Young Farmers

Where Hope Takes Root: The Grit That Saved a 90-Year-Old Family Farm

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:21:32 GMT

In the rolling hills of Napa Valley’s Los Carneros region, the scene often looks idyllic. Morning fog drapes the vineyards, and the quiet hum of farm life feels timeless. But behind the postcard-perfect setting stands a family that has survived nearly 90 years of grit, risk and reinvention — and a fourth-generation farmer who refused to let 2024 be the end of their story.

“I am the fourth generation carrying on this family legacy,” says grape grower Jennifer Thomson, walking the same ground her great-grandmother once chose with remarkable instinct.

A Legacy Born From the Dust Bowl

Long before Napa Valley became synonymous with world-class wine, the Thomson family put down roots here in 1938. Thomson’s great-grandmother, Jenny Ophelia Barnum Thomson — a descendant of the famed Barnum circus family — had the courage to pursue opportunity when most would have turned back.

“It was the Great Dust Bowl and the Great Depression driving many families west for new opportunity,” Thomson says. “As migration was happening toward the West Coast for better economic opportunities, they moved here and were able to purchase this land.”

What she bought wasn’t just acreage. It was a vibrant Carneros hub complete with orchards, worker housing and a blacksmith shop. Women couldn’t legally own land at the time, but the deed was placed in her name for only a day, a testament to the trailblazer she was. Then, the land deed was moved into her husband’s name. But the vision, Thomson says, was her great-grandmother’s.

“For her to have that foresight to take that risk and purchase land here — you think about that today,” Thomson says. “She was doing what any family does: contributing to the family. There was water in the Carneros Creek, there were prunes, pears and apples already planted, and they had the ingenuity and engineering to successfully farm. Sometimes you just have to lead with your intuition, and I think that’s what she was doing.”

A Daughter Returns Home — and a New Fight Begins

Four generations later, that same intuition runs deep. In 2009, Thomson left her job in San Francisco and came home to take over the ranch from her father, George.

“Did I ever think Jen would be the one to take over?” George says with a small laugh. “No. I am surprised. I am thankful.”

When she arrived, the wine industry was in the middle of the 2008–2009 recession.

“When I took over in 2009, my father says to me, ‘You picked the absolute worst time to get into farming,’” Thomson recalls. “And then 2024 and 2025 happened. Farmers ask one another, ‘Is this as bad as 2008 or 2009? Is it better? Worse? Did we just forget?’ Because I took over so young, I already was prepared more than my peers.”

But today’s pressures, she says, feel heavier.

“There are not as many channels for sales, not as many stable partners to work with. If I’m a betting woman, I do think 2025 and going into 2026 will be more of a struggle than ever before for the California wine industry.”

Read More: Grape Growers Desperately Need You to Drink More Wine as They Grapple With a Glut of Uncontracted Grapes

So, why is it so challenging for grape growers today? It’s complex. Not only has demand dwindled, with a Gallup poll showing alcohol consumption is at a 90-year low, but an abundant supply the past few years has suffocated the grape growing region. As more vineyards take vines out, that will help the supply situation, but it’s coming at a cost. The other issue is the sellers, like Thomson, and buyers, as in wineries, haven’t always come to the table to find a solution. Cheap imports have flooded the market, and it’s at a much cheaper price than what it costs to grow grapes in California.

Thomson’s father agrees with her, saying the California grape and wine industry is facing one of its most challenging chapters yet.

“It is very challenging,” George says. “The market is sort of against us. Tastes are changing. There are more government regulations on what you can do with your property to make a living.”

Still, he keeps believing.

“Do I think we’ll get out of this? I have my fingers crossed. With people like Jennifer, I believe they’ll keep working at it. They won’t give in easily,” George says.

The Year the Grapes Had No Home

But nothing prepared the family for what came in 2024.

“This home ranch produces a little over 300 tons of grapes annually,” Jennifer says. “And in 2024, nearly all of those 300 tons are dropped on the ground and go unharvested.”

All of them?

“All of them,” she says quietly.

Demand had plummeted. Oversupply strangled the region. And for the first time in the ranch’s nine-decade history, not a single cluster had a home.

It was a moment when most growers would consider walking away. But Jennifer didn’t.

Refusal to Quit

But this is where the story gets good, and where you’re reminded you can’t underestimate the determination of a family farmer, especially Thomson. After all, grit is woven into this family’s DNA. And she leaned on every ounce of it.

“In 2025, I make a true farmer with good ingenuity,” she says. “I make sure I shake hands. I talk with previous clients. I source new clients. I put a lot of hustle into exploring new relationships and cultivating the ones we already have. And we are fortunate this year to sell all of our grapes.”

Her father says the same drive is what transformed the ranch the moment she took over 15 years ago.

“We were able to make a living at it, at least pay the taxes,” George says. “But the property really never makes money until Jennifer says, ‘I think I can do that.’ I hand her the keys and the checkbook.”

George says he always had an off-farm job, but for this first time in his memory, Thomson’s keen business sense and intuition turned the family vineyard into one that could finally support itself.

“Jennifer turns it around for the first time in my life that the property actually supports itself,” he says, emotion thick in his voice. “How proud am I? Extremely proud. She has the foresight, the hunger, the passion. The intelligence. She had all the parts. She has them now.”

One of the Last Family Farmers Standing

In a region rapidly shifting toward corporate ownership, Jennifer is part of a shrinking group — farmers who still drive their own tractors, repair their own equipment and deliver their own fruit.

“I feel more of a pull to the land than I ever predicted when I first took over,” she says. “I took over to help my family and retain this ranch for future generations. But working alongside our crew for 15 years, working with winery partners who value our family legacy and this 90-year-old ranch — I certainly feel much more drawn to the land than I ever think I would.”

Some estimates point to less than 25% of the growers left in the region are true family farmers, a dwindling group that is fighting to remain rooted here.

Gratitude Amid the Hardship

Despite the hardships, Thomson carries deep gratitude — especially this Thanksgiving season.

“I’m really grateful my great-grandmother has the foresight in 1938 to buy a wonderful piece of land with wonderful water availability,” she says. “I have a great-grandfather and grandfather who worked with the Federal Soil Conservation Department and built an on-stream reservoir. It allows us to irrigate our crops and keeps our vines healthier.”

She is thankful for her community, too.

“I’m thankful for that core group of family farmers. We band together. We support one another. We share our successes and we share our failures. That camaraderie can’t be duplicated.”

A Story Still Being Written

The Thomsons’ story, once born out of Dust Bowl desperation, endures because each generation chooses resilience over retreat. And in 2024 — after a year when every grape fell to the ground — it was Jennifer’s resolve that carried the legacy forward.

Every grape has a home again in 2025. And because of her, the family’s story isn’t just continuing, it’s growing stronger.

Tight Margins, Tough Decisions: Farmers Face 1980s-Like Pressures as Harvest Rolls On

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:55:14 GMT

Peanut harvest is in full swing across the southeastern corner of Alabama. But as combines hum and dust fills the air, Jonathan Sanders says the mood in the field is far from upbeat.

“Commodity prices are always a challenge, but weather’s the biggest concern right now,” Sanders says. “We’ve been dry for a month, and it’s making harvest losses go up — it’s harder to get the peanuts out of the ground.”

Sanders has been farming for just over a decade.

“My first crop year was 2014 when I got out of college,” he says.

He’s the sixth or seventh generation on this farm — though he’s lost track of exactly which. With peanuts, cotton, corn, cattle, timber and small grains, diversity remains the operation’s lifeline. But this year, he says, margins are razor thin.

“Cotton seems to be producing negative returns,” Sanders says. “Peanuts are going to be right there at the mark, depending on yields.”

Costs Keep Climbing, Prices Stay Stuck

For Sanders, the biggest challenge this season isn’t just market volatility — it’s the relentless rise in input costs. And this isn’t a phenomenon that started in 2025. While many reports want to turn the situation into a political blame game, thin-to-negative margins have been a reality for southern farmers since 2021.

“Electricity and fuel are always high, but the cost of repairs has gone through the roof,” he says. “Parts that used to be $20 or $30 are now $70 or $80. Everything’s gone up, but crop prices haven’t.”

Government assistance programs may offer short-term relief, but Sanders insists they’re not the goal.

“It always helps, but that’s not the goal of any farmer,” he says. “The goal is to make a profit without government interference, but oftentimes government interference is what causes the commodity prices to be low.”

Despite all the pressures, quitting isn’t an option.

“It comes with a lot of pride, but a lot of determination to not fail also,” Sanders says. “You don’t want to be that generation that loses the farm.”

Economists Warn Cotton Losses Exceed $200 Per Acre

At Auburn University, agricultural economist Mykel Taylor says the numbers confirm what farmers already feel — cotton growers are deep in the red.

“Our Extension economists here at Auburn have put together some estimates of net returns above total costs, excluding land costs, and cotton is negative $236 an acre,” Taylor says. “And that means that if you’re paying rent, that’s even more.”

Taylor says farmers are draining their reserves to survive.

“I think so,” she says when asked whether some will be forced out. “That’s a really difficult conversation that the lenders are gonna have to have with their clients because they don’t wanna lose those clients for next year. But when you have year on year on year negative returns... if they had money in the bank, they’re using it. They are using up those reserves to make it to the next year, and at some point, they’re not going to be able to keep doing it.”

Even giving up rented ground isn’t always an option, as it’s a difficult decision that could change the landscape of an operation.

“It’s not a good situation,” Taylor says. “When you look at the $1 million cotton pickers that they’re buying and you look at the tax implications of selling that farm machinery, they don’t have a lot of options to not just keep farming. They’re kind of digging themselves into a hole, and it’s one that I’m not sure how we’re going to get out of easily or quickly.”

Farm Journal’s Monthly Monitor: ‘History Doesn’t Repeat, But It Rhymes’

According to Farm Journal’s October Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor , 69% of economists say the financial stress on farmers today is “slightly similar” to the 1980s farm crisis.

Ben Brown, senior ag economist, says the parallels are striking.

“There’s a famous saying that says that history sometimes doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes,” Brown says. “And I think that’s what this signals to me — that we do see some similarities. The biggest similarity here is the low profitability, declining net capital that a lot of farms have. The working capital reserves have been drawn down here multiple years in a row, and that liquidity issue is really starting to impact some of the broader financial indicators.”

He adds that while farm bankruptcies aren’t near 1980s levels yet, they’re trending higher.

The outlook for 2026 is also bleak. Nearly 90% of economists surveyed say the ag economy is worse than a year ago, and 76% expect it could stay the same or even worsen through 2026.

“Just this continued downturn and extended pressure on farm finances absent some type of market rally,” Brown says. “Maybe that’s a yield shortfall due to drought somewhere in the world. But absent that, we’re kind of just in this slow grind lower trying to find an equilibrium point.”

Brown says some producers may look at alternatives like converting cropland to pasture or participating in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) — though that has its own tensions.

“I know there’s a lot of hard feelings around CRP in some cases, because it feels like the government’s competing with you for land, and I get it,” he says. “But that’s one of those programs that could take land out of production in the short run.”

‘We Can’t Keep Bleeding Equity’

Brown says the best way forward is to rethink what can be controlled — even if that means changing long-standing practices.

“So, what are the things that we can control? Well, being disciplined in our cost,” he says. “Is there something that can help us reduce our cash rent burden? Maybe crop share. I have not heard a lot of producers ask about crop share agreements yet this year, but that would be one indicator that people are starting to say, ‘Hey, I’m trying to figure out a way to share that risk with my landowner.’”

He adds that new lease structures and risk-sharing arrangements could be key survival tools.

“It’s going to take a change of behavior,” Brown says. “We can’t just keep doing the same thing we’re doing, or we’re just going to keep bleeding equity. The takeaway is we need to start re-evaluating and figuring out — if this continues for a while — what are the things I can control now before I run out of options?”

A Heavy Decision for Generational Farms

For many, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point — not just for operations, but for legacies.

“I think it’s going to be a very personal decision that they’re going to have to make,” Taylor says. “Do they give up on land that they’ve had in their family for generations? Do they look for other options? It’s giving up on a lifestyle. It’s giving up on a business that is intergenerational. And there are heavy consequences to that.”

In farming, so much is out of your control: the commodity markets, weather, input prices. But farmers are shouldering an even bigger weight this year - and that’s the fact they don’t want to be the generation that loses the farm and breaks their family’s legacy.

