Mother, wife, farmer

Leanne Sutter identifies herself as a mother, a wife and a farmer. She grew up on a family farm and has been married to her husband for 25 years, and is living on his family’s home farm, a farm that has been in his family since 1965.Being a farmer is not without challenge – from marketing to weather – but Leanne is proud of her roots in agriculture and the farming opportunities she and her husband have been able to provide to their sons.It is important to Leanne that all member of her family are stewards of the land, water, air and livestock. When Leanne talks about how pigs are treated on her farm, she lights up. She is confident in knowing that her hogs are healthy. Sutter barns are ventilated, protecting the pigs from the outdoor elements while having all the fresh air they need. She told me that her pigs are low-maintenance. They are size and gender sorted so it is easy to detect sickness or injury. The pigs are well-fed, have plenty of water, are comfortable and overall, Leanne explains, “They seem very happy.”

As a mother, Leanne is happy that she has been able to instill in her children many of the same values that she got from her parents. A strong work ethic and determination to finish what you start are examples she cites.

As a wife and mother, Leanne wants to be sure she is providing safe food and water and environment for her family. She tells me the most rewarding part of being a farmer. She knows the end result of the work they do is a safe product for her family, her neighbors and all consumers.

Being part of the community has been important to Leanne. Having her sons come back and be a part of the family farm and that local community is extremely rewarding.

The Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers helped her family when the Sutter Family built a new hog barn. CSIF helped the Sutter family with neighbor relations during the very trying time. After it was all said and done, neighbors who were opposed to the new hog building have come around and the community awarded her family with the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award

AUDIO: Conversation with Leanne Sutter