Charles Grassley has served in Washington, D.C., for more than half of his 90 years, and he still works to stay close to his roots on the family farm in Butler County, Iowa, northeast of Des Moines.
“Dad bought the farm I was born on in 1926, moved there in 1927, and farmed the 80 acres his entire life,” Grassley told me in an interview in his Washington, D.C., office. “At one time, he could have bought 80 acres north of us for $25 an acre, but he didn’t do it because during the Depression, they had a hard time making the payments to keep the 80 acres, but they made it.”
An inspirational upbringing
Grassley says his parents, Louis and Ruth, had a keen interest in civics. “Both of them were always talking about government and politicians and history in our household,” he says. “Growing up, I was either going to be a government teacher or in politics.”
Ruth Grassley was one of the first four women in Iowa to cast a vote following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, but Grassley didn’t know about her role in history until a constituent from Iowa shared a newspaper clipping from the August 30, 1920, issue of the Des Moines Register with him after she had passed away.
“I wonder why she never talked about it,” he says. “I think that was at a school election, and that had to be within 24 hours after Tennessee ratified it.”
Esta historia es de la edición August 2024 de Successful Farming.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 2024 de Successful Farming.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
THE WOMAN BEHIND 'THIS FARM GIRL COOKS'
Coming up with quick, on-the-go meals is one of the many talents Deanne Frieders brings to the table.
HOW TO GROW A DOUBLE CROP OF CATTLE FEED
This Iowa farmer has perfected an annual system with four forage species that maximizes tonnage, resources, and feeding quality.
GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
The doctrine of title by acquiescence determines the legal boundary line between two properties and overrules the boundary listed in the deeds.
TIME WELL SPENT
Senator Charles Grassley reflects on careers in farming and government.
BUILDING FARM STABILITY
This young farmer uses regenerative practices and diversification to set up his farm for the future.
THE MEXICO MAIZE
Navigating Mexico's ban of genetically modified corn.
NEVER TOO BUSY TO LEND A HAND
Between their cattle operation, crops, and off-farm jobs, Dean and Tillie Thompson have plenty to do, but they still find time to serve their community.
WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT?
Problem: Two parents are conflicted about meeting their kids' inheritance expectations.
TIPS FOR A SAFE HARVEST
Follow these steps to protect you and your machinery while in the field this autumn.
9 NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS
See the latest innovations displayed at World Dairy Expo.