CARSTENSENS NAMED MASTER FARMERS
Kevin and Terri Carstensen of Odebolt have been named Iowa Master Farmers by Wallaces Farmer Magazine. They are among four Iowa farm families recognized during ceremonies in West Des Moines on March 17.
The Carstensens farm the family farm and feed cattle in a midsize feedlot at Odebolt. People in the community say this couple's energy and enthusiasm are inspiring, whether helping with local events or promoting beef nationally and internationally.
Kevin has been president of the county cattlemen's group and has served on committees and held offices in the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA). While Kevin was ICA president in 2007 and 2008, Terri was on the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and served two terms as chair. Their terms as chief elected officers of the two groups overlapped in 2008 and they spent a lot of time traveling Iowa, attending county functions, reporting on ICA and IBIC activities, explaining issues, reinforcing the importance of promoting beef domestically and globally.
Terri, now in her ninth year on the IBIC, has made several trips abroad promoting Iowa and U.S. beef in international markets. Kevin and Terri traveled together to Asia in 2009. They are accomplished public speakers. They've given many talks and media interviews telling the story of agriculture to urban audiences and other farmers.
The Carstensens are active in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). Terri represents Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri as Region III vice president of the federation overseeing the national beef checkoff. Kevin served as chair of NCBA's private lands and environmental management committee and continues to be a key leader in NCBA's Environmental Stewardship Awards Program.
Very interested in conservation and the environmental impact of beef production, the Carsensens practice stewardship in their operation. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources didn't have to tell them to; they brought their feedlot into compliance with government environmental standards voluntarily. Bar V Feedlot was one of four applicants chosen in Sac County to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Stewardship Program. The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) program rewards farmers who have conservation practices in place and are willing to do more. Kevin is involved with the Agren group, working to improve water quality. Early adopters of grid soil sampling, the Carstensens make maximum use of manure nutrients, cutting the fertilizer bill. They hosted a four-year Iowa State University manure management research and demonstration site.
The Carstensens use minimum tillage, terraces, buffer strips and grassed waterways. They no-till bean ground except where cattle manure is hauled. Six rows of trees in windbreaks around the feedlot and farmstead were chosen as county winners by Izaak Walton League.
Congratulations to the Carstensens for their many accomplishments!
Read more about master farmers:
http://wallacesfarmer.com/story.aspx/75/years/of/master/farmer/awards/9/47119
WHITETAILS DONATE TO YOUTH PROGRAM
Sac County Whitetails Unlimited president Tammy Hustedt presented a check for $500 to Rich Smith, president of Ida County Pheasants Forever for their youth trap shoot program at the Whitetails Unlimited banquet in Odebolt on March 12. The proceeds from the sold-out banquet will be sued for conservation efforts in the area.
WORK ON ODEBOLT BETTERMENT COMMITTEE CITY PARK PROJECT TO BEGIN IN APRIL.
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