Comal Co. producer gains 'finalist' designation in TFB contest

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Korvan Kreusler and wife Jill raise cattle, sheep, goats, corn, sorghum, and wheat on the farm that has been in the family since 1861. Kreusler was named one of three finalists in the 2002 Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Contest. -- Staff photo by Taylor

February 13, 2003 -- When Korvan Kreusler of New Braunfels made the decision to return to the family farm and ranch, after completing his degree in Animal Science at Texas A&M University (TAMU), it wasn't like it was anything new to him.

The family farm and ranch has been in the Kreusler family since 1861, and was designated a Family Land Heritage Property by the Texas Department of Agriculture the first year the award was given, and a plaque hangs on the entrance gate.

With a setting in the rolling Hill Country, Kreusler and his wife, Jill, live on a hilltop overlooking some of the most beautiful land in the area. On this land, Kreusler and his dad have a family operation that has diversified to include a commercial cow/calf operation, sheep, goats, corn, sorghum and wheat.

After trying for a third time to win the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Young Farmer and Rancher contest, Kreusler made it to one of three finalists, two of which were from the South Central Texas area, including the winner, Stephen Gertson of Wharton County.

"Back in September we filled out an application for the TFB (contest). This is the third time that we had filled out the application. It's part of the young farmer/rancher program in the Farm Bureau, which is trying to keep young farmers involved ... keep them on the farm," explained Kreusler.

With 13 districts over the state, the Kreuslers are in District 10. They were among numerous other younger producers, usually between the ages of mid-20s to late 30s, who entered the contest. The major reason for trying for the designation of "Young Farmer/Rancher" is the prizes, according to Kreusler.

This year, there were 32 entries, with 13 district winners chosen by quite an involved competition.

"They have a set of judges that look over the applications, pick the district winners, and once the district winners are picked, they (TFB) have another set of judges who look over the district winners. They pick the three finalists from that. Another panel of judges comes and visits and interviews us at our homeplace. They come out and look at our farming/ranching operation," said Kreusler.

Although the ranch has been in constant operation since 1861, and Kreusler remembers his family being a part of the TFB all of his life, the decisions made, concerning the award, are judged strictly on Kreusler's achievements.

"Most of it has to do with leadership within TFB organizations ... leadership in other agriculture organizations. Also, 'how has your operation changed since you started farming?' is a major question," added Kreusler.

As a new student at TAMU, he thought he wanted to be an Extension agent, but it didn't take long for him to decide that would not satisfy his love of the farm.

"I guess I have to be my own boss. ... If things don't get done, you have nobody to blame but yourself. The independence was really appealing. I enjoy working with all the animals, and I enjoy farming, even if it can be hectic some times of the year," he laughed.

With commodity prices low for the past 10 years, Kreusler said it is harder to entice younger producers to stay on the farm. Although they farm and ranch about 430 acres, like many of the smaller operations, Jill works three days a week in San Antonio. Fortunately, the operation is diversified enough that when one commodity is down in revenue, the other is up, hopefully.

"My dad never asked me or forced me to come back (to farm/ranch). I wanted to come back and be part of the family ranch and farm," said Kreusler.

While all that enter the contest receive a $100 certificate from Grainger Industrial Supply, the two finalists received the complimentary use of a 2003 Dodge Quad Cab from December '02 until November '03, courtesy of Dodge; a plaque and belt buckle representative of the award from Am-Pac; and a $200

gift certificate to Grainger Industrial Supply. Gertson, the state winner, won even more, including the title to a new Dodge truck.

While farming and ranching may not be right for all young people reared in the country, Kreusler and his wife feel like they made the right decision. They will welcome their first child in June to extend the generations of Kreuslers on the family land, and, hopefully, be a part of the next 100 years of farming/ranching.

In spite of the ups and downs and weather uncertainties, the Kreuslers love the life they live. The advice he gives other young people is simple: "Go with what you enjoy. There's a lot of people who are pretty miserable at what they are doing."