When my kids were little, I used to sneak outside early Easter morning to hide the Easter Eggs and candy all around the house and yard while Kristen prepared breakfast. Early April weather in Michigan always seems to be cold and dewy. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy – running around the yard in my robe and boots …
Core Value Spotlight: Sacrifice and Serve
Rob Ketola exemplifies the Walther Farm’s Value “Sacrifice and Serve” to the letter. Rob works for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s Seed Farm; the life blood of our Farms. His loyalty and dedication is apparent by the long hours he puts in as Field Manager. His attention to detail during the hot summers while irrigating and chemigating is a big …
WF Pride: Discipline and Accountability
Let’s be honest here, we all know we should eat healthier foods, eat smaller portions, drink more water, eliminate sugary drinks, exercise regularly and get the right amount of sleep. Then why don’t we do it? If we know what the better choice is, why do we choose the donut over the apple? Why the Coke over the bottled water? …
Wf Pride: Integrity
Our home has a place for nearly everything, and I like it that way. Maybe I’m a little anal, or maybe my wife just trained me well. Whatever it is, I enjoy the organization of it. And as I get older, it helps me remember where stuff is. I like that the shoes go in front of the closet, and …
WF Pride: Recognition and Respect of Others
When I was in elementary school there was little saying that kids would chant to the local bully, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” But when you stop and think about it, the saying isn’t accurate. Words can and do hurt – sometimes worse than physical pain – and once said, can never …
WF Pride: Positive Attitude and Passion for Life & Work
This past weekend, many countries throughout the world celebrated ‘Valentine’s Day.’ It’s a time when people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special ‘valentine’. The day of romance we call Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr, Saint Valentine, and dates back to the 5th century. Some people look forward to this for weeks and months on …
WF Pride: Focus on Unity and Humility
Tibetan-born Sherpa Nawang Gombu and American Jim Whittaker reached the top of Mount Everest on May 1, 1963. As they approached the peak, each considered the honor of being the first of the two to step to the summit. Whittaker motioned for Gombu to move ahead, but Gombu declined with a smile, saying, “You first, Big Jim!” Finally, they decided …
WF Pride: Willingness and Desire to Sacrifice and Serve
As a father of four, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my kids. As much as they are similar in their looks and last name, they are all unique and different in so many ways. And of course I like to take credit for their good qualities, and blame the areas that need improvement on my wife – as …
WF Pride: Excel in Communication
If you know me at all you would know that I am a pretty straight forward, or as some would say, a blunt individual. I usually say what I’m thinking or what I think needs to be said. I am much better now at softening the delivery and packaging of what I say. But when I was younger, I had …
WF Pride: Discipline and Accountability
There was a brief story that made minor headlines this week that most people probably missed – I may have too, but was lucky enough to catch it on the news. The country of Germany has decided to once again print the book ‘Mein Kampf’ for the first time since World War II. What is Mein Kampf? And who wrote …