band.
On Sunday, the displays and souvenir shop open at 9 and Mass with the Archbishop begins at 10:30. A centennial dinner, which is available by reservation only, begins at noon and a Centennial Program will be held at 1.
A full schedule of events is available at www.strosechool.us/centennialparish.htm. Make plans now to join members of Crofton's St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church to take part in this joyful reminiscing and celebration of the rich heritage of the church and community. Another unique opportunity to enjoy our region's Farm to Family connection.
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Riverboat Days, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 19 2010)
The fun. The food. The music. The pageantry. The artisans. And did we mention the food? It all comes together on Aug. 20 through 22 for Yankton�s annual Riverboat Days - one of the biggest and best festivals in the upper Great Plains.
Things get rolling with the children�s parade at 5:30 p.m. on Friday evening, Aug. 20, followed by the opening ceremonies at the amphitheater. Yankton�s PRCA Rodeo gets underway at 7:30 p.m. And you won�t want to miss the fireworks display over the river at 10.
On Saturday, Aug. 21, over 50 events are scheduled. Get an early start with the Mount Marty 5K walk at 7:15, or if you are really ambitious, try the 5K run, which begins at 8:15. There is an all you can eat Belgian waffle feed at the Riverfront Events Center all morning.
The summer arts festival and food concessions open at 10 a.m. at Riverside Park. It doesn�t matter your taste, whether you like strawberry puff dessert, Indian tacos, funnel cakes, mini donuts, Dakota taters, ice cream or shaved ice, almost every imaginable food and beverage is available during the festival.
In addition to the long list of artisans exhibiting this year, on Saturday, there are Tri-State Old Iron exhibits, Fascar/Pine Wood Derby, children's activities, the Pietsch airshow, Pukwana mower races and log sawing competitions. Don't miss the PRCA Rodeo gets started at 7:30 p.m. at the rodeo arena and at 8, the Dweebs! take the stage at the parking lot north of the beverage shelter.
On Sunday, Aug. 22, car show registration begins at 8:30 and the food vendors and arts festival open at 10. The fun, entertainment and games run all day long throughout the city. The Riverboat Days raffle will take place at 4, followed by the car show trophy presentations.
D.C. Lynch Carnivals will be providing rides at the Yankton Mall all weekend long. For more information on the complete schedule of entertainment and festivities, visit riverboatdays.com or farm to family.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Join the tens of thousands of visitors who flock to Yankton annually for one of the Great Plains' biggest and best festivals. Don't miss Riverboat Days, Friday through Saturday, Aug. 20 through the 22, in Yankton, South Dakota.
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Suzy Boggus at Schiferl's WJ Ranch, Menominee, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 30, 2012)
CMA and Grammy award winning artist, Suzy Boggus, is coming to WJ Ranch, just seven miles south of Yankton, Saturday, September 8 at 8 p.m. for a one of a kind concert. With songs you know and love like “Aces,” “Drive South,” “Someday Soon,” “Outbound Plane” and "Letting Go,” Suzy Boggus has been at the top of the charts.
In her “American Folk Songbook” tour, Suzy emits her appreciation for tradition that really shines. She enjoys singing the songs that are the very fabric of American musical history with classics like “Shenandoah”, “Ol Dan Tucker” and “Red River Valley”. The platinum selling songstress already has a full bookshelf of Grammy and CMA awards and now with the release of American Folk Songbook, she can put her own book up there too. The CD and companion Songbook have recently been released and featured at all Cracker Barrel Country Stores. WJ Ranch is ecstatic to have her come to their well-known stage.
General admission tickets are just $25 per person in advance and $40 at the door, so contact WJ Ranch now to reserve your seat at this special, up close concert. A limited number of "Meet & Greet Tickets" are also available for $50, guaranteeing you a front row seat and an opportunity to enjoy time with Suzy prior to the concert, wine tasting featuring Nissen Wines and appetizers from Hartington Food Town and Mama Mech's Restaurant in Crofton.
Check out more information at schiferlswjranch.com or call 402-357-2102. Learn more at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Don’t miss out on this special, one of a kind appearance and concert by Suzy Boggus at WJ Ranch on September 8.
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Yankton Ribfest, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 15, 2011)
Great rock music and mouth-watering ribs – what could be better? Don’t miss the Yankton Rockin’ Ribfest in historic downtown on Saturday, Sept. 17. Free classic rock concerts begin at 11:30 a.m. with Rust. Other performers for the day include The Mitigators at 1:15, Mrs. Begley and the Boys at 3, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at 4:45, Jade Monkey 5, The Austin Buescher Band at 7:45, with Go Figure closing out the day’s concerts from 9 p.m. to 11.
The amateur Ribfest cookoff offers competitors a chance for prize winning recipes. Bring the kids, listen to the music and enjoy every bite from vendors and ribfest cookoff competitors. The Rockin’ Ribfest is sure to be a day to remember in historic downtown Yankton. And best of all, the music is all free.
If you’d like information on the Ribfest cookoff, email hannasittingcrow@yahoo.com or call 605-260-3003. For more information on Yankton’s Rockin’ Ribfest, this Saturday in the historic downtown, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic, Crofton, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 4, 2008) Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic congratulates Nurse Practitioner Jamie Miller and her husband Mark on the birth of their second son, Cole, who will join big brother Jack at home in Bloomfield.
The clinic also is pleased to announce that regular clinic hours have resumed as of September 8 with hours from 8:30 a.m.-Noon and 1:30-5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8:30 a.m.-Noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The clinic had been observing scaled back hours while Jamie was on maternity leave.
Other exciting news from the clinic is the addition of the "Clubhouse." The Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic staff has given one of its examination rooms an extreme makeover to transition it into a pediatric room.
The "Clubhouse" was redecorated by staff � Jamie Miller, NP; Helene Hegge, RN; and Charlene Schmadeke, MLT � at the clinic. The walls resemble a tree house and there is a special treasure chest in the room with surprises for the kids.
"Our goal was to make all patients as comfortable as possible and that includes children," Miller said. "We all hope the scenery will help children and their parents feel more at ease and alleviate any fears they may have."
Open since 1995, Avera Sacred Heart Medical Clinic in Crofton is your hometown health care team. Call 388-2343 for appointments or more information.
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St. Helena 150th Birthday Celebration, St. Helena, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 21, 2008)
St. Helena, Nebraska, is celebrating its 150th anniversary Sunday, August 31st with a fun day the entire family can enjoy.
Established in 1858, St. Helena was an important river port. Riverboats used the fine rock landing to transport people, materials, and supplies to the area. Abundant natural resources and location of the river enticed many to settle in St. Helena which soon became a booming frontier town and county seat. The 1881 flood brought great trial and tremendous change to the entire region, altering the channel of the Missouri River away from St. Helena. Soon afterward, the county seat moved and St. Helena lost importance. Today, St. Helena is an active rural community, and the oldest incorporated town in Cedar County.
The 150th celebration begins at 8 am in St. Helena with the Bow Valley Forester breakfast, a volleyball tournament, craft show, paintball target shoot, old-time photos, and chainsaw artist. A special 9 am mass will commemorate the event. The 12 noon parade will be followed by a presentation and award ceremony. The afternoon will feature badminton and horseshoe tournaments, carnival type games, church and cemetery tours, a military display, antique car and equipment show, horse and buggy rides, log sawing contest, and a kiddie tractor pull, with food and concessions served throughout the day. The day�s entertainment includes a history room, history presentation by Roger Tryon, hot-air balloon launch, chainsaw sculpture auction and drawing, talent show, and fireworks display at dusk. The Outback Band will provide music starting at 3 pm, followed by Small Town Fire at 5 pm. The Neo Johnsons Band will close the day�s activities with a 10 pm performance on the ball field.
Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the heritage of St. Helena and northeast Nebraska on Sunday, August 31st by joining the community in recognizing their 150th anniversary. It all starts at 8 am.
For more information about the event, contact Vic Paltz at 402-357-2163. Another great celebration of the Farm to Family Connection.
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Missouri River Outdoor Expo, Ponca State Park
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 18, 2008)
Along the banks of the picturesque Missouri National Recreational River in the 2,400-acre Ponca State Park, the 2008 Missouri River Outdoor Expo will once again feature hands-on exhibits, seminars and demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday, September 20th and 21. The expo is open 9 am to 6 pm Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm Sunday.
Whether your interest lies in fishing, hunting, game calling, camping, outdoor and game cooking, or a dozen other outdoor sports, you'll find activities designed just to help you enjoy and learn more about your sport.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Scheels All Sports and other organizations are teaming together to provide the 4th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo.
The weekend event is designed to inform, educate and recruit new members into the outdoor community. It also often rekindles interest of those who once enjoyed outdoor activities.
Families and people at all skill levels, from novice to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, will find opportunities to learn and participate in hands-on activities, like the Splash Dog event where dog owners can introduce their dog to the water. Vendors will showcase some of the newest outdoor products from a broad range of sports. The art show and sale will feature well known wildlife painters, wood carvers, taxidermists and the Splash Dog touring dog jump competition will feature national leaders in this event as well as providing opportunities for local dogs to show off their abilities.
Among activity options are shooting sports, dog training; outdoor cooking; camping in RVs or tents; hunting; fishing, trapping, boating, golf, wildlife close-up and activities for hikers and riders.
