Washington corn grower recognized for myriad efforts

WASHINGTON — Kerri Bell wears many, many hats.

She’s secretary of the Washington and Keokuk County Corn and Soybean growers, a member of the Iowa Corn Growers’ Grassroots Network Membership and Checkoff Committee, a co-chair of the Washington County Field and Friends party, a representative on the Read Across Iowa Committee of the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation, a guest columnist for the Iowa Food & Family Project, a Common Ground Iowa volunteer, a county fair project judge, and a helper on her family’s farm, when the need presents itself.

That’s all in addition to her day job as a teacher at Mid-Prairie East elementary in Kalona.

“It’s a great connection because very few kids today live on a viable farm operation, but a lot of kids have grandparents, aunts and uncles, or maybe they don’t own a farm, but their parents work for some type of agriculture,” Bell said. “Those connections with my kids are huge.”

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Bell was given the Outstanding Local Leader Award at the Iowa Corn Growers Association Grassroots Summit back in August. The community members who nominated her did not clue her in ahead of time, making the news a surprise to Bell.

The announcer of the award, however, mistakenly assumed that Bell was the local corn and soy growing group’s president, given her extensive involvement.

“I interrupted him on stage and said, ‘I’m not the president, my husband is,’” she recounted.

Despite the momentary mix-up, Bell said the recognition was “very humbling.”

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“When I look at the people that have been selected in the past, it’s quite an honor,” she said. “My picture gets to be put up on the wall in the Iowa Corn office, and I hold that with high regard … So it makes me proud to be recognized. I don’t do all the volunteer work that I do for that, but it’s nice to know that people notice that and that I’m respected just as those that I respect that have won it in the past.”

Although Bell conceded that her extensive involvement was a lot of work, she said it was worth the effort, without question.

For one, she said she proud to advocate for Iowa farmers.

“If you don’t tell your story, it can be misconstrued,” she said. “I like us to be involved … to reach all people, to know that corn is in over 4,000 products, and the impact that it has on my classroom, the impact that it has on this community.”

More than that, Bell said she had big footsteps to follow in, citing role models that came before her, as well as an overall appreciation for a strong work ethic.

“When you love what you do, you make the time,” she said. “I think, a farmer, they’re used to working 24/7. Not that I’m working 24/7, but I enjoy it. I don’t have to get paid for it, but we want the best. It’s no different from my classroom, if I don’t give 110%, how can I expect my students to give 100%?”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com