For Marv Norem, the key to 57 years in the turkey industry was simple: “I always said that when I done business with somebody, like I meet ’em on the street, and not have to walk to the other side of the street to get around ’em,” he said. Norem was recognized at Ag Force in Wayland yesterday as he calls it a career.

Although he resides in Ellsworth, decades of business with Wayland required its own retirement party in southeast Iowa. For hours, multiple generations of friends and customers streamed into Ag Force to congratulate Marv and share some stories. One couple even came from as far as the Lake of the Ozarks to wish him well.

While he won’t be completely stepping away from turkeys, Norem told KCII how he plans to spend some of his new-found free time. “I’m gonna work on a pickup. I’ve got a ’37 Plymouth pickup that I’ve been working on for years a little at a time, and now I’m gonna be able to spend some time on that; and I’m gonna get around and see some of my friends.”

Norem and his family also shared gratitude to Ag Force in Wayland for hosting the celebration.