Complete details are available at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
So take time to enjoy nature, beautiful Ponca State Park, and become acquainted with or learn more about some of your favorite outdoor activities. For additional information, call 402-755-2284 and enjoy the 2008 Missouri River Outdoor Expo on Saturday and Sunday, September 20th and 21. .An excellent way to enjoy the Farm to Family Connection.
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Harvest Dance, Utica, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 23, 2008)
It's a great harvest dance under a big, bright harvest moon. That's the Utica Harvest Dance Saturday, October 25 at the Utica Dance Hall. From 9 pm to 1 am, Outback Band will begin providing toe-tapping music for this special event.
The five-member Outback Band is a professional Country-Variety band who enjoys the people they entertain as much as the music they perform. Young and old alike will find a pleasing variety of music performed by band members who use their combined 120+ years of experience to provide a memorable evening of entertainment.
Proceeds from the dance will be used to fund several of Utica's community projects, including construction of a new picnic shelter and providing playground equipment at the Utica school.
Helping make Utica a better place to live has always been a priority for many citizens. Harry Arnsdale was one of Utica's most famous residents. He came to Utica as a hobo, riding the train. He liked what he saw there and decided to stay. His only possessions at the time were a comb and clippers so he started cutting hair. He also established a pool hall called the Lumbago Inn, since he suffered from lumbago. It's now known as Marv's Bar.
Harry provided free movies for the town and built the area's first lighted baseball field. He embodied the true, caring spirit found in small, rural South Dakota communities. Founded in 1893, Utica is more than 115 years old and will show everyone a good time at the Harvest Dance.
So make plans now to attend great harvest dance under a big, bright harvest moon. That's the Utica Harvest Dance Saturday, October 25 from 9 pm to 1 am at the Utica Dance Hall, featuring Outback Band. Another great way to celebrate the Farm to Family Connection.
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Wausa Lockers, Wausa, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 7, 2013)
Residents around Wausa, Nebraska in Knox County are pretty proud of their Swedish heritage. So it’s no wonder that one of the customer favorites to come out of Wausa Locker downtown is Swedish potato sausage and Swedish meatballs. But for Wausa Locker, that’s only the beginning.
This hometown meat processor is one of the few USDA inspected facilities in Northeast Nebraska. So a good share of the family farmers direct marketing meat products around this region have their animals processed at Wausa.
LaVonne and the crew at Wausa Lockers aim to please their customers. They of course offer their own hot dogs, regular and green onion brats, cured pork chops, breakfast sausages and many other specialty items. If you want a half or quarter hog or beef to process, they can connect you with a local family farmer to purchase from. They will also help customers decide how they want the animals processed, what products might suit an individual family and how it should be packaged for convenience. Along with custom processing, they also offer locker rentals, but if you are planning to have an animal processed, be sure to call soon to schedule a date.
For the folks at Wausa Locker, supporting area family farmers, employing local folks and serving area family consumers are the reasons they are around. All the meat products they offer in their meatcase come from animals raised locally by family farmers in the region, so it is food you can trust.
Wausa Locker is located at 516 E. Broadway, on the south side of Highway 84 in downtown Wausa. They are open daily during the week and until noon on Saturdays. You can call LaVonne for more information at (402) 586-2882 or learn more about Wausa Locker on the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Fresh (Roping and Wreaths) - Jody Brady, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 20, 2008)
On today's Farm to Family show, we're putting family first because family is always first at the Fresh Wreath House. In her second year at the Cottonwood store location, north of Lewis and Clark Marina at the lake, Jody Brady is putting all the creative skills she's developed over the past 20 years to work to help make Christmas a special time for area families. Her son Beau was born the year she began making Christmas d�cor. To celebrate his birthday and this milestone, Jody is offering wreaths, crosses and candy canes with a single bow or 25 feet of balsam roping for just $20. You can call Jody at 605-660-4726 for information about the Fresh Wreath House.
In Jody's hands, traditional fresh greenery, pepperberries, holly and mistletoe become a striking holiday design that will enhance any holiday decor. If you need a special gift for the person who has everything, one of Jody's fresh mailbox huggies could be the perfect choice. These also work well as a memorial at the cemetery.
Everyone's favorite decoration, the "Prairie Wreath," composed of pheasant feathers, pine cones, pepperberries and dried apples is available in four different sizes.
Jody makes it easy to jumpstart your Christmas decorating plans and fill all your needs for fresh greenery, wreaths, garland, roping and decorations for any home by stopping in to see her at the Cottonwood area north of Lewis and Clark Marina at the lake. The Cottonwood store is open year-round and offers homemade pizza, treats, hot drinks or adult beverages which you can enjoy while you shop. Jody is open this weekend, November 21 and 22 and every weekend through December 15. For more information, call her mobile number at 605-660-4726 and let Jody help bring the Christmas spirit to your family. The Fresh Wreath House � a delightful and fragrant way to celebrate the Farm to Family Connection.
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Farm to Family Connection - Schedule Your 2009 Program Today
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year)
Local farmers, family businesses and rural entrepreneurs in northeastern Nebraska and southeast South Dakota all face a common challenge: how to market unique and high quality products and get them into the hands of people who are searching for them. That's what Farm to Family Connection is all about.
Anyone who's lived in a small town or rural area for any length of time knows working cooperatively to help each other is a deeply rooted rural America tradition. Farm to Family Connection, a locally produced radio program that airs right here on KK93 /KYNT was born out of that tradition.
Our directors know there are healthy, quality food products grown right in our backyard that are available fresh off the farm, through farm stands, farmers markets, online sales, home delivery, local grocers and other outlets.
We also know there are many area residents who want to purchase locally raised beef, pork, lamb, poultry and eggs, buffalo, elk, honey, wine, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables and much more. Folks would also appreciate knowing about local eating establishments that feature locally raised food on their menus, farmers markets, caterers, grocers and other institutions that offer local food and products.
That's why, every week, we bring you information about a farmer, family business or rural entrepreneur producing the products you're searching for. You can also learn about local farm festivals, fairs, rodeos and other types of rural events. In the four years we've been on the air, more than 125 different farms, rural and home-based businesses, small towns and festivals have been feature on our show.
That's the kind of content you can expect to continue to enjoy throughout 2009. If your product or business hasn't been featured yet, a simple call to 605-665-7892 will put you on our schedule for the New Year. From all of us at Farm to Family Connection, have a blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year as you continue to celebrate our areas Farm to Family Connection.
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Avera Yankton Foot and Ankle Center - Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 18, 2008)
Painful feet not only restrict physical mobility and hamper the joy of life. Foot pain can lead to serious medical problems if not properly diagnosed and treated. No matter what kind of foot pain you�re experiencing, Dr. Terry Pedersen and Dr. Ben Olsen at Avera Yankton Foot and Ankle Center can help.
Heel pain, ingrown toe nails or foot and ankle injuries are among the problems that can be medically and surgically treated at the Center. Winter weather and icy walkways can lead to broken bones, tendon tears, bumps and bruises, even frostbite. With the care provided by these trained and true specialists, you�ll once again enjoy a quality life.
The Avera Yankton Foot and Ankle Center works in conjunction with a fully staffed hospital and surgery center to provide the utmost in care. Their staff makes scheduling an exam easy, with walk-in visits and same day appointments available and welcome. Whether you experience rheumatoid symptoms, sports medicine injuries or pediatric concerns, you�ll find excellent care at Avera Yankton Foot and Ankle Center.
For those with diabetic health needs, Drs. Pedersen and Olsen can fully treat the diabetic foot and ankle, both medically and surgically, including wounds and ulcers. They provide a full line of diabetic shoes and inserts and assist patients in determining if supplies qualify for Medicare reimbursement. Custom shoes are also available through the Center.
Don�t wait one more minute to schedule your appointment and step into the New Year with a healthier stride. You�ll also find Dr. Pedersen, Board Certified Physician, and Dr. Ben Olsen at satellite clinics in Vermillion, Wagner, Tyndall and Hartington. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Call toll free at 1-877-256-8973 or 605-668-8601. Call today for a healthy way to enjoy the Farm to Family Connection.
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Nebraska Sustainble Ag Society Conference, Grand Island, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Jan. 29, 2009)
Written by Loretta Sorensen
Farmers interested in diversifying their operations, acreage owners wanting to produce extra income and teens looking for money-making projects that they can do on their farm will all benefit from the Healthy Farms and Rural Advantage Conference at Mid-Town Holiday Inn in Grand Island, NE, Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14.
UNL Diversified Agricultural Extension Educators and Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society have brought together experts to talk about opportunities to add value on farms and acreages.
Ralph Tate will offer several workshops devoted to Holistic Management will help farmers monitor their ecosystems, plan for profit, and develop or enhance their grazing principles.
Parents or educators questioning the food system will find a wealth of information in the conference keynote speaker, Melinda Hemmelgarn, is a clinical dietitian, "investigative nutritionist," award-winning journalist and recipient of a 2004-2006 W.K. Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellowship. Hemmelgarn has used her skills and resources to connect the dots between food, health, and agriculture.
Her weekly column "Food Sleuth" help people "think beyond their plates." She advocates media literacy to restore public health, sustainable food, and grass roots democracy, all to get people thinking about how their food purchases affect rural communities and landscapes.
An additional nutritional workshop, Organic Food Nutrition UNL, will be provided by Dr. Georgia Jones of UNL's Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences. Those who have in interest in agri-tourism will find a panel of Nebraskans sharing their stories and successes.