Taylor says the emotional weight of those choices goes beyond numbers on a balance sheet.

“Some people are able to run their farms strictly as a business — it’s just a business decision,” Taylor says. “But for most farmers, it’s not. It’s also a personal lifestyle, a family operation. And I think that’s what’s gonna make these decisions even harder than just the dollars and cents in the spreadsheet.”

Consolidation Concerns Grip Agriculture

It’s the unfortunate reality of agriculture today: as some farms are forced to exit farming, it accelerates consolidation in agriculture. In fat, nearly all economists surveyed in the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor foresee continued or accelerated consolidation in agriculture into 2026 .

Bill Lapp, founder and president of Advanced Economic Solutions, points to a steady trend of consolidation in agriculture.

“We used to have a lot more farmers. Today the same acreage is being farmed by fewer producers who are farming a larger scale of acres,” he says.

In the face of margin pressure, Lapp says consolidation accelerates when it comes to farmers who are:

ready to retire
voluntarily stopping farming
being forced out of farming after multiple years of financial stress

While there is an average rate of farmer retirements every year, Michael Langemeier, ag economist at Purdue University, says hard economic conditions spur many to consider it earlier than normal.

“You do see an uptick in farm retirements when you have low margins like this. We saw that back in the 2014 to 2019 period,” Langemeier says. “We had some really good years in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and quite frankly, if you’re at retirement age, it’s just not as fun to farm when you have extremely low margins. We’ll have an uptick of retirements during 2025/2026.”

Farming is a competitive business, but it’s that competition and farmers desire to add more acres - no matter the cost- that can create the most economic pain.

“The mistake we are making is the over enthusiasm of outbidding the other farmer down the road for cash rents,” says Arlan Suderman with StoneX Group. “That will eventually result in pain. In the moment, they aren’t paying attention the economic reality.”

The result is cash rents remain high, all while major commodity prices have fallen 50% in just a few years.

“The painful reality is we may not fix the land rent issue until farmers say ‘no.’ That’s an emotionally difficult thing for them to do, especially if the farmer down the road is willing to do it. It’s a painful part of the cycle, and it’s probably required,” Suderman says.

You can read more about the consolidation concerns here .

Two Unlikely Teammates: NFL Quarterback and Young Tractor Prodigy Team up to Fuel Farmers

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:09:32 GMT

At just 10 years old, Jackson Laux of South Whitley, Ind., already knows more about antique tractors than most adults. His TikTok clips rack up thousands of views, and last year John Deere named him the company’s first-ever Chief Tractor Kid.

“It’s always been the mower tractor … I’ve never done anything else with it,” Jackson says matter-of-factly in one of his viral videos.

A Walking Tractor Encyclopedia

Ask Jackson about the best tractor in U.S. history and he won’t hesitate to rattle off a list.

“I’ve got about three of them that I would go in between,” he says. “The John Deere 4430, the John Deere 4020, and the John Deere Model A. Those are all tied for first.”

Pressed to choose just one? He goes with the Model A.

“Probably the Model A. They made 320,000 of them, from 1934 to 1952. It was a very popular tractor. It was the row crop tractor. You could run a rear loader or a front loader on it, and you could do everything with it. The John Deere D and the Waterloo Boy were more just the plow tractor. So it was the more versatile tractor — the A.”

That encyclopedic knowledge is exactly what has made Jackson a hit with tractor enthusiasts young and old.

From Grandpa’s Tractor to His Own Acres

Jackson’s passion started with rides alongside his grandpa. Now, he’s farming his own ground.

“I’ll be harvesting my first two acres this fall, and I’ll be helping my uncles and my grandpa with their corn,” he says. “When I was riding with my grandpa, I never thought I’d be here, farming my own two acres. It’s been a very cool experience.”

Teaming Up With an NFL Quarterback

This fall, Jackson’s tractor obsession took him beyond the farm field. He teamed up with NFL quarterback Brock Purdy and John Deere to surprise farmers during harvest with field meals: hot food delivered right to the cab of the combine.

“I was shocked,” Jackson recalls of meeting Purdy. “I don’t show much emotion, but it was pretty cool because I figured at some point I was going to meet him.”

For the farmers, the surprise was unforgettable.

“When they saw Brock come around the corner, the farmers lit up. They were really excited,” Jackson says.

The two even had some fun in the kitchen while feeding farmers, calling in back-up for help. You can watch that below.

Finding Common Ground

Even though they come from different worlds, Jackson says he and Purdy share some important traits.

“He’s just a down-to-earth guy, just like me. We’re both laid-back people,” Jackson says. “That’s my middle name — competitive.”

A Kid Who Connects Generations

From antique tractor debates to sharing meals in the field with an NFL star, Jackson shows how passion and hard work can bring people together.

This harvest, the 10-year-old Chief Tractor Kid reminds us sometimes the best meals aren’t at the table, but right in the field.

Their Work Doesn’t Stop There

In the weeks ahead, John Deere isn’t just feeding farmers in the field, but the company is also donating over 250,000 meals to Feeding America . In 2024, the company donated $6.6 million to Feeding America.

“At the end of the day, this is about showing up for the ones who show up for all of us,” says Jen Hartmann, global director of corporate reputation and brand marketing at John Deere. “Donating to Feeding America and delivering home cooked meals in the middle of a long day are simple gestures, but it’s our way of recognizing the people whose hard work puts food on all of our tables.”

You can follow Purdy and Jackson’s journey, along with how John Deere is helping fuel farmers, on John Deere’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Love is in the Air: How a 13-Acre Corn Maze in Ohio Turned Into a Larger-Than-Life Marriage Proposal

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:19:53 GMT

This 13 acres is more than just an field in the middle of Ohio. It was the blank canvas for Tim Sullivan’s sweet plan.

“We used to actually mow our corn maze with a zero turn, and I was sitting on the zero turn actually mowing our front yard, and I said, ‘How am I going to do the corn maze this year? What are we going to do?’ I was also thinking about the same time that I really wanted to propose to my girlfriend, as well,” Sullivan says.

For the first time, Tim Sullivan’s family planted their corn maze with prescription technology.

(Tim Sullivan )

From there, Sullivan’s grand idea came to life. Using a prescription planter and an 8R tractor, he decided to create a corn maze to propose to his then girlfriend, Caroline.

“It turned out so good,” Sullivan says. “I was nervous in the beginning of it. I was worried if we had poor emergence, I was going to have to just rip it up and start over again. But the emergence came up perfectly, and the weed control has been good. And so literally everything worked out perfect.”

To bring his plan to life, Sullivan enlisted the help of a local farmer with a plane, because the only way for Caroline to see his masterpiece was from the air.

“I think it was a total surprise,” Sullivan says. “The funny part is, the first time we flew over the maze, she didn’t see it at all. So, the pilot and I looked at each other, and I said ‘We’ve got to go around again’, and we circled around again. She then saw it the second time.”

Sullivan’s proposal story has made national news, capturing the hearts of many. For Sullivan, the coverage has been more than he ever expected.

“I’ve told everybody that the biggest thing I was looking for at the end of the day was a ‘yes,’ and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with Caroline.”

Tim Sullivan with his now fiancé, Caroline.

(Tim Sullivan )

With a wedding date tentatively set for next May, Sullivan says this larger-than-life proposal wouldn’t have been possible without this family and friends.

“I can’t thank everybody enough who helped us between the crop consulting and the different farmers that have been involved. The farmer who let us use his airplane, who let use his tractor to help plant it,” Sullivan says.

The couple has their wedding tentatively scheduled for May 2026.

(Tim Sullivan )

From planning to planting, it was a grand plan that Sullivan crafted on his own. And his advice for others? If you’re thinking of proposing, dream big.

“My advice to every guy out there is when you feel that you got the one, shoot for the stars. Make the most intentional proposal that you can possibly make and have a lot of fun with it along the way,” Sullivan says. “I stressed myself out with the planning process, but it’s all paid off at the end of the day. And it’s been honestly one of the coolest experiences I could ever ask for.”

Why Keystone Cooperative is Investing in the Stock Show Industry

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:56:11 GMT

When it comes to hiring employees, Keystone Cooperative, Inc., looks for three core competencies: customer focus, drive for results and teamwork. The company says it is finding its next generation of employees within organizations like the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).

“We talk a lot at Keystone about these core competencies, and you definitely must have all three if you’re going to be successful in the show ring,” says Nathan Hedden, vice president of swine and animal nutrition at Keystone. “You have to work hard at home and that will end up bringing the other three competencies along.”

Keystone is a farmer-owned cooperative with roots that go back to 1927, Hedden explains. Based in Indianapolis, Ind., the company operates in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan.

“We have 2,000 employees at Keystone across four different divisions: agronomy, energy, grain, swine and animal nutrition,” Hedden says. “It really made sense for us to partner with NJSA. When we think about talent, we want to be the employer of choice in the Midwest, not just in agriculture, but across all different industries. We see this as the next talent pool to continue to grow Keystone.”

(Legacy Livestock Imaging)

During the National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville, Ky., Keystone representatives were on site watching the show and meeting young people from all over the country.

More than 600 exhibitors from 28 states brought 1,324 pigs to the event, says Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry.

“One of the things that was the most exciting for me was asking how many of new families were in the crowd at our opening ceremonies,” Zwilling says. “Probably a third of the crowd raised their hands. It really heeds to the passion people have for this industry and the excitement of the long-term engagement and sustainability of our side of the business for young families that are coming in and getting engaged.”

(Jennifer Shike)

Molding Leaders
NJSA is focused on developing the next generation of leaders for the pork industry, Zwilling says.

“It’s been really exciting to watch this grow and blossom and be able to connect really talented young people back into the pork industry,” Zwilling says. “The number of new employees and tenured employees at Keystone that have come through the junior livestock project, and specifically NJSA, is incredible.”

The core competencies that Hedden looks for align with NJSA’s focus, he adds.

“It’s incredible to watch little kids that we’ve got to encourage to break out of their shell go on to have success in the show ring and ultimately come back to the industry as talented leaders,” Zwilling says. “I think this alignment makes a ton of sense. I’m very excited about the future and appreciate the support of people willing to help invest in these kids.”

It’s A Big Industry
The stockmanship skills youth learn raising and showing pigs is another reason Keystone was drawn to support this youth swine program.

“We have 282 sites across the Midwest where we raise pigs today, working with an independent farmer who is actually taking care of those pigs,” Hedden explains. “Well, as those farms have grown, we’ve seen a lot of those operations that haven’t had pigs or maybe haven’t had pigs for a while and haven’t kept up with the technology that’s available today, want to raise pigs again. If you can find employees with stockmanship skills that can stand in the gap and help them learn and develop that, that creates a huge competitive advantage for us.”

The pork industry is full of opportunities, Hedden adds. He’s committed to helping youth see that there is more waiting for them after they finish showing pigs.

“It doesn’t end at the end of your show career,” he says. “Find people that you can talk to, maybe even ride along with, to better understand what they do. That may help you find your passion for what you want to do next.”

Be A Good Neighbor: Check In and Watch for Signs of Stress

Thu, 01 May 2025 21:46:05 GMT

The pressure of farming and ranching today is real. The stress of managing a farm or ranch during challenging or not so challenging times can weigh heavily on an individual’s mental health.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. from Kansas has shared his concern about the mental health of farmers and ranchers. During the recent Top Producer Conference hosted by Farm Journal, Marshall encouraged the audience to be good neighbors and look out for signs of depression, such as changes in appearance, sleep patterns or social withdrawal.

“We think about the farm-related accidents that we grew up trying to prevent,” he recalls. “This a bigger danger, a bigger risk. I just want to encourage farmers and ranchers to realize some of the signs and symptoms of depression.”

Marshall shared these tips for being a good neighbor and supporting the mental health of fellow farmers and ranchers. Look for these signs or symptoms of depression:
- Trouble sleeping at night and not being able to get back to sleep
- Giving away possessions or buying more life insurance
- Changes in appearance, like not shaving or combing their hair
- Withdrawing from social activities they used to participate in

He encouraged producers to reach out to friends and neighbors who might be struggling.

“Reach out to that neighbor of yours,” he says. “Be a good neighbor and say, ‘Hey, let’s go grab a cup of coffee and maybe a cinnamon roll.’”

Marshall says it is important to leverage your networks and connections in the community and look out for one another. He also encourages producers to recognize the resources available beyond just calling the 988 mental health hotline, such as local community health centers, which can provide support without the stigma of going to a mental health facility.

