This month’s Partner Spotlight is especially close to our hearts.
We’re honoring the Heitmann family – Nate’s “Godfather,” Steve Heitmann, his wife Marla, and their daughters, Stephanie and Melissa. Steve was one of the first to rent ground to Nate when he started growing popcorn, and we’re grateful to continue farming their land today.
Nate’s “Godfather” (and Lonny’s cousin), Steve Heitmann, along with his wife Marla, were among the first to rent farm ground to Nate for growing popcorn. The Heitmann family farm has deep roots, originally purchased by Peter and Anna Heitmann in 1903. In 1927, their son Louis and his wife Meta took over the property and the farm’s operations.
In the 1960s, their son Lavern and his wife Verla purchased the farm. Lavern and his son Steve, who graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1978, began farming together. After briefly working as a commodity broker, Steve joined his father full-time in 1980. Steve married Marla in 1981, and together they raised their two daughters, Stephanie and Melissa, just a quarter mile west of the farm. Steve and Lavern farmed side by side until 2019, and Steve continued farming on his own until his untimely passing in 2022. He raised corn, soybeans, and managed a cow-calf operation.
Steve’s daughters, Stephanie and Melissa share: “Our best memories of being on the farm are getting to ride in the tractor or combine with dad on the little seat that pushed down. We would bring snacks, tell stories, and sometimes even fall asleep! During the busy time of harvest, this time with our dad was really special.”
Nate remembers, “Steve frequently asked for my help laying out irrigation pipe. This delightful task generally happened on the 2-3 hottest days of the year. We laughed the entire time despite the dust, heat, wasps, skunks and mice. What I wouldn’t give to be able to lay out another pipeline with ‘Godfather.’”
Cousins - Lonny & Steve - out standing in their field.
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