Other presentation topics include organic vegetable gardening, dwarf fruit tree trellising, nut production in Nebraska, and an array of youth workshops that include how to raise and sell pumpkins, beekeeping, organic gardening and pasture poultry. "Returning to the Farm" and "Beginning Farmer Programs" are also presentations among the two-day program.
Visit www.nebsusag.org to register and view a full listing of the two-day event, provide a sponsorship or reserve an exhibit booth. That's the Healthy Farms and Rural Advantage Conference at Mid-Town Holiday Inn in Grand Island, NE, Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14. A very informative way to celebrate the Farm to Family Connection.
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Lewis and Clark Home Builders Show, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 7, 2011)
The Lewis and Clark Home Builders Association Home show is set for this weekend, April 9 and 10 at the Kiwanis 4-H Ice Center at 901 Whiting Drive in Yankton. Almost anything you could ever want or need for the home and home improvement projects can be found at this show.
The show will run on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 10 from noon until 4 p.m. This year gift certificates will be given away every hour of the show. With spring taking over the calendar, new improvement and building projects are on the minds of area residents. You will be able to learn more about all of your needs by attending this show.
Tickets are $3 for admission, with $1 off if you bring a canned good to be donated to local food banks.
Lewis and Clark Home Builders Association consists of builders and associate business people from a five county region around the area. They are a proud chapter of the South Dakota Home Builders Association, aimed at providing a network of quality builders in our region who have the latest information about technology and products used in the industry.
If you’d like more information on the Lewis and Clark Home Builders Association home show this weekend, April 9 and 10, call 605-661-7215, or visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Kenaston Family Gospel Show, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 12, 2009)
Farm to Family Connection is written by Loretta Sorensen of Yankton's Prairie Hearth Publishing and Spirit of the Plains Magazine.
The gospel music, country dance music and bluegrass tunes that have been part of the Kenaston family�s life for more than 50 years will make up the Country & Gospel Show that will be held at Yankton�s Dakota Theatre on Sunday, March 29. The public is invited to enjoy this year�s show with one performance at 2 pm. Advance tickets are just $8 and will be $10 at the door.
The north central Nebraska ranching family�s musical traditions began with Bob and Arvilla Kenaston. Their children, Roger and Vanessa, began their entertainment careers at an early age and have worked together with their parents for many years. The family has provided shows at festivals and dances across the region. They are all members of America�s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame and have actively promoted Traditional Country Music and Bluegrass events for many years.
Their show will feature special guests that include the Kenaston Family Band, extraordinary trumpet player Jerry Neeman, Yankton area singer Laurie Larsen, Midwest singer Jim Barnes, former and Yankton Baptist Church pastor John Cox. Old Time Fiddler, Bob Kenaston, will share his talents during the show.
Tickets are available at Western Trails, downtown Yankton; Linda�s Angel Crossing, Morgen Square; and the Carpenter Shop south of Hy-Vee, or from Laurie Larsen at 402-373-2663 and Sharon Kenaston, 402-687-9594.
So make plans now to enjoy the Country & Gospel Show that will feature Old Time Fiddler, Bob Kenaston, at Yankton�s Dakota Theatre on Thursday, March 19. Call 402-373-2663 or 402-687-9594 for advance tickets at $8. Tickets are also available at the door for $10. Performances are at 2 and 7 pm. Reserve your seat today and take in this toe-tappin� way to enjoy the Farm to Family Connection!
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Lifestyles Show, Yankton Mall, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Feb. 17, 2011)
It may not look like spring around the region, but the calendar says that spring is just around the corner. It’s time to get out of the house and start thinking of your projects for the upcoming year, to improve your life and your lifestyle. That’s what the annual Lifestyles Show, set for Friday through Sunday, March 4th, 5th and 6th at the Yankton Mall, is all about.
This show features a wide variety of vendors, highlighting products to fit today’s busy lifestyle. There are things for the family, home and garden, entertainment, the outdoors and much more. The show brings folks together with businesses featuring outdoor grills, decks, patio furniture, gardens and hot tubs. There will be landscape designers, and folks marketing greenhouse plants and trees, scooters, campers, mowers, home improvement products, televisions and electronics, boats, vehicles and motorcycles.
If you have cabin fever and are looking forward to spring and summer fun, activities and projects, the Lifestyles Show will feature something for you. There is still room for new vendors too. If you are interested in vending at the Lifestyles Show, contact Cynthia Miller at KK93 and KYNT at 605-665-7892.
And don’t miss out on the annual Lifestyles Show, set for Friday through Sunday, March 4th, 5th and 6th, at the Yankton Mall. For more information, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Hartington Farmers Market, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 2, 2012)
There is nothing like locally grown produce this time of year. So, if your gardens have dried up, you can always stop by the Hartington Farmers Market, set up most Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Foodtown parking lot in Hartington. Local vendor, Sheila Feilmeier now has onions, potatoes and tomatoes for sale each week, with more produce becoming available as the garden season progresses. She will be vending through October. Sheila is certified to accept senior farmers market nutrition program vouchers.
Donna Burbach has been also offering her fine baked goods for sale. Farmers markets are a great way for local consumers to put a face with their food, and support local vendors and the local community with their food dollars. Watch Cedarvision for the Hartington Farmers Market ads each week.
So, get in touch with your food and the folks who grow it. Visit Hartington Farmers Market on most Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Foodtown parking lot in Hartington. If you’d like more information, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Know your farmer and you know your food.
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Dancing with the Radio Stars
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 9, 2009)
Dust off your dancing shoes and brush up on your greatest dancing steps � it�s time for Dancing with the Radio Stars, a fundraiser for the Shannon Trail and Northeast Nebraska Tourism.
All the fun begins Saturday, April 18th when doors open at 1 pm at the DeVent Center in Norfolk, NE. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets are available in Norfolk at Divots, Gillette Printing, Brown Shoe Fit and at Circle G in Norfolk and O�Neill. You can also purchase tickets in Yankton at Western Trails and in Bloomfield at Sally�s Antiques. To request tickets by e-mail, contact lklarsen_72@gpcom.net or call Connie Tentinger at 712-548-6057.
If your toes are already tapping at the thought of a dance exhibition and competition, you don�t want to miss any of the day�s events that start with the Open Dance Workshop from 2 to 4 pm. You can learn new move or add some flair to your style with country, swing, ballroom, line dance and Hip Hop dancing. From 4:15 to 5 pm, Area Country Dancers will offer a Dance Demo and at 5 pm a Youth Dance Exhibition will feature Paulyn�s Dance Studio, Centre Pointe Dance, Taps and The O�Neill Irish Dancers.
For two hours, from 7 to 9 pm, dance competition will feature 10 different couples composed of a staff member from one of six different radio stations and a dance instructor. The audience will select a People�s Choice winning couple and the Outback Band will provide music for everyone to dance to from 9 pm to 1 am.
In addition to all the dancing fun, vendors and display booths will be set up throughout the afternoon. A major feature of the displays will be pictures of the people, businesses and places found along the Shannon Trail. A Silent Auction will feature items from northeast Nebraska Stars including Cornhusker Football items signed by Bo Peline and Tom Osborne. Bids will be accepted from 2 pm to 8 pm. Items from Tony Wragge of the 49ers, Russ Hochstein of the Patriots and Joanie Keller, Nashville Recording Star will be sold to the highest bidder and all proceeds will go to the Shannon Trail and Northeast Nebraska Tourism.
So circle the date and start tapping your toes! It�s Dancing with the Radio Stars, Saturday, April 18th beginning at 2 pm at the DeVent Center in Norfolk, NE. Call Connie at 712-548-6057 for more information. Dancing With the Radio Stars � a swinging way to celebrate the Farm to Family Connection!
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Country Cupboards Floral and Gift, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 8, 2011)
At Country Cupboard Floral and Gift at 2800 Broadway, across from JoDean’s in Yankton, personalized service is taken to a new level. Julie Fischer and her family are known for their customized concepts, designing wreaths, planter and pot plantings, centerpieces and memorial arrangements that say, “I love you,” in a special way.
Whether it is a gift certificate, so friends and neighbors can stop by and choose something themselves, or a unique, one of a kind gift hand chosen by Julie, you can be sure your loved ones will know of your affection when it comes from Country Cupboards.
Julie has years of design experience, working for a long-standing flower shop. When that shop closed, she continued utilizing her plant design talents by creating specialized arrangements and plantings for family and friends from her home. She finally outgrew her home business and founded Country Cupboards in 2003.
Today, customer testimonials and long-term repeat customers that have become friends are reason enough to choose Country Cupboards for your holiday gift needs.
Country Cupboards Floral and Gift at 2800 Broadway is open Monday through Friday and on Saturdays too. Call ahead for all kinds of Christmas gift ideas.
You can call Country Cupboards toll free at 866-825-2858, or visit them on the web at www.farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. As Julie says, a gift from Country Cupboards is the “best way to make someone’s day.” So make someone’s day this Christmas, by purchasing special gifts from Country Cupboards.
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Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 22, 2011)
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital is expanding services and facilities, taking health care in the region to new heights. A new $8 million surgical center will meet a number of needs for both patients and the surgical team.
The project will include expanded operating rooms, as well as gathering areas for patients and their families. Scheduled for completion in July of 2012, the first-floor surgical center project involves remodeling rather than construction. This project will allow staff to perform a large number and wide variety of surgeries, both same-day and extended stay.
