Young Farmers

The Identity Trap: What You Do is Not Who You Are

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:56:51 GMT

I will never forget how helpless I felt on Jan. 24 when I watched my son stumble across the wrestling mat. He took two major blows to the head during a match – a sound I could hear from the top of the gym bleachers. As he struggled to orient himself, I felt like I was going to throw up.

In a matter of seconds, he was on his back convulsing with trainers at his side trying to take off his shoulder brace so he could breathe. Sweat poured off his body in a way no workout ever could have done.

I held my hand over my mouth and wailed, watching nearly 13 years of hard work, sacrifice and commitment get carried off the mat on a stretcher. I knew in my heart that this was not a “shake it off” moment as they raced him to the emergency room by ambulance.

By God’s grace, the X-ray of his neck was clear. He never lost consciousness. He answered his questions correctly. Minus the uncomfortable neck brace, within an hour, our son seemed a little drowsy, but normal. We were able to leave Loyola Hospital in Chicago later that day and made it home through the snow that night. With time and rest, he was expected to make a full recovery, but it just wasn’t enough time for his brain to heal to allow him to wrestle in his senior year state series starting a couple of days later.

As a parent, this was a pretty excruciating moment because for thousands of days, I watched this kid commit his whole heart to this sport – a three-time state qualifier who overcame a hip avulsion fracture suffered during his sophomore year during the state tournament, a car accident at the end of his junior season and a torn labrum in his shoulder just weeks after his senior season began. It seemed like all of that was enough. And yet the disappointment was not over.

If I can be honest, I’m angry. Not at anyone in particular, but I’m just angry at the way it played out for him. There is nothing worse than watching your kid hurt and not be able to fix it.

The following weekend of regionals was hard to sit through, though we absolutely wanted the best for his teammates. At church the next day, some friends we hadn’t seen in a while came up and talked to our son. I overheard him say, “Wrestling is something I do, it’s not who I am.”

Parallel Paths: From the Mat to the Ranch

Fast forward a few days to the Top Producer Summit where I listened to a powerful panel. Leaders of top companies in agriculture weighed in on a variety of thought-provoking topics, but one message stood out to me.

“All too often, we confuse what we do with who we are,” said Lamar Steiger with The 808 Ranch. “As farmers and ranchers, we are our job. It’s our identity. That was my problem as a young man.”

Steiger grew up on a dairy. High interest rates in the late 1970s made farming particularly challenging. When he was in his 20s, their family lost the dairy. After working so hard to make that operation work, Steiger took this as a deep personal failure.

“There was nothing I could do to save the dairy because outside forces were at hand. But it’s so hard for farmers and ranchers to separate that,” he said. “Looking back, I had depression for quite a while after that, but we didn’t talk about that then.”

When he was in his mid-30s, Steiger attempted suicide.

“I had to be removed totally from my working life and start completely over,” he shared. “I learned the hard way how to separate my identity from my role.”

Steiger said it wasn’t pretty, but he is grateful for how this time of his life changed him.

“When you come to the end of yourself, you look for something bigger and better. That’s worked out really good for me,” he said. “Being a rancher is cool to me, but it’s not who I am. I’m Lamar. I try my best and I fail. We have great successes and then we have some things that just don’t work out. But it’s not all my responsibility.”

There’s something so humbling about another person vulnerably sharing their story. We can learn so much from each other. All it takes is a willingness to share your story. Left unshared, our stories may only change us. But by sharing, we can help each other find our way through the very real burdens of life.

A Truth Worth Holding Onto

It’s easy to confuse your identity with what you do because it becomes such a big part of our lives. As another Shike kid closes one chapter and gets ready to start the next, I find myself confusing who I am with my role as a mom. I’m not sure what life looks like without Saturday wrestling tournaments and late nights posting photos of our wrestlers.

As I sat there at Top Producer Summit, I kept hearing my son’s voice in my head saying, “Wrestling is something I do, it’s not who I am.”

