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Farming for the needy

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MarkS | 11:02 p.m. July 6, 2009
No flash, all heart, all work. Hooray for people like the Baldaufs!
Great story | 12:31 a.m. July 7, 2009
This country could use a few more people like the Baldauf's.
Jean B | 2:19 a.m. July 7, 2009
I guess this is what it means to live your religion. What a great article.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 6:55 a.m. July 7, 2009
Great stuff! If only we had more of this attitude, in everyday life, in our approach to business, in our outlook on government and politics, and so forth. This is what being a Christian is all about.
Sammy | 7:03 a.m. July 7, 2009
Good Work Dave, Thanks for making the world a better place.
Anonymous | 7:21 a.m. July 7, 2009
Wonderful concept. Needs to be implemented in other church and community organizations state-wide. God always has a way to provide for HIS people.SConyers
sam | 7:59 a.m. July 7, 2009
You go Dave, and it sounds like you have yourself a real woman.
jack | 7:59 a.m. July 7, 2009
HOW REFRESHING! Thank you for sharing such a positive story!
Ernest T. Bass | 8:00 a.m. July 7, 2009
So neat!
JJ | 8:19 a.m. July 7, 2009
Farming is such a noble profession. I wish the Baldauf's the best.
Michael MIller | 8:32 a.m. July 7, 2009

Government leaders take note: a social welfare system that actually works!
PFought | 8:43 a.m. July 7, 2009
Now that beats sitting behind a desk, Amy! Especially when you are with the your knight in shining armor! We are still awaiting those wedding pix!
beth | 8:45 a.m. July 7, 2009
now, that you are famous, don't forget those who got you where you are.(and this isn't your mother) we love you, and we want you to know that you were not quite so famous til your wife came along.
Kip Walls | 8:50 a.m. July 7, 2009
Farmers are a great and creative bunch of folks. This country was built by farm people that had to be weather forecasters, mechanics, veterinarians, as well as crop and market experts and accountants and financeers. A hardy breed that grew crops for the soldiers in WWII and for schools and the needy and get little recognition for their war effort etc. Cap and trade has been reported to raise farm costs 40% so prepare yourself for higher food prices! Great article and most farmers and ranchers see God at work every day!
Bob and Susie | 9:13 a.m. July 7, 2009
What a surprise to see you two in the news. Keep up the great job you are doing on the farm.
Rich | 9:20 a.m. July 7, 2009
" OBAMA & CRONIES " Are you done hiding from the things that really help humanity ?

Take a look at " Dave & Wife " and others like them ~~ maybe a light will come on in those mush filled heads of yours .

To anyone participating in helping humanity ~ " Thank You So Much !!!! "
crs | 9:23 a.m. July 7, 2009
There are alot of us out here like Dave.
Farmers are the hardest working guys around. I am married to one, and I love the life. Dave, the only thing missing is your hat!! Gotta have a hat!!
Kyle from AZ | 9:28 a.m. July 7, 2009
Does anyone know if her maiden name is Evans. Looks like a friend I lost contact with years ago but they didn't have a good enough pic for me to be able to tell.
A reminder | 9:36 a.m. July 7, 2009
This reminds me of my own humble, noble, hard-working, honest, farmer/cattleman father. There has never been a better man than my dad. I loved growing up with him (and my equally-wonderful mother) in that kind of environment. I wish everyone in the world could experience times like that - they were the best.

Good story. Thanks!
Terry | 9:53 a.m. July 7, 2009
Farming definitely gets in your blood. I produce more food crops than I can use. Any way to donate to the Storehouse?
I predict.... | 10:36 a.m. July 7, 2009
...a return engagement to Russia someday--or some other third world country who desperately needs the knowledge and commitment you have, as a service missionary couple. Best wishes to you now-and then.

Thanks for this story!

Re: Rich | 11:14 a.m. July 7, 2009
Could you just comment on the story, where in the world did Obama get in this. You make yourself look like an idiot.
Great work | 11:15 a.m. July 7, 2009
I spent a lot of time in my youth on the Saratoga farms and have since spent service time rebuilding fences out there. It's a great place with good people running the show. It's nice to see that it's in good hands still, just as it was 30 years ago.
Rebekah | 12:10 p.m. July 7, 2009
Way to go Amy and Dave! You've always been front page in our book! Thanks to the Deseret News for writing such an inspirational story--perfect fit for the 4th of July season.
Anonymous | 1:53 p.m. July 7, 2009
Thanks for the story it was just the inspiration I needed to do the same thing but on a smaller scale
Dave | 2:50 p.m. July 7, 2009
Very nice to read about someone positive and upbeat who help those around them when all we usually hear is about BHO ruining our country and pedophile freaks being honored. Keep making the world a better place as they say, thanks!
Herb Gravy | 3:18 p.m. July 7, 2009
Obama gets mentioned because of his policies that will drive many farmers out of business - including "Cap and Trade" as mentioned by another poster. And, the environmentalist "freaks" that he undoubtedly supports who are now driving many farmers to the brink of ruin. Case in point is the west side of the San Joaquin Valley where a small minnow is given priority over men, women, and children. "Fish First"! What's wrong with this picture?
Ernest T. Bass | 5:00 p.m. July 7, 2009
Only religious repugs could turn this into a political session to bag on our President.
anon | 5:34 p.m. July 7, 2009
yes, her maiden name is Evans.
Kyle Thomas from AZ | 9:27 p.m. July 7, 2009
Just wanted to say Hi and congratulations on your marriage to my friend Amy. Some of the best memories I have were working with her at Deseret Industries and I can see that her spirit of service continues on...Vancy would be devastated to hear you got married :-)
Mae | 9:28 p.m. July 7, 2009
Wow! If that isn't just exactly what this country needs--a hard-working and charitable family. Your lives are an answer to much of today's problems. Can my sons come help you on the farm? I want them to grow up with that kind of work ethic and generousity. Thank you for showing people how to live not just telling them.
AnOkie | 9:48 p.m. July 7, 2009
You two are such an inspiration, may God bless you above and beyond all that you could even imagine
James Schwerdt | 11:28 p.m. July 7, 2009
Extremely impressive, you are setting a fine example. An aside are you connected to Rainer Baldauf of San Francisco?
Naomi | 11:52 a.m. July 8, 2009
I have no life with a purpose, where do I sign up?

JanSan | 12:31 p.m. July 8, 2009
I also was greatly impressed by this article. I love the welfare program in the church and the way that we help the poor and needy, not only those in our church but just those who need it. This is truly a God sent to our world in these time of natural turmoil and the way the econamy is going.
Kelly | 8:18 p.m. July 8, 2009
Wow. That is really cool! You make me want to do that too! Thanks for being an example for others!
JJohnson | 10:33 p.m. July 8, 2009
This is a true example of inspiration and both

of you are a wonderful example to all of us. I am a

single mother of two and have been priveleged to

enjoy the fruits of your labor. I want to say Thank

You for your sacrfice and everything that your hard

work does to provide for indigent families that

struggle. Your hard work is appreciated and I

applaude your determination.

God bless you and all you do.
Sherri & Bobby | 1:22 p.m. July 9, 2009
Dave is truly deserving of this type of recognition. We are glad that someone finally took note of the hard work and dedication he has shown over many years. We are proud and happy for you both!
anonymous | 5:29 p.m. July 9, 2009
Thanks to Saratoga Crops Manager Steve Wood for making that farm a success. Couldnt be done without Steve.
Anonymous | 10:50 p.m. July 9, 2009
ITS GOOD THEY HAVE A GOOD MANAGER LIKE STEVE WOOD WHO HAS BEEN THERE FOR MANY YEARS TO TELL DAVE WHAT TO DO,AND TO MAKE SURE THINGS KEEP RUNNING SMOOTH
SouthAfrica | 6:37 a.m. July 10, 2009
There is so much more to Dave than ever could be told. We've know him as the guy who sets up all the chairs in the cultural hall, arriving early each Sunday, and who can be found at all the activities that require the real work. He's just always there serving endlessly and selflessly. Amy, Dave was every bit worth the wait. To our Saratoga Springs neighbors, we are pleased to be reading Dave and Amy's story in faraway South Africa, where that wheat they grow is sold affordably in the Distribution Center here in Johannesburg.
Michael Murrell, Psy. D. | 7:08 a.m. July 10, 2009
Dear Dave
My daughter just converted to Mormonism. Now I see that the genuince caring that you have for others is common in her church as well.
Blessings to all,
Dr. Michael Murrell
Psychologist
Springfield, MO
Neighbor | 7:42 a.m. July 10, 2009
Dave is a great guy and a great worker. The unsung hero on the Saratoga Farm is Steve Wood. Without Steves expertise and supervision and dedication that farm would not be successful. Thanks for all the hard work for the church welfare system.
Mariane Kiraly | 9:52 a.m. July 10, 2009
Dave comes from a very hard-working farm family where I live and work as an Extension Educator and dairy farmer. I am not surprised at his success in growing food and being an excellent farmer.
Oris Rudd, 1:15 p.m. 7/10/09 | 1:20 p.m. July 10, 2009
Excellent story... Dave is surely a dedicated and committed farmer who would probably feel better about being depicted as working in the SOIL than in the dirt.....there is a difference. The soil is a living dynamic entity....dirt has negative connotations.
Fifi | 5:38 p.m. July 10, 2009
And to think that Amy left a desk job in the Office of the First Presidency to become a farmer's wife!

Way to go Amy and Dave.
The Barnes Family | 9:39 p.m. July 10, 2009
This was a very accurate article. We ought to know. Credit was fairly given ONLY where it was deserved. Having Dave work for you is like having 1.5 people and in this past year the church is very lucky to now have him become 2.5 and on top of that now he has the excellent help Amy will provide.
Go Dave! More power to you! You deserve all the credit given.....and much not given here.
NEIGHBOR | 10:53 p.m. July 10, 2009
DESERET NEWS MISSED TELLING ABOUT THE REAL MANAGER OF THE FARM STEVE WOOD. HAVING LIVED IN THE AREA MANY YEARS, AND WATCHED WHAT GOES ON THERE.
THEY SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED STEVES NAME. THE DAY TO DAY DECISIONS FALLS ON STEVES SHOULDERS,DAVE AS THE ASSSISTANT. WAY TO GO STEVE I WILL GIVE YOU THE CREDIT.
not telling | 5:51 a.m. July 12, 2009
Who cares you gets credit. The article was about the welfare program and people that dedicate their lives to helping others. No one is getting a raise over this.
Anonymous | 12:54 p.m. July 12, 2009
Hi. I am from England and I think it is such a shame that people just cant comment on what they have read and know to be true.There are many people Like dave , Steve and his wife, but this article just happens to be about them. The church has the most fantastic programe for heping others, and usually its done without anyone knowing about it. Sometimes it just great to hear and know of just a few of the hundreds of thousands of people across the world who are also helping. Well done and God Bless you to all of you.
Rosemary

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Dave Baldauf and his wife, Amy, work on a rake wheel. Dave Baldauf is a full-time farmer for the LDS Church.

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