In addition to a new surgical center, Avera Sacred Heart is building a Northern Lights Addition on the northwest corner of the existing hospital. This $17 million expansion will include a new kitchen, cafeteria, pharmacy, laboratory, physician amenities, sleep lab, environmental services space and meeting areas. It will change the entire north face of the hospital and the project has been based on input from patients, families, staff and physicians.
If you’d like more information on the Avera expansion projects, visit avera.org
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The Market in Historic Downtown Yankton, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, July 2, 2009)
If you are hungry for the freshest produce around, and if you like purchasing part of your family�s food from farmers and growers you know and trust, then you don�t want to miss The Market in Historic Downtown Yankton running from 8 a.m. to 11, every Saturday morning throughout the summer.
With over 20 vendors selling their homegrown vegetables, fruit, jams and jellies, baked goods, handcrafted items, jewelry and more every week, The Market, held along 3rd street in the beauty, heritage and elegance of downtown Yankton, is the perfect place to be.
Organizers of The Market ask local consumers to buy right � that is right from the producer, and to put a face with their food. Children in the family can learn about how things grow by talking with the folks in our area who grow vegetables and fruit, in season, right here in our own vicinity, and there are always free train rides for the kids at the Riverfront Event Center at 3rd and Walnut.
There are home baked goods like kolaches, cookies, muffins and bread, along with woodcrafts, knitted and crocheted items. There are new vendors and new products each and every week.
New vendors are always welcome at The Market and there is no charge for selling. Booths range in all sizes and shapes, depending on the needs of the sellers.
You will know what is in season by visiting the Market. Early markets will include rhubarb, lettuce, asparagus, spinach and strawberries, with later summer and fall markets including sweet corn, melons and pumpkins. Eating local means being in touch with the seasons of our region, and the people who make their livings from the land, right here, where we live.
If you�d like more information about The Market in Historic Downtown Yankton, or if you�d like to be a new vendor, visit the website at downtownyankton.com for market information, a vendor directory and local recipes. You can email yhrd@iw.net or call 605-260-3003 to get answers to all of your Market questions. You can also learn more by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Make the Farm to Family Connection. Buy fresh, buy local, buy at least a portion of the food and products for your family from growers and artisans you know and trust at The Market along 3rd Street in Historic Downtown Yankton every summer Saturday morning.
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Days of 56 Rodeo, Ponca, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Farm Connection, June 21, 2012)
The Days of ’56 Rodeo in Ponca, Nebraska is a hometown rodeo with big time events and entertainment. Ponca’s PRCA Rodeo is set for this weekend, Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25.
It’s been 44 years of rodeo for the community of Ponca, so the celebration this year is bigger and better than ever. Friday’s rodeo performance starts at 7:30 p.m. You’ll see all the finest in rodeo cowboys and stock through a complete schedule of events. Well-known rodeo announcer, Travis Schauda will be announcing this year’s event.
Friday is also “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night at Ponca, as the local rodeo association raises awareness of breast cancer, with a portion of the gate proceeds going to the June E. Nylan Cancer Center.
On Saturday, things get rolling with the ever-popular parade at 3 p.m. The rodeo performance gets started at 7:30 p.m. Following Saturday night’s performance, a rodeo dance in the dirt is scheduled featuring the band “Irish Brew.”
Professional equine entertainers, trick riders and daredevils known as the Wild Riders will be on hand both nights to keep rodeo goers on the edge of their seats. And don’t forget the big Arena Race each night. This year’s Miss Days of 56, Danielle Schneider will reign over the big two-day event.
The idea of a Ponca Rodeo was conjured up around 1969. In 1972, the rodeo association and community club joined forces to make the celebration even better. Over the past sixteen years alone, the rodeo has entertained about 125,000 people, with all the greatest cowboys competing and clowns entertaining, in what has become Nebraska’s third largest PRCA rodeo.
Don’t miss out on the dust and the blood and bulls at Ponca’s annual PRCA Days of ’56 Rodeo, this weekend, Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23. Learn more by visiting www.daysof56.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Plan now to bring your whole herd over to Ponca, Nebraska this weekend for the best in family entertainment, cowboy style.
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Madison County Fair, Madison, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, June 29, 2011)
For 134 years, Madison, Nebraska has hosted the Madison County Fair. It all started back in 1873, when the First Presbyterian Church in Madison hosted a fair attended by about 50 participants. Today, over the course of the county fair in Madison running throughout this weekend, around 50,000 fair goers will walk through the livestock barns and exhibit halls, cheer on rodeo cowboys and clap their hands and stomp their feet at dances and concerts. The Madison County Fair brings folks from around the region together to celebrate our heritage, our talents, our agriculture and the good old summertime.
On 75 acres of modern facilities, located in the northwest section of Madison, the Madison County Fair hosted an opening ceremony and flag raising this morning. On the day’s event roster are the 4-H and FFA swine, dairy and horse shows and the 4-H bucket calf show and presentation contest.
Tonight, the Midstates Championship Rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. at the main arena and the evening closes out with a dance at the activities center.
Tomorrow, Friday, July 9, 4-Hers and FFAers will exhibit horses, sheep, goats and pets. Midstates Championship Rodeo will entertain fair goers again, with the rodeo’s “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign, raising awareness and money to fight cancer. The evening closes out with a dance at the activities center.
On Saturday, July 10, there is a breakfast scheduled at the concession hall. On the roster of 4-H and FFA activities are the stocker feeders, dog show, beef show, rabbit and poultry shows. The Kiddie Tractor Pull is set for 2 p.m., with big time Country Music entertainment starting out with Kellie Pickler at 8:30 p.m. at the grandstand. A dance is set for the activities center at 10 p.m.
Finally, on Sunday, July 11, church services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. There will be a Barbeque at 11 a.m. at the concession hall. The afternoon includes frog jumping, turtle races and minnow racing, with an ice cream eating contest at 1:30 and a lip synch contest at 2. A square dance is set for 6 p.m. with the fair closing out in a big way with Jake Owens and Rodney Atkins in concert at the grandstand at 7:30 p.m., followed by the ever popular fireworks finale.
Don’t miss the open class and commercial exhibits and Heart of America carnival rides and games throughout the fair.
For more information, visit madisoncountyfair.com or farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. And remember, if you want to treat your family to a little excitement, entertainment and games, don’t miss the Madison County Fair in Madison, Nebraska, where families go for summer fun.
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Prairie Sun Organics, Vermillion, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 10, 2009)
Capture the flavor of farm fresh produce and grassfed meats by purchasing food for your dinner table from Prairie Sun Organics near Vermillion, South Dakota. Animals at Prairie Sun graze on lush pastures, and their vegetables and flowers are grown from seed selected carefully for exceptional taste and long shelf-life. All of the food produced at Prairie Sun is certified organic. The main farm site, located north of Sioux City in Woodbury County, is a cooperative effort of family and friends, along with organic farms in Vermillion and the surrounding region.
Prairie Sun markets organic mixed vegetables and grassfed beef, lamb and poultry. During the holiday season, what could be better for family Christmas time dining than a tenderloin, roast or prime rib from Prairie Sun? From May to September, you can also find Prairie Sun products on Saturday mornings at the Sioux City Farmers Market in the Tyson Events Center parking lot and on Thursday evenings at the Vermillion Farmers Market at the Clay County Fairgrounds. You can also find Prairie Sun Organics products at Jones Food Center in Vermillion, HyVee in Sioux City or by ordering online at prairiesunorganics.com.
Grace your family�s table with the flavorful organic tastes of Prairie Sun Organics of Vermillion, where farm fresh vegetables and grassfed meats are more than a business, they are a way of life. Learn more by calling Prairie Sun Organics at 605-624-1966 or emailing info@prairiesunorganics.com. Find the best in locally raised food by visiting the web at www.farmtofamily.net. And remember, if want it to be fresh, you want it to be locally grown.
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Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and Clinics
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 17, 2009)
Long time Farm to Family Connection partner, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, maintains an adult sleep laboratory that diagnoses and treats sleep disorders, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most common sleep disorder. Obstructive Sleep Apnea ( or OSA), can be successfully treated with Positive Air Pressure ( or PAP) treatments such as CPAP and BiPAP.
Common signs and symptoms of OSA include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and restless sleep. An individual�s bed partner may also witness their breathing stop during sleep.
If a patient complains of any of these symptoms, he or she may benefit from a sleep evaluation by one of two sleep specialists, Dr. Lori Hansen or Dr. Michael Pietila, who are pulmonologists at Yankton Medical Clinic. After evaluation by a pulmonologist, the patient may be referred for a sleep study in the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Sleep Diagnostics Lab.
It is estimated that as many as 90% of U.S. adults with OSA are undiagnosed. Untreated OSA may lead to a number of adverse consequences including cardiovascular disease, increased obesity levels, motor vehicle accidents and depression. Thus, it is immensely important that individual with signs and symptoms of OSA be evaluated and treated for this disorder.
Any additional questions concerning sleep lab services may be directed to the ASHH Sleep Diagnostics Lab at (605) 668-8773. A board registered sleep technologist is available during business hours to provide information. You can also learn more about Avera Sacred Heart Hospital services and the Farm to Family Connection by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net.
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Farm to Family Connection
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Dec. 24, 2009)
Farm to Family Connection has been on the air here since the first week of March in 2004. Over the past five and a half years, we�ve produced nearly 300 programs featuring over 200 family farmers, farmers markets and market vendors, direct farm marketers, farm-based artisans, crafters and services, as well as rural communities and celebrations.
