When I have a lot of windshield time – whether it’s driving to meetings or combining corn – I contemplate all sorts of things.  For example, have you ever wondered about the term “landlord”?

The term dates back to the Roman Empire and feudalism when peasants (or serfs) were bound to the land.  The peasants worked the land and paid homage to their lord; they shared their produce and other fruits of their labor in exchange for military protection.

Fast forward a couple thousand years to the country of Ukraine. The tables have turned during the last 20 years, so now the people who used to be the peasants are the landlords.  When the Soviet Union fell apart, land that has been confiscated by the government was returned to the farm villagers.

Each qualifying person received about three to four hectares, but there was a catch… the villagers could not buy or sell that land! If the owners of the ground cannot sell it, that means they must either farm it themselves or rent it.  This is where the story really gets interesting (IMHO)…

During our Black Sea Study Trip last July with Iowa Farm Bureau, we had an opportunity to visit many farms in the Ukraine.  One particular farmer, Kees Huizinga, stands out in my mind.  His farm operation is called “krychenka.”  He has grown it from scratch to 14,000 hectares, or about 35,000 acres.

Now if you’re an old farmer like me, you start doing the math!  Kees has about 4,500 landlords living in about 10 villages, which Kees is now responsible for taking care of.  Not only does Kees need contracts with 4,500 landlords, he must take care of the needs of their villages.  There aren’t any property taxes to fund the schools, supply water, maintain roads or remove snow.  Kees has large equipment, so he’s expected to take care of all these needs!  Basically, he is taxed by the services he must provide.

Can you imagine?  Many Midwest farmers feel that one landlord is one too many!  Imagine having 4,500 landlords who expect you to take care of more than just their farm acres.  As frustrated as I can get with the rules and regulations, I can’t imagine having thousands of landlords.  Hmm…  maybe there are more similarities between the two than I first thought!

For more stories about our trip to the Ukraine, click on the links below:

• Busting Myths about Dracula’s Castle
  
• Farmer’s Markets Open 24/7 in the Ukraine
  
• How Eastern European Farms Measure Up
  

Last week I had the privilege of attending an information-gathering meeting for Take Root, a new program being launched by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to help farmers develop business and succession plans.  The objective of this new program is to help farm families work through a step-by-step process of developing a vision for their operation and then taking a managed approach to the obstacles they face in farm growth and transition.

If the turnout to last week’s meeting is any indication, this topic is near and dear to many people’s hearts!  I had a hard time finding a place to park at the Fireside Restaurant in Eldora where the meeting was held.  After finally securing a spot on the street, I went inside to find standing-room only.  The IFBF has expected 20 attendees, but there were more than 40 people in that room!

I’ve been hearing for years about all of the old farmers who will retire, leaving no one to grow our food.  Surprise… these fears are unfounded!  From what I gathered at the Take Root meeting, young folks are eager take over.

When asked what should be covered in the Take Root series, one young farmer answered, “How do we get the old folks out of our way?”  I reminded him there were a few of us old farmers in the room!  From this remark, however, I realized some of these young farmers need to see the value of having experience.  It’s okay they want to take over, but I hope Take Root blends “old farmers’” experience with the young farmers’ enthusiasm, so we can help them prevent some of costly mistakes from being too eager.

One of the subjects that will be covered by the Take Root program is how to transfer a farming operation.  One reason is this is such a challenge is because more than 97 percent of Iowa’s farms are family owned.  As any parent knows, you’re going to have more than one opinion if you have more than one child.  It’s no wonder that only 30 percent of the farms successfully make the transition from the first to the second generation and only 10 percent of those make it to the third generation.  Farm transition is going to be key to keep Iowa agriculture – and Iowa’s economy – strong in the future.

The second priority of Take Root is developing a business plan, which becomes the farm’s road map. Yep… a business plan for a farm!  Should you use a C-Corp or an S-Corp?  How about a limited liability company (LLC)?  In many operations, there can be more than one structure used: livestock might be in one form, land in another and machinery may even be in a third.  S-Corp, C-Corp or LLC – all are still examples of a family farm.

There is a need to setup the farm the right way for each family as how the farm is structured is extremely important for that family to pass it to the next generation.  Farm structure can play a large role in the financial situation of the operation.  Taxes are a large consideration, but I’m not even going to try to cover taxes here today!

We have food to raise and people to feed.  We’re in an industry that will not go out of style.  Us “old farmers” need not worry who will raise that food.  We just need to get out of the way and not get run over.  It’s a new world out there, but we still need to eat!  For more information about Take Root, go to www.iowafarmbureau.com or contact Nathan Katzer at 515-225-5494 or nkatzer@ifbf.org.

Larry Sailer is known as a hog farmer from North Central Iowa, an agvocate and the author of “Musings of a Pig Farmer.”  Some folks even remember that he wrestled in college.  But did you know that Larry is the proud grandfather of a member of the Iowa State Cyclone football team?

Devin Lemke was a three-star recruit and named to The Des Moines Register Class 2A first-team all-state team.  As a high school senior, Devin caught 10 passes for 199 yards and four touchdowns.  He threw a 55-yard touchdown pass as a tight end on offense.  He also recorded 53 tackles, nine for a loss, earning all-district honors as a junior.

An all-around athlete, Devin lettered four times in track and wrestling.  He was a two-time conference champion and qualified for state wrestling tournament as a junior.  He placed third in state as a senior and was one of three finalists for Mr. Wrestler.  Devin also was member of state champion 4×100-meter relay team and finished third in 200 meter dash at state championships as a junior.

With stats like these, it’s no wonder Devin was being recruited by both Iowa and Iowa State.  An endearment to the Cardinal & Gold, as well as respect for Coach Paul Rhoads and his vision to build the ISU football program, ultimately swayed his decision.  When Devin announced his commitment to Iowa State, he was quoted in the newspaper as saying, “It means a lot to know that I’ll be representing my home state.  My family is proud of me, and my decision to pick Iowa State really made them happy.”

“We’re proud of all Devin has accomplished on the field and in the classroom,” says Larry.  “But most importantly, he’s just a great kid! He takes sports seriously, but win or lose, he acts with class.  He’s earned respect from his opponents and coaches alike.”

“Devin is a hard worker whenever there’s a job to do,” adds Larry.  “He’s dependable and he doesn’t quite until the job is done. He has helped us on the farm for many years and still comes home to help every chance he gets.  He literally gave me a helping hand when I was laid up and couldn’t do my hog chores this past winter.  He comes home often and helps wash out the hog barns.  He helps during the planting and harvest seasons, too.  He’s a real worker.”

This weekend that Iowa work ethic will get put to use on the gridiron.  Larry and his wife, Janice, along with Devin’s parents, Charlotte and Lance Lemke, will be among the happiest fans in the stands.  Not only does Saturday’s game against the UNI Panthers mark the Cyclones’ 2013 season opener, but it’s also Devin’s return to the game as a shoulder injury keep him on the sidelines last season.

How does a family celebrate such an occasion?  The Sailer family celebrates with pork, of course!  Charlotte has requested that Larry smoke a pork loin, which is a family favorite.  But a tailgate just wouldn’t be complete without a few side dishes and snacks.  That’s why today Janice is sharing her simple recipe for Mexican Dip.  Mix together a batch and get ready for a Cyclone weather alert!