6 SOURCE | Fall 2022
Reifsteck at a University of Illinois event at Turner Hall
Field on the Planet ,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , known commonly as NOAA . Reifsteck entered into a collaborative research agreement with NOAA in 1996 .
“ Our initial goal was simple — to conduct basic research to better understand how my farming practices interact with the environment ,” says Reifsteck . “ The environment is always impacted when growing crops — that is not a bad thing — that is how food is produced . But we must do it responsibly using the best information available , which is why agricultural research is so important .”
With his farm so close in proximity to the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign , it has also provided the opportunity to compare the impact of farming practices on his operation to various practices on the university ’ s agricultural research farms . This has ultimately led to strong collaborations and novel insights when comparing data . Reifsteck has also testified before Congress several times on the efforts and progress farmers are making in sustainability .
“ Research is always fascinating to me ,” he says . “ The curiosity is out there but also you need to be willing to do the work . I ended up getting my Certified Crop Advisor designation and Dr . Jeff Bunting , GROWMARK ’ s Vice President of Crop Protection , was my instructor , along with Howard Brown . And I think that shows mentoring goes both ways .” Looking back , Reifsteck says he ’ s had so many helpful mentors over the years and believes that is critical to be successful in leadership .
“ You have to have trusted people you can call and bounce things off of , to just say , ‘ am I wrong , or how am I doing ,’ someone to check your reality of things .”
In addition to focusing on his farm operation , Reifsteck says he ’ s looking forward to traveling more with his wife Nancy , and spending time with his two grown sons , and grandson George .
“ My life has revolved around the farming calendar and GROWMARK calendar for the last 29 years . And that dominates . And you think about how those calendars sandwich each other and it leaves little time to do other things , so I ’ m looking forward to those opportunities that I will have now .”
Yet in talking with Reifsteck , there ’ s little doubt of the lasting impact his time in the System has had and will continue to have in his future .
“ I can tell you without question , I will miss the people . Our paths will cross but not regularly . Some of my best friends have come through the System . I just saw Jim and Lisbeth Spradlin a few weeks ago when they stopped by to visit with Nancy and me and it was terrific to catch up . It ’ s those relationships and memories that I will treasure the most from my time with the GROWMARK System .”