indiana Prairie Farmer Logo

The people who know the Doves best share their thoughts about the couple being named Indiana Master Farmers.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

June 29, 2022

3 Min Read
Rob and Karen Dove
GOOD COUNTRY FOLK: Neighbors comment on just how much they appreciate what Rob and Karen Dove do for agriculture and the community.

As a vocational-agriculture teacher, now retired, Gary Stuckey knew his community. He successfully nominated both Tom and Carol Nugent and Rob and Karen Dove, Elnora, Ind., to receive the 2022 Master Farmer award.

“In my 35 years of teaching agriculture at the local high school, I do not know of another farm family that shows as much concern for others as Rob and Karen do,” Stuckey says. “They have both provided countless hours serving others.

“For example, they hosted a grain bin rescue training day for our area fire departments on their farm. This shows their willingness to share [their facilities] with other farmers and emergency personnel to help others.”

Related: Cattle and crops make Dove farm tick

A neighbor, Doug Neidigh, says, “Having known Robin for well over 50 years has been my privilege. I have many good memories of being friends with him.

“Always having great-looking crops and a strong beef herd takes a lot of hard work, but he always finds time for his friends and community. Serving on the local school board, being local fire chief for our volunteer fire department and actively supporting 4-H and the Indiana Young Farmers keeps him busy.”

Jodi Berry, superintendent of North Daviess Community Schools, is appreciative. “Mr. Dove responds to inquiries thoughtfully and promptly, if the topic is regarding a single student/parent or a building renovation, multimillion-dollar bond project. [He] has consistently gone above and beyond in addressing the needs of the North Daviess Community Schools and our communities.”

More comments

Brad Roark, friend and neighbor, adds high praise. “The Doves are good neighbors, [doing] anything from plowing snow-covered driveways or sandbagging a levee during a flood to supporting a neighbor during the loss of a loved one,” he says. “The Doves are good people, hard workers and [they] support their community. For these reasons, they should receive the Indiana Prairie Farmer Master Farmer award.”

Thomas Schaffer, now retired, got to know Rob professionally when Rob sold corn and soybeans to Perdue Farms. Schaffer was vice president of turkey operations. He also worked alongside the Doves in the North Daviess Young Farmers. “Our involvement in the program centered around education, leadership and community service,” Schaffer says. “Rob and Karen were involved in the program for approximately 25 years. Rob participated in activities that were on multiple levels, including local, regional and state functions.

“Rob is a first-rate farmer and an even better person. He exemplifies all that is good about the American farmer, as he is devoted to his work but makes time to serve the community in multiple ways.”

Tim and Carol Hastings view Rob and Karen as neighbors. “Robin is a true steward of the land,” Tim says. “During the off-season, you will find Rob doing routine maintenance on his equipment, which is always kept inside.

“He stays abreast of the latest updates in farming by studying new ideas and product improvements. This helps ensure an increase in yields.”

Jerry Lubbehusen is a neighbor and friend. He notes that Rob and Karen are a strong local family in the area, with many people calling them friends. He is especially appreciative of Rob’s work with the local volunteer fire department.

“[The fire department] has a good group of volunteers, with a mixture of young and older firefighters who respond to more than just fires in the community. Local accidents and ambulance runs are many times accompanied by this fire department to ensure a safe, quick response.”

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like