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FARM NEWS
A Messenger Publication Serving Farmers in Northwest and North Central Iowa Vol. 30, No. 2
Friday, April 25, 2025
3 sections, 32 pages
BUILD YOUR LEGACY 7 best practices for a professionally-managed farm
By DARCY DOUGHERTY MAULSBY
Klemp joins Webster County ISU Extension
Farm News writer
DES MOINES — What separates professionallymanaged farms from farms that struggle or fail? The successful farms begin with the end in mind and have a strategy for success. “How many times do you get to practice farm succession? Once,” said Dick Wittman, an Idaho rancher and farm management consultant who led a day-long workshop during Commstock Investments’ Family Farm Masterclass in Des Moines earlier this year. “To keep a legacy alive, you have to figure out a strategy to get there.” In farming, culture and tradition tend to be on a headon collision with professional management, however. “Managing a farm business has become a lot more complicated,” Wittman said. That’s not just an Iowa issue. Farm transition planning is an international challenge. “How many times does a transitional event become a terminal event?” asked Wittman, referring to major life changes like a heart attack, a major illness, a debilitating accident or retirement. “In our case, we’ve had 12 transitional events, but they’ve made us stronger.” It’s possible to take the anxiety out of family business succession planning and set the business up for continued success, emphasized Wittman, a former banker who supervised Farm Credit operations in 17 states early in his career. “Proactive succession planning is a choice, and it helps you manage uncertainty.” Wittman, who is now the board chair and former manager of a 20,000-acre dryland crop, cattle and timber business in northern Idaho, offered seven tips to make strategic planning and succession planning easier and more effective. “I’ve worked with thousands of farms coast to coast,” See LEGACY, Page 6A
Shaping future leaders By KELLI BLOOMQUIST Farm News writer
-Farm News photo by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
FARM FAMILIES from Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas and beyond gathered in downtown Des Moines earlier this year for Commstock Investments’ Family Farm Masterclass. Dick Wittman (right) led a daylong workshop focused on best practices for a professionally-managed farm.
-Farm News photo by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
DICK WITTMAN (third from left), an Idaho rancher and farm management consultant, led a day-long workshop during Commstock Investments’ Family Farm Masterclass in Des Moines earlier this year. The workshop included lectures and small-group projects, including case studies.
Area youth are being greeted by a new and smiling face at Webster County 4-H events. Kristyn Klemp recently began her new role as the 4-H county youth coordinator in Webster County. “I absolutely love my job and the people I work with,” said Klemp. “The community here is incredibly supportive, and it’s rewarding to see the positive impact of our programs. Knowing that I help shape future leaders is incredibly motivating and fulfilling.” While Klemp wasn’t part of 4-H in her youth, she has enrolled her children in Webster County 4-H and has realized the many learning opportunities the organization has that aren’t just for farm kids. “Being a part of 4-H now has shown me the incredible range of opportunities it offers, from public speaking to community service, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and inclusive organization,” said Klemp. In her role, Klemp oversees youth development programs, community outreach, and educational workshops. She collaborates closely with local schools, community organizations, and volunteers to ensure that 4-H programs are accessible and impactful. Klemp said she also focuses on tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of the Webster County community in order to ensure that youth feel valued and empowered. “The ultimate goal is to provide opportunities that See KLEMP, Page 5A
Making outstanding contributions to Iowa ag Organizations, business honored for promoting safety, conservation and more By KAREN SCHWALLER Farm News writer
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the 2025 recipients for the Ag Leader Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Iowa Agriculture at a ceremony which took place last month in Ankeny. Recipients of the leadership awards included three organizations and one business. The Iowa Pork Producers received the “Leadership in Community” Award for their “Bacon Buddies” program, along with Nationwide Agribusiness for their grain bin rescue initiatives.
Pheasants Forever was awarded for “Leadership in Conversation” for their water quality and natural habitat initiatives, while the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement was recognized for their “Leadership in Agricultural Education” for starting and supporting youth scholarship programs at the state fair.
Nationwide Agribusiness Nationwide Agribusiness received the “Leadership in Community” award as a result of their work to improve farm safety and save lives through their marketing campaigns about grain See AWARDS, Page 6A
-Farm News file photo by Britt Kudla
KELSEY DORNATH, of Williams, enters a raffle during the 40th annual Webster County Pheasants Forever Banquet on March 22 at the Webster County Fairgrounds. Pheasants Forever received the “Leadership in Conservation” Award recently as the organization celebrates 100 years this year.