A breather after busy planting season

POSEYVILLE, Ind. — In the southwest toe of Indiana, 25 miles north of the Ohio River and 12 miles east of the Wabash, the Seib family farm continues its legacy.

They currently grow soybeans and corn, but have previously raised wheat and a 150-sow farrow to feeder pig operation.

Mark Seib shared his story with AgriNews.

Q: Tell me about your family farm.

A: Our five-generation story begins with great-great grandma Sophia Mahrenholz and the 77 original acres titled in her name that she purchased in 1898, which has evolved into Seib Farms LLC.

My brother, Wayne, his two sons, Carl and Matthew, and I comprise Seib Farms LLC today.

With the recent passing of my mother, I have accepted the new perspective as the eldest Seib of this generation.

Q: What does a day in the life on the farm look like at this time of the year?

A: Busy, as always. We are spraying roadsides, mowing, repairing equipment and getting everything ready for harvest.

Also, there are personal projects that have not been tackled since spring planting and the ever-present rains.

I think there are a couple of much-needed short vacations on the calendar, too. During the evenings, my wife, Sheryl, and I can be found at a ball field for a grandson’s baseball game.

Q: What’s next on your to-do list?

A: Just to breathe after a busy planting season. Sheryl and I have the opportunity to meet with fellow previous Master Farmer winners and share ideas with the movers and shakers in the agriculture industry.

We also look to review and preview new uses for our soybean crop that can make us less reliant on exports.

We connect with the United Soybean Board for value-added experiences and different uses like paint, tennis shoes and numerous new soy products that have been developed, which make for exciting marketing opportunities.

Q: Do you look forward to county or state fairs?

A: Yes. We enjoy livestock shows and looking at new equipment. Sheryl and I are also active with Indiana Farm Bureau’s Taste From Indiana Farms at the Indiana State Fair, which will take place Aug. 8-11 this year.

We showcase Indiana agricultural products and talk to consumers about the food we grow. It is always an educational experience for consumers, as well as for us. It is amazing what consumers don’t know about the food they eat and how much we can teach them.

Q: What’s going on with your local or state Farm Bureau this time of year?

A: With the primary election complete, INFB is now focused on getting candidates who support agriculture and the future of Indiana’s rural communities elected in November.

We are also focused on our policy development process. Right now, INFB is in the beginning stages of the annual policy development process. Policy advisory groups have met to review policy recommendations made by all 92 counties.

The state office compiles the recommendations into the policy recommendations report, which will be provided to the state resolutions committee next month.

Q: What do you like about farming?

A: Watching what we plant grow. The satisfaction of the harvest and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are a part of feeding the world. I also like working side by side with family — every day is different.

Q: What do you think makes Indiana’s ag community special?

A: Diversification. Indiana produces so many kinds of crops — livestock, including ducks, as well as field crops, specialty crops, value-added crops and products.

The people also make Indiana ag special. No matter how fierce the competition is for land, we are friends at the end of the day. We support each other in all situations, but mostly in tough times.

Q: Anything else about your farm that you’d like me to mention?

A: We are blessed in Posey County with two ethanol plants, a refinery, a bean processing plant and wheat processing plant within 25 miles of the farm. We have the best marketing tool any county could have with the Ohio River port for exports, as well as for grain and agricultural products.