Generational Farming: A Visit to the Struck Family Farm

Having open conversations about food and farming with South Dakotans and the farmers who grow it is what we do. In fact, that’s what Hungry for Truth is all about. We had an exciting opportunity to connect farm-raised Business Development Banker at Dacotah Bank, Jesse Carlson, with David Struck, a fifth-generation farmer from Wolsey, S.D., to chat about farming in Wolsey, land, family, and much more. Below, Jesse shares his learnings from his visit to David’s farm. 

On December 18th, I had the pleasure of learning about a remarkable family farm located in Wolsey, South Dakota. I met David Struck, a fourth-generation farmer. We had a fascinating conversation about their family's agricultural legacy and vision for the future.

A Little About Me (and the differences in our family farms)

A little information about myself: I grew up on a family farm near Seneca, SD. Seneca, SD is about an hour and a half northwest of the Struck Family Farm. While farming is in our blood, I was amazed at how different our operations were.

Our farm focused mostly on wheat and specialty seeds and relied on a traditional grain auger system. The Strucks, early adopters of technology, utilized a series of grain legs for efficient storage and handling. They also focused on soybeans and corn.

David's farm has seven center pivots, a stark contrast to our non-irrigated setup. I became curious about water rights in South Dakota, compared to nearby states like Nebraska, North Dakota, and Colorado. David's insights into the regulations and their impact on his farm were eye-opening.

Generations of Passion and Safety First

The Struck farm's history stretches back to 1936, passed down through four generations. Starting at the age of 8, David inherited his father's passion for farming. Today, his son Brady, representing the fifth generation farmer, graduated from Lake Area Technical College. Since graduating, Brady has brought cattle back to the farm since then.

Safety is paramount for David, and rightly so. Having grown up on a farm myself, I'm acutely aware of the dangers inherent in agriculture. He emphasized this priority to his full-time employees, reminding everyone of the risks associated with farm work.

A Drive-Through Innovation and the Future of Farming

David took me on a tour of his farm's infrastructure, showcasing the grain bins and explaining their efficient setup. He proudly shared that they were among the first in the area to install grain legs in the 1980s. This decision revolutionized their operations by saving time, increasing convenience, and easily handling all grains.

My experience operating my family's Case IH 2009 Quadtrac 535 ten years ago paled in comparison. The technological advancements on display at the Struck farm were amazing. I witnessed their cutting-edge equipment and hearing about David's excitement for future models and upcoming software updates. I’ve always read in disbelief about the possibility of fully autonomous tractors within the next decade or two.

However, after seeing the newer models, I’m excited to see what the future holds for agriculture. After seeing their machinery and capabilities, David said they finished their 3,300-acre soybean harvest in 8 days in 2023. I was shocked, but it made sense with their machinery, no breakdowns or interruptions from Mother Nature.

I then asked David about their farm's soil conservation practices. David revealed they'd planted over 500 acres of cover crop from the air. They are believers in the benefits of no-till farming. I witnessed their fields firsthand, with their rich layer of humus.

The notorious wind in South Dakota doesn't stand a chance against the cover crops. I am confident that their practices will ensure the soil's longevity for generations to come.

Conclusion

What amazes me most about family farms is their remarkable flexibility, adaptability, and rich history. Every farm carries unique stories within its soil. Luckily, in my career, I've visited numerous farms and met countless farmers. One thing consistently shines through: their unwavering love for family, their land, and building a lasting legacy.

I'm especially grateful to Hungry for Truth for welcoming me as an ambassador. They allowed me to experience the remarkable Struck family farm firsthand.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions, and make sure to read about the upcoming research into the byproducts of soybeans.