Producers In Action

Terry and Linda Ketterling began farming in Mountain Home, Idaho, in 1984. At that time, their community welcomed new farms and agribusinesses with open arms and few regulations. But 20 years later — when the Ketterlings chose to expand into dairy farming — their community was decidedly less enthusiastic about agriculture. Specifically, the community rejected the development of a dairy farm by a California producer.

How do producers gain the blessing of communities? The simple answer is community outreach.

Well-established within their community, the Ketterlings established TLK Dairy in 2005 with a grand opening — welcoming their neighbors to tour the new dairy. Each year, they continue reaching out to the community by hosting an open house for approximately 600 guests — including employees and their families, neighbors, members of the local chamber of commerce, business partners, and many others. Guests dine on mouth-watering barbecue tri-tip steak, and then experience a summer evening at the farm with self-guided tours, prize drawings and piñatas for the kids.

The Ketterlings’ community outreach efforts don’t stop there. The couple hosts tours of the dairy for school children, Girl Scout troops and an occasional tourist who drops by. In addition, TLK Dairy sponsors local sports and recreation teams, historical society functions, domestic violence organizations, and the local arts council. TLK Dairy is a member of the chamber of commerce (serving on the board), the military affairs committee for the local air force base and the Ag Coalition, among others.

As a result of these efforts, their community has a positive image of the Ketterlings and their dairy. Their relationships with neighbors and community members help maintain and strengthen their place in the community.