Farmers giving thanks this holiday season

November 27, 2024 | Jeff Hutton

For all the blessings that we have, Thanksgiving should serve as a day of thanks and praise. But over the years, some have lost sight of the holiday’s intended purpose.

Yes, some of us will gather together and share in the “bountiful harvest” that has been provided by farmers, friends and family.

Too many of us, however, will only concern ourselves with what has become a day dedicated to athletic and retail pursuits. We either gather in front of the television to watch football or strategically map out where to go first inside the mall the next morning … or even on Thanksgiving Day.

Let's focus on what's really important. 

Giving thanks 

Farmer board members and others from the Iowa Soybean Association shared their thanks and gratitude this Thanksgiving:

Brent Swart, District 1 and board president

“This year and every year I’m thankful for my family. Mandy and I are truly blessed to have daughters Quinn (9) and Emersyn (5) to come home to every night and make us smile and laugh with their giggles and whimsical stories. I’m also thankful to be a part of a fifth-generation family farm I operate with my brother, Steve, who is extremely patient and understanding with me for all my travel and work commitments. Steve is one of the most talented people I know.”

Tom Adam, District 9 and board president-elect

“The five most important things in my life are faith, family, friends, health and a purpose. For those things, I am most grateful.”

Lee Brooke, District 7 and board secretary

“Things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving: a record crop on our farms, a healthy family, that I’m a farmer, and to be involved in the Iowa Soybean Association. Happy thanksgiving!”

Scot Bailey, District 7 and at-large executive committee member

“What I’m thankful for is the bountiful harvest we have had; the opportunity to lead through the Iowa Soybean Association; and the important information that I have obtained while being a director to help my farmers in my district and the state. I’m very thankful for the soybean family that I have in the friendships that I have made. Also, I am thankful for my health and the health of my immediate family.”

Sharon Chism, at-large director

“I am thankful to Iowa farmers for providing food, fuel and fiber for our country and the world, allowing people to pursue non-farming careers instead of growing their own food.”

Brent Renner, at-large director

“My part-time laborers in the busy season, especially harvest, are awesome, and I don’t know what I’d do without them. Every year at this time, when all is safely gathered in, I reflect on that and my supportive family who keep me going in this crazy business.”

Aimee Bissell, at-large director

“I am thankful for my freedom to wake up every day and live the life I choose to live! Being a farmer in the heartland of America with your family beside you might just be one of the coolest things in life.”

Paul Kassel, District 1 director

“I am seriously thankful for decent crop weather since June 23. June 22 was the flood in northwest Iowa and things looked pretty dire in the city of Spencer and in the soybean and corn fields in the area. However, the weather was decent from that point on. Also, I am thankful for really great harvest weather. And lastly, and on the lighter side of things, I am thankful I do not have to back grain wagons into a machine shed for a living!”

Mike Yegge, District 2 director

“I am thankful for a safe harvest season as well as the friends and family that support the agriculture industry!”

Rick Juchems, District 3 director

“I am thankful for good health, friends and family and all of the help they've given me along the way to be able to retire and a young man to take over farming.”

Amanda Tupper, District 3 director

“I’m thankful for the health of my family, a safe and productive growing season, and the simple joys in life. I'm blessed with a supportive community and a lifestyle that allows us to create meaningful memories together.”

Marty Danzer, District 4 director

“Another year is coming to a close shortly and I have many things to be thankful for. It has been a successful year in our farming occupation. I am thankful for the timely rains during the drought and producing a bountiful harvest anyway. The resistance the crop seeds have taken on shows how much more advanced farming has become over the years. I am also thankful for my family and friends along with good health. My family has grown and includes a second granddaughter in 2024. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as an ISA director to serve producers with the knowledge and opportunities to provide information we gather through our meetings and committees throughout the year.”

Jeff Frank, District 4 director

“I am thankful for the four Fs: Faith, Family, Friends and Freedom. Without these, we really don’t have a lot to look forward to.”

Corey Goodhue, District 5 director

“I am thankful for my farming career, where I can work every day doing what I love, and I am extremely thankful for organizations like ISA that show up every day to work for the Iowa and American farmer.”

Dave Struthers, District 5 director

“As a grandfather who has taken on a parenting role with four grandkids, I am thankful for a supportive family and church family that has helped my wife and me as we meet this challenge.”

Matt Willimack, District 6 director

“I am thankful for God, my family, my farming community and my off-the-farm job to support the other things I am thankful for.”

Warren Bachman, District 8 director

“I have so much to be thankful for. Our good health, a good crop and family. I am thankful to live in the United States where we can worship as we please. I have been blessed by being given the opportunity to farm, which is what I always wanted to do. We have been blessed with getting to travel, blessed to have friends and to have received a good education. Count your blessings.”

Kirk Leeds, ISA Chief Executive Officer

“I am thankful for good health, my bride of 44 years, four great kids who have all chosen spouses who I approve of and love, and seven grandkids who bring me more joy than I even imagined was possible. God is good. Always.”

Staff Writer Kriss Nelson contributed to this article.

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