In 2009, Farm to Family Connection was named by the Mother Nature Network as one of the top eleven radio programs in the nation that promotes locally raised food. Through surveys conducted in a project funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and administered by Northeast Nebraska RC&D in Plainview, we learned that those farmers and businesses who we�ve featured regularly on our program have increased their sales and contacts with local customers by five to twenty percent.
That means that you are listening. To us, it is an indicator that local folks are hungry for fruits, vegetables, baked goods, fresh herbs, nursery stock, flowers and plants, wood crafts and locally raised meat and processors. It means our local citizens enjoy attending our county fairs and community events. It means that there is a strong Farm to Family Connection across southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska. This is something we already knew, and that is why this program was founded in the first place.
As we begin scheduling new farmers, new business, new events and rural celebrations as our feature stories for 2010, we invite you to join us. If you raise food or farm products, or if you provide rural services, or plan rural community events, please consider becoming one of our feature stories in the upcoming year. For a very small investment, your family or community story can be part of our storied commitment to our region.
For more information, visit our website � www.farmtofamily.net � powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, or call the station at 605-665-7892.
We are particularly grateful for our generous sponsors over these past few years and we appreciate our loyal listeners. From our families at Farm to Family Connection, we wish you and your families the very best this Christmas and a truly Happy New Year.
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Verdigre Livestock, Verdigre, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, March 18, 2010)
Verdigre Livestock, located among the Czech Alps in the heart of cattle country in beautiful western Knox County, has been serving farmers around the region for decades. Curt Zimmer and his crew take that tradition seriously, and whether you are selling cattle or buying, they take care of your needs.
Founded in 1953, Curt Zimmer and his family has owned Verdigre Livestock since 1996. They know how to provide customized service in the livestock auction business.
Verdigre Livestock hosts bred cow and heifer sales in season every Friday morning, starting at 11 a.m., with a feeder calf sale to follow. They also have a full schedule of registered and purebred production sales coming up. On March 24th, the Lyle Sukup Angus sale is scheduled. Arden Uhlir�s Simmental stock will sell on April 11 and Gary Zimmer will be hosting his Charlois production sale on April 16.
Verdigre Livestock has several field representatives on the road, including Jesse Kupicka from, Niobrara, Curtis Kalkawski at Verdel and Matt Booth at Neligh.
So be sure to check out Verdigre Livestock, to sell your livestock the auction way. Verdigre Livestock is located just north of Verdigre along Highway 14. For more information, call Curt Zimmer at 402-841-2835 or call the sale barn at 668-2246.
For more information on Verdigre Livestock, visit the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Dancing for Tourism, Norfolk, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 15, 2010)
Get ready to kick up your heels and vote for your favorite dancing couples at the 2nd annual Dancing for Tourism event, set for this Saturday, Apr. 17 at the DeVent Center in Norfolk. This big dancing extravaganza is sponsored this year by the Shannon Trail Promoters and Great Plains Communication.
Beginning with dancing lessons and workshops at 1 p.m., the entire day is devoted to the dance. Local couples will be dancing to raise money for local tourism events like county fairs, Crofton�s 4th of July celebration, Hartington�s Candlelight Christmas, Niobrara�s Bridging the Shores, Berry Pepper Days at Creighton, Heritage Fest at St. James and Kolach Days at Verdigre, to name just a few.
Winners in country dance, modern dance and group dance categories will win $400 for their event. Other awards offered include people�s choice awards, the most energetic and most creative dancers. A traveling trophy will go to the people�s overall choice of dancers.
From 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., there will be dance demonstrations and lessons, with the actual competition beginning at 3. Awards will be given out around 9:45 p.m., with a dance featuring the Outback Band entertaining everyone until 1 a.m.
Tickets to this great community event are on sale now for $15 at local vendors like Divots, Brown Shoe Fit and KIX106 in Norfolk; Western Trails in Yankton; Moody Motors in Niobrara; Cozy Corner in Verdigre; Wiebelhaus Recreation in Crofton; Commercial State Bank in Wausa; Action Sports in Creighton; Winnetoon Mall; Sally�s Antiques and Sweets, Floral Fantasy and Family Variety in Bloomfield; and Outdoorsmen Productions and State Farm Insurance in Hartington. Tickets are also available at the door for $20. Don�t miss numerous tourism booths and vendors and be sure to get your bids in on items in the Silent Auction. Stand up for tourism in Northeast Nebraska and get ready to dance your socks off at the 2nd annual Dancing for Tourism, set for Saturday, Apr. 17 at the Devent Center in Norfolk. Learn more by visiting outbackband.com or stop by farmtofamily.net powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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South Dakota Local Foods Coop, Brookings, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, June 3, 2010)
Food raised locally, by farmers in our own region, is some of the freshest, highest quality food around. The South Dakota Local Foods Cooperative, hosted by Dakota Rural Action, is one of the best places to find food raised by your neighbors in your own backyard.
Operating with producer dropsites and consumer pickup sites in Sioux Falls and Brookings, the South Dakota Local Foods Cooperative offers almost anything anyone could need. From fresh vegetables and fruit in season, to locally raised beef, pork and lamb, chicken and turkey, to milk and eggs, baked goods and even pet supplies, the producers of the Local Foods Coop are ready and able to grace your dinner table and provide supplies for your home.
The Local Foods Coop even offers jams and jellies, health and beauty supplies, garden accessories and locally crafted jewelry for all of your needs and wants. With new routes in the works, the Local Foods Coop is working hard to bring food and family supplies from South Dakota producers to consumers around the region.
Food raised locally saves energy, provides freshness and quality to the dinner table, and offers economic development for small towns and local farm families. The South Dakota local foods directory was born from Dakota Rural Action�s Small Farms Committee. The Local Foods Coop provides a direct farm to family connection for folks who are producing local food and those consumers interested in purchasing food from their friends and neighbors.
If you�d like more information about the food available in the South Dakota Local Foods Coop, call 605-697-5204, email coop@dakotarural.org or visit them on the web at www. sdlocalfood.org and browse the hundreds of food and non-food items available from South Dakota producers. Learn more at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Make the farm to family connection and purchase your dinner from farmers you know and trust, like the producers of the South Dakota Local Foods Coop.
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5K Carrot Man Fun Run/Walk, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, June 17, 2010)
This Saturday, June 19, the Shannon Trail Promoters, a local organization that has raised the historical awareness of the trek of Private George Shannon in our region as a lost member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is sponsoring a 5K �Carrot Man� Run/Walk in Hartington, Nebraska.
This special event will begin at the sports complex in Hartington. There is a mile walk that starts at 8:30 a.m., a mile fun run for kids that starts at 9, and the big event, a 5K run/walk beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The first 150 participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and race packet. There will be water and snacks for everyone following the event. The top three male and female entrants in all age categories will receive awards. If you�d like entry information, call Julie Schreiber at 402-254-3947 or email her at jschreib@esu1.org.
The next Shannon Trail summer event is a Youth and Adult Archery Tournament set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 22 in Hartington. For more information on the archery tournament, contact Kevin Millikan at 402-373-2713
.Learn more about these and all the Shannon Trail community events and activities by visiting the web at shannontrail.com or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. This summer, take a fun run or walk or participate in our archery tournament. Celebrate our Farm to Family Connection and our Lewis and Clark heritage with the folks from the Shannon Trail.
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Schuetzenfest, Bow Valley, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, July 29, 2010)
It is a celebration of German heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages. And it only comes around every five years, so you�ll want to take the entire family to experience the pageantry, the culture and the patriotism of Bow Valley, Nebraska�s traditional Schuetzenfest, set for Sunday, Aug. 1.
In the main event of the day, shooters try to shoot a handcarved wooden bird from its perch. The one who accomplishes this difficult feat is named King of Schuetzenfest and he gets to choose his queen.
The day�s events begins at 8 am with a 5 K Fun Run. At 10:30, there will be Sunday Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church and a cemetery service after Mass, honoring the living and deceased members of the Brotherhood of Shooters.
At 12 noon, the Schuetzenfest Drill Squad will lead a parade to the Bow Valley hall. Flag raising ceremonies and the National Anthem begin at 2 pm. Concession and lunch stands open at noon.
Following the flag raising, the shooters begin attempting to unseat the wooden bird. The coronation of the king shooter and queen follows. Later in the afternoon, German dance performances will take place courtesy of the German American Society. There is a talent show at 5 and a dance and other fun activities run from 6 until 10 pm. Old Glory with will be lowered with ceremony at sunset.
So it's tradition, pageantry and celebration of German heritage. Bring the whole family to Bow Valley, Nebraska on Sunday, August 1 for one of only two Schuetzenfest events held in the U.S. Learn more about Schuetzenfest and other rural festivals in our region by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
And remember, if you want to experience authentic German heritage and fun for the entire family, come to Schuetzenfest at Bow Valley, Nebraska.
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3-D Archery Tournament, Hartington, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, aired on Aug. 18, 2011)
You won't want to miss a single moment of the adult and youth team 3-D archery tournament, set for Sunday, August 21 at the Outdoor Archery Range just a mile east of Hartington Recycling at Hartington, Nebraska. This event, sponsored by the Shannon Trail Promoters and the Northeast Nebraska Archers, runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first division includes adults with a youth from ages 8 through 12. The second division includes adults with a youth from ages 13 through 15. There is a 40 target course, with one arrow allowed per target.
