Leaving a legacy
Searle family farm established in 1913
Matt Searle of rural Marshalltown returned to work the family farm nearly 13 years ago.
He joined his dad, Lee Searle.
Previously, Matt had a good-paying job working in the hog barn at Swift & Co.
(Farming) is something I enjoy,” Matt said. “I like being outside. I like nature … and the way the natural things work.”
The 37-year-old said the work suits his family life and gives him the freedom he needs.
“There is flexibility in making your own decisions,” he said. “And being in charge of your own destiny.”
Matt and wife Amy farm 1,000 acres east of Marshalltown, growing mainly corn and some soybeans.
Amy, 34, a Le Grand native, grew up in town and attended East Marshall High School. She later earned a nursing degree and worked in nursing homes.
The farm lifestyle is a much better fit for her, she said.
“I like being home with the boys, Gage, 11, and Blake, 6,” she said. “Seeing them grow up, and going to their activities is fun. Later today, I will go to Blake’s school and we will make S’mores.”
She likes watching her sons learn about farming from their dad and grandfather.
“They learned how to drive at a real early age,” said Lee, 68.
The operation involves the whole family at harvest.
Lee’s wife, Cheryl, 69, watches Gage and Blake while Matt, Lee and Amy work, sometimes up to 14 hours a day.
“Matt keeps me pretty busy,” Lee said.
“At harvest, Amy drives one of the auger wagons,” Matt said.
Lee said Amy has done a good job learning how to drive the equipment.
Getting the harvest in has been a Searle family tradition for 105 years as the farm has been in the family since 1913.
Fittingly, Lee, Cheryl, Matt, Amy, Gage, Blake and other family received a Century Farm certificate at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.
Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill, and vice-president Joe Heinrich presented certificates, metal farm markers, and posed for pictures.
Northey took the award ceremony seriously – he personally greeted and shook hands with all Century and Heritage award recipients on stage and was in every photo.
“I started farming with my grandfather, Sid Northey, so I know the fulfillment found in working the same ground for multiple generations,” Northey said. “You have learned the lessons of land stewardship, hard work, patience, dedication, the importance of family and community, and many other life lessons from the generations before you and helped pass them on to today’s youth. For that, and for all you do, I thank you.”
Farm families statewide, and many from Central Iowa were in force to receive awards with the Searles.
The Century and Heritage awards honor the past and the present.
But what does the future hold?
Eleven-year-old Gage said he wants to be a farmer.
——
Contact Mike Donahey at
641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com