Harvest Help During A Time Of Need

Nov 03, 2022

By Von Ketelsen

Neighbors helping neighbors has always been a part of life in rural Iowa.

This was shown to my family 60 years ago on our farm near Marion, in the east central part of the state.

In the early part of 1962, my oldest brother Jack was diagnosed with leukemia. The doctors told my parents, Johnny and Marge Ketelsen, that their 17-year-old son had about six months to live. He had planned to attend Upper Iowa University in Fayette that fall, but his illness prevented him from doing that.

Just days after his 18th birthday, Jack passed away.

Jack was the kind of guy anyone would have been proud to call son, brother or friend. He was an excellent drummer and singer, 4-H member and American Legion Boys Stater. He was well-liked by everyone.

I was born in May of 1962, so I never really knew Jack, since I was only six months old when he died. But I feel like I’ve gotten to know Jack through stories that friends and relatives share with me about him.

I came across some old black and white snapshots of farmers, which included my dad, Johnny Ketelsen, as well as my uncle, Don Ketelsen, great-uncle, Bill Ketelsen, and others, standing in front of some corn pickers.

Soon after Jack had passed away, our neighbors and relatives surprised my family by showing up with their harvesting equipment. Working together, they helped my dad complete his corn harvest in one day.

I’ve spent most of my career as a farm broadcaster at radio stations across Iowa. I’ve seen a lot of changes in rural Iowa.

Yet when I think of what rural Iowa means to me, my thoughts go to that group of farmers who helped my family during the harvest of 1962.

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Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.