(Shelby) Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc. will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the farm, 32809 380th St., Shelby, at 6:00 pm. “Everyone is invited to come to the meeting and hear about what’s happening at the farm”, says board President Terry Torneten of Harlan.
Before the meeting, an old-fashioned ice cream social will be held. This will be a family-friendly event for all ages. The ice cream social will begin at 4 and conclude at 6 p.m.
“We’re having our annual ice cream social again, so come out and enjoy the farm,” says Torneten. “The homemade ice cream will be made by a local ice cream maker, so we know it’s going to be a real treat.”
During the annual meeting, members of Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc. will be voting for four positions on the board of directors. Stan Kern of Shelby, Charlie Leaders of Minden, and Rick Newland of Portsmouth. These three will be up for re-election for another term. Two new candidates are vying for an open seat on the board: Clint Karas of Oakland and Rob Leinen of Persia.
Continuing board members are David Dittmer and Gerald McCool of Minden, Harvey Ferris of Missouri Valley, Doug Martin of Shelby, Bill Johnson and Dale Schroder of Avoca, and Terry Torneten of Harlan.
Results of the election will be announced following the meeting.
“We’ll update projects that are planned, talk about jobs to finish yet this summer. Volunteers are needed for upkeep and repair projects we want to work on,” Torneten said. Reports will be given for the upcoming 2025 Carstens Farm Days show. “I hope to see many members as well as the general public at the meeting because we want to continue to grow our membership,” adds Torneten.
Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc. members, as well as the public, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Those attending will have the opportunity to renew their memberships or to purchase new memberships. Public memberships are important for sustaining the farm’s operations. New or renewing members should note that membership rates remain the same as last year: $25 for a family; $15 for an individual. Visit the farm’s website for membership information.
Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc., a non-profit group of local volunteers, oversees this working farmstead museum exhibit located south of Shelby, Iowa. The farmstead hosts several thousand people annually during Carstens Farm Days, which is held the first weekend after Labor Day. For more information, visit www.carstensfarm.com
