It was a moment of joy when high school senior Austin Wildt graduated in May and formally signed a pledge to work on his family farm. But before that day could happen, tragedy, grit and selflessness would be the making of this young man.
Austin is the oldest of three brothers, growing up on a 2,800-acre soybean and white corn farm in Evansville, Ind. He knows a thing or two about resilience. “I started working my freshman year,” says the now 18-year old. “I had to fill in a spot for our family and I have been working ever since then.”
Austin, a fifth-generation farmer, is passionate about his family tradition — a legacy in Indiana since 1919. When his high school held a letter of intent signing ceremony to celebrate seniors directly entering the workforce, Austin sat at a table surrounded by loved ones. His mother, Holly Wildt, was undeniably proud. “Our table really blew people away,” she says. “They’ve never seen that before, so they were really impressed.”
There is reason to be impressed. His earnestness and determination are apparent: “I had to quit sports, or it was my choice to quit sports, and start working on the farm.”
Stepping Into a Heartbreaking Void
Austin is talking about what he chose to do after his family’s life was irrevocably changed on Feb. 27, 2023. His father, Chad Wildt, and uncle Shawn Wildt were shot by an intruder, when they went to check on one of their properties. Chad was critically hurt, but Shawn did not survive the assault.
Then 15 years old, barely driving, Austin did what he had to do. “I felt like it was really needed for what our family’s career is because we’re missing a big spot for somebody,” he recounts. Chad did recover from the injuries in the shooting, and while he did, Austin got to work, helping where he could, running machinery. These days, it’s a three-person farm with his grandfather working part-time. “Right now, it’s me and my dad, and it was my dad, grandpa and uncle at the time,” Austin says.
His senior year, Austin was able to take advantage of a half-day workforce program offered by F.J. Reitz High School and left at noon to go work on the farm. Holly believes he had to grow up well before other kids: “The fact that we had him, that he was able to step into that role, not fill his uncle’s shoes, but be there to start learning a lot sooner.”
It wasn’t a sacrifice for Austin. ” ... working with my dad, really, and working with the equipment, it’s fun and I enjoy it,” he says.
On the day of the school signing, his proud mom posted the celebratory photos on Facebook, writing, " ... we couldn’t be more happy he chose to lace up his boots over books.”
Included in the crowd of well-wishers and supporters at the signing event were Austin’s parents, siblings, friends and his grandfather, Mark Wildt, who is now in his late 70s. “He had tears in his eyes the whole time during the signing. That really meant a lot to him,” Holly says.
What’s Next for Austin?
College wasn’t totally out of the picture. Austin, who received high academic honors, did take an exploratory trip to one of Indiana’s best schools.
He laughed with his mom, “I went to Purdue and I pretty much hated it.”
No offense, Purdue University. It’s just not for Austin. His advice for others: “I’d tell them to go all in, do what they believe and commit to what they’re doing.”
Holly echoes, " ... he knew his heart was back here at home and there was a spot for him available. He locked in and really gave it, gave it his all.”
In the more than three years since the shooting of Austin’s dad and uncle, their killer was charged, convicted and is serving a prison term. While part of their foundation will always be marked by the loss of Shawn, they are hopeful, and with Austin’s determined pledge, the future of Wildt Farms is secure and full of love.
