3 minute read
Impact Construction
THE HULSHOF FAMILY
Sioux County, April 2021
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Every day, Ireton area farmers Denny and Lyle Hulshof strive to live the values taught to them by their parents, Melvin and Dorothy Hulshof. “Both Mom and Dad taught us that church is important. The old saying – faith, family and farming – that’s just the right order,” said Denny.
The brothers also have a small cow herd and custom-feed some hogs. “Crops (corn, soybeans, alfalfa) are our major enterprise now. Sheep is kind of a sideline in the wintertime – it keeps us out of the pool hall,” Lyle joked. “Ewes are something you’re never going to get filthy rich on, but we’ve never had to put a dime into them to make ends meet at the end of the year.”
According to Denny, “Our community is very important to us. We help out where we can, when we can. For a small community like this, if you’re not involved, the community dies.” Lyle added, “If you’re part of the community, the community will be part of you. People will step up and help you in a time of need.”
Front: Melvin. Standing: Denny, Kenny, Mindy, Zach, Lyle, Emily, Mitch and Steph. Molly is not pictured.
FULL-TIME CONSTRUCTION POSITION
50-60 hours per week, NO Saturdays
Call 712-439-1862 or email rick@impactconst.com for more info and benefi ts offered
Impact
Specializing in Ag Buildings, Custom Homes and Remodels
511 Black Forest Rd., Hull IA www.reavesbuildings.com
IOWA FAMILIES - 2021
THE MEYER FAMILY
Plymouth County, April 2021
Brothers Tyler and Austin Meyer are still in their 20s, but their perspective is rooted in a 200-year timeline – that is, 100 years back and 100 years forward. They value the deep agricultural roots of both of their parents’ families, have kept legacy structures on the farm in active use, and strive to preserve the soil for future generations.
Tyler and Austin farm land in both Plymouth and Sioux counties with their parents, Stan and Bonnie Meyer. In addition to farming, Stan is a rural mail carrier, Bonnie is a nurse and office manager, and Austin works for Jolly Time Popcorn in Sioux City. Tyler has a seed business, plus has a ewe flock which he lambs out and finishes. He said, “The sheep are mostly my deal, but it takes a fleet of people in some cases – especially in January, February and March."
Tyler said. “I’ve got two boys now – they’re little but they love farming. The reading material at night with the boys is Tractor House magazine.”
Austin, Stan and Tyler.
THE ALTENA FAMILY
Lyon County, May 2021
The family that shows cattle together stays together. When he was 14 years old, Cory Altena fell in love with showing livestock. That love led to another. He met his future wife, Shelly, when both were showing cattle at the Sioux Empire Fair. Though they met at 18, they didn’t start dating until five years later. “We just kept seeing each other around at shows and sales,” Cory said.
Today, the focus of their operation between George and Boyden is raising show cattle to sell to other seedstock producers and to youth for 4-H projects. “We really like to help the people who buy from us. We’ll help them clip before a show. It’s a real joy to help them try to succeed.”
While the family loves to talk about show cattle, Cory said, “Faith, family, farm – that’s the priority – in that order. We’re so thankful for the Lord, grounded in our faith and our love of Jesus. Our guiding principles are our Christian faith.”
