Schulz Family Recognized at Ag Banquet

This year’s family is the Marvin Schulz family which includes Marvin and his wife Olinda who reside in Seward, their son Darold and his wife Jan who also now live in Seward. Darold and Jan have been transitioning the farm to their son-in-law and daughter, Roger and Kerry Beckmann and their son Brian and Lyndsy Schulz over the past 12 years. The farm operation primarily includes corn and soybeans and Roger and Brian also are NC+ seed dealers as well. If you were unable to attend the banquet this year and would like to view the 13 minute podcast of their story you may do so for the next week at http://seward.unl/edu/podcasts/schulz.mp4

This farm family had its beginning with Marvin and Olinda in 1957 as they rented land and milked cows. They eventually purchased their first land in 1972 on what is now the home place just south of Ulysses. They were fortunate to be able to build a new home on that place in 1975 and added additional land purchases as they became established. When asked if he ever thought that faring would evolve to what it is today, Marvin responded “No Way” as he thought of the 9 cents per bushel corn at Ulysses one year.

From 1975 to 1983 Marvin helped transition the farming operation to a new generation with his son Darold and wife Jan. At that time they added grain bins to the farm place as well as purchased additional land. Darold comments that ”if it wasn’t for the foresight and help from my dad and mom, I would never have been able to farm and help my son-in-law Roger and son Brian carry on the operation.” Darold recalls one of the major positive changes in his farming operation was the change from the traditional tillage of the soil to no-till and conservation tillage which saved us trips over the field cutting fuel costs, time and need for as much equipment. He also recalled the 20% + interest rates of operating loans in the 1980’s.

In 1996 Darold and Jan made the decision to bring their son Brian and son-in-law Roger into the operation. Both boys had attended college and had worked in agribusiness prior to coming back to the farm. Twelve years later both Brian and Roger say that they are happy with their decisions to come back home.

During the transition to the farm it required a tremendous amount of support from Darold and Jan as well as Roger’s and Brian’s family. Brian indicated that “some of the changes that have affected us include no till, genetics, importance of being a good steward of the land, conservation of water so that our children will have the opportunity to utilize the land as well.” A concern for these young farmers is facing them this spring as they are concerned about grain prices which have created higher input costs for cash rent, seed, fertilizer, equipment and fuel.

The Schulz family has truly been a great asset to the area not only as a business but also with their involvement at Our Redeemer Lutheran church, agricultural boards and their community. Each of the spouses have worked in the Seward community and have been involved in many community organizations.

The Schulz family from Staplehurst was recognized as the Kiwanis Outstanding Farm Family at their Ag Recognition Banquet on March 17. Pictured are: