Mark Kasten State Farm

West River shows potential for industry growth because hogs would be isolated from disease. However, swine herds continue to be tied largely to corn production east of the river and processing at Smithfield in Sioux Falls. Across the state line to the east, Sioux County, Iowa, has the highest concentration of livestock anywhere in the country and provides a possible road map for related economic development. “We see the positive attributes – all their small towns are thriving and there’s a lot of industrial development revolving around agriculture,” Glenn said. The largest negative in northwest Iowa is worry about bio-security because of livestock population density. Some people have concerns about odor, although those issues have been largely minimized, he said.

“I think we’re doing a really good job in South Dakota educating the public about the value of livestock production, so we’re seeing some expansion and communities are seeing the benefits of jobs coming back, which supports the local business infrastructure.”

Joan added that growth in the production of hogs and other livestock also helps communities “in areas such as strengthening schools and hospitals.” Joan was a nurse for 50 years, so the importance of healthcare is always top of mind. According to Glenn, “Agriculture has always been the number one industry in South Dakota, but I think a lot of times we take it for granted that it’s always going to be there. We haven’t nurtured it or encouraged it in communities like perhaps we should. When an area loses its ag base and livestock production, small communities suffer. They see a migration of youth out of their communities.” There are good stories to tell right now about spinoff jobs from a strong ag base. “Look at Jack Links in Alpena. The town itself is pretty small, but you’ve got a processing plant there that employs a tremendous number of people. Parkston is another prime example of what a solid livestock base does for a town. Look at MDS and the feed mill and other ag-associated businesses there. It’s a thriving community because of agriculture,” said Glenn, who was the volunteer president of SDPPC from 1990-92. Looking back at his 10-plus years as SDPPC executive director, he said, “The one initiative that all producers in South Dakota take pride in is the evolution of the new Swine Research & Education facility at SDSU. Pork producers in the state stepped forward and brought the message to the administration at SDSU that there was a strong need for this facility and assisted in moving it forward.” Producers were also advocates for the Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Lab at SDSU.

About seven years ago, SDPPC did a long-range strategic plan and the organization set a goal to grow the industry in order to maintain the state’s swine-related infrastructure. With 8 percent growth in each of the last five years, “It appears we’ve had some very good success in that arena. We feel

The Muller family farm. In the background is the storm brewing which generated the tornado that struck nearby Lennox on Saturday, Aug. 28. Photo by Joan Muller.

Glenn and Joan’s daughter Shelly Altena, son Steven Muller, and son-in-law Cory Altena do the final fitting for one of the Muller Herefords being shown at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City in January 2021.

180 N Main Ave. Parker, SD 57053 Bus: 605-297-4747

368 N Main St. Freeman, SD 57029 Bus: 605-925-7353

mark@markkasten.com

205 10th St, Rock Valley 712-476-5419

209 S Main St, Inwood 712-753-2200

Glenn and Joan’s son, Steven Muller, and his wife, Amy Sutton-Muller, with their children Shally and Shaden. They live near Onida, S.D. Glenn and Joan’s son, Scott Muller, with his girlfriend, Amie Larsen. They live in Hurley.

Glenn and Joan’s granddaughters, Kinsly and Keilahny; their daughter, Shelly; and her husband, Cory Altena. They live near George, Iowa. Glenn and Joan’s grandchildren, Cash and Sage; their daughter, Sarah; and her husband, Shannon Vogele. They live south of Lennox.

the industry is on a lot more solid ground today than it was 10 years ago and that we can maintain the infrastructure and have a viable pork industry in South Dakota.” Glenn grew up as a pork producer – and a whole lot more. The Muller farm had a farrow-to-feeder pig operation for many years. “Back when I was a kid, we were as diversified as you can get. We had chickens, pigs, sheep and milked cows. Things have evolved but we’ve kept the cattle around.” He and Joan both graduated from Lennox High School. Joan went to Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls to become an LPN and had a life-long career in nursing. “I was at Sanford Women’s Health for 39 years, taking care of women, women’s health, pregnancies, and so forth.” She retired Sept. 1, 2020. “Covid kind of pushed me into retirement. I’m an ovarian cancer survivor and they didn’t want me to work during Covid. I’m happy to say my checkups are good now.” (She had cancer treatment in 2018.) “I miss my patients and co-workers, but I’m enjoying being a typical grandmother who goes to the events of all her grandchildren. I like to give Glenn a helping hand when I can.” She also enjoys reading and canning vegetables and likes to try new recipes and crafts.