He’s only 17 and has a lot of life to live, but I’m grateful he recognizes this truth. I know there will be times when he will be tempted to measure his worth by his performance. But I believe when we get honest and share these stories, we can help one another avoid the mistake of confusing what we do with who we are.

California's Family Farms Are Disappearing, Meet the Farmer Fighting Back With Remarkable Determination

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:38:22 GMT

Walking the rows of Thomson Vineyards today, it is nearly impossible to imagine that just one year ago, every grape on this ranch — every single cluster — faced a fate no grower ever wants to consider.

In 2024, fourth-generation wine grower Jennifer Thomson watched as three hundred tons of grapes on her home ranch went unharvested. Not one ton had a buyer. Not one ton had a home.

It could have been the end of the story. Instead, Thomson decided it would be the beginning of a new one.

A Year of Unimaginable Loss

On a quiet hillside in Napa, Thomson still remembers standing among vines heavy with fruit — and feeling her stomach sink.

“This home ranch produces a little over 300 tons of grapes annually, and in 2024, nearly all of those 300 tons were dropped on the ground and went unharvested.”

For most farmers, that kind of loss would take generations to recover from. For Thomson, it became the fire that fueled the next chapter.

“Instead of that being the final chapter,” she says, “I got to work.”

An Unconventional Plan

Thomson’s plan was bold, unconventional and driven by sheer determination. Instead of waiting on a buyer to show up, she would go directly to the buyer she believed was the perfect fit for her fruit.

She had one woman in mind.

“I knew of Paula. I knew she was crafting some wonderful bubbles, and that she is restoring and breathing new life into her father’s project, maybe bringing it back to the forefront of Napa Valley’s sparkling wine. I am bound and determined to find her.”

That woman was Paula Kornell, a fourth-generation sparkling wine producer whose family helped shape Napa’s sparkling heritage.

Kornell launched her own label in 2017, carrying forward her father’s legacy. For Kornell, winemaking is not just a craft — it is part of her identity.

“The wine business is in your blood. My father used to say, ‘You have more sparkling burgundy in the old veins than you do blood.’ And so, you know, it is in your soul. Growing up here, you spend so much time trying to get out of here, and then you realize that the rest of your life you spend your time getting back into Napa Valley.”

Thomson admired Kornell’s work from afar. What she did not realize was that Kornell was closer than she ever imagined — literally down the road, not even 3,000' away.

A Chance Encounter in the Pouring Rain

Thomson finally found Kornell at a tasting event on a stormy day —an event Kornell recalls with a laugh.

“Pouring down rain and I am by myself. No one is showing up for this event and in comes this one,” she says.

That “one” was Thomson, arriving with purpose and a direct question.

“Paula, where are you sourcing these grapes from? It says Carneros, but like which vineyard?” Thomson asked.

When Kornell revealed the vineyard, Thomson immediately saw the opportunity.

“Paula, we have to find a way to work together. I would love to sell you grape. It is about the quality, it is about the terroir, but if you do not enjoy doing business with someone, you probably should not be in business with them,” Thomson said.

For Thomson, something was missing in Kornell’s previous sourcing arrangement.

“There was a story about the particular vineyard, but it was not from the ground up,” she says. “It was not from the dirt up, and it was not a person behind it. So this is entirely different.”

A partnership rooted in soil, legacy, and shared values — this was exactly what both women had been looking for.

The Power Duo: Two Women Preserving the Future

Thomson is one of the last remaining family farmers in Napa Valley who still grows grapes on land her family has tended for generations. That responsibility fuels her mission: uplifting other family farmers in the region — especially women.

“I think the story is being diluted,” she says. “And I think it is so important that news organizations like your own share with consumers. So they can seek out supporting those family farmers.”

The women she surrounds herself with share the same grit.