Marshall’s call to action is to be proactive, recognize the signs and then provide compassionate support to their friends, neighbors and fellow farmers who could be struggling with mental health challenges. Marshall emphasized the importance of the community looking out for one another during these difficult times.

Mental Health Resources

Your Next Read: The Time Is Now: Let’s Prepare Before ‘It’ Hits

From Farm to 'Shark Tank:' One East Coast Dairy’s Eco-Friendly Pitch

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:58:58 GMT

In an unconventional yet charming spectacle, Amanda Freund, a Connecticut dairy farmer, packed her innovative spirit and two crucial items — a shovel and an inflatable cow costume — before heading west to make her vision a reality. Her destination: “Shark Tank,” where she aims to propel her creation, CowPots, into the mainstream.

Canaan View Dairy: The Beating Heart of Sustainability
Freund’s Farm, a diversified farm, with three farming enterprises, is not your average farm. Located on the bustling East Coast, their operation thrives on cutting-edge sustainability practices. Currently decked with 1,200 solar panels, the farm matches its own electricity needs through renewable energy. In fact, it boasts the longest continuously running methane digester in the country, turning biogas into another source of eco-friendly power.

(Amanda Freund)

Beyond merely generating power, manure from Canaan View Dairy serves multiple roles including transforming into fresh cow bedding and nutrient-rich fertilizer to sustainably grow crops. Perhaps its most innovative transformation, however, is into CowPots, biodegradable, plantable pots crafted from digested and composted manure, forming the backbone of Freund’s “Shark Tank” pitch.

A Revolution in Planting: The CowPots Story
CowPots emerged as a significant leap forward in eco-friendly innovation. These biodegradable staples are designed to turn composted manure into a planter for flowers and produce. This innovation ensures a sustainable cycle that supports the farm’s operations and enriches the community.

“We have been marketing CowPots for 18 years now, so we’re not a startup or new business like a lot of the entrepreneurs on the show,” she shares with Dairy Herd Management. “But as a small business, we have relied heavily on grassroots marketing. There have been a few exciting opportunities over the years, including features on “Dirty Jobs” with Mike Rowe and a spotlight on the “Martha Stewart Show.” As with any product and all marketing, it’s an ongoing and continuous endeavor to have our product in front of prospective customers.”

(Amanda Freund)

Not just stopping at innovation, the CowPots are employed at Freund’s family retail store, Freund’s Farm Market & Bakery, where they foster the produce and flowers enjoyed by both the family farm and surrounding community through the vibrant summer months. This synergy embodies the sustainability ethos propelling Freund’s pitch on the national stage.

All Eyes on “Shark Tank”
Freund’s journey culminates on an episode of “Shark Tank” airing Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m. on ABC. The Sharks, renowned for offering entrepreneurial hopefuls like Freund an avenue to exponential growth, wield the power to elevate CowPots into a household name.

Believing strongly in her family’s dedication to environmentally sound farming, Freund steps into the tank with an unwavering goal: to secure a deal that could transform her family’s sustainable dream into national success. Freund shares that nothing was guaranteed from initial casting to filming, and whether her pitch would make it on the air was uncertain, but the potential of getting on that stage in the “Shark Tank” was an exciting new opportunity to showcase their products.

“In the two months leading up to filming, it was very time-consuming providing all the required details, financials, graphics and pitches needed for the show,” she shares. “And so, now that I’ve done all the work, and on April 4, all I have to do is sit back and watch as everyone else gets to see whether or not I made a deal. I’m really excited about that. I’m proud to be able to showcase the ingenuity and sustainability of dairy farms on a national stage.”

(Amanda Freund)

As Freund takes center stage on “Shark Tank,” her journey underscores the transformative power of ingenuity and farming rooted in sustainability. CowPots are more than a pitch, they are a testament to what the future of farming could embody. As this Connecticut dairy farmer makes her case, viewers nationwide will bear witness to an inspiring eco-friendly narrative unfurling in front of the Sharks. And who knows, perhaps by the end of the episode, they too will become part of this sustainable story.

Your Next Read:
California Dreams: Transformation Through Innovation

Texas Teen Charged with Deadly Conduct After Letting Steers Loose at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:56:47 GMT

A Texas teenager was arrested and charged with deadly conduct for his behavior at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 19.

Alonso Apodaca, a 17-year-old fairgoer, was worried the steers were tied up too tightly, ABC 13 News reports. He went up to a steer, took off its halter and let it loose. Then, he continued to do this for another steer, the article says.

He went up to a third steer and was petting it when someone asked him not to do that, ABC 13 reports. He was tackled to the ground and handcuffed soon after this.

Apodaca was charged with deadly conduct, a misdemeanor. He was taken to jail where he remained overnight as his mother told local reporters that she wanted to teach him to control his actions and emotions better. The teenager took responsibility for his decisions and later told ABC 13 News that he learned an important lesson to think before taking action next time.

Although none of the steers got out and nobody was injured, stock show officials expressed their concern about the unpredictability and danger of loose 1,200+ lb. animals in a crowd of people.

A record-breaking 2.7 million people attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year.

(Brianna Knowlton/Next Level Images)

Show Livestock Require Proper Animal Handling Skills
While show cattle might appear calm and friendly, they still require experienced handling and restraint, says Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Judge Jon DeClerck.

“For the safety of both the public and our exhibitors, it is critical no one interacts with livestock without the owner’s permission and assistance,” says DeClerck, incoming executive vice president of the American Simmental Association. “A loose steer in a busy environment can pose serious risks, from injuring pedestrians and junior exhibitors to causing accidents. As a judge we greatly appreciate everyone’s respect for these animals and the hard work exhibitors put into their care and safety.”

Signs clearly ask people not to touch the animals. This is not only for the safety of animals and fairgoers, but also for the health of both animals and people.

A record-breaking 2.7 million people attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year. A crew of 35,000 volunteers give their time to help make the 20-day event that brings in more than 12,000 head of livestock a success.

Know the ‘Why’ Behind Proper Show Conduct
Jeff Langemeier, one of the event’s volunteers with decades of experience in the stock show industry, says the majority of the volunteers come from cities and there is a need for more rural volunteers who have livestock experience. That’s one of the reasons why he volunteers to help at the show – to help share his practical knowledge of the livestock industry in this volunteer role.

“This instance brings to the forefront the safety of all attending and these valuable projects are of the utmost priority,” Langemeier says. “Safety protocols are in place for all committees and instilled in the behaviors of all involved.”

Beyond the component of human and animal safety, it is important for exhibitors to be diligent and engaging in the ‘why’ behind their conduct at livestock shows, particularly with large public crowds, says Clay Zwilling, CEO of the National Swine Registry.

“We often take for granted our daily and routine tasks,” Zwilling says. “This is an example of stepping back and thinking about why we may have common practices, or more importantly, how we remain diligent to protect fairgoers and fellow exhibitors.”

Emily Ellis, director of communications and content for Animal Agriculture Alliance, agrees that this story emphasizes the continued need for members of the animal agriculture community to proactively communicate what they’re doing on the farm and why certain practices are important for animal welfare, animal health, environmental stewardship and other valued issues.

“This highlights the unintended consequences of members of the public taking matters into their own hands when they don’t understand or agree with a practice being used in agriculture,” Ellis says. “In some instances, as it appears in this case, it’s due to a misunderstanding. In other instances, it’s connected to more extreme ideologies like animal rights activism.”

Zwilling adds that everyone is very lucky that no people or animals were hurt or caused themselves or others damage.

Your Next Read: Viral Videos Fuel Interest in Pig Shows

Next Gen Spotlight: Indiana Farmer Overcomes Challenges to Carry On Family Legacy

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:06:21 GMT

In 2011, when Aaron Krueger was a high school freshman, his grandfather was beginning to transition the family farm to the next generation. Krueger’s father, the next in line, passed away and his grandfather, who was having health challenges of his own, decided to sell his equipment and transition out of farming. Six years later, Krueger returned home with a degree from Purdue University and a plan to become the family farm’s fourth generation. Despite the obstacles in his path, he now works alongside his 86-year-old grandfather, growing yellow corn, soybeans and cereal rye.

Q: What have been your biggest challenges in returning back to the farm?

A: One of the biggest challenges I faced was putting together a fleet of equipment. Luckily, Grandpa still had the land base. He still had all the farm infrastructure, but he sold all the equipment. Acquiring reliable, technologically advanced — to the point I wanted — equipment at that time was pretty tough. There were several retiring farmers in the area who were happy to see their equipment go to a good place. They gave me a lot of good deals. We’ve upgraded to a point now where the equipment we have is reliable, and it’s the technology I want to use on our farm.

Q: What has helped you implement new initiatives?

A: I’ve been a main driver on our farm with the implementation of cover cropping. I’ve been able to access cost-share programs through NRCS, and I’ve worked with America’s Conservation Ag Movement for four years. We’ve been able to host a lot of meetings and field days in our area and build a network of producers where we can all gather up and get on the same page to share ideas and learn from one another.

Q: Have you received pushback in changing the way things have always been done?

A: The younger generation is more adept to adopting newer practices, and it did help me from a capital standpoint. We still don’t own any four-wheel drive or high-horsepower tractors. We only have a beat-up old field cultivator that we pull out every couple of years to level tile runs. My grandpa now drinks the Kool-Aid very heavily, but he’s kind of taken the stance of letting me do what I want to, and then he tells me later, ‘Well, I really didn’t think that was going to work out.’ But he runs the combine, so he sees that it works. I try to be transparent with him, and now he advocates the cover cropping for me.

Q: What’s your vision moving forward?

A: My long-term goal is more diversity. Right now, we’re just corn and soybeans, and last year we started growing rye. I see an opportunity in my area, and with the increase of cover cropping, to also grow other small grains to sell as cover crop seed. We recently got a seed cleaner, too. I’d like to integrate livestock as well. My father-in-law has Red Angus, so my wife grew up with them, and it would make her very happy for me to bring livestock to our farm.

Your Next Read: Texas Rancher Kimberly Ratcliff Trades the Big Apple for Community Beef Business

An 11-Year Old's Idea Sparked An Idea That's Grown Into an Annual Toy Drive Giving Out 13,000 Toys Each Year

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:02:29 GMT

The season of giving for Reed Marcum doesn’t just happen during Christmas. For this 19-year, the season of giving is year-round.

“I came up with the idea back in 2016 when I realized that I wanted to help put another toy under someone’s tree that year,” says Marcum, who’s now a Pittsburg County, Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador.

At just 11 years-old, this 4-H member had an idea: Collect toys and give them out to children in his local community.

“He came home one day, he talked to me and his stepfather, and he said, ‘Mom, I want to help some kiddos in my class for Christmas,” remembers Angie Miller, Reed’s mother. “I said, ‘OK, what can we do?’ I told him he could do a little work, and he was like, ‘No, I want to give out toys.”

Reed Marcum at 11-Years-Old

(Angie Miller)

Started Out As a Small Idea
That first year, Reed’s small idea turned into a huge success, giving out around 5,000 toys at his stepfather’s law office. Little did this family know that was just the start of something grand.

“It was something we didn’t expect to do, especially have that much success and community reaction. They really loved it. We did not expect that,” Reed says.

J Michael Miller Toy Drive
What’s called the J Michael Miller Toy Drive has grown each year, even during COVID.

“What happened was COVID hit, and we had told Reed that it just can’t happen that year. And he said, ‘It can happen, Mom,’” Angie says.

And it did. With the help of the community, Reed moved the toy drive to Ragan’s Auto, a decision that helped this drive grow even more.

“He spoke with Mr. Ragan, and he told Reed we can do this. They moved all their cars out by noon that day. We moved in around 1:00, and we would set up all night long, and then we open the doors, they would start driving through,” Angie says.

The annual J. Michael Miller Toy Drive gave out 13,000 toys this year.

(SUNUP)

Within a couple years, they even outgrew that space. Last year, Reed moved his toy drive again, this time, to the McAlester Expo Center.

“We are orchestrating with the local Expo Center here in McAlester for people to come, and it’s just an amazing venue for what we’re doing here. And it’s an amazing process that we have to set up and do,” Reed says.

Biggest Toy Giveaway Yet
On Dec. 7,2024, Reed had his biggest giveaway yet.

“We collected a ton, but we were able to give out around 13,000 this year, that day,” Reed says.

What started as one small idea has brought generosity through toys that touched 13,000 lives this year alone.

