SEGMENT: CHILDHOOD WORK, FARM ORGANIZATIONS, & CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Brian Holst>ISM Interviews A-L>ISM Interviews A-L, Segment 19

SEGMENT: CHILDHOOD WORK, FARM ORGANIZATIONS, & CHURCH ACTIVITIES,

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CHILDHOOD WORK
Best chores were feeding bottle calves. Thought it was mundane at the time. Nothing more satisfying than taking a calf and nurturing it, watching it take its first steps and first meal. Raising a calf for two years into a production animal shows that you've done something. Father divided work between him and his sister. Each developed a specialty area. For example, vaccinating cattle was his job because his sister did not want to handle the needles. Physical differences also meant that he undertook jobs such as breaking an animal to lead and baling hay. However, they each pitched in to help with the other's chores when one was away for a school activity or staying overnight with friends. Dairy farm requires presence 24 hrs per day.
FARM ORGANIZATIONS
He participated in 4-H from age 9 to age 19. Held every office at the club level at some point. Active at county level. Tried to run for state council but was unsuccessful. However, many friends that he met through 4-H activities such as shows and camps are still friends today. Involvement in 4-H helped him get more comfortable with public speaking. 4-H helped open his eyes to possibilities and gave him confidence in some of his abilities. Feels he developed more confidence in his abilities. Daughters are in 4-H and are interested in sewing, fashion shows and horticulture.
CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Was not active in Church activities when growing up due to the need to tend to livestock on the dairy farm. The farm and livestock required almost all of the time of the family. Did attend Sunday School when younger with aunts and uncles that did not have the livestock responsibilities of his family. Now, he regularly attends church.
FAMILY
His parents' commitment was to the farm and ensuring that their children could broaden their horizons. His parents did not get to go to college. But, they raised a family of 4 on 120 acres which was an achievement for the time.
COLLEGE EDUCATION
Enjoyed being outdoors and working with his hands. Originally completed schooling for an automobile technician job, but decided to become an Ag-Tech working on farm equipment. Attended 2 years of college in Ottumwa, IA to obtain that certification. Still enjoys working with tools, but does not do so for a livelihood. Anything with a motor and steering wheel, "I'm game."