“We all drive tractors, we roll with our mud boots, but we truly love what we do and we truly respect the generations that have come before us,” Thomson says. “It is inspiring to be with a group of women who really believe in what they are doing for their family legacy.”

This female-driven partnership, Thomson says, is rare in the valley.

“Paula is a legend… and I too surrounded myself with other women grape growers who began assuming management roles within their own family. To really be able to find a partnership with Paula and recognize that maybe us as women grape growers have been fortunate enough to recreate what Paula started with her generation of women… it is exciting,” Thomson says.

Kornell says she feels the same.

“I am so proud to be working with Jennifer,” she says. “To be able to talk about her family heritage and the fact that we are both two women in this damn wine business in Napa Valley is really… it makes me very happy and excited about the future.”

A Father’s Legacy, A Daughter’s Determination

Thomson’s dad — the third generation — spent most of his life working an off-farm job to allow the vineyard to survive. Today, he gets to watch his daughter secure its future.

“I am thrilled because not only do I get to answer to my mentors who year after year said, ‘Why have you not done a deal with Paula?’ I can now say I have done a really wonderful deal with Paula.”

But for Thomson, the partnership is about more than business. She’s created her own group of close-knit family farmers in the area, other family farmers who just so happen to be women.

“It is about enjoying being in business with someone, and sharing with consumers that there are real people that do their own work. We drive our own tractors, haul our own fruit, write our own contracts,” she says. “We do not have a long payroll of people helping us do that.”

Together, Thomson and Kornell are bringing authentic, family-grown, California wine to consumers who crave stories rooted in the land and the people who care for it.

Writing the Next Chapter

What began as a heartbreaking harvest with no buyers has transformed into a revitalized future for Thomson Vineyards.

It took grit. It took going direct. It took knocking on a buyer’s door in the pouring rain.

And it took two women determined not to let their family stories fade away.

Today, they are writing a new chapter, one worth celebrating, one worth sharing and one that ensures the legacy of Napa’s true family farmers lives on.

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

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:21:31 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.

Adam Sanders Brings Hog-Wild Energy on Stage in CBS Series “The Road”

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:09:39 GMT

What does pig farming have to do with the new CBS series featuring Keith Urban and Blake Shelton? More than you might think.

The Road is an exciting new show that features 12 emerging artists who are competing for a $250,000 prize package and recording opportunities. Each participant also earns the opportunity to open for Urban during his national tour.

Six artists remain, and one of the featured artists is Adam Sanders, a Nashville singer and songwriter originally from Florida. He’s also a good friend of Missouri pig farmer Jesse Heimer. Not only has he performed at Heimer’s farm multiple times, but the pair has also written two songs together, including “Do What We Do.”

The tour bus rolls into Tulsa for a concert at the iconic Cain’s Ballroom. In place of Blake Shelton, award-winning country artist Dustin Lynch sits in with Keith Urban. For the first time, the seven musicians are divided up to perform two group covers before performing their originals, on THE ROAD, Sunday, Nov. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Pictured: Adam Sanders. Photo: ©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab.

(CBS/CBS )

“I think what folks see on the screen is someone who’s had just enough experience on stage in front of a crowd, and the feelings of all of it, to know that he really wants it,” Heimer says. “This isn’t Adam’s first time to town – he opened for Carrie Underwood at a sold-out Iowa State Fair. He understands the stage, the audience, and the emotions people have as they listen to an entertainer.”

It’s been an incredible experience to watch Sanders shine on The Road, Heimer adds.

“He really took this opportunity to heart – to be on screen in front of millions to tell his story and put his talent on display,” Heimer says. “Adam is a high energy guy all the time and that’s what you see on stage. But he’s also one of the most genuine, down-to-earth friends I’ve ever had. The Adam you see on screen is the Adam you’ll see on the street.”

