(Coin)---It's always nice to have something in common when you share a relationship with someone you love and when it comes to Gaylen and Debbie Swanson of rural Coin, one of those common bonds is definitely 4H. Debbie has been Page County Extension and Outreach 4H Youth Coordinator for a number of years and 4H was also instrumental in the development of Gaylen in those formative years between the 4th and 12th grades as he was growing up in the Coin area.

Gaylen's parents, the late Omar and Mary Anne Swanson, were also instrumental in nurturing Gaylen in his love for 4H and farming as he was able to farm full-time for the first time with his dad in 1977. Before that, after graduating from South Page High School, Gaylen studied diesel tech/farm equipment at Iowa Western Community College and also worked for a time at an implement dealership in Red Oak.

Gaylen and Deb have three children: Clint, Corey and Lindsey along with two daughter-in-laws, Jordan and Jamie and they also enjoy spending time with their five grandsons!

Gaylen and Debbie farm around 1300 acres in the Coin area and are happy to at least be harvesting some crops this fall despite the drought, as last year most of their crops were devastated by the infamous August 18th, 2011 storms.

The Swansons are not only passionate about 4H but also conservation, as the couple does everything they can to make sure their farm looks good while at the same time saving as much soil as possible through conservation efforts. They also make time to work around 40 head of stock cows.

In their spare time the Swansons enjoy camping and are even a part of a camping group that gets together to enjoy each other's company in the beauty of the great outdoors.

If you ever want to know fully the merits of good, clean living out on the farm along with the benefits 4H has to offer young people, don't hesitate to visit with Gaylen and Debbie Swanson of rural Coin!

   

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