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Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
Suzanne and Dave Burbank have been named Livestock Family of the Year by the Polk County Livestock Association.
MONMOUTH -- Dave and Suzanne Burbank had a very pregnant pig in their barn last week.
The sow, Lady, looked ready to pop at any moment and was due last weekend.
That meant several nights interrupted by trips out to the barn to check on the soon-to-be momma. The lucky guy sitting vigil this time -- there has been many piglet-welcoming parties at the Burbank's 23-acre farm off Maxfield Creek Road -- was Dave.
"This time of year, those who raise pigs don't get much sleep," Suzanne said.
Lady actually belongs to the couple's youngest son, Derek, who is away on duties as the state treasurer for the Oregon FFA. Suzanne, a clothing category manager for Wilco Farmers Co-op, will spend her weekend at a buying show. That leaves Dave with the responsibility of helping Lady bring her little ones into the world.
"It all comes down to dad," Dave said.
Last week's hustle and bustle isn't uncommon in the Burbank household. Since the couple's sons Brennan, 21, and Derek, 18, were old enough to be active in 4-H clubs and FFA, the family has taken a leadership role in county agricultural groups.
The Burbanks' schedule is so tight, as of Friday they haven't been able to receive the plaque that goes with being named the Polk County Livestock Association's "Livestock Family of the Year."
The couple has volunteered for both 4-H and FFA, has been involved in the Polk County Fair's Youth Livestock Auction and the Dallas FFA Alumni club. In addition, Suzanne belongs to Polk County Women for Agriculture.
"Is that all you do?" Dave asked Suzanne jokingly last week. "I know you are never home."
Now, with their sons out of high school and often away from home, Dave said he's also involved with another "FFA" -- "Fathers Feeding Animals."
Dave and Suzanne said volunteering with FFA and 4-H is worth watching kids grow in confidence and gain knowledge of the farming industry. Kids have to invest time and hard work, a lesson that will serve them well even if they don't pursue a career in agriculture.
"That's something you can't replace in a child's education," Suzanne said.
The family's dedication to promoting those lessons is what earned them the recognition as the livestock family of the year.
"They have been very visible in their support of activities both for youth and livestock production in the county," said Jim Clawson, Polk County Livestock Association president.
The association has been naming a family of the year since the late 1950s, Clawson said.
Suzanne and Dave, who were not at the mid-January ceremony when they were announced the family of the year, said it is an honor and a surprise to receive the award.
"To have your peers say 'This is your year' is kind of special," Suzanne said.
