Ag dinner to honor Starkels
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There certainly is no lack of respect and admiration for the agriculture industry which so impacts the area’s economy, but even more importantly sustains the essence of our way of life.
It could be such a given to those who are outside of the tribulations of the farm or ranch that the lifestyle and hardships that so anchor the vitality of the Mission Valley could possibly be taken for granted.
But for 35 years each spring the Agriculture Appreciation Banquet has served as a vehicle not just to bring neighbors, albeit often competitors, together for maybe an adult beverage, a good meal but also a few hours of camaraderie and fellowship.
The annual banquet will be held Friday, March 28 at the Ronan Community Center with a social hour at 6 p.m. and steak dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at major local sponsors.
As in past banquets it also is an opportunity for the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize the “Producers of the Year.” This year’s recipients are Roger and Kathy Starkel, who operate not just a third-generation farm at the base of the Mission Mountains but also a cutting-edge laboratory for the production of seed potatoes.
As 1982 Montana State University graduates and married for 30 years, the Ronan couple control the lengthy three-year process from nuclear plant stock to fruition in an on-site lab and three expansive greenhouses where the planting from Petri dishes is done entirely by hand.
About 400 acres of Starkel’s 1,200 farmed acres are dedicated to seed potatoes. This allows total control over all aspects of the production. Wheat, seed wheat and alfalfa occupy the remainder of the acreage.
Long interested in innovation, Roger started growing plants in a window in a greenhouse in the early ‘80s and in 1985 turned down a lucrative offer to manage a large farming operation in Turkey in lieu of “fostering his own developing operation,” said Kathy, who runs the lab which was the first of its kind.
Climatic conditions and low insect presence makes the Mission Valley beneficial for seed potato production, but like everything, it doesn’t come without challenge.
“That’s the nature of the game,” said Roger. “That’s farming but I love what I’m doing. Every day is different … It’s been an awesome thing.”
The seed plants are kept to maturity in a greenhouse in sterilized soil which eliminates soil-born disease. Over-watering is controlled with a drip irrigation system which eliminates fungal growth. Insects also are minimized by a filter system, and the location adds further protection from animals and the elements.
The nuclear stock then is planted into a G-1 seed plot which later provides seed for the G-11 and G-111 fields.
Reputation is everything, said Roger, adding that the operation has several third-generation customers.
With plants always in different stages, it’s a yearlong endeavor requiring constant scrutiny.
“Rewarding … but not fool proof,” added Kathy. “When it has to be done, it has to be done.”
