The Last Word: Rock Stars

May 5, 2021

My parents had a “rock” party at a field my dad recently acquired. The crew of approximately 13 family members spent the better part of the day picking up rocks and other debris left behind from an old building site. 

With the trailer hooked up to the pickup, we systematically made our way through the section, picking up seemingly everything in sight. I’m being a little dramatic. Dad said we didn’t have to pick up anything as small as gravel. 

It was hard work, of course, but it was truly a great day. We were filthy, exhausted and more than a little hungry. However, it was a joy to just be together. We laughed and told stories. We eulogized the people who used to live on that farmstead. One of my nephews found an old, plastic army guy and a horseshoe. I can’t imagine discovering better treasures. 

The pieces of the past being picked up and carefully admired by the future farmers of that piece of land was pretty special. The little boys, whom we had to keep out of the way of the skid loader, will be the same ones who plant and harvest the field someday. They will have learned from their grandpa how to take care of the land, and they will apply their own knowledge to make it even better. They will remember who used to love it, and they will love it extra hard on their behalf. 

The stories in this issue of the Iowa Soybean Review focus on soil health. Admittedly, it’s a huge topic, and we only scratched the surface, so to speak. But it’s a topic the Iowa Soybean Association is passionate about and that won’t change. We will continue to conduct and share farmer-focused agronomic and conservation research and results that improve soybean yields, profitability and sustainability. 

Farmers farm for a lot of reasons, but arguably one of the most important reasons has to do with generational inspiration. Taking care of the soil is just another way to love your family. 

Drop me a note and tell me about how your family has fun while working. How are you modeling your values while creating your legacy? 

Stay safe, my friends. 

This story was originally published in the Spring 2021 issue of the Iowa Soybean Review.

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