McKensie Sedlacek’s Journey into Agriculture Through a Day in the Life with Tim Ostrem

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 South Dakota native, McKensie Sedlacek, with Tim Ostrem, a corn and soybean farmer from Centerville, S.D., to chat about harvest, farming technology, and Tim's passion for agriculture. Below, McKensie shares her learnings from her visit to Tim’s farm. 

With my future involvement in Agriculture and farming, I’m always excited for any opportunity to learn more about farm life. So, when I was contacted about the Hungry for Truth Ambassador Program, I couldn’t say no. I was lucky to get the opportunity to visit Tim Ostrem on his family farm in Centerville, South Dakota. Tim is a fifth-generation farmer, and I got to spend a day with him during this busy harvest season. 

Tim farms alongside his brother, Dave, and his nephew. Harvest was in full swing at the Ostrem farm, and they were about to switch from Soybeans to Corn. Tim explained and showed me all of the steps that you need to take in preparing the combine to head to the field. The steps included filling the combine up with DEF, inspecting the major components like belts and chains, calibrating the yield monitor, and making sure the rest of his team was ready to roll. It’s neat to see how modern technology has evolved so much that it can be used in all farming equipment. 

Next, it was time to load up in the combine and get the day started by combining Soybeans. His brother Dave was alongside him running the grain cart, and his nephew was in the semi hauling the grain to the grain bins. Tim explained how corn yields are typically higher than soybean yields. The yields of each crop always have a few determining factors, which include weather, genetics, rotations, and so much more. 

Tim and I talked about his beginnings in farming and his passion for supporting young farmers who want to start out on their own. As they are the future of our farming community. He told me a story of the first time he got the chance to farm on his own piece of ground. After graduating high school in Centerville, South Dakota, he was attending his first year of college at South Dakota State University. With a piece of ground up for sale, he got a call from his dad, who said if he wanted to be a farmer, this was his chance. He moved back home to the farm and started farming full-time. 

We talked about the importance of his family and how their support helps in running the family farm. Tim’s grandkids love visiting the farm because there are always so many fun things to do around the farm.  

I want to encourage the community to take any opportunity to learn what local farmers do for the places we call home. I’m very grateful to Hungry for Truth for giving me the chance to connect with Tim and his family. I have a great admiration for our local farmers and can’t wait to use the knowledge I learned and incorporate it into my future as a farm wife.