Here’s the thing about Hiram Drache — he always had an opinion.

You may not have agreed with it, but at least you knew where this renowned history professor at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and prolific author and popular speaker, stood.

Critics charged he advocated big farming. Drache countered that he was instead an economic historian who correctly predicted that farm numbers would decline and farm size would grow over time.

He also astutely observed a factor that makes many farms successful.

“Show me a good, progressive woman on the farm, and I’ll show you a good, progressive farm,” he once said.

Iowa Master Farm Homemakers

I thought of Drache while reading about the four 2024 Iowa Master Farm Homemakers featured this week on our website. Editors often become blurry-eyed after spending hours in front of their computer screen as they write and edit stories.

Not this time.

The stories — wonderfully written by JoAnn Alumbaugh, president of the Iowa Master Farm Homemaker Guild — are page turners akin to a best seller. Today’s story describing Tracy Brader from Mediapolis as a pitcher had me from the start. I tend to use sports analogies in stories because …well, compared to many other topics, sports are fun!

JoAnn perfectly describes the way Tracy pitches in to help all aspects of her family’s farm while also serving her community in various positions in 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Next is Monica Lursen from Clarksville. She’s forged her farm forward following the death of her husband, Larry, in 2011. Her two sons, Christopher and Patrick, and their spouses, are currently buying into the operation. Meanwhile, she’s served her community and church in various positions.

Then there’s Lynne Johnson from Fairfield. She also overcame adversity following the death of her husband, Doug, her mother and her father-in-law in 2007. Undeterred, she bought the farm from her mother-in-law and took over management of the crops, cattle and hogs. She’s also involved with her county’s fair, local church and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.

Rounding out this sterling quartet is Barb Walker, who farms with her husband, Brett, near Waverly. Most mornings, you can catch them exercising at 4:30 — 4:30! — as they start their day. Barb has helped build a first-generation farm while raising a family and contributing to the community.

Helping people

The late Fred Rogers of the television program “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” often told a story about advice his mother gave him during troubled times.

"Look for the helpers,” she told him. “You will always find people who are helping.”

That fits the IMFHG and this year’s winners to a T. Its website describes how the group helps others in their communities, churches and in numerous local, state and national organizations. This occurs while they share farm responsibilities, run businesses and raise their families.

Members have helped others in ways such as doing meal prep at the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines. Others made quilts for kids who need to stay at the Ronald McDonald House while receiving treatment. Those quilts were on display at a spring meeting and will be given to the Ronald McDonald House this fall during the group’s annual meeting and awards program on Sept. 6.

If you know an Iowa farm woman who should be recognized for her accomplishments on the farm and in her community, go to iowamasterfarmhomemaker.org and fill out the IMFH nomination application for the 2025 award.

Congratulations to all 2024 honorees!