That’s Why We Do What We Do

Heimer first met Sanders in 2019. They were introduced by a mutual friend after Heimer created a series of videos to highlight the benefits of showing livestock. His goal was to help people outside of agriculture see that showing livestock was about more than just the animal and the ribbon. Their mutual friend encouraged Heimer to produce a music video which eventually led him to meet Sanders, a talented songwriter.

Adam Sanders (l) and Jesse Heimer (r) on the farm in Taylor, Mo.

(Legacy Livestock Images/Heidi Anderson)

“I had to learn more about his industry, so I could have enough knowledge about his side of the fence,” Sanders says. “I think we spent months really talking about the idea of this. One day, it really just registered with me and it clicked. I remember writing down in my phone: ‘that’s why we do what we do.’”

Sanders called on his friend Brice Long, a fellow songwriter to help write “Do What We Do.”

“I wanted the song to be broad enough that it could appeal across facets of agriculture,” Heimer says. “I knew if we made it just about the show ring, we were only going to attract those that already believe the same things as me.”

The project started as an anthem for stock show kids and although that goal never changed, the video went down a different path than Heimer first expected. He wanted to create a music video that everybody in agriculture could see themselves in. Regardless of what your role in agriculture is, Heimer believes this song speaks to the feelings of many about why they do what they do.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how the song turned out, and how it all came together,” Sanders says. “It was just a natural fit. It took some time to make it happen, but God had a plan in all of this and how it shaped out.”

Sanders adds that the stats show the song resonates with people. Through organic promotion only, the song has now been streamed nearly 600,000 times and appears on 39 playlists. It’s received 873,000 views on TikTok, too. Beyond traditional streams, the song has been very popular with TikTok users who are increasingly using it in their content.

But You’d Get It If You Did It

Three years after Sanders released this song, Heimer had an “epiphany” at the 2024 Missouri State Fair.

“I realized I was watching my kids doing, saying and loving all of the same things I did at the state fair when I was a kid,” Heimer says. “It felt like déjà vu. I talked to Adam during the fair and told him we should write a song about it – to piggyback off ‘Do What We Do.’”

Not long after, the song ‘ Get It If You Did It ’ was born.

“From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why we raise pigs, why we go to shows, why we commit so many resources for our kids to find success in the show ring,” Heimer

But you’d get it if you did it
I bet you wouldn’t knock it
If you dug your boots down in it
You’d know why we can’t stop it
You can’t replace the dreams we chase
Naw ain’t no way we can quit it
Might not love it like we love it
Or live it like we live it
But you’d get it if you did it.

- Get It If You Did It

points out. “This song is a continuation of the original story. The writing is broad enough, though, that it fits anyone’s hobby or passion from hunting to sports to rodeo. I hope it gets a spot on The Road.”

The chorus is easy for people in agriculture to relate to, Heimer says.

“The show pig community has been incredibly supportive of me as an artist for several years, going back to the introduction of ‘Do What We Do’ – and even before,” Sanders says. “It seems like no matter where I’m playing, people from this industry are in the crowd.”

Live from Oklahoma Ranch

Show pig industry leader Blake Kennedy, owner of Kennedy Ventures, was fortunate to be in the audience during the taping of The Road in Oklahoma City.

“It was a really cool experience to be selected as a cast member,” Kennedy says. “When we got there, they checked us in and took our phones and belongings. Because no one had the distraction of a phone, everyone was very present and engaged.”

The atmosphere inside Oklahoma Ranch was very exciting, he adds. Sanders performed his original, “Burning Roses” and Jo Dee Messina’s hit song “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

Although the contestants only get a few minutes of time in the TV show, Kennedy says their live performances were about 10 minutes and allowed the audience the opportunity to get to know each performer a little more.

“It was awesome to see someone like Adam be successful in his world who also enjoys seeing us achieve success in our world, too,” Kennedy says.

Tune in Sunday

Don’t miss the next episode performed at The Hall in Little Rock, Ark., airing on CBS on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. CT. https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-road/

Read the ‘Do What We Do’ story here:
Nashville Singer and Pig Farmer Release Anthem for Ag

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

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:55:13 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 .

