Dave and Dawn Leenderts Family
Dave's father, Leonard (Shorty) and mom, Lois, began farming on the home farm in 1972 when they purchased and moved onto the current farm. Leonard raised cattle and grew corn and soybeans. He went to the sale barn every Monday to sell and buy cattle. All their kids were involved in 4-H. Dave began farming with his father in 1988 when he got into the cattle business. In 1993, he started farming 50-50 with his dad.
They farmed together and shared the costs. Leonard did all the negotiating at the sale barn and did all the ordering of the hay and other essentials. Dave fed the cattle and Leonard did all the planting. Dave worked full-time outside of the home. After Dave's mom passed away in 2002, Dave took over more of the farming the operation, but Leonard was still heavily involved. Leonard remarried in 2005 and Delores (VanDeKamp) joined the operation. She assisted with cultivating and discing each spring and fall. She also hauled grain.
In the final two years of his life, Leonard taught his grandson, Dawson, to plant. It was his proudest moment to see the next generation taking over the operation. As Dawson took a more active role, Leonard stepped back from working on the farm. Leonard continued farming and was still active in selling and buying cattle until his death in January 2023. Leonard’s #17 bid number was honored at the local sale barn after his passing. Dave continues the legacy of going to the sale barn to buy and sell cattle.
Dave has worked as an agronomist for 31 years at Land O'Lakes. Dawson farmed with his dad and grandpa during and after college. He began renting land in 2022. Dave helped Dawson to get a start. Dave owns all the equipment, and they farm together. Dave continues to raise cattle and stock cows on his home farm place and current home. Dave and Dawn recently purchased the family farm.
Dawson graduated from South Dakota State University in 2022 with a degree in precision agriculture. Dave and Dawn’s son Donavon graduated in May from Lake Area Tech in diesel technology. Daughter Danette attends SDSU and is majoring in animal science and agriculture science. Son Drew attends SDSU and is majoring in agronomy.
Dave was named the Honorary Farmer for the FFA chapter in Hills. He is an active volunteer with 4-H and is currently a 4-H beef superintendent. Dave and Dawn have both been active in their church by serving on numerous boards over the years. Dawn was the Blue Ribbon 4-H club leader for seven years and on the executive board for 4-H. All four kids were involved in 4-H all through school and held many office positions. They were members and held leadership positions in FFA as well. In 2021, Dave and Dawn received the Rock County 4-H Alumni Award. Dave serves on the corn and soybean growers board.