Special Report
Being part of the community important to Sutter family
Sutter Family farm near Pleasantville, Iowa, is very much a family farm. Kenny and Leanne Sutter, their sons Tyler, and Jacob, along with Kenny’s parents Don and Margene, Kenny’s nephew, and a brother-in-law who works there sometimes have plenty of work to do on this farm. Kenny told me that many of his sons’ friends also come to work on the farm from time to time.The farm corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa hay, cattle, and hogs. Collectively, Kenny explained, they farm quite a few acres, but no more than 1100 acres per family entity that works on the farm. They do as much of their business locally as is possible.Being part of a community is very important to the Sutter family.
Practicing good stewardship is important for Kenny and his family. He believes it is important to listen to what people have to say and not be too quick to ignore new ideas. He believes they are doing the best they can with the technology available today.
Kenny believes the best way to practice animal welfare is to spend time with the animals, something that they do on the Sutter farm. The Sutters raised hogs outside before putting up barns, and Kenny believes that raising hogs in a barn means healthier hogs and better manure management.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was great help to the Sutter Family Farm when they decided to expand their farm. Kenny said, “It is important to have someone in your corner today.”
CSIF helped the Sutter family select a site and to better communicate with neighbors when they put up a new barn.
Kenny believes mutual respect is key in expanding livestock farms in rural Iowa. He believes there is room for the next generation and sees many opportunities for young people in this industry.
Kenny would like for consumers to know that his family is working on the farm between 14 and 16 hours a day, working to the best of their ability with the best technology available. It is way better than it ever was before and it will only get better.
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