New Heart Brings New Life: 13-Year-Old Dairy Exhibitor Returns Stronger After Life-Saving Transplant

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:37:23 GMT

At last year’s World Dairy Expo , 12-year-old Lexi Anderson from Cumberland, Wis., looked like any other spirited farm kid — full of energy and spunk. What no one could see was the silent battle inside her heart.

“How long have you been coming to World Dairy Expo?”

“12 years, my whole life,” Anderson said last year.

A Shocking Diagnosis

In December 2023, Anderson collapsed on the basketball court. At first, her mom, Tamala Anderson, thought it might be something simple like dehydration. But a visit to the doctor revealed something much more serious: restrictive cardiomyopathy, a rare and aggressive disease where the heart’s lining hardens and loses its ability to pump.

“The walls of the heart are eventually going to harden and stop pumping. It’s really rare,” Tamala says. “Like, only 2% of the world has it.”

Doctors delivered devastating news — the only chance for survival was a heart transplant. Without one, many children with the condition only live about a year and a half past diagnosis.

Life on Hold

The family was forced to put everything on pause. Sports, showing animals and everyday joys became secondary as they anxiously waited for a new heart. By January 2025, Anderson’s health had declined so much she was admitted into the hospital to move higher up on the transplant list.

“I was nervous, but I wasn’t. I just wanted to get it over with,” she says.

For weeks, the family clung to hope. Then, on January 21, they finally got the call: a donor heart was available.

The Surgery That Saved Her Life

Anderson’s transplant surgery lasted through the night. For Tamala, it was an emotional rollercoaster.

“Honestly, that was a pretty hard experience because you don’t see your daughter. You see tubes and bandages. But at the same time, you know she’s alive because these doctors are amazing,” Tamala says.

Anderson’s fighting spirit showed almost immediately. Just a day after surgery, she was determined to get out of bed and push herself forward.

“Day by day, I got my energy back. And then like a week later, I felt like I could run a mile,” Anderson says.

On Feb. 6 — less than three weeks after surgery — Anderson was able to go home.

“I don’t want to say it, but she’s the little miracle child. She had the determination to get it done,” Tamala says.

A Spunky Return

That determination hasn’t slowed down. A month after leaving the hospital, Anderson was back on the softball field. Today, eight months later, she’s a thriving 13-year-old — full of the sass, spirit and spark her family worried they might lose.

“Honestly, her change in personality and everything is amazing. She acts more like a teenager now. She has the spunk, the spirit, the sassiness. She’s just herself now,” Tamala says.

Even showing during World Dairy Expo this year, it was proof that surgery brought their spunky little girl back to life.

Living With Purpose

For the Andersons, every day with their daughter is a reminder of resilience, love and the gift of life made possible through organ donation.

“To go from this feeling of loss, because you don’t know what’s going to happen, to this extreme joy — because she’s right there. She’s not rejecting. The heart is doing great,” Tamala says.

Anderson’s story is not just one of survival, but of determination — a reminder that even in the hardest moments, miracles can and do happen.

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

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:29:02 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 15:00:26 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.”

Young Author Tackles Show Pig Journey in First Book: 'Bye-Bye Buddy'

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:59:35 GMT

It’s the time of the year that many stock show parents dread and struggle to talk about with their kids – the end of the show season.

That’s one of the reasons why 20-year-old Isabelle Doherty decided to write Bye-Bye Buddy, a book about the sensitive subject of saying goodbye to your show animals.

During a literacy class last year at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, she learned what it takes to make a good children’s book. An early childhood and special education major, she says she has always wanted to write a book about this topic because she thinks it could help kids.

“I’m not a writer, and I’m not an illustrator,” Doherty says. “But I knew this was a topic that needed to be talked about and that kids needed something to look at when they’re having to say goodbye to their best friends.”

