News
34th Annual NPSAS Winter Conference
Steward of the Year~Rick Mittleider~Tappen, ND
Friend of the Farmer~Susan Long~Berlin, ND
NPSAS Awards Members for their Efforts
Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society, headquartered in LaMoure, N.D., recently hosted their 34th annual Winter Conference held in Aberdeen, S.D. Each year, two NPSAS awards are given out: Steward of the Year and Friend of the Farmer award.
Steward of the Year
This year’s 2013 “Steward of the Year” recipient went to R&C Mittleider Farms, Tappen, N.D.
Rick and Char Mittleider live south of Tappen, where Rick has been farming organically before it was even called organic! In the sandy loam soil of Kidder County, they grow a variety of small grain crops including HRS wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, lentil beans and flax, with alfalfa and yellow blossom sweet clover added to the rotation to build soil health.
Over the years, Rick has been on various presentation panels, and has hosted a number of different field tours. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with people and has been a mentor to many. Currently, they are working with the NPSAS Farm Breeder Club.
Rick and Char are greatly blessed to have each of their three children and their families farming alongside them! Their farming “team” consists of (left to right) Andrew, Joy, and granddaughter, Natalie Faul; Andrew and Kelsey Mittleider; along with Reggie and Courtney, Keaton, Chase, Mason and Mckenzie Luhmann family and April and grandson, Ryder Mittleider.
Steward of the Year recipients must be current NPSAS members who are organic farmers and/or ranchers and conscientious stewards of the land and all that inhabits it. R&C Mittleider Farms
Friend of the Farmer Award
Susan Long of Berlin, N.D. received the 2013 NPSAS “Friend of the Farmer” award. Susan has been employed by NPSAS for a little over 7 years. Karri Stroh, Executive Director of NPSAS and Charlie Johnson, Board President, presented the award. In announcing the award, Charlie Johnson pointed out that it could really be named the “Friend of Everyone” award. Mr. Johnson further stated, “Susan is someone whom I admire and respect. The reason there is a strong and viable NPSAS organization today is Susan.”
Susan responded, “This was a huge surprise but an even greater honor. I am continually encouraged by the many wonderful people who form, shape and contribute to this organization. Being surrounded by people who firmly believe that they are leaving this earth a better place for future generations inspires me to do the same.”
Susan reflected over the past years, “I have learned much and really grown to appreciate the organization and all they stand for. I have gained a greater sense of community. I have learned it is vital to know where our food comes from and how it is produced. I read labels. I try to make smarter food purchases. I garden with organic seeds and without chemicals. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of bees. I have a greater understanding that seed is the source of life and the first link in the food chain. Control over seed means control over our lives and our food. I believe it is important to reduce, reuse and recycle and to conserve water. It is vital to be a role model for our children so they grow up with awareness. I believe that we only have one earth and one chance to leave the world a better place than we found it.”
Susan is grateful for her job and commented, “To be able to create is good for my soul and NPSAS allows me to be creative in so many ways, from laying out the 32-page quarterly newsletter, Summer Field Day and Winter Conference program brochures, to creating postcards, flyers and brochures as well as designing colorful and graphic-filled messages to share on Facebook. I am fortunate to work with a great team – Karri, Tesa and Jeanne, plus our Board of Directors and many committees.”
Susan is married to Richard and they have 3 children, Adam and Johanna (17) and Jacob (now in heaven). They farm and ranch near Berlin and raise crops, cattle, cats, horses and Dash, their Border Collie. Together they enjoy riding horse, cattle drives and trail rides, watching movies, gardening, cooking, laughing and spending time with friends and family.
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Theodore Roosevelt
Susan is grateful to do meaningful and worthwhile work. She believes people’s everyday work lives are greatly enriched when they make progress at work that they find meaningful. The framed print she received had a line that read, “search for your purpose and do it as best you can.” That is advice we can all live by.
Thank you to our wonderful Co~Sponsors!!!
Workhorse
Whole Hog
Hesco, Inc./Dakota Organic Products
Top Dog
Stengel Seed & Grain Co.
Cool Cat
Domestic Hulling
Rockwell Organic
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