Registration is only $25 for each team of an adult and a youth. There will be all kinds of prizes including medals and pins for the first place winners in each division.
Check out this fantastic outdoor range, get out in the wild and enjoy a sporting event that Lewis and Clark and their expedition would have enjoyed. Don't miss out on the adult and youth team archery tournament, at the Hartington Outdoor Archery Range at Hartington, Nebraska on Sunday, August 21st.
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Knox County Farm Fest, Bloomfield, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Aug. 26, 2010)
Take in real farm heritage by attending the 3rd annual Knox County Farm Fest, set for this weekend near Bloomfield, Nebraska. Shonn and Amber Endres are ready to host the big event on Saturday, Aug. 28 at their farm. Go one mile south from the Bloomfield cemetery , then turn right on 880 Road. The farm is the first place on the north side of the road.
Some of the oldest farm equipment in Knox County will be operating all day, just like it did decades ago. The threshing bee runs from 12 noon to 6 p.m. In addition to threshing, demonstrations will include a horse drawn sickle mower, horse drawn plow and disc, ground driven corn binder, stationary corn chopper, a corn sheller, hit and miss engines, small grain elevator, tractor plowing, a fanning mill and a feed grinder to name a few.
After the threshing bee, there will be a live auction to benefit the high school agricultural education program at Bloomfield that will include all kinds of valuable items, including used shop equipment and tools from Bloomfield High School.
Fun for the whole family, don�t miss out on the Knox County Farm Fest, this Saturday, Aug. 28, south of Bloomfield. For more information, call 402-373-2829 or visit us on the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Give your children a taste of old-time farming at the Knox County Farm Fest at Bloomfield.
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Day of Music and Dance, Bloomfield, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 23, 2010)
The American Legion Pavilion at Bloomfield is well known around the region with a great heritage and generations of wedding and anniversary dances, Knox County Fair events and music for young and old. The Pavilion has been the venue for some of the great celebrations and festivities honoring those big events in life.
Now, the community of Bloomfield is hoping to renovate their great pavilion. The community is sponsoring a Day of Music and Dance on Sunday, September 26 to honor the pavilion and to raise money for the renovation. The day begins at 11 a.m. with a huge silent auction with items donated by many of the Bloomfield graduation classes and alumni along with area businesses. There is seed, food, hardware and supplies, coats, art work, farm supplies and services and cash. The silent auction runs until 3:30 p.m.
During the day, folks can enjoy the sounds of many of the great bands of the region, including Christian Company and Friends, LeRoy Hollman, Weightless, Austin Truax and Friends, Bumble Bees, Tyndall Accordian Club, the Just Because Band, and a jam session with several band members and Outback.
Music and food will be available at the Pavilion all day long. At 10 a.m., don�t miss the Exotic Bird and Animal Sale on the fairgrounds, including poultry, rabbits, house pets and equipment. For more information on the sale, contact Ken Gill at 402-373-2454.
For more information on the big Day of Music and Dance at the historic American Legion Pavilion at the Knox County Fairgrounds on the east edge of Bloomfield, Nebraska, contact Laurie Larsen at 402-373-2663. Donations can be made anytime to this great fundraiser. Learn more on the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. If you�d like to enjoy a day of music for the whole family, and help renovate one of the region�s great old dance halls, don�t miss the big event this Sunday, September 26 in Bloomfield.
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Terry Gompert Memorial
(Transcript of Farm to Family Connection airing March 31, 2011)
Farm to Family Connection this week airs with a heavy heart. Locally raised food enthusiasts, 4-H families and grass farming advocates unexpectedly lost a champion last week. Friends in northeast Nebraska, South Dakota and around the world mourn the passing of long-time University of Nebraska Knox County Extension educator and grass farming veteran, Terry Gompert of Center.
In many ways, Terry’s philosophy that placed emphasis on “knowing where your food comes from” was a basis for the founding of this radio program. Terry was born in 1944 in Scottsbluff. After graduating from Colorado State University, he served with the International Voluntary Service in Laos from 1966-1968. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Nebraska. After raising hogs near Mitchell, Nebraska for seven years, he served in Extension in Logan and McPherson counties in Nebraska before joining the Knox County Extension office in 1983.
In the mid-1980s, Terry became interested in grass farming. In Terry’s words, he always liked to try what he was teaching on his own place, so he began to experiment with grassfed cattle of his own. Over the years, he hosted and spoke at pasture walks and grazing meetings and seminars around the world. He was a certified Holistic Management Educator, and brought his unique combination of philosophy, virtue and sound farming science to his job in Extension and his life in promoting sustainable agriculture and keeping the family in farming in every way possible.
With Terry’s passing, we have lost a true friend and mentor. He’s been called the grass whisperer and Nebraska’s pasture prophet. We express our deepest sympathy to Terry’s wife, Connie and his children, Saul, Kate, Jenny and Julie, and their families as well. Terry was laid to rest yesterday, with memorial services in Creighton.
So in this unusual Farm to Family Connection, we truly pay tribute to a champion of locally raised food, grass farming and sustainable agriculture as well as our family farmers in the region. In his life’s work, Terry expressed, perhaps better than anyone, the farm to family connection.
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Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection airing Apr. 14, 2011)
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital recently purchased Creighton Hospital, Creighton Care Center and the physician clinics in Creighton and Verdigre. Mark Schulte, CEO of Avera Creighton Hospital says, “By aligning ourselves with a system, we continue to keep a viable health organization in Creighton.”
“The city’s goals best align with those of Avera. Both organizations provide patient-centered care and we like Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship,” Schulte says. As part of the deal, Avera Creighton Hospital will complete construction on its new surgical area, but patients won’t initially notice big changes in their care, except that they will continue to have access to high quality health care within the new system.
Avera Creighton Hospital officials expect their connection with Avera to help them provide the best care to patients by improving electronic medical records and providing background and leadership that will help advance the hospitals projects.
Avera is South Dakota’s largest health care system, but Avera has a strong, expanding presence in Nebraska. “Our 180 employees are glad to be part of the Avera family and we look forward to growing with Avera in Nebraska,” Schulte says.
For more information, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart
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Green River Garden Center, Verdigre, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Apr. 26, 2011)
Spring has sprung, so it’s time to visit a friendly, hometown nursery, Green River Garden Center at 614 S. 2nd street in beautiful Verdigre, Nebraska for all of your nursery and landscape needs. Green River manager, Melissa, says that their Simply Beautiful line of petunias, including Black Velvet and Phantom are on sale now.
Green River is known for extremely healthy annuals and all kinds of quality bulk garden seeds. They are a full service nursery with trees and shrubs, wood mulch, custom potting and great customer service. They also sell Traeger grills and smokers.
The knowledgeable staff at Green River can help you in all of your lawn and garden needs. This year, they also carry a new line of children’s gardening products, like shovels, gloves and buckets, for the little gardeners in your family.
Green River Garden Center is located one block west of Main Street in Verdigre, and four blocks south near Alpine Village. The folks at Green River know what will grow in northeast Nebraska and in our region, and all of their nursery stock is selected for hardiness for this area. Melissa says the staff will go the extra mile to help their customers get the most out of their lawns and gardens.
Green River is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 until 5 and on Sundays from 11 until 4. If you’d like more information, call 402-668-7300, or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
For the best in nursery stock raised especially for our hardiness zone, stop by Green River Garden Center at beautiful Verdigre, Nebraska.
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Vermillion Ribs, Rods and Rock 'n Roll
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 8, 2011)
If you like Bar-B-Q, classic cars and great music, Vermillion, South Dakota is the place to be. Vermillion’s annual Ribs, Rods and Rock and Roll festival begins this Friday, September 9. The Rib fest food court is open with live music and a beer garden from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday evening. The CorTrust Family Fun Area and sidewalk vendors are open from 5 p.m. until 8. The cooks’ meeting starts at the Chamber Building at 6 p.m. Don’t miss Main Avenue Warehouse and their 8-piece band with horns beginning at 9.
Then on Saturday, September 10, the classic car and cycle show registration runs from 9 a.m. to noon. CorTrust Family Fun Area and sidewalk vendors are open beginning at 10. The Rib fest food court and beer garden are also open at 10. Don’t miss the 7th annual South Dakota BBQ Championship judging with a purse of $10,000. Throughout the day on Saturday, enjoy the classic car and cycle show and shine, a poker run with two cash winners, the People’s Choice Public Bar-B-Q judging and the South Dakota Bar-B-Q championship awards presentation.
That afternoon includes a University of South Dakota Coyotes home football game, and closes out with Kory and Fireflies in the evening.
Bring the whole family and spend your weekend with Ribs, Rods and Rock and Roll at Vermillion. For more information, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Nuns on the Run Show, Bloomfield, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Sept. 22, 2011)
The Nuns on the Run, a wonderful entertaining show inspired by the box office smash, Sister Act, is coming to Bloomfield, Sunday, September 25. The show includes a group of Catholic, Methodist and Lutheran ladies from Danbury, Iowa, all married with children and grandchildren, donning traditional habits of Sisters and lip synching to God centered songs.
Since the beginning of their shows in 1994, The Nuns on the Run have traveled over 97,000 miles and given around $75,000 back to communities where they perform. They keep enough of the admission to cover their costs and the rest goes back to worthy charities in the communities.
