Rich Krafka Suffolks and Krafka Harkema Suffolks--Industry Leadership

Industry leadership

The Rich Krafka Family has been actively involved in the sheep industry for more than four decades. Rich operates the family farm near Dysart, Iowa, in the rich farmland of east central Iowa. In addition to raising quality Suffolk sheep, he raises Pioneer seed corn, soybeans, alfalfa and cattle. Known for his mechanical ability and innovation, Rich has won numerous "gadget" awards from sheep! Magazine and the Iowa Sheep Industry Association and is as a past director of the Iowa Suffolk Sheep Association and the Iowa Ram Testing Association.

Member:

United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA)
Iowa Suffolk Sheep Association (ISSA)
Iowa Sheep Industry Association (ISIA)
Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFFAA)
National and Iowa FFA Alumni Association

Honored seedstock producers
The Rich Krafka Family raise sheep and cattle and were honored for their leadership as seedstock producers, spotlighted in interviews at the Beef Quarters at the 2008 Iowa State Fair. Former Market to Market television host and WHO radio farm broadcaster, the late Mark Pearson, center, poses with three generations of the Krafka's following the lively interview.

Rich Krafka surrounded by friends and family

Proudly supporting the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation & ISIA lamb stand
Look for the picnic table honoring the late Caroline Krafka's memory outside the East entrance toSheep Barn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Or relax on the bench at the NE corner of the Iowa State Fair Sheep barn, also donated in honor of Rich and Caroline Krafka.
And enjoy some delicious American lamb at the ISIA lamb stand, where Rich Krafka volunteers every year.
May your family enjoy many great memories at the Iowa State Fair, one of the world's best state fairs—just as the Rich Krafka family has enjoyed through the years.

Rich Krafka at the grill

Family at a plastic table

Kathy Krafka Harkema represented the Suffolk breed in the breeders' panel as part of the educational program at the first Center of the Nation NSIP Sale in Spencer, Iowa July 8, 2006.