Eminent Farmer
County: Hand
Clifford R. Rush of St. Lawrence, is a well known Hand County farmer. He was born April 28, 1894 and was educated in Hand County schools. He married Myrl Morris in 1918. Their family consists of two daughters; Edwin Schaefer of Orient, and Arlette Rush who is a registered nurse in Miller, South Dakota.
Rush has lived on the same farm since his marriage forty-one years ago. He is a prominent livestock and grain farmer who for many years operated some 1,000 acres. In recent years, however, he has reduced this to about 600 acres. He has an outstanding commercial herd of sixty shorthorns, a band of sixty hampshire ewes and raises Chester White-Yorkshire Cross hogs.
Rush, a member of the County Crop Improvement Association, has a well-balanced crop program. He has participated in the increase programs of Selkirk and Rushmore wheat varieties, and Mo-205 oats. In 1953 he showed the grand champion exhibit of forage at the State Crop show. He also won the Tree Farm Award in 1956, and the Skelly National Farm award for superior achievement in agriculture.
The Eminent Farmer raises shorthorn cattle which each year are among the best shown at the Central South Dakota Calf Show at Miller. In 1958 Rush was one of the three persons named Master Swine producer in South Dakota.
Rush has been active in community activities. He has served as a member of many county agricultural organizations, such as the Livestock Association, County Weed Board, ASC Committee, Extension Board and Brucellosis Committee. He has been a 4-H leader and is at present on the Board of County Commissioners.
Rush has been a member of the Farmers Union for many years and was director of the Farmers Union Produce House in St. Lawrence for six years.
He is a trustee of the Sunbeam Congregational Church, member of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Lodge.