Bye-Bye Buddy is written and illustrated by Isabelle Doherty.

(Jennifer Shike)

For Alex Bobell, a 10-year-old show pig exhibitor from Illinois, that’s one of the things she appreciates about the book.

“I love this book!” Bobell says. “It showed me that I am not the only one who gets sad when I have to say good-bye to my pigs at the end of the year. The pictures were also so good.”

Wravenna Bloomberg, a mother of four youth livestock exhibitors from Illinois, was one of the first to read Doherty’s book.

“What a sweet story depicting the bond between show pig and showman,” Bloomberg says. “The amount of time young exhibitors spend with their show animals creates a special relationship with memories far beyond that animal’s show career. I love how this story highlights this, while making it an easy read for young children.”

The Show Pig Journey
Doherty has been showing pigs since she was 3 years old. Her book explores the journey of the show pig project, including all of her own illustrations.

Isabelle Doherty reads her book, “Bye-Bye Buddy,” at a special event during the Team Purebred National Junior Show in Springfield, Ill.

(Showpig.com)

“The process of writing this book was difficult because I had to teach myself everything,” she says. “I couldn’t have done it without my parents and my family. I did not show them the book until it was finished, though. I wanted it to be something special and get the reaction when it was done and when it was printed.”

Her parents have served as her inspiration throughout her show career and the development of this book, Doherty points out.

“The show pig industry has been my life,” she says. “Now, it’s not every piece of my life, because there’s a bigger world out there. But what we take from this industry can help us impact that bigger world.”

Although she isn’t pursuing an agriculture-related degree, she believes the foundation she’s developed in agriculture will impact all of the children she meets in her future classrooms.

“I can’t wait to spread the love from this industry and what it has taught me to my future students,” Doherty says.

Of all the lessons she’s learned in the show ring, she hopes the industry will remember that the youth show industry is not about the breeders, feeders or fitters.

“This is about the kids,” she says. “We need to stay on track to that by placing value on showmanship and the contests, too. It is not about the place you get in class. That’s what’s so important about this industry and what it has taught me.”

Beyond Bloodlines: How One Farmer Earned His Legacy

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:57:47 GMT

Becoming a farmer wasn’t something Aaron Blackmon always aspired to do, but he is thankful for the opportunities agriculture has given him. The North Carolina hog farmer and Extension agent pairs a career of helping others with managing nine feeder-to-finish pork barns, a small cow-calf herd and hay ground.

“My great grandparents had a small farm with some pigs, chickens and a few cows,” Blackmon says. “That was just their way of life. They didn’t look at it as a business, but were able to provide for themselves and their community. It was just how they lived. I knew I enjoyed the farming lifestyle, but I didn’t really see a career in it until high school.”

Joining FFA where he competed on teams, made friends in agriculture and developed leadership skills, provided Blackmon more hands-on experience with possible agriculture careers. At 16 years old he also began working for local hog farmers Isaac and Nina Singletary, disinfecting the finishing barns after the hogs went to market.

“That’s where I was able to make a full connection about how an ag business was run,” Blackmon says.

The idea of being a farmer began to take root.

“Isaac ran a successful business that supported his employees and his family,” Blackmon adds. “Having him take a chance on me, mentoring me, bringing me into his family and teaching me a lot of what I know today has really shaped my career.”

The Singletarys could tell right away Blackmon had good character and work ethic.

“I was impressed with Aaron,” Singletary says. “He didn’t know anything about commercial hog production at the time, but he had his heart and his mind in the right place. He was dependable, dedicated and willing to learn.”

Blackmon hadn’t planned to attend college after high school, as he preferred hands-on learning to being in the classroom; however, he was introduced to the two-year program at North Carolina State University’s Agricultural Institute and earned an associate degree in applied science in livestock and poultry management.

