Rural Searsboro family receives Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award

      The Terry and Linda Lowry family of rural Searsboro were the recipients of the 2024 Jim Urfer Spirt of Farming honor presented by Grinnell Lions Club representatives during Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 29. The Lowry family is shown with representatives of the Grinnell Lions Club following the presentation in Grinnell’s Central Park. Submitted photo.​

By J.O. Parker
 
       The Grinnell Lions presented the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award to a rural Searsboro family during Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 29.
     The honor was presented to Terry and Linda Lowry and family for their dedication to ag business and community involvement during the annual Ag Appreciation Day celebration in Grinnell’s Central Park.
      Terry and Linda, along with their two sons, Brian and his wife, Carrie, and Jason and his wife, Jennifer, and the couple’s nine grandchildren, are all involved in the family farming operation.
      Terry and Linda and their two boys farm around 1,200 acres of row crops and raise about 50 cow calf pairs among the families. In past years, the Lowry’s raised farrow to finish hogs, but are not involved in that operation these days outside of a few 4-H projects.
      In past years, Terry said he and his brother, Gary, farmed together to conserve on machinery investments.
Today, the couple’s sons crop farm with Terry. Gary and Terry continue to share hay making equipment.
     Terry has appreciated working with his brother’s family and working alongside their neighbors, local bankers and the agri-business community through the years.
        “The sense of community out in the country is what makes farming so rewarding,” said Terry.
In addition, the couple’s nine grandchildren, who range in age from 1 – 17, are also involved in the farming operation through their 4-H and FFA projects.
      “They are involved in 4-H livestock projects and the older ones have some ownership of beef cattle, sheep and chickens,” said Terry. “They buy show pigs for 4-H projects. They are just learning and getting their feet wet. They are learning the farming business through their projects.”
      Through the years, Terry has been active in Farm Bureau, Searsboro Manor board, Lynnville-Sully School committees, Grinnell Christian Church and Poweshiek Pork Producers. He is a member of the Iowa Cattleman’s Association.
     Terry, who was born and raised in Searsboro, is an Iowa State University graduate with a degree in Ag Education. He was a vocational Ag teacher and FFA Advisor at Lynnville-Sully from 1972 – 1975, at which time he began farming full-time.
       Terry was quick to say that every good farmer has a supportive wife and Linda is the best. The couple met at the Sullivan Jewel Box Bank in Grinnell, 50 years ago in June.
       “My mom worked at the bank and Linda, who was from rural Brooklyn, was a teller,” recalled Terry.
        The couple recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.
        Linda, a native of rural Brooklyn, has remained involved in the family farming operation. She also grew and canned lots of produce to feed their growing family and currently volunteers her time at their local church, Grinnell Christian. In the past, Linda has volunteered at Lynnville-Sully Community Schools and at Birthright in Grinnell.
         The couple is proud of both of their sons and their commitment to farming and serving others.
        Brian serves on the Key Cooperative Board of Directors and Jason is owner of Lowry Land Services, where he offers land surveying and has a real estate license. The couple is proud that both sons and their families are involved in their churches.
        When asked what this honor means to his family, Terry said it shows the strength of neighborhoods and small communities.
       “We’ve been blessed to have a good working family and good neighbor relationships and good landlords,” said Terry. “We appreciate the honor, but a lot of other people are deserving of it, too.”
      Terry said he is thankful for Curt Lang, former owner of the Grinnell John Deere dealership, and the late Jim Urfer, former owner of the local International dealership in Grinnell. Terry is grateful for their vision to hold the Ag Appreciation Day where local farm families and their contribution to the local community are appreciated.
       “I’m grateful that the Grinnell Lions are continuing the Ag Appreciation Day because a lot of local people enjoy watching the old tractor parade and meeting and visiting with area farmers,” Terry said. “We have been blessed to be a part of the farming community.”