“It’s a year-long process,” Angie says. “The entire year we’re looking for toys, collecting them and getting donations from people. But when the day gets near and close, it really starts to ramp up.”

Cars line up 3 to 4 miles long for the annual toy drive.

(Bryan Fuller)

Recipients Come From Surrounding States
Since 2016, this toy drive has given away more than 64,000 toys, an annual event that people wait in line for hours to receive. And as the event grows each year, lines of cars that now stretch three to four miles long, all with kids eager to receive toys that year.

“I was working the line this year, and we did see license plates from Texas and Arkansas. That’s normal,” says Greg Owen, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma 4-H educator. “I would ask the people in the line, ‘What was the experience like?’ And this year, I heard the comment ‘It was literally perfect.’”

Vital Volunteers
But for Reed, this wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, all 100 of them.

“They can help us move the toys from point A to point B when we’re holding them or in help, give the toys, help, walk the line, be dressed up in costumes to help entertain the kids, give out small items that go through the lines. The kids aren’t just sitting there bored,” Reed says.

Loss Turned Into Love
Reed’s toy drive has become a beloved experience attracting thousands of people from miles away. But this kid who has brought so much joy to others has also seen heartache along the way.

“He had the most difficult year of his life his junior year,” Angie says. “We were moving to Ragan’s that year, and on July 28, he lost his grandmother that he was extremely close to.”

Reed’s brother, Sergeant Miles Tarron

(SUNUP)

Not even four months later, Reed suffered another devastating loss, just weeks away from his toy drive in 2021.

“We were notified by soldiers that Reed’s brother had passed in the military,” Angie says. “I talked with Reed and I told him I didn’t think we can do the toy giveaway. And he said, ‘Mom, brother would want us to do the toy giveaway, so we’re going to do the toy giveaway.’”

And he did, with an entire community rallying around Reed as a way to give back to one of their own who had done so much.

“They helped us get it over to Ragan’s. We got it all set up. And then they just helped us all the way through it,” Angie says. “After that, Reed had already created the Hudson Strong Foundation for a little boy that had cancer. And they provided some help with the costs of the storage buildings. Then after his brother passed, Reed created the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation, and that supports his toy giveaway, his backpack giveaway and his silent auction. His brother always had a hand in supporting him and sending money. So, now the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation and the Hudson Strong Foundation support those storage buildings.”

Reed has nine storage buildings, all bursting with donated toys each year. But this success is also because of one lady Reed deeply admired: his 4-H leader, Miss Donna Curry.

“After he lost his brother, June 28, 2022, he lost Miss Donna Curry, who was like a second mother to him, who got him into 4-H, and she supported this project thoroughly,” Angie says.

Today, Reed doesn’t just give away toys. Miss Donna had another idea two years before she died: to give out pajamas, socks and undergarments to those in need.

“We named it Miss Donna’s Closet. And when they drive through the toy giveaway, they get the pajamas, they get socks, they get undergarments all through the toy line. They get snacks. And so when we lost Miss Donna, Reed promised at that point that he would carry her tradition on.”

Reed is Now Inspiring Others
Reed’s heart of service is always on display, and it’s now inspiring others.

“It’s literally the goal that we try to set for our 4-H members. We hope that they’ll develop a level of mastery in their project work, and for Reed, his project has been civic engagement,” Greg says. “And when they get to that point, we’ll hope we hope that they’ll utilize that to teach and impact others to follow in their footsteps, which is exactly what Reed has done.”

“That’s the best thing with 4-H; they always want you to strive to be the best version of yourself. And that’s something this project really does every year,” Reed says. “It’s not just staying the same or leveling out each year. It’s getting bigger and better than the last.”

True Gift of Giving
Reed’s one idea in 2016 continues to spread joy year-round, as it showcases the true gift of giving.

“Little 11-year-old Reed could never see such a thing happening, especially when I was so young and couldn’t even talk to a group of ten people, let alone do something like this. I never thought it would reach this,” Reed says.

“I always share this. That came from the idea of an 11-year-old child. That shows the impact of the 4-H program. That shows the impact of a student that wants to give, that wants to make a difference and wants to make a positive impact on their community,” Greg says.

Reed Accepts Donations Year-Round
In order to make the annual toy drive possible, Reed accepts donations year-round. If you’d like to contribute to the annual toy drive or Reed’s other service projects, you can donate here .

Your Next Reads:
The Ultimate Gift: Dairy Farmer Becomes Lifesaving Hero by Donating Both His Liver and Kidney

Iconic Holiday Road Trip Stop Returns to Its Georgia Pecan Farm Roots

From Raising Cattle to Now Reindeer, How One Family is Sharing the Magic Of Christmas On Their Farm

How This 29-Year-Old Farmer is Calculating His Costs on Every Acre in Real-Time

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:48:56 GMT

At just 29-years-old, Illinois farmer Chase Sailer is always exploring unconventional ways to be more productive.

“This is one of the things that we can probably see the biggest return on investment,” Sailer says, pointing to the GPS Ditch Grader in his machine shed. “Spots that used to yield 20 bu. [per acre] for soybeans are now getting all the way up to 50 to 70 bu. [per acre] in those wet holes.”

Sailer, who farms near Carmi, Ill., says it’s been one of the biggest game changers on his farm.

“It’s pretty much a surface drain drainage tile, if you want to look at it that way. It’s a lot cheaper than putting drainage tile on a field. But we can go out there, take the topography of any field, and we’re overlaying that with yield maps, to see where trouble spots are,” Sailer says.

Chase Sailer

(Russ Hnatusko)

Instead of guessing why low-yielding spots are an issue in any given field, they use all that data to know exactly what the culprit is.

“And then we’re able to go out there with this ditcher and grade it; we’re able to make sure that water flows to where it needs to,” Sailer says.

It’s that attention to detail, along with Sailer’s ability to turn to technology to solve problems on the farm, that makes this southern Illinois farmer a true maverick.

“We’re going to admit when we’re wrong, and we’re always willing to learn,” he says. “So, I think that’s a huge role, and the key in trying to be better is really dive in deep each year on what you did wrong. Because if you only focus on the things you did right, you’re never going to have growth,” he adds.

The Push for Precision

Another way Sailer Farms is taking the guesswork out of farming, is by fulling grasping onto precision farming. Now, Sailer is able to drill down their decisions to the acre.

“Right now we’re using about every part of precision technology that you can possibly use, and that’s going all the way from obviously auto row guidance with AutoTrac , which is kind of the bare minimum, to section control on your planters . And now we’re going into tramlines where we’re trying to limit the compaction zones on all of our fields,” Sailer says.

Aerial of Sailer Farms, Carmi, Illinois

(Russ Hnatusko )

In this area of southern Illinois, the two biggest limiting factors to yields are either too much or too little water, as well as compaction.

“So, with the use of tramlines and AutoPath from John Deere Ops Center, we’re able to pull into the field, already have the field mapped out and the route that we want to take. And we’re taking that same 60-foot pass on every application that we do. So that’s allowing us to come in here in the fall and in-line rip only where our equipment’s ran,” Sailer says.

Data-Driven Decisions

What goes into every decision the Sailers make, well, that all comes down to data.

“We have so much data anymore, all the way from our soil tests that we do every other year, and this is where we’re working really close with our agronomist. So, we’re pairing up different seed varieties to different soil types to make sure that we’re getting the biggest bang for our buck in that aspect,” he says.

Chase Sailer, Carmi, Illinois

(Russ Hnatusko )

Getting Rid of Bad Data

Sailer admits their farm used to comb through bad data, but now, through Ops Center, they finally have good data they go through not monthly or weekly, but daily.

“Even from our See & Spray maps where we’re going out with our sprayer, we’re getting these weed pressure maps and each year we’re able to learn and build off of that and make sure in that particular field that we’re doing a better job. And it’s helping us make decisions on what type of chemicals to use for certain fields,” Sailer says.

From being better able to decide which chemicals to use, to knowing which seed variety needs to be planted on every acre, Harvest Profit is another tool Sailer Farms now relies on heavily.

“Harvest Profit is a neat tool where we’re able to put in every overhead cost that we have in our farming operation, all the way from our employees to the random bills we get from the parts stores, so you get a true number of how much does it cost to run this one acre,” Sailer says. “And then, when we’re spraying and spreading throughout the field, we have all of our chemical prices and our fertilizer prices in Harvest Profit. And it’s just continually giving you a calculator throughout the field on a per acre basis.”

Chase Sailer, Carmi, Illinois

(Russ Hnatukso )

There’s no shortage of technology and precision tools on this farm, but what may be Sailer’s biggest key to success is the people they surround themselves with.

“As a farm, it’s just like a sports team. You’re only as good as your weakest link. We have 12 different guys and all of them play a huge role, whether it’s planting, harvesting, spreading, spraying. Every row needs to be done just as good as the best guy, and I feel like we have that as a team,” Sailer says.

At not even 30-years-old yet, Sailer just may be wise beyond his years. But as he looks ahead, he has big plans for the next 30 years.

“I’m a third-generation farmer,” says Sailer. “We’re always looking towards that next generation, trying to make decisions and set up the farm to where we’re successful for years to come. I hope to be here for another 100 years.”

Your Next Read:

From Race Car Driver to Arkansas Farmer, How Travis Senter’s Obsession With Data is Paying Off

No Hands: Young Illinois Farmer is Now Taking Planting Tech to New Heights

How a Farm Journal Ad Led to Love and Legacy

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 23:12:49 GMT

Before there was eHarmony and Match.com, and before people were swiping right or left to find the love of their life, there was Farm Journal.

In August 1984, a Farm Journal story, “Finding a mate got you buffaloed?,” coupled with personal ads created a farming legacy that is still alive and well on at least one farm today.

In the aftermath of that article, a farm girl in southwest Iowa named Pat would find love all the way in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Fort Ann, N.Y. Under a listing that began: “My worst habits are losing gloves and sunglasses and tracking dirt in the house,” Pat first learned of Douglas Fuller, a young dairyman who was also looking for love. She circled the listing and wrote “yes” above it.

Soon after, they started corresponding through letters.

“Her letters were well-written, and she started sending chocolate chip cookies with them,” he recalls.

Their cross-country courtship lasted only three dates before Pat packed up her truck for New York for good to marry Doug.

Thirty years later, the legacy of that single piece of magazine print is still alive. Though Pat passed away in 2020, Doug now works alongside their daughter, Olivia, and her partner, Tom, to continue the family’s farming tradition in now the fourth generation of Fuller Acres Farm.

“I’ve always felt a deep connection to agriculture and feel lucky to have farming families on both sides,” Olivia says. “I was lucky to grow up knowing what it meant to be a steward of the land and everything that went into raising our food.”

Though returning to Fuller Acres Farm has been far from easy, Olivia says it has been the best decision of her life.

Visit Fuller Acres Farm to learn how she is carrying on her family’s legacy and elevating conservation efforts.

Do you know someone who found love like Doug and Pat Fuller thanks to Farm Journal’s August 1984 story, “Finding a mate got you buffaloed?” and personal ads? Or maybe they connected through the Rural Singles Directory Farm Journal published in the mid-1990s. If so, we want to hear about it. Send an email to editors@farmjournal.com.

Your Next Read: Is Now The Right Time To Ditch Tradition On The Farm?

10 Ways FFA Made Us Better

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:21:59 GMT

High school registration is a nightmare if you have a teenager who wants to do everything. One of our challenges when signing up our oldest for classes was trying to fit in an agriculture class so she could be a part of FFA. She made some adjustments to her schedule, put in extra effort to make it work and realized she would have to stop some things. But she would tell you it was worth the extra effort.

I suspect if other young people knew what FFA really is and what it isn’t – they’d go to extra lengths, too.

You can’t fit FFA in a box.

It’s not just farming or welding or raising livestock or public speaking or growing vegetables. It’s a nearly limitless opportunity for young people to figure out who they are and what they want to do in life. It’s cutting-edge, innovative, empowering and most importantly, fun.

In a world where more and more young people are glued to electronic devices and missing out on community, FFA offers connection, hands-on learning and adult mentors to invest in their lives.

Need more convincing? Here are 10 lessons Farm Journal employees learned through FFA that they use every day.