(Sway)

Time of Transition

After graduation, Blackmon worked in the poultry industry and continued part time for the Singletarys. He began receiving job offers but didn’t have a four-year degree to pursue those.

“One day he came to me and said, ‘I want to go back to school,’” Singletary says. “I told him it’s kind of expensive to go, and his remark to me was, ‘I’ve been saving my money.’”

Blackmon went back to NC State and earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management in 2022. He accepted a position with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and began serving as the livestock and forage crop agent for Columbus County. He says working in Extension is rewarding.

Isaac and Nina Singletary, longtime North Carolina hog farmers, opened the door for a new generation by mentoring and eventually selling their farm to Aaron Blackmon.

(Sway)

“I really enjoy helping people, whether it’s a small-scale farmer, a large commercial operation, the homesteader or hobbyist, and the kids with 4-H projects,” Blackmon explains. “I believe in the concept of lifelong learning because there’s always something that somebody knows that I don’t, and I enjoy working with people who want to learn. They want to see their business grow, and aren’t afraid to try new things.”

During that same time, Blackmon’s interest in farming continued to grow, which he discussed with the Singletarys, who were considering their succession planning options. Their two children had other careers off the farm and would not be coming back. The relationship Blackmon had built with the Singletarys eventually led him to buy the family’s farm in Bladenboro, N.C., and continue the farming legacy.

“We were all committed to make sure that everybody was satisfied and everything was fair to them, to their children and to me,” Blackmon says. “They wanted to make sure they got an appropriate amount for their farm. They also wanted to make sure that I was coming in not trying drain a lake with a straw. They knew what it would take for that farm to be successful.”

The mentoring and experience Aaron received while working on the Singletary’s hog farm gave way to not only a friendship, but also a business opportunity.

(Sway)

Eye on the Future

These days, Blackmon balances running his farm and Extension work with the help of his village that includes his grandpa, one full-time employee and Singletary.

“It takes a team effort, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Blackmon says. “There’s always something to do, and it can consume you if you let it. I consider myself a first-generation farmer. There are a lot of things that I want to do and improvements I want to make. I keep reminding myself these things aren’t going to happen overnight. It’s important to set 12-month goals, five-year and 10-year goals and try to hit them.”

Blackmon says farming is like a bug: Once you get bit, you can’t let it go.

“We’re helping feed people, and we’re stewards of the land,” he says. “We’re making the land productive and taking care of animals.”

He reminds himself that what he’s doing now will hopefully help his family in the future and leave a legacy.

“You don’t see someone like me very often,” Blackmon says. “I hope that will change, and by the time I’m Isaac’s age, it won’t be uncommon to see Black and brown people doing some of this stuff I’m doing. I don’t take that lightly that people look at me. I was always taught you’re not just representing yourself; you represent your family. I feel my family is more than my blood family. I represent agriculture when I go into the community. I try to keep that in mind and do the best I can.”

Aaron has been a life-long learner and loves teaching others through his job as an extension agent. He is combining his passions for sharing knowledge and farming into a fulfilling career.

(Michelle Shooter, Sway)

Your next read: Josh Maschhoff Opens Up About Building on the Family Legacy in Pork Production

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

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:56:58 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

Finding Strength in Adversity: A Wisconsin Farm Girl’s Inspiring Journey

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:45:09 GMT

Growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, Sydni Mell was no stranger to hard work. Like most farm kids, she had chores before and after school, and often fed calves on her family’s 200-cow dairy in Waunakee, Wis. Little did she know the resilience and courage ingrained in her upbringing would become vital tools in facing unwelcome adversities that awaited her after high school.

A Dramatic Turn
After graduating from high school, Mell moved to Madison to study dairy science at the University of Wisconsin. Even during school breaks, she would return home to help on the farm. One day in 2022 during Easter break, while dealing with the farm chores alongside her brother, Sam, tragedy struck. While uncovering plastic in the silage bunker, Mell slipped on a concrete sidewall, causