Local Farmer Spotlight – Kurt Sanderson

Kurt Sanderson is 22 years old.  He loves fishing, 4-wheeling, and snowmobiling.  He works two jobs: one with the Sycamore street department and another as a farmer who raises corn, soybeans, and beef cattle. Kurt got “Jenny”, his first calf, as a 4-H project when he was 8 years old.  He was in charge of feeding, caring for, and keeping records on Jenny.  As often as he could, Kurt would lead her around the pasture so she would be used to being handled when it came time for the 4-H fair. Jenny was the start of a new adventure for Kurt’s family farm.

Today Kurt and his family own a 70-head cow-calf herd.  Some of the calves are raised to be show cattle while others are raised to become food for people.  The heifers (females) are kept to become mothers to more calves. Kurt knows awareness is important when handling livestock.  “You know a wild one from a calm one—you can see it in their face,” he says.  Being aware of his animals means being able to provide the best care.  He also wishes more people were aware of the true nature of modern farming.  “Science class should teach where your food comes from.”