10. Everything always works out how it’s supposed to.

9. There’s value in a good handshake and eye contact.

8. Be confident in your own abilities, and also those around you, to achieve your goals.

7. Find someone to look up to and listen to what they have to say.

6. Read the instructions and don’t forget to sign your name.

5. It’s ok to shake in your boots a bit.

4. Influence isn’t about position, it’s about heart.

3. Keep trying new things until you find your “sweet spot.”

2. Failure stings, but it makes us better in the end.

1. To be the best, it takes top-tier effort. A little bit of preparation will yield good results, but a lot of preparation and study will always yield better results.

Editor’s Note: The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

Read More of our Favorite FFA Stories:

4 Ways FFA Shaped My Life for the Better

Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community

FFA Has-Been? No, Your Role Just Changes

Teenager Who Survives Brain Cancer Raises Over $30,000 for St. Jude Showing Pigs

Ag Teachers: When Someone Believes in You

Growing Deep Roots

Lucky Penny Sells for $17,000 in OYE Night of Stars Gilt Sale

National FFA Convention: Farm Journal’s Inside Perspective

Next Gen Spotlight: Missouri Farmer Diversifies to 'Roll With the Punches and Grow'

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:30:03 GMT

After graduating from the University of Missouri in 2011, Lance Dobson returned to his family farming operation in Lexington, Mo. Today the farm consists of a corn and soybean rotation, but they are looking at ways to diversify. Cattle have been added into the mix following the decision to plant a cereal rye cover crop ahead of soybeans to use as forage. Dobson also started a seed dealership for Beck’s Hybrid to diversify his own income.

Q: Why did you feel a need to diversify?

A: I think it’s important. As human beings, it’s much easier to focus on just one thing. Life has a rhythm, and you know what to expect during every part of the year. However, diversification allows you to roll with the punches and grow. As we get out of our comfort zone, it usually leads to good results. Whether it’s exercising or farming, hopefully diversification in our day will yield results that improve our longevity. I think we’re seeing the need for it right now given the direction our commodity prices are going. So, maybe we need a few more cash avenues or options on the farm.

Q: Why did you become a seed dealer?

A: When I first returned to the farm, I didn’t have a lot of ownership in the operation. I was mostly just an employee helping with the daily operations. After a few years, I really wanted to take on something of my own. I wanted something I could take hold of and build. I had an opportunity sent my way to start a seed dealership, and so I took it. At that time, we were also going through a downturn in the farm economy, and so it was another way to diversify my cash flow. Since then, it’s helped me build a lot of relationships with neighbors and given me the opportunity to figure out how we can all help each other grow our operations.

Lance Dobson introduced cattle and planted cereal rye cover crop ahead of soybeans to use as forage.

(Dobson Farms)

Q: What lessons have you learned from diversifying the operation?

A: Try something new just enough to get a good experiment going so you can see how it could play out on a larger scale, but don’t get in over your head. You don’t want the test to be so big that it’s a real disaster. Right now, it’s hard to try new things when financials are already constrained, but find a way to try. It’s one of the best ways to find new successes. Yes, there will always be failures, but just go learn from them. I think once you make that jump, you’ll be happy you did in the long run. There’s so much personal growth that happens when we can try new things.

Q: What else do you hope to accomplish in the next five to 10 years?

A: A goal for our farming operation is to be more self reliant and resilient. Today, a lot of the constraints we have are based on commodity prices, which we don’t have any control over, and our input prices, which we also don’t have any control over. So, if we can build our farm to where we don’t rely as much on herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, I think we’ll be in a better place. Similarly, I’d like to build our operation so we don’t rely as much on straight commodity prices. Maybe that means we do more direct-marketed goods, or we sell our corn as value added, somehow differentiating what we’re growing from commodity yellow corn, I think we’d create a lot more resilient and sustainable business.

Your Next Read — Next-Gen Spotlight: Arkansas Farmer Always Willing to Try Something New

From Race Car Driver to Arkansas Farmer, How Travis Senter's Obsession With Data is Paying Off

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:10:56 GMT

If proof is in the pudding, Arkansas farmer Travis Senter’s sea of soybeans may be the sign of how paying attention to every detail can add up.

“It’s not uncommon for us to grow 70-bushel [per acre] beans, 80-bushel beans, 90-bushel beans. We can grow good soybeans here,” admits Senter, who farms in Keiser, Ark.

Senter’s soybean crop looks like a monster this year, but that’s not what his mind is focused on most days. Unlike many farmers you meet, he’s always thinking about technology and what’s next. For him, big yields start with collecting and recording as much data as possible every time a piece of equipment enters the field.

“I hate not recording data when we’re going across the field, no matter what we’re doing,” he says. “I want to make sure we’re recording and getting that information because you don’t know when you’re going to use that information.”

That’s a lot of data, considering Senter’s family, along with their local farming partner, farm more than 20,000 acres. Senter says it’s technology and data that help him manage all those acres effectively and efficiently.

“I’ve always been interested in computers, building computers,” says Senter. “Whether it’s technology or equipment, I’m always trying to be a cutting edge. When autosteer came along and when John Deere introduced all this technology with the JDLink System , my father was a little bit older, and he couldn’t really figure out some of this stuff. So that was sort of my niche to get involved in farming and to really ramp up our technology side of things.”

A Generational Shift

Finding a niche is exactly what Senter did, and he went all in. If you walk into his office today, there’s not a single piece of paper on his desk. Everything is focused on technology, including dual 49” displays for his computer.

More Screen Real Estate!…..👌🏻 #farmtech #opscenter @JohnDeere pic.twitter.com/MkeSHEwTEK
— Travis Senter (@traviss22) April 15, 2024

That view is quite the contrast from Travis’ dad’s office. Walk into his office, which is just across the hall, and there’s a clear difference in technology use.

“I have an iPhone, but no, I don’t have a computer,” says Travis Senter Sr., with a smile.

Instead, the way he keeps records is a little more old school: he uses a classic pen and paper.

“I write it down. I have one of these books for every year of my farm and career,” he says, while holding up a composition notebook. “I write down planting dates, varieties, irrigation. I run out of pages, and I write down everything, and then I go back to it.”

Travis Senter, Jr., talks to his dad Travis Senter, Sr.

(Mike Byers )

Travis Sr. may be more old school, but he finds great value—and pride—in what his son’s already done.

“When he came home out of college, he was already running and gunning. I knew I had something special,” says Travis Sr. “With my son coming on board, helping us, it has really opened up things. He brought a lot of new things to the farm that makes it easier, and I love all that stuff. It’s just I’m a little slower at it. I want him to get it, and we just keep investing in it, because we know it helps the farm.”

The Go-To-Guy for Technology

Travis Senter isn’t just the technology whisperer on the family farm, he’s everybody’s go-to guy in the Keiser area for technology. And how he learns and keeps up on the latest tech trends is by simply experimenting.

“It’s a lot of trial and error,” he admits. “You want to go all in and buy the next greatest thing, but that’s not always the best way. I’ve watched a lot of farmers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for things that they’ll not use in two years from now, because that company will go bankrupt,” he adds. “So, you’ve got to do your research and try to figure out exactly what works best for you.”

Monitoring the progress! #farmtech #opscenter @JohnDeere @GoGreenwayEquip pic.twitter.com/dzE0bFcToh
— Travis Senter (@traviss22) October 21, 2023

When Senter finds something that works, he goes all in. That was the case when he was trying to find a way to stay connected to all of the family’s machines on the farm, and it’s not just a few tractors to keep track of. They have a massive fleet. Senter says they operate 33 tractors, three cotton pickers, three combines, four sprayers, a number of excavators and 20 semi-trucks.

“We had one or two units we were swapping from this tractor to that tractor, and so it was kind of a pain. I finally worked out a deal and thought, ‘What if we just get everything connected? Get autosteer on everything, put displays in everything, do recording on everything,’ because that makes life a lot easier. You don’t have to worry about what’s recording here, what’s recording there. Just bring it all in.”

Ops Center

(Travis Senter)

How Racing Made Him a Better Farmer

Senter has a love for technology, and he also has a love for racing with rows and rows of awards and trophies to show for it.

“In what I call my previous life, I was a race car driver and not only a race car driver, I was also a race car builder,” he says.

Travis Senter Racing

(Travis Senter)

For 20 years, Senter traveled across the country, and even the world, building and driving race cars.

“Data collection in racing is probably done more so than in farming,” says Senter. “I had extreme amounts of data on my race car in 2005 to record where I go, where I’m at, all this information that I would study and try to be better. And so that exact thing is what amplified my sensors and my data collection for farming.”

Senter says the ability to collect information in racing is what helped him become an even better race car driver. Today, his ability to collect information and data is what is making him an even better farmer.

“Building race cars, racing race cars, has definitely helped me be a better farmer, which is strange to say,” says Senter.

Using ChatGPT as a Tool on the Farm

Senter’s time on the track may also be why he’s so willing to take risks today and try things that are unheard of on the farm. One example is the way he’s grabbed onto artificial intelligence (AI).

“Taking ChatGPT, for example, you can throw some of your data in there and it will spit out what you’re expected to make. And, if you can throw in enough information and give it the right prompts, I feel like we could change our decision-making,” he says.

I asked ChatGPT to describe an image I took this afternoon and then I asked it to draw that description with Dall-E3. The results are amazing. #ChatGPT pic.twitter.com/ei2sIDayIA
— Travis Senter (@traviss22) October 20, 2023

Last summer, before there was the ability with ChatGPT to add files, Senter and his own son created their own AI model. The goal was to take their 10-year yield history in every field, add in planting and harvesting dates, the varieties or hybrids they planted, and combine that information with weather data.

“Then you can compare information and say, ‘My best year of yield was when I planted this date, this was the average temperature during pollination.’ You can derive that from all this weather information,” Senter says. “So, if I planted at this particular date with this particular variety, and I know the pollination date and what temperature I’m going to have this year, maybe this will help me generate better yield information so I can market better. It opens up a whole realm of possibilities when you are able to throw in more information to this.”

Exploring Virtual Reality

Another unique idea he’s using on the farm is virtual reality.

“I’m not really a gamer, because I’m sort of too old for that. But I was a gamer, and I’ve always had VR headsets,” says Senter.

He says he really likes Apple’s new VR technology called Apple Vision Pro , but prior to that, the other VR headsets available didn’t give him any “wow” factor.

“The Apple Vision Pro is amazing with what it can do,” says Senter. “When you put it on and get it calibrated to you, it’s extremely impressive how your eyes are basically your cursor. You just look at something in it, and you click your fingers together, and it works.”

More Apple Vision Pro. Currently it isn’t great for everyday use, but as things progress this type of augmented reality will be everywhere. #AppleVisionPro @JohnDeere pic.twitter.com/kYxMDs8qUG
— Travis Senter (@traviss22) April 28, 2024

He admits that VR headsets are bulky today. But in the future, he thinks the technology will be in a pair of sunglasses.

“If you imagine 10 years from now, this is going to be smaller, and when you’re walking in the field and see a weed, you can take a picture of it. You can enter that in ChatGPT, and you can ask what that weed is and how you can kill it. And it’ll tell you,” says Senter.

He says it’s a simple way to ask a question, and it’s one that won’t be judged.

“When I ask that question to a professor or a doctor, they may look down on me and think I should probably already know this, and maybe I should or maybe I forgot it. It doesn’t matter. But I get an answer from ChatGPT, and then I can follow it up with more questions. And when you think about that, it opens up a whole realm of possibilities.

Combing Through the Data

Even with those tools, it all goes back to data and capturing as much data as possible on every acre and with every pass. That’s what helps Senter solve some of the problems on his farm.

“If I look at a field and see a problem spot, I’ll instantly pull out my phone and figure out when we sprayed that and when that spot got missed, so I can come back and fix that,” says Senter. “I then know when the applicator missed it. I know what he missed doing, for example.”

Travis Senter checks his mobile app

(Mike Byers)

He says whether it’s when he’s spraying, planting or harvesting, he looks at the data every night, no matter the time of year.

“When I get home from work, I’ll probably spend two or three hours on a computer every night going through fields, looking at maps and just making sure everything got planted right or everything was sprayed right. And that’s usually why I do it,” says Senter.

In the fall, he says it may be midnight before he gets home, but he always goes through the data to make sure everyone is on the same page.

By carefully calculating every move on his farm, he’s controlling what he can control, instead of leaving it up to chance.

“We take every single truck across one scale, just that one scale. We record that information and I’ll enter that in some spreadsheets. I’ve tried different software companies, but Excel and Google Sheets are my saving grace from some of that,” says Senter. “I’ll enter all that information every single night after we get done, so I know exactly how much grain is in the field, and then I’ll send out a report the next day showing exactly how many acres we harvested, how much grain is in this bin and what their average moisture was. There’s lots of information that we try to keep up with.”

A Valuable Tool Today: John Deere Operations Center Mobile

One thing he’s excited to use this fall is something he suggested to John Deere in the past few years. Senter relies heavily on John Deere’s Operations Center Mobile app year-round. He says it’s extremely valuable to help him see real-time information, including fuel information.

What’s new this year is when Senter pulls into a field to harvest, the app will give him an estimated time of completion.

“It gives you a percentage of how much you have left, and what time you should be done. And it’s an adjustable scale,” he says. “I kept mentioning to Deere that we really need a way to know that information, just like when you go on a trip and use GPS for your trip, you know your ETA and you’re trying to beat that time of arrival. We try to beat that time to finish harvest. The app actually keeps everybody up to date of how much is left in that field.”

With that real-time information, Senter can be more strategic about when they finish a field and move to the next, making sure to miss heavy traffic times, like when school gets out in the afternoon. He says it’s a handy feature and one he’s excited to use this fall.

From the race track to the farm field, Senter knows the race to farm effectively and efficiently isn’t slowing down.

“I’m always learning. I’m always finding ways to integrate new things,” says Senter.

Watch the full feature on Senter and how he thinks about technology on the farm differently.

Next-Gen Spotlight: Arkansas Farmer Always Willing to Try Something New

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:09:25 GMT

Dalton Dilldine looks at each crop as an opportunity to try something new and different and learn ways to be more efficient across his 6,000-acre multi-crop operation in northeast Arkansas.

In 2022, that meant taking on a shuttered commercial grain facility and outfitting it with grain monitoring and automation technologies.

This year, Dilldine, 31, is taking a good hard look at spray drones and how that technology can fit across his acres.

Whatever the next big innovation to hit agriculture turns out to be, you can bet he will be taking a look at that, too. It’s all part of what makes farming so fulfilling for the young producer: every day is different, and you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Q: What are your passions/niches on the farm?

A: As a job on the farm, I like to spray. I like to be in the crop and see it. I feel like if I wasn’t driving a sprayer, I’d miss things, such as the corner that flooded out. I enjoy that it gets you off the turn row and out in the field. What I like about farming in general is the many hats you get to wear. There’s always something new every day, and I feel grateful to not be stuck in the rut of shift work.

Q: How important is technology to your farm?

A: On our farm, technology is very important. I try to do something each year to be more efficient than the previous year. Right now, I’m researching spray drones. From a cost perspective, we’re looking at $3.50 to $4 an acre for owning the drone versus $8+ to hire an ag pilot per acre. The ability to spray when needed or when I want is a huge advantage. I don’t see drones as a full replacement, but I do see them being supplemental for fungicide or finishing up other spraying after a rain or in a hard-to-reach area.

We also have implemented GSI GrainVue digital monitoring cables in our grain bin facility. I wouldn’t want to store any grain without them. They provide cheap insurance to know how the grain is doing in real time and to prevent spoilage or any issue.

Q: As a farmer, where do you go for advice?

A: For any crop related questions, I’ve got a crop scout who gives me a weekly report. He gives advice about seed varieties or timing of insecticide or herbicide applications. He’s my go-to for assistance with critical decisions, in that respect. I also have good relationships with my seed/chemical salesmen. They provide cost-saving options and advice that might be beneficial. On the grain marketing side, I spend a lot of time watching the stock market. I do my own marketing with help from merchandisers at sell points. They do a good job keeping up with the world markets. I went to college with a guy who is an economist, and I reach out to him from time to time. I also call my friends and farming neighbors who are a good source of advice.

Q: What advice would you give to young farmers?

A: You know, I’ve had it rough in farming at times. My dad died when I was 18. My mother and I had hard decisions to make. The bankers advised us the best decision would be to sell everything, keep the land and enjoy life. But I couldn’t imagine doing anything but farming. We thankfully have great hired hands who also wanted to see this farm succeed. We are very close to becoming a century farm, and I am very proud of where we are. You might have bad days, but tomorrow you restart and try to make better decisions or fix the problems of the day before. There is always a positive, you just have to see the glass as half full. It’s never the end of the world from one mistake or problem. Take a breath and learn from it. Call on your friends and neighbors. Being a young farmer, they want to see you succeed and they will help you. Farming isn’t easy, but it is a rewarding career.

Tough Love: More Young Farmers Are Coming Home to Farm, But 58% Say There's No Transition Plan in Place

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:58:53 GMT

USDA’s latest Census of Agriculture shows less than 10% of all producers are under the age of 35 today, and fewer still are under the age of 30. However, those who have the opportunity to farm are jumping at the chance.

“I think deep down I always knew I wanted to come back and be involved somehow,” says Lindsay Baneck, a farmer in Helenville, Wis. “I think little by little I realized there’s a huge opportunity here for me to take over this operation.”

USDA data shows that farmers under the age of 40 may be a rare breed, but new research shows that trend might be changing.

NextGen Farm Journal farmer survey

(Lindsey Pound )

Farm Journal surveyed Next Gen farmers, and found more are taking charge of their families’ farm operations, despite not having formal succession plans in place.

The survey uncovered:

80% of younger farmers identify as the owner/operator, even though a legal transition of ownership hasn’t occurred.
58% of younger farmers surveyed said they don’t have a formal succession plan in place.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer says retirement is playing a role in the younger generation’s decision to come back to the farm.

“We Baby Boomers were more willing to retire than the generation before us, because we want to have our free time,” says Neiffer. “Now, we still want to drive the tractor and drive the combine, but we want to retire. So, I definitely see a lot more Millennials and even some of the older Gen Zs, they are taking over a lot of the buying decisions. And Mom and Dad are fine with that.”

Terry Griffin is a professor in the department of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. He says the generational shift in agriculture is something he’s been studying closely.

“We’re seeing a decline in the proportion of the oldest generation, the Silent Generation is decreasing every year. And those are been replaced largely by Millennial and Gen Z farmers. Plus, we have several multi-generational farms as well,” says Griffin.

As younger farmers desire to use more technology on the farm, Griffin points out they don’t always have the financial footing to do so.

“What we’re seeing with multi-generation farms is that if you have an older generation and a younger generation, they tend to have more technology than either of those farms on their own, or what we call sole proprietors,” says Griffin. “A Gen Z farm, on their own, may not have the technology due to a lack of resources. And a Silent Generation farm may have a lack of technology due to disinterest. But put those two together with the financial resources and the interest, and they typically have more technology than other farms.”

Tech trends among Next Gen farmers

(Lindsey Pound )

The Farm Journal farmer survey also asked younger farmers, “When thinking about technology, which of the following best describes you?” More than half responded they adopt new technologies when it’s practical. And 28% say they let others try them first, but they are next in line.

“We’ve all seen some of the older farm operators who would stay with the same ag retailer, the same co-op or the same bank lender, maybe for longer than they should have. I’m observing the younger generation doesn’t do that so much. They’re looking for the lowest cost because of limited resources,” Griffin adds.

Griffin points out the other biggest difference between younger and older generations is their expectation on how technology works.

“It’s been said that, for Baby Boomers, technology needs to be as simple as one, two, three. But for Gen Z, it needs to be as simple as one, meaning you don’t get a second and third chance if it doesn’t work immediately out of the gate,” he says.

Younger Farmers Taking Over the Buying Decisions

More Next Gen farmers are making operational decisions on the farm.

(Lindsey Pound)

Farm Journal research found that of the younger producers coming back to the farm, they’re taking the biggest lead on managing finances and budgeting, as well as making equipment purchasing decisions, as well as decisions about conservation practices on the farm.

Griffin says whether it’s technology or other purchases on the farm, Next Gen farmers are often looking for the best deal and aren’t necessarily brand loyal.

“One of the things I’ve also noticed in ag retail is instead of selling a single product, they may sell a bundle of products and not just crop protection, or just chemicals. For the younger generation, who may not be wanting to be as detail oriented, they may have the option of buying inputs by the acre instead of by the jug,” he says.

Finding Ways to Make the Farm More Efficient

Finding cost savings on the farm, while being very efficient in what they do, Neiffer says Next Gen farmers are finding ways to work smarter not harder.

“They are willing to work hard, but they’re also willing to step back and say, ‘What can we do to make this job easier, more efficient?’ That’s versus maybe us in the older generation who are just going to muddle through and get it done or do it one way, because we’ve always done it that way,” says Neiffer. “I think this newer generation is finding ways to do some things differently and make their operations more efficient.”

From wanting instant feedback, to prioritizing family and watching their kids play sports, versus working around the clock, Neiffer says Next Gen farmers are hungry for information, and information that’s real-time. Whether it’s exactly how many bushels are going through their combine at any minute, the information and insights they get must be precise.

“These days, when you’re dealing with marketing a crop that’s, you know, $5 million or $10 million or more, having real-time accounting information at your fingertips is very important in order to make those informed decisions,” says Neiffer.

Pennsylvania's Painterland Sisters See Spectacular Success With “Side” Yogurt Business

Wed, 08 May 2024 19:54:38 GMT

When Stephanie and Hayley Painter started a yogurt business a couple of years ago to help support their family’s Pennsylvania dairy farm, they didn’t envision it quickly becoming the country’s fastest growing yogurt brand in the natural foods space. But that’s exactly what happened. Painterland Sisters Icelandic Yogurt is now sold in 2,200 stores coast to coast.

Stephanie explains how and why she and her sister achieved such success in a brand new podcast called Grow Getters , which explores “Agriculture’s most inventive side hustles.” Hosted by Davis Michaelsen and produced by Farm Journal Studios, Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions and sometimes exploring new technologies to add revenue to their operations. In agriculture’s challenging economic climate, these resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer.

Watch episode one of Grow Getters here.

Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30" List

With their organic, nutrient-dense yogurt, made using milk from their farm and from nearby farms, the Painter sisters have taken moonlighting to a whole new level, even landing a spot on Forbes magazine’s most recent “30 Under 30” list .

“We saw cool, powerful women helping their family’s business on the Forbes 30 Under 30, so my sister and I looked at each other and said, ‘We want to do that,’” Stephanie explains on the first Grow Getters podcast. “We want to represent dairy. Farming, right? Agriculture. Wouldn’t that be amazing to make it relatable, to make dairy cool and fun to the general consumer?”

More than achieving accolades, however, the sisters’ mission is to connect consumers with the farmers who are producing their food every day. They’re also committed to continuing the succession process on the family’s fourth-generation farm, preserving and even increasing its value for the next generation coming up quickly behind them.

Read more about the Painter sisters and their exploding business.

Following its debut on May 7 with the Painter sisters, Grow Getters will release a new episode every other Tuesday. Blending stories of side-hustle highs and lows with plenty of humor and even some flashy singing and piano-playing by Davis, Grow Getters is like no other show in today’s ag media world. The goal of the podcast is to celebrate and match the unbridled moxie, energy and creativity of its guests. Subscribe to the Farm Journal YouTube page for the latest episodes.

No Hands: Young Illinois Farmer is Now Taking Planting Tech to New Heights

Fri, 03 May 2024 22:10:26 GMT

From every pass in the field to every turn at the end of each row, every move made in Illinois farmer Heath Huisinga’s farm field is done hands-free each spring.

“That’s what I think really makes this great is that you can do all this, and you can focus more on just watching the planter,” says the Casey, Ill. farmer as he was rushing to finish planting a field last week before it rained.

Hints of automation are sprinkled across his farm, and at just 30 years old, Huisinga continues to fully embrace technology as it’s introduced.

One of the latest things he’s started using across all his acres is AutoTrac Turn Automation. It’s a feature that automatically completes turns and manages the implement a farmer is using by tapping into field and headland boundaries as the reference point. It’s available on newer John Deere equipment, but the majority of farmers aren’t using it yet, even if it’s available on their tractor. One reason is it requires time to set accurate boundaries in each field.

Huisinga says it took him a week straight this winter of driving around his fields to create the boundaries for AutoTrac Turn Automation. With the advice of his local Deere dealer, he used the left front tire of his Gator as a guide to set up the field, and he says it’s paying off this spring.

“Half the time, I’ll just sit sideways in here, and I don’t have to worry about turning,” Huisinga says from the cab of his tractor, as he navigates the field without any hands on the wheel. “I know if I have an obstacle coming up, it’ll tell me and I can just sit here, and I don’t have to worry about picking it up.”

Like other farmers, the view from his office each spring is the inside of his cab, but a glimpse inside Huisinga’s cab gives a hint into how immersed he is in the technology available in the tractor and on the planter.

“I can watch my [planting] pops; I can watch my ground contact, I can watch all that good stuff. So, it just frees me up to focus more on the actual planter itself than just focusing on driving the tractor,” says Huisinga.

The Illinois farmer is fluent in ag tech, but for him, grasping the latest technology is something that simply comes naturally. Admittedly, part of that is due to his age, but it’s also an area of interest he’s gravitated toward.

“I grew up with that stuff,” he says. “Now, there are so many different things to watch and see. I don’t know how you would do it following your marker track and staying straight.”

Modern conveniences have opened a new realm of realities for Husinga, even if some of those you can’t necessarily quantify with a true ROI. He says AutoTrac Turn Automation is just one example.

“It just frees you up to actually a) take advantage of the tech you do have and b) the operator strain at the end of the day is so much less by not having to constantly watch everything,” says Huisinga.

Early Adopter

Huisinga doesn’t view himself as an early adopter of technology on his farm; instead, it’ just a critical piece of his daily operation.

“Some of the things that we do a little different is we’re quick to embrace new theories. For right or for wrong,” says the Illinois farmer. “Sometimes when we go in on something, we go whole hog, but we’re always tinkering, always trying something. We’re just embracing the unknown,” he adds.

Farming on the edge of innovation, is seen as risky by some, but for Huisinga, it’s become the norm.

“The big jump that most people talk about is auto steer and AutoTrac. I mean, that really did change the game, but I feel like a lot of people are just stuck at that point,” he says. “That technology opened up the door for so many other things. I think that as you embrace more of that, if you want to be in the autonomy space, and you want to utilize that, I’m going to guess that having all the other things lined up and calibrated, and actually having the data behind it, is probably going to expedite your entry into that realm [of automation].”

Farming by the Row and a Wild Hair

Instead of looking at an entire farm field, he’s focused pass by pass and row by row. RTK and other systems are helping him replicate what he does in a field year after year, which he says has really helped him hone in on farming by the row and being precise in each furrow.

“Then it opens up my mind to the possibility of when it comes to fertilizer and the options, I’m not building up the whole field. I’m building up that strip, because with the tech and the accuracy, I know whenever I plant year after year, I’m not going to farm this 30 inches in between. I’m farming in that seed bed, right there.”

As Huisinga can better manage every pass, from the seed to the fertilizer, he’s growing more precise in how he farms. This young farmer is still willing to push the boundaries and try new things.

“Actually, just over here on this 40 [acres], I had this wild hair,” says Huisinga. “I had read this report that guys were doing skip-row corn. And I thought, ‘You know what, we’re going to make this work.’ So, I think I planted two rows, turned one off, planted two rows, turned one off, planted two rows, turned one off, and did that all the way across the field. But I also wanted to adjust my population so that it was the same 35,000 across the planter. And luckily, with Deere, I went in there and figured out how to shut the rows off, up certain rows and lower the other ones. So that was great. I was planting 45,000 to 50,000 on those two rows and then skipping one row.”

He says that one trial turned into a lot of questions from those passing by the field.

“We actually had some commercial guys spraying in the field next to it call and say, ‘Hey, I think you had a problem with your planter. You might want to go fix that.’ I said, ‘That was on purpose.’”

It may have been a wild idea, but it was one that actually worked.

“It made like five more bushel [per acre] than the test, but I haven’t given up on it. I think it was maybe the wrong hybrid that I tried with it. So, we’re probably going to try that again,” says Huisinga.

Coming Soon to a Field Near You: Autonomy with Tillage

With hints of automation already in his field, the biggest change on the horizon could be the ability for Huisinga to do more with less. That includes autonomy with tillage, where Huisinga thinks he can start using smaller and narrower tillage tools that run autonomously behind his combine at harvest.

“Even in the fall for us, sometimes you have good falls, sometimes you have bad. And if you can just even have an autonomous tractor follow you around in the combine and tell it, ‘I want these corn stalks dug, and I’m in this big block of area,’ I can watch the thing work over there, and I can basically have all my stalks worked and ready for next spring by the time I park the combine.”

Embrace the Technology

Technology may be racing forward in agriculture but for this maverick, he has one piece of advice for fellow farmers across the U.S.

“Embrace the tech. I think it can be daunting at first to get set up and say, ‘I don’t know if I can do that or I don’t have time,’ but take the time to do it. Work with your dealer or whoever you’re working with to get your tech, because I think it will open the door to other things you did not think that you could do, or things that wouldn’t be possible without that tech.”

By embracing the technology, Huisnga says your comfort level will grow with experience. But just like with other things in life, the hardest part is often starting something new.

Georgia Dairy Farmer Teaches NBA Superstars, Including Charles Barkley, How to Milk a Cow by Hand

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:46:37 GMT

NBA superstar Charles Barkley told one of his producers that he couldn’t remember the last time he had a glass of milk. The producers smiled and came up with the idea to not only have Barkley, but also his TNT show co-stars, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, who are also NBA superstar legends, to learn how to hand milk a cow.

The basketball trio were introduced to a Madison, Ga., dairy cow, as Katelin Benkoski from Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm was tagged by several friends on Facebook for the need for animal actors. More specifically, what they were looking for was a dairy cow in milk that could walk up a ramp and that could handle bright lights and cameras for the TNT show.

The Benkoski family knew just the cow they could use from the farm’s 80-cow herd that would perform well in that kind of spotlight. Rosie, a five-year-old Red and White Holstein cow, who weighs approximately 1,300 pounds, strutted down the ramp into the TNT studio.

“Oh, so she weighs a little less than Shaq,” teased Charles Barkley upon meeting Rosie, who has been shown at several fairs and is often used with milking demonstrations on the farm’s agritourism business.

“I got the call on Monday, and they asked if we could be in Atlanta on Thursday,” Katelin says.

The Benkoski family – John and Julie, along with their three daughters, Katelin, Alissa and Leah – lean into any opportunity that they can to educate people and have good positive feedback for dairy farmers. Although this opportunity was a big hit with the family, Julie was starstruck and John joked that no way the NBA stars grow to be as tall as they were without the help of milk’s nine essential vitamins.

The NBA trio was definitely surprised and visibly nervous to milk Rosie. Only Charles Barkley was willing to pull up a stool and hand milk a cow, but all three stars were interested in the process.

Katelin says Rosie was the true star and has felt like a diva back on the family’s farm since her TV appearance.

“She definitely thinks she is queen of the herd now,” she says.

Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm

Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm was established in 1947 when the girl’s grandparents came down from Connecticut to Georgia. The farm is located about an hour south of Atlanta. The family currently milks 80 Holstein cows and runs a well-established agritourism entity that provides school tours, summer camps and more.

Katelin shares that her mother is a schoolteacher and her father used to be a school bus driver for the local school and the family incorporated their love for education to engage more with their community to tell their dairy’s good story.

“My parents began noticing a disconnect in consumers and agricultural education with a lot of people not knowing where their food comes from,” she said.

The farm’s agritourism business has been going on for nearly two decades, although it paused after Hurricane Katrina, as people did not have the funds to do field trips. They opened their doors again seven years ago and have been part of the Adopt a Cow program for three years.

To watch the TNT segment featuring Big Sandy Creek Farm, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gt_l0b17JQ .

At 16 Years Old, 7th-Gen Iowa Farmer Smashes the Mold as Family's First Female Farmer

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:25:48 GMT

Callee Pellett is breaking the mold when it comes to farming. Considering the majority of U.S. farmers today are male and nearly 60-years-old, the 16-year-old farmer in Atlantic, Iowa is not your typical farmer. And it’s how she’s blazing her own trail through drive and dedication, that makes Callee so unique.

According to the last Ag Census, there are 1.2 million female producers, which accounts for 36% of the total number of producers in the U.S. However, if you travel rural America during planting or harvest, it’s often rare you see a female behind the wheel of a tractor or combine. Callee is one of the exceptions.

It didn’t take her long to learn her calling in life, even if it meant she was the only girl.

“I don’t really remember a point that I was not on the farm,” says Callee. “I’ve always been out there, but I really started getting into it when I was like five or six.”

Even at a young age, it was hard to pull her out of the combine, because farming is right where she wanted to be. That love for farming is something Callee’s mom, Stacey, saw from her daughter early on.

“She has been daddy’s girl from day one, and I was daddy’s girl, too, growing up, so I understood that. I’ve always been very supportive of that,” says Stacey. “When Mike would be ready to leave for the farm, she was boots on and probably out the door before he was, and as she’s gotten older, she’s taken it upon herself to just learn more.”

It was then, that Callee didn’t realize being a female farmer wasn’t the norm, but once she got older, she started to notice she was one of the few females who want to farm.

With the support of her parents and grandparents, Callee took a big leap a little over a year ago. At the age of 15, she signed her first lease, the same piece of ground that her dad leased to get his start. The farm of nearly 20 acres is Callee’s crop, from start to finish.

“I make the decision on what crop I’m going to plant. I do my own anhydrous. I do my own planting, and I do my own harvesting,” says Callee.

She’s learned how to make those decisions by farming along her dad, Mike.

“I definitely use his expertise, because I’m not an agronomist, not having gone to school for that yet,” says Callee.

Callee will be the first to admit that some lessons in the field have been harder than others.

“I made the decision on what size rows to plant this year,” says Callee. “I asked him [Dad], and he said, ‘You make the decision.’”

And she did, the decision to plant 20-inch rows this year.

Learning by doing, means Callee’s dream of being a farmer is well underway.

“She’s really taken it upon herself to not just say, ‘Mom and dad, what do I do?’ To see that drive in her to say, ‘I want to do this,’ and then be willing to do the work to learn and earn it,” says Stacey.

The Balancing Act of School, Sports and Farming

No matter if it’s volleyball, softball or track season, or if she’s showing cattle for FFA, Callee has a lot on her plate as a junior in high school. Yet she’s still drawn to the farm, even when she’s not supposed to be.

“Last week, I said, ‘Hey, can you run dinner to dad?’ And she said, sure. And she has softball practice and has to be at the field at 5:45 in the morning, so I told her to not be out late,” says Stacey. “A little after 9 p.m., I called her and said, ‘Where are you?’ She said, ‘Mom, I’m planting, I know it’s late but I’m on my last round. I’ll be there soon.’ You can’t get mad at the fact that she went to the field and she’s out there planting.”

Long Line of Fierce Females, But Not Female Farmers

Callee has some great examples in her life. Whether it’s her grandparents or her parents, she comes from a long line of fierce females, but not female farmers.

There are 14 family members involved in the family operation. But only two of those are female: Callee and her mom. And only Callee is operating equipment, as well as planting and harvesting her own crop.

Last fall, Callee clocked 107 hours in the field. And the way the Pellett’s farm is set up, all 14 farm together, but each family member owns their own ground. Then, all of the equipment is shared, as it belongs to their separate equipment corporation.

“And then we bill each member of the family for their acres,” explains Stacey, who handles the finances for their operation. “We have a per acre fee for planting and a per acre fee for harvest. And that fee covers the ability to use the equipment on your farm, it covers the insurance, the fuel and the maintenance.”

Whoever works in the field, they then get a credit for those hours, to offset their equipment bill. Which means the more Callee works during harvest or in the spring, the more that can go toward her operating costs.

“Just like everybody else gets credit, her 107 hours was applied to her bill. It was more than her bill for the harvest charges. So, that credit carries over to the spring and will help cover her expenses for this spring,” says Stacey.

Learning From Her Mom

Callee is learning a lot already from making the decisions about what crop to grow and the inputs she needs to use, but she’s also learning a lot from her mom.

Stacey has a lot of titles on any given day. Not only does she handle the finances for their farm, but her full time job is with managing state public affairs in the Midwest and Northwest for John Deere. And when she’s not meeting with legislators or doing jobs around the farm, you’ll often find her at her kids’ sporting events

“My favorite title of all of them is mom, of course. I think probably any mom would say that, but that is by far my favorite title,” says Stacey.

Stacey and Mike also have a son named Carter, who’s preparing to graduate high school this month. Unlike Callee, he doesn’t have plans to farm.

“His comment would be, ‘I’m probably going to farm because that’s what all Pellet men do,’ and that’s what he just says, but in reality, farming has always been Callee’s thing,” says Stacey.

Some may view it as their roles are reversed, but Stacey knew sports is where Carter’s heart truly is.

“When he was young, he played with tractors, but by the time he was older, he had a ball in his hand, and he’s never changed that. He’s always been very focused on sports and athletics.”

Carter may not have plans to come back home and farm right now, but as Stacey knows, sometimes life has other plans.

“I had a list of things I would never do,” says Stacey. “I will never leave Texas. I will never live in Corpus Christi, Texas. I will never marry a farmer. There’s a lot more on there, and I’ve done every last one of them.”

Stacey is raising her kids to value work ethic, while also pursuing their passion, whether that’s on or off the farm. And no matter where life takes them, both Stacey and Mike know each day Callee is on the farm is a day full of lessons.

“Sometimes helping her to understand that it’s not always easy,” says Stacey. “She came into farming when corn was $7. Fertilizer prices were record high, as well. But we’re helping her understand that it’s not always going to be $7 corn and $14 beans.”

Callee is finishing up her junior year of high school, but she knows life lessons extend beyond the classroom, or farming the land. Many have come from her mom.

“There’s a lot of lessons that she’s taught me, but I think the biggest thing is balancing it all and making your priorities a thing, because that’s what I’ve watched her do,” says Callee.

7th Generation Farmer

Even at the ripe age of 16, being the seventh generation of this Iowa family farm is something Callee never takes for granted.

“Not all kids get this opportunity and get the opportunity to learn alongside multiple generations, so that’s really cool,” says Callee.

She plans to attend either Iowa State University or Kansas State University after graduating next year, which is proving to be an even harder decision on what career she wants to pursue.

“Then, when I’m done with school, I’ll come back here and I’ll farm,” says Callee.

Reflection on Mother’s Day

While Callee plans to farm, Carter will attend Iowa State in the fall, not majoring in agriculture. That’s perfectly fine for Stacey, as she’s raised two kids who are kind, charismatic and driven to succeed.

“I’m unbelievably proud, because as a parent, all you care about is building something that you can hand off to them, and we did,” says Stacey. “I also truly love the relationship that my in-laws get to have with our kids. I love that Carter has his own thing, and it doesn’t have to be farming, yet we can celebrate him being unbelievably successful in something other than this.”

As for Callee, she admits she’s a daddy’s girl. And she knows no matter the hurdle at hand, she can overcome it, something she’s steadily seen watching her mother’s way.

Busting Myths and Opening Doors: How One Ag Teacher is Making an Impact in the Pork Industry

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:22:36 GMT

It’s not easy to be an award-winning FFA advisor, but Riley Hintzsche of Streator Township High School in Illinois, makes it look that way.

His passion to help students find a career in agriculture is one of the reasons why he takes advantage of the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence’s Destination Pork high school curriculum.

“It provides an opportunity for kids to see what they do and don’t know about the pork industry and take a look at their future, really looking at the industry and what is possible,” he explains.

Plus, Hintzsche appreciates the two pathways Destination Pork offers: Pathway to the Industry and Pathway to Your Future.

Not only does the curriculum open students’ eyes to the pork industry, but it also provides insight into job and career opportunities. The best part? It’s free.

“The career aspects and highlights in Destination Pork are important to me,” Hintzsche stated. “There’s a huge gap in understanding with students wanting to be involved in pork production. Anytime there’s opportunity to show what life is really like outside our school, those highlights make a difference for our students, illustrating what they can do and sink their teeth into.”

Practically speaking, Hintzsche says the format, including PowerPoint presentations, is ideal for students. It allows them to get involved and engaged without getting bored by long lessons. The interactive elements also address different student learning styles, which he says provides even more value to him as an educator.

^{Riley Hintzsche says the two curriculum options allow him to work with students to understand each corner and aspect of the pork industry.}

It’s Time to Bust Myths About Modern Pig Farming

He points out that there can be a negative public connotation at times when it comes to farrowing houses and modern pig farming practices. Students sometimes come in with a negative perception - not based on knowledge or experience, but on what they see in social media.

Streator FFA farrows two sows each year in their greenhouse, giving students irreplaceable experience with the process, he says.

“After four years watching a pig farrow, understanding almost every piglet survived the birthing and weaning process, and gaining a better understanding of modern agriculture including farrowing crates, medication, and antibiotics, perceptions change,” he says.

Hintzsche appreciates that the hands-on experience with farrowing along with Destination Pork’s curriculum make a great combination for students and for him as their ag educator.

“When I take a look at Destination Pork, I see the opportunity it provides for students as a really great access point to understanding pork production without me putting in an overwhelming amount of effort. I can work with students to understand each corner and aspect of the industry,” he adds.

The life of an ag teacher is constantly busy so for Hintzsche, Destination Pork is something quick, accessible and creates opportunities for students to excel in the classroom.

^{Streator FFA farrows two sows each year in their greenhouse, providing unique opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning.}

How Can You Help Spread the Word?

It’s not hard to make an experience like this happen in your school. Ag educators are welcome to download the Destination Pork curriculum from the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence website for review and implementation in their own classrooms.

The two curriculum pathways include:

Pathway to the Industry is an instructor-led experience designed for an Introduction to Agriculture course. Content and objectives are aligned with AFNR (Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources) standards and focus on pork production. Pathway to the Industry features a seven-lesson unit broken into 10 45-minute sessions. Topics include an overview of the pork industry, pig anatomy, the pork production cycle, pig caretaking and well-being, pig behavior, pork reproduction (breeding and genetics), and environmental stewardship of the pork industry.
Pathway to the Future, a student-led experience designed for independent study, uses an online module. Students identify and initiate paths to a career in the pork industry. Content focuses on career exploration and individual competencies and includes a series of independent courses consisting of four 30-minute sessions. Topics covered in the independent courses are value of the pork industry, challenging misconceptions of the pork industry, the people who work in the pork industry, and personal destination mapping within the pork industry. Additional experiential activities, which are optional elements of the Pathway to the Future module, revolve around four 60-to-90-minute sessions.

Read More:

How Two Pig Farmers Are Winning People Over to Pork Now

New Bill Excuses Illinois Youth from School Absence to Attend 4-H and FFA Events

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:03:09 GMT

Just in time for school to start, in the midst of the Illinois State Fair, students across the state will no longer be penalized for participating in a 4-H or FFA event. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 3814 into law at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 14, allowing students attending work-based learning events like 4-H and FFA programs to count their participation towards school attendance.

“ House Bill 3814 will allow students attending agricultural learning events to count that towards their school attendance. These learning opportunities cultivate professional development and responsibility in our youth, and their hands-on experiences ought to count towards their education. This new law is a major win not just for our students—but for the future of our agriculture industry,” Gov. Pritzker says.

FFA and 4-H programs encourage both urban and rural Illinois students to participate in hands-on projects across agricultural, STEM and business development sectors. Students who participate in work-based programs have been shown to make healthier and safer choices and give back to their communities long-term, fostering a culture of collaboration and hard work at a young age.

“Agriculture is our number one industry, and it’s the pride of Illinois. But in order to ensure its prosperous future, we must invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Gov. Pritzker adds.

This bill amends the Illinois School Code to allow students who miss traditional classroom days for events in work-based learning programs to have those events counted towards overall school attendance. The student’s parent or legal guardian are to be responsible for obtaining assignments missed while the student was participating in an eligible program.

Livestock Industry Responds

The barns at the Illinois State Fair were buzzing with the good news on Tuesday.

“Participation in livestock projects through 4-H and FFA, takes lessons learned in the school classroom and applies them into real life. Livestock kids learn at a very young age how to manage their time; apply math, reading and science skills to feed and care for their projects; as well as how to compete no matter the outcome,” says Sarah Reedy, livestock breeder, show mom and field sales representative for DEKALB/Asgrow Seed.

This piece of legislation is exciting because it impacts so many young people, Reedy adds.

For Maci Brooks, a 13-year-old cattle showman from Abingdon-Avon Middle School in Avon, Ill., this new legislation provides support and validation for the 4-H and FFA events she attends.

“We just started a new ag program in our middle school,” Brooks says. “I’m excited this will mean we can be excused to attend livestock judging contests and other educational events.”

For show families across the country, the opportunities gained through 4-H and FFA and showing livestock in particular, have been life-changing experiences.

“In the past, the unexcused absence limited our children’s participation at national livestock shows,” says Dale Hummel, livestock breeder, show dad and co-host of Beyond the Ring, a podcast centering around the youth livestock show industry. “The experience gained is invaluable on many levels. This new legislation was desperately needed and greatly appreciated.”

Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) agrees.

“As a strong supporter of ag education, I advocated for FFA and 4-H students whose attendance standing has been jeopardized for missing class to participate in competitions,” Turner says. “Learning through hands-on experiences, especially in the agriculture industry, is a great way for students to expand their wealth of knowledge.”

Read More:

How Illinois Legislators are Removing Obstacles for 4-H and FFA Youth

Compassion In Control: Kentucky Teen Jets Off on First Solo Flight Delivering Supplies to Town Ravaged By Tornado

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 17:43:17 GMT

Mary Schalk isn’t your typical teenager. At 16-years-old, her maturity is propelling her into the spotlight.

Growing up in a family full of pilots, her dream was always to fly.

“I’ve been around it my whole life,” says Schalk, a junior in high school in Glasgow, Ky., as well as an active member of Barren County FFA. “Since the beginning, I’ve always wanted to fly, and I’ve always wanted to do it by myself.”

A Calling to Help

In December, the day after a destructive tornado struck Kentucky, Mary Schalk had a calling to help.

“Seeing what I saw on the news that night, because we stayed up all night watching, I knew I had to serve somehow, to help these people because I was available, and I had the resources to make this happen,” she says.

With a burning desire to help, an idea came to life.

“My aunt kind of texted me and said she had an idea,” says Schalk. “I was like, ‘That is perfect.’ So we took it and started running. And I kind of thought, ‘Well, maybe I should ask Mom and Dad.’”

So, she did what any 16 year-old should do. She asked her parents for permission, already knowing what the answer would be.

“They enjoy me helping. And they always tell me to lead by example,” says Schalk.

Leading by Example

Her dad was an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor for years, so leading by example has been a pillar of her upbringing. And in December, leading by example, is exactly what she did.

“The night before we left one of our pilot buddies’ wives actually put out on Facebook that she was going to leave the church doors open, as well as leave the airport open and unlocked. And she just put a call out for people to bring stuff. We were just trusting everybody to be honest and bring it,” explains Schalk.

With a simple call for help on social media, the ask was answered within hours.

“It was just overfilling with all the stuff that people donated,” Schalk says. “She put it out on Facebook at about 7:30 that night, and by 7:30 that next morning, in a 12-hour period, there was so much donated at the airport and at that local church.”

First Solo Flight

Loading up her four-seater plane with the donations that came flooding in left room for only one person in the plane. And so with that, Schalk took off on her first solo flight, all at the age of 16.

“We’ve taken toiletries, water, clothes, blankets, and we even did Christmas presents for our last trip,” she says.

The 200-mile trip to Mayfield, Ky., an area considered ground-zero for devastation, didn’t happen just once. With the approval of her instructor, she’s completed the 1-hour flight three times by herself, each trip with a plane loaded full of supplies to help.

Watch: Kentucky Farmers Endure Epic Ruin And Worst Storm Damage In State History As Agriculture Rushes To Rebuild

“Natural disasters don’t define poor or rich or anything in between. It’s just people. And at the end of the day, those people had nothing. It didn’t matter if they lived in a small trailer home or if they lived in huge mansion, it was gone,” says Schalk.

Mission Takes Flight

And with the resources to provide relief, Schalk did what not man teenagers are able do. She took to the skies to get the relief to those in need.

“I just wanted to help those people, because I was the middle ground. I wanted to help them when they had absolutely nothing left,” she adds.

Comfort in the Pilot’s Seat

Her mission isn’t over yet. Schalk says she has another trip planned, with more supplies to help with recovery and relief. As it seems in the pilot seat is exactly where the 16-year-old is meant to be.

“Well, my dad jokes all the time. I’ll be driving like we did in the snow the other day, and he was holding on for dear life. He’s scared to drive with me. But he said he absolutely loves flying with me,” says Schalk with a smile on her face.

The FFA member is a living example of what it means to embody the virtues of FFA. Schalk is learning to do, while also living to serve. She is proof the sky’s the limit when compassion takes control.