Meet Lowell and Krystale Neitzel

Lowell and his brother in law, Luke Nunemaker, along with Krystale’s parents and aunt and uncle, run the day-to-day operation of the Nunemaker-Ross Farm while Krystale works as an insurance agent. Their operation consists of 5,000 acres of row and hay crops, a small feedlot of around 800 head and 25 acres of sweet corn.

Lowell and Krystale met while going to school at Colby Community College. After graduating, they took a year off the farm to figure out what they wanted to do. Ultimately, after that year, they decided that Krystale’s family farm is where they were meant to be. They now have two children, Tuff who is eight and Mayson who is two.

The family farm was started just after World War II. Lowell and Krystale are the fourth generation on this farm. Lowell hopes that his children will one day want to take over the farm but wants them to be happy in whatever they do.

The Neitzels have a great relationship with the people of Lawrence. The families involved in the farm are active in many community organizations.

The family’s sweet corn stand provides an opportunity to interact with consumers and have conversations about agriculture. Their farm stand is a popular place to get fresh produce. On average for sweet corn in July, the Neitzels sell about 200 dozen ears a day during the week and 500-600 dozen ears on the weekend.

This farm stand was started in 1982 by Krystale’s family selling strawberries and sweet corn. It has been growing ever since and has become a well-known treasure in Lawrence.

When asked what advice they would give to people wanting to get started in farming, Lowell said, “Do your homework and know what you are getting yourself into. It's not for the faint of heart. You’ve got to have a passion for it. There are a lot of long hours and sometimes the pay isn’t very good. But the rewards are awesome if you can hold on that long. The way of life is just awesome."