For the upcoming Bloomfield show, which is a fundraiser for the American Legion Pavilion, doors open at 5 p.m., at the Pavilion on the Knox County Fairgrounds. Music starts at 5 with The Just Because Band, followed by Kenny Carlow. There is a silent auction from 5 until 8:15. Dinner is served at 6, and the show starts at 6:45.
You can purchase tickets are various locations in Bloomfield, Farmers and Merchants State Bank locations, as well as Commercial State Bank in Wausa and Western Trails in Yankton.
For more information, call 402-373-2663 or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Don’t miss the Nuns on the Run at the American Legion Pavilion at Bloomfield, Nebraska coming up Sunday, September 25.
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Triple T Hunting Adventures, Lynch, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Oct. 27, 2011)
The Allen family – Tim, Tom and Tami - gained a love of hunting from their father, Richard. Now, after planting over 10,000 trees and working hard for years to develop wildlife habitat, food plots and native grass stands on their ranch near Lynch, Nebraska, the family has opened their land up for hunts and lodging. Triple T Hunting Adventures, located near Whiskey Creek, offers pheasant, deer and turkey hunts. Their rustic farm house and incredible hunting opportunities beckon hunters from around the region.
With several reasonably priced packages available, hunters will have the opportunity to hunt trophy whitetailed deer in creek bottoms and Niobrara and Missouri River breaks, some of the most beautiful country in the state. They offer pheasant and Chuckar hunts over the rolling hills of Boyd County, in fields of corn, milo and CRP. For some of the best turkey hunting around, Triple T Hunting Adventures offers a three day, three night hunt over 6000 acres of land around the ranch. Not only will turkey hunters bag their turkey, but they will be swarmed with big gobblers to choose from.
And after a long day on the hunt, guests can relax and put their feet up in a beautiful farm house, with homecooked meals provided.
If you’d like to schedule a hunt with Triple T, you can email Tom at triplethunting@gmail.com or call 402-388-4366. Visit their website at www.triplethunt.com or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Experience the finest wildlife in the region, great hunting and comfortable accommodations with Triple T Hunting Adventures near Lynch, Nebraska. Make that Farm to Family Connection.
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Sally’s Antiques and Sweets, Bloomfield, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 3, 2011)
Sally’s Antiques and Sweets, at 112 E. Main Street in Knox County, Nebraska’s busy city, Bloomfield, is a place you will want to stop by again and again. Open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by calling ahead on Saturdays, Sally’s has been a favorite spot for local customers and visitors from far and wide for several years. And, on Sunday, November 6, Sally’s will celebrate their 13th annual Christmas open house, with lots of cool fun with the lucky number 13.
Sally’s is on everyone’s trip list in northeast Nebraska. The store offers many beautiful antiques, furniture, and other quality historic pieces in surroundings that will make you feel like you’re in a big city. However, the prices and the hospitality are always welcoming.
Call ahead to make reservations for a scrumptious lunch in the intimate tearoom located in the back of the store. Tea, coffee and homemade deserts are available daily. You won’t regret it!
So be sure to stop by Sally’s Antiques and Sweets this holiday season and take advantage of Sally’s annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 6. You can learn more by calling Sally’s at 402-373-2423. Like Sally’s on Facebook or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, for more information.
Make your day special with a stop by Sally’s Antiques and Sweets in Bloomfield, Nebraska.
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National Rural Health Day
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, Nov. 17, 2011)
Avera Medical Group clinics in the local communities of Crofton, Hartington, Niobrara, Creighton, Verdigre, Pierce and O’Neill will join rural clinics around the nation in celebrating the power of rural health today, on National Rural Health Day across the United States.
Avera clinics take pride in providing quality health care services to rural residents around the region, providing strong relationships between patients and providers, because health care providers in rural communities have the opportunity to really know their patients.
Avera works hard to provide a holistic, patient-centered care experience that is comprehensive in nature. And, Avera providers are passionate about serving the patients in their communities, because they understand the needs firsthand.
Rural clinics like Avera Medical Group offer a positive economic impact in their communities, because every dollar spent at rural hospitals and clinics generates around $2.20 for the local economy.
So, celebrate National Rural Health Day and the Farm to Family Connection with Avera Medical Group rural clinics in our area. Additional information about National Rural Health Day can be found on the Web at www.celebratepowerofrural.org. To learn more about Avera Medical Group, visit www.avera.org. Learn more by visiting farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Kuper Farms Country Market, Norfolk, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, airing Feb. 16, 2012)
There is nothing like homegrown and locally produced food. Doug and Tammy Kuper of Hoskins, Nebraska started out raising cattle and hogs, and planted a small two acre garden a few years ago with the idea of selling products to farmers’ markets. They wanted to provide customers with chemical-free produce, and high quality, homeraised meats.
Today, that little garden and venture in vending at Farmer's Market has turned into Kuper Farms Country Market, located at 320 Norfolk Avenue in downtown Norfolk. Doug and Tammy feature hormone-free beef, drug-free pork, insectide and herbicide free produce, as well as a large variety of baked goods such as gourmet cookies and cheesecakes, soups, salsa, relish and jellies. They also have several vendors who raise or make their own products and sell in the store as well. It is truly a "Country Market" atmosphere.
If you’d like more information on the products, contact Doug and Tammy at 402-640-0492 or email kuperfarms@ptcnet.net or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. For the best in locally raised food, look to your own community and farmers like Doug and Tammy Kuper of Hoskins.
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Schmit Home Solutions, Randolph, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, airing Apr. 12, 2012)
Schmit Home Solutions at Randolph, Nebraska is a relatively new business, founded in February of 2011. Tim and Jason Schmit keep very busy with custom cabinetry, carpentry and crafts. They are now putting the finishing touches on a new shop and greenhouse. The Schmits will be selling annuals this spring, including flowers and vegetables.
The grand opening and big open house of the greenhouse is set for Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visitors will have chances for door prizes and big sales on greenhouse items. They will be serving sandwiches and desserts, and will be giving away plants and T-shirts. If you’d like more information about Schmit Home Solutions, including custom cabinetry and carpentry for your home or farm project or learn more about their newly opened greenhouse, by giving Tim or Jason a call at (402) 360-3191. You can always learn more by visiting the web at farmtofamily.net.
For your greenhouse needs this spring, go with the folks you know and trust like Schmit Home Solutions at Randolph, Nebraska.
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National Agriculture Day
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, airing March 8, 2012)
Americans enjoy the most abundant, affordable and safe food supply in the world, thanks to the hardworking folks on our farms and ranches. Today, as we celebrate National Agriculture Day, we honor and celebrate our food and folks who raise it.
Just a few generations ago, most Americans were directly involved in the production of the food for their families. Today, that is no longer the case. That’s why it is important that we join together to tell the world that the job agriculture does in providing food, fiber and renewable resources for our citizens is nothing short of amazing.
Did you know that it takes 129 days of work for most Americans to pay for their federal, state and local taxes, but it only takes 40 days to pay for their food supply for the entire year? Although food in this country is generally less expensive than anywhere else, we should not take it for granted, nor should we take the families raising it for granted.
Farmers must produce twice as much food as they do today by the year 2050 in order to feed the world. They can’t use more land, so they must do this using technology and efficiency, hardwork and creative knowledge.
As we celebrate National Ag Day, we also celebrate the 8th anniversary of Farm to Family Connection airing on this station. Over that time, we’ve produced over 400 programs and featured hundreds of farmers, ranchers, farmers’ markets, rural communities and farm events, and we look forward to continuing in our tradition of promoting America’s food producers and vital rural communities.
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J and H Produce, Plainview, NE
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, airing May 2, 2013)
Spring has sprung at J and H Produce, located five miles west and one and three quarter miles south of Plainview, Nebraska. Juliana Hoffart at J and H is preparing for her spring open house, this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the huge selection of perennials, annuals, roses, and hanging baskets and planters she always has on hand, visitors can register to win some great prizes including $50 in plants, $50 in fresh produce, a hanging basket or a rose bush.
She also has a special this weekend of a free quart potted plant with a minimum purchase of $20 or more. Don’t forget that J and H has fresh produce available all season long, starting this upcoming week with asparagus. You can stop by the farm at Plainview, or visit Juliana at her booth at Skylon Ballroom in Hartington every Wednesday, beginning in July.
Mark your calendars now for the annual J and H fall festival, the first weekend in October, complete with vendors, live music and food on the grounds. J and H is open until November 1, each day from 7 a.m. to dusk. You can contact J and H at 402- 841-9522. The farm is located just five miles west and one and three quarter miles south of Plainview. Learn more at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Remember, if you know your farmer, then you know your food.
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Green River Garden Center, Verdigre, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing June 7, 2012)
For your home and farm landscape needs, you just have to visit Green River Garden Center along South 2nd Street in beautiful Verdigre, Nebraska. The folks at Green River have experience at designing, installing and providing plant materials for your landscape projects. They specialize in annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs and trees that do well, even under the challenging environment of northeast and north central Nebraska.
With a brand new greenhouse, if you are looking for bulk seeds, vegetables and herbs or shrubs and trees, Green River is the place to go. They have trees of all kinds, including ornamentals, shade, evergreens and fruit trees, especially suited to the region.
Green River is a seasonal satellite store of Shamrock Nurseries in O’Neill where you will find professional landscape design and installations services as well as sprinkler services too.
Green River Garden Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 to 5 and on Sundays from noon to 5. They are located along South 2nd Street in Verdigre. In addition to the home garden center in O’Neill and Green River in Verdigre, other satellite stores are open in Valentine, Norfolk and Neligh. Visit their website at www.shamrocknursery.com or call Green River at 402-668-7300. Learn more on the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. For your landscape needs, visit Green River Garden Center in Verdigre.
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Santee Market, Santee, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing March 28, 2013)
The Santee Market will open again this summer. Plan now to visit the booths and meet the producers and artists of this unique venture in northern Knox County near Santee, Nebraska.
The market is moving to a different location at the brand new Ohiya Casino grounds along Highway 12 east of Niobrara. Plan now are for the market to be open each Saturday throughout the growing season from 9 am to 1 pm. The Santee Market is a combination farmers’ market and flea market. The main focus is to promote healthier eating. It is also a way to create extra income for anyone interested in becoming a market vendor.
"We are offering people healthier eating options," says Jim Hallum, Santee Sioux elder and Nebraska Indian Community College Tribal Extension Director. "People can shop the market while they visit with neighbors and friends." The market offers fresh local produce in season. There are also arts and crafts and flea market items. Recipes and information on how to cook healthier are provided to the people who come to the market as well.
For more information on becoming a market vendor or visiting the Santee Market, contact Hallum at 402-857-2434, extension 2, then extension 2576. Learn more on the web at www.farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Support your community and eat and live healthy by visiting the Santee Market at Santee, Nebraska this summer.
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Holiday Events at Historic Downtown Yankton
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing Nov. 29, 2012)
This holiday season, be sure to make Historic Downtown Yankton your Christmas headquarters. For your shopping needs, downtown businesses will be open from noon until 4 p.m. on Sundays through the holiday season. Don’t miss out on the holiday wine tasting tonight, November 29 at participating downtown businesses from 5 p.m. to 7. Then, on Saturday, December 1st, you will want to bring the whole family for the Gurney Landing Holiday Fair, starting at 11 a.m. and running until 8 p.m. with vendors, homemade goodies and hot chocolate. The Holiday Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Downtown businesses will remain open until 7 on Saturday as well, to accommodate all of your gift shopping needs.
The Jar Count contest will go on until December 8 when each participating business will choose the closest guess, with winners receiving certificates from that business. Then, those winners will all be eligible for the final drawing for a $500 grand prize that will take place on Thursday, December 13. That is the night of the Yankton Yuletide Celebration at the Riverfront Events Center, running from 7 p.m. until 8:30. You must be present to win the grand prize. There will be several other random drawings too. Lots of prizes for those in attendance.
So, whether it is extended shopping hours, wine tasting, special drawings and events, a holiday parade of lights or that traditional Christmas spirit you are looking for, look no further than Historic Downtown Yankton for all of your holiday needs. Learn more by visiting www.historicdowntownyankton.com or visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Coffee Break Café, Hartington
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing Dec. 13, 2012)
Get ready for the holidays by stopping by the Coffee Break Café at 208 North Broadway in Hartington for that hometown, homemade Christmas flavor. Dean and Brenda Dowling opened the Coffee Break back in May, and are ready and able to warm you up this winter with freshly ground, freshly brewed gourmet coffee of all kinds and expresso. Serving breakfast and lunch every day, the Coffee Break Café has donuts and rolls, pastries and pies. You won’t want to miss their homemade bread and buns. If you need some assistance baking for the family this holiday season, you can custom order pies and homemade baked goods of all kinds.
If you are looking for a unique gift with a local flavor, the Coffee Break has specialty gift baskets ready to go featuring their gourmet coffee or baskets with a package of their pancake batter and homemade syrups, including chokecherry and blueberry. They also make candies for your special occasions. Dean sells his special recipe Dad’s Bar-B-Q sauces.
The Coffee Break Café is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 until 1. Contact Dean and Brenda by calling 402-254-9970 or learn more on the web at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. If you need a break, stop by the Coffee Break Café in Hartington where the coffee is always freshly ground and the baked goods and lunches are always homemade.
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Avera Sacred Heart, Yankton, SD
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing Dec. 20, 2012)
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital was recently recognized as one of the best in the region for patient care. According to Healthgrades, Avera Sacred Heart was one of just two hospitals in South Dakota to receive the outstanding patient experience award. It’s the fifth straight year Avera Sacred Heart has garnered this prestigious honor.
The hospital also won five-star awards for treatment of heart attack; treatment of stroke, treatment of pneumonia, carotid surgery and treatment of bowel obstruction.
Healthgrades is a national company that independently rates patient satisfaction, based on data submitted to the federal government. Hospitals can’t opt out of the analysis and no hospital gets paid to be measured. There are various criteria that the judging is based on, and whether the hospitals meet certain characteristics and protocols.
As part of the study, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital was ranked among the top five percent in the nation based on outstanding patient experience in 2012. You can learn more by visiting farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
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Plainview FFA Farm and Home Show, Plainview, NE
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing Jan. 31, 2013)
Get in and out of the cold by attending the Plainview FFA Farm and Home Show, set for Saturday, Feb. 2nd at Plainview High School. The annual Farm and Home Show is scheduled to be bigger and better than ever, with over 50 vendors covering almost anything you might need for your landscape, home or farm needs.
The big event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tons of door prize drawings at many of the vendors’ booths. Food is available all day at the concession, operated by Plainview FFA members.
The annual Farm and Home Show is sponsored by the Plainview FFA Boosters. Proceeds from the event go to pay for FFA scholarships and to help Plainview FFA members attend state and national FFA conventions each year.
So bring the whole family to Plainview, Nebraska on Saturday, Feb. 2nd for the Plainview FFA Farm and Home Show. If you’d like to learn more, visit farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Support the Plainview FFA and learn more about the products and services you need for your home and farm at the Plainview FFA Farm and Home Show.
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Vermillion Area Farmers Market, Vermillion, SD
(Transcript from Farm to Family Connection, airing Apr. 11, 2013)
The Vermillion Area Farmers Market brings fresh produce in season, meats, baked goods, jams and jellies, art, jewelry and crafts – in other words – hometown made and hometown grown items of all kinds to Vermillion area residents all year long.
According to board president, Amy Schweine, the Vermillion Area Farmers Market is very unique in our region because it runs year around. Winter months and hours run from November through April, every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clay County 4-H/Extension Building at 515 High Street in Vermillion.
It won’t be long before summer hours kick in from mid-May through October, running on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds at Cherry and High Streets. Also, from June through September, the market is open Saturdays too, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in downtown Vermillion at the Platz at Market and Main streets.
If you’d like information on becoming a vendor or learning more about the Vermillion Area Farmers Market, contact Amy at 605-659-3399 or email amy@vermillionfarmersmarket.org. You can always learn more online at farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Buy fresh. Buy local. Buy everything you need, including locally grown food, from the Vermillion Area Farmers Market at Vermillion, South Dakota.
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Farm to Family Connection Celebrates 9th Year
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing Feb. 21, 2013)
It was nine years ago that Farm to Family Connection first went on the airwaves here at KK93 to tout the benefits of locally grown food, raised by family farmers living just down the road. Since then, we featured farm and ranch families, processors, market gardeners, farmers markets, artisans, farm and community-related events and activities, youth events, craftsmen, woodworkers and much, much more in 468 episodes.
That has been our goal from the start – to convey the real value of our hometown folks, area communities, locally grown, processed and crafted food and products to local consumers. Locally raised food and farm products are good for the local economy and your purchase and support of the folks involved in these ventures boosts our regional communities, businesses, farms and ranches. Because, as you’ve heard us say many times, if you know your farmer, you know your food. So, c’mon, get out and seek food and products grown by the folks you know. Spend your hard-earned dollars right here, in your own hometowns.
Be sure to visit our website – farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital - for up to date information on where you can find almost anything you need. And if you’d like to have your farm, homegrown products, hometown community events and festivals featured on Farm to Family Connection, contact Laurie Larsen at KK93 at 605-665-7892. Think local. Think homegrown. This spring, think Farm to Family Connection.
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Heikes Family Farm, Vermillion, SD
(Transcript for Farm to Family Connection, airing March 21, 2013)
If you know your farmer, then you know your food. In the family since 1946, Heikes Family Farm at Vermillion, is a special place with rich soil. And their Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA program still has room for more customers. When you buy a share in a CSA, you are building a special relationship with the farmer who raises your produce. Buying a share from Heikes Family Farm insures that you will have a weekly supply of fresh, tasty, locally grown, organic produce throughout the growing season.
In addition to fresh produce, you can stop by their farm market store at 1408 317th Street at Vermillion, just across from Masaba. They now have raw local honey from the farm, as well. Last fall, the family built a new seasonal high tunnel greenhouse, allowing them to produce an additional 12 weeks into the late fall and early winter months.
New CSA shareholders who sign up immediately will receive fresh raw local honey and produce from a growing season that is three months longer than last season, a full 32 weeks of farm fresh food. This extended season adds value to purchased shares in the CSA.
So, don’t wait. Contact Sam Heikes right away to save your CSA share in his gardens this spring. You can contact Heikes Family Farm by calling 605-222-3949 or email heikesfarm@gmail.com. Learn more by visiting www.heikesfamilyfarm.com or by visiting farmtofamily.net, powered by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Get to know the folks raising your food and make it your mission to learn more about CSA shares at Heikes Family Farm at Vermillion. Because if you know your farmer, then you know your food.
