Eastern Iowa Farmer Spring 2017

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Life Lessons most hazardous in the world. Ray said he has endeavored to teach Jay to work as cautiously and sensibly as possible. “I’ve seen what can happen,” Ray said. “If there’s any one thing I hope he learns, it’s that he needs to be careful.” Ray’s father, August, immigrated to the United States from Germany. In 1940, he bought the family farm for $50 an acre. In 1954, August was diagnosed with leukemia. With his father too sick to work, Ray had to do most of the farming. He took care of the hogs, cattle, milking cows, and 240 acres of cropland. Ray had two brothers, but they were both enlisted in the Army, leaving him to shoulder the responsibility of keeping the farm afloat. Fortunately, the Petersens’ neighbor, Ed Cain, stepped in to help. “He showed me how to operate the tworow corn planter,” Ray said. “All the other machines I knew how to run, but I’d never planted corn. I really looked up to Ed. He taught me a lot.” Ray’s father died in 1958. Cain continued to be there for Ray and his mother, Erna. Years later, in the mid-1990s, Cain’s shirt sleeve got caught in a power take off on a machine. He fell, breaking vertebrae in his neck, and became paralyzed from the neck down. The accident and the debilitating effect it had on his neighbor, friend, and mentor still haunts Ray. He wants to make sure practicing safety on the farm is part of his family’s tradition. “He’s always been very serious about safety issues,” Jay said. “I remember Ed’s accident. After that happened, grandpa’s always made sure I keep that kind of stuff in mind.” As the Petersens’ operation continues to grow and evolve, Ray will continue to farm with his son and grandson. While he enjoys watching Joel and Jay take on the lion’s share of duties, Ray also appreciates the significance of his situation: Being able to work alongside two generations of his family. “We cooperate well together,” Ray said as a smile began to spread across his face. “Most of the time, anyway. “Jay is a very aggressive farmer. He looks to the future and is interested in all the new technology for the farm. He does a great job.” Jay said he likes working with his dad and grandpa. They share a lot of the same interests. And, if not for his family and the legacy his great-grandpa started more than 75 years ago, Jay would not be able to pursue his dream job of being a farmer. He credits his grandpa for giving him the tools he needs to keep that legacy alive for his own children. “He’s always doing what needs to be done,” Jay said. “He’s been a good example and always has shown me what to do, how to do it, and to make good decisions. I couldn’t ask for more than that.” n — kate howes, eastern iowa farmer WELTER SEED & HONEY CO. Offering the widest selection of seed in the tri-state area • Alfalfa • Pasture Mixes • Corn • Soybeans • Small Grains • Lawn Seed • Cover Crops • Custom Mixes • Seed for CRP • Pollinator Mixes Celebrating 60 Years in Business! 17724 Hwy. 136 • Onslow, IA • (800) 470-3325 Front Row Left to Right: Les, Stephanie, Dustin, Jake, Jim, Dan Back Row Left to Right: Nathan, Denise, Karen, Ken Missing: Nick, Chris, and Mike www.welterseed.com 14 Eastern Iowa Farmer | spring 2017
Life Lessons eastern iowa farmer photo / Brooke Taylor Joan and Gene Gerardy grind cornmeal using their electric mill. Living off the Land Joan Gerardy brushes off the excess ground corn from the sides of her electric Magic Mill. “Gene [her husband] ground some corn a few days ago and didn’t clean it out,” she said, sweeping away the cornmeal granules with a well-worn paintbrush. “My dad always told us kids we could use whatever we wanted in the garage, just be sure to put it all away like you got it when you’re done,” Joan said with a laugh. AGRICULTURE LEADING THE WAY Fidelity Bank’s ag lending experts Mike Kilburg and Brian Schwager can help you lead the way to a successful agriculture future. Call 563-652-6660 or stop in and ask how we can assist you. spring 2017 | Eastern Iowa Farmer 15
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Eastern Iowa Farmer Spring 2017

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