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own.  Throughout the years we have been blessed to have the support of neighbors and area businesses through advice and products."
• The Townsends are active in producing corn, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat.  In the Red Angus beef cattle operation they are mostly a cow/calf operation.  They also background their calves with occasionally finishing them.
• Their children are also

starting into the farming operation at an early age. "They each own livestock, with one-half of their income to go into savings for their education," Dean said. "We're hoping this will instill the value of a dollar in them."
• There are challenges to a farming operation. "We are always working hard to increase productivity and profit," Dean said. "We have been cutting costs and increasing yields and weight gains.  We are working hard on instilling great South Dakota values and responsibility into our children, which can be a challenge!"
• The family is also involved in many aspects of the community. "We take pride in our neighborhood, keeping the ditches mowed and roads cleared and maintained," Dean said. "We're Always trying to lend a hand as needed."
• Dean is involved in several areas of the community. He is a past Director for Full Circle Ag and SD Wheat Growers, a past president and past council member at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Groton.  He is a current board member of the South Dakota Quarter Horse Association.  Dean is also a member in: AQHA, SDQHA, Groton Masonic Lodge, Groton FFA Alumni, SDSBA, SDCGA, and NFIB.

• Kellie is also involved in many activities:  President of the Groton Elementary PAC (Parent Action Committee), Sunday School teacher, coordinator for VBS, and 4-H.  Our children are involved in 4-H, Shooting Sports, piano, band, and guitar.  Cassandra and Travis are both members of the Lazy farmers 4-H club. Cassandra is a member of  AQHA& SDYQHA and is quite involved in Quarter Horse shows through 4-H horse project and American Quarter Horse shows state wide.
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