Brothers Todd and Dean Steinley of DC and T&J Farms were named Top Grower of the over 282 acres category with 648 acres, 36.4 tons per acre, a sugar content of 18.39% and a rating of 32.94. Todd Steinley has been farming since 1990 and Dean Steinley has been farming since 1995. Their grandfather began growing sugar beets in the late the 1920s when the factory opened and since then it has been a family operation for them as their dad continues to farm and all of their kids with them. The Steinleys have land all over the Sidney area including land north of town. They attribute their success to the “luck of the draw” with summer days that didn’t get too hot and no severe storms; the excellent year seemed to work out just as it was supposed to.
“We had rain and sunshine at the right times,” said Dean Steinley of the phenomenal season.
Both Steinleys were surprised at being Top Grower because they have so much acreage and while they were on the Top Ten list in 2007, they have never been named Top Grower before.
“Every year you try your hardest,” commented Todd Steinley. “You get out of it what you put into it.”
In addition to beets, they also grow malt barley, spring wheat and alfalfa. Though some of the challenges this year are commonplace such as fighting spring winds, the biggest issue is finding help. The oilfield has drawn many people away from farm work, however, their hired man, Gene Asbeck has been with them for four going on five years and plays an important role in seeing each season through.
“It’s got to be in your blood,” said Todd Steinley of farming. “You do it because you love to do it.”
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