About Appelgate Family Farms
Merle Appelgate
Merle Appelgate
Merle Appelgate
Merle grew up actively involved in agriculture baling hay for neighbors and helping his dad. He graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Farm Operations and a minor in Agronomy. Merle has been honored with the Goodyear/NACD Conservation Award, the Marshall County Master Pork Producer Award, and was named the Iowa Young Farmer of the Y
Merle grew up actively involved in agriculture baling hay for neighbors and helping his dad. He graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Farm Operations and a minor in Agronomy. Merle has been honored with the Goodyear/NACD Conservation Award, the Marshall County Master Pork Producer Award, and was named the Iowa Young Farmer of the Year in 1991-1992 by the Iowa Jaycees. He has served on Iowa State Extension Council (Marshall County), Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner, Green Mountain-Garwin school board, and teaches children’s Sunday School at church. Merle was one of the first adopters of no-till in the county and continues to be an early adaptor for new technology and farming practices. He enjoys teaching about agriculture to the many different groups that have toured the Appelgate farm.
Jane Appelgate
Merle Appelgate
Merle Appelgate
Jane manages the finances and payroll for the farming operation. She earned her masters degree in education from Northern Iowa University. After teaching for six years she decided to raise a family and assumed the role of primary financial manager for the farm. She has spent much time giving back to the schools by volunteering for every
Jane manages the finances and payroll for the farming operation. She earned her masters degree in education from Northern Iowa University. After teaching for six years she decided to raise a family and assumed the role of primary financial manager for the farm. She has spent much time giving back to the schools by volunteering for everything from a playground fundraising committee to concession stand manager. Jane teaches Sunday School with Merle and enjoys a small group Bible study each week.
Kaleb Appelgate
Merle Appelgate
Taylor Appelgate
Kaleb is responsible for implementation of new technologies, data analysis, writing variable rate prescriptions, and managing the east swine production facility. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Studies and Agronomy and was extensively involved with leadership development for The Salt Company. He has
Kaleb is responsible for implementation of new technologies, data analysis, writing variable rate prescriptions, and managing the east swine production facility. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Studies and Agronomy and was extensively involved with leadership development for The Salt Company. He has attended multiple agricultural business development conferences including the Side by Side Young and Beginning Conference and the Pioneer Legacy Farm Conference. Kaleb and his wife Taylor continue to manage Appelgate Goldens, a small kennel Kaleb started while in high school as well as create content for the YouTube channel “The Family Farm”. He serves on the Ag advisory committee for GMG School, the Farm Credit Services of America Nominating Committee, the council of elders for Mosaic Church and leads a weekly Bible study.
Taylor Appelgate
Taylor Appelgate
Taylor Appelgate
Taylor manages financial data entry for portions of the operation and coordinates transportation logistics during busy seasons. She earned her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Allen College and worked as a nurse until staying home to help with day to day needs of the farm and raise a family. She has attended multiple learning opp
Taylor manages financial data entry for portions of the operation and coordinates transportation logistics during busy seasons. She earned her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Allen College and worked as a nurse until staying home to help with day to day needs of the farm and raise a family. She has attended multiple learning opportunities including the “Women Marketing Grain” course, the Side by Side Young and Beginning Conference and the Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference. Taylor has facilitated the transition from cash accounting to accrual accounting for portions of the operation.
Noah Bandstra
Taylor Appelgate
Noah Bandstra
Noah joined the operation in 2020 and oversees commodity delivery logistics and equipment maintenance. He grew up around farming and from a young age had a desire be involved with production agriculture. He graduated from Ellsworth Community College with a farm management degree; while in college Noah was a part of the Professional Agr
Noah joined the operation in 2020 and oversees commodity delivery logistics and equipment maintenance. He grew up around farming and from a young age had a desire be involved with production agriculture. He graduated from Ellsworth Community College with a farm management degree; while in college Noah was a part of the Professional Agricultural Student Organization and gained valuable insight from that experience. Noah is in the beginning stages of becoming a partner in the operation. Noah enjoys helping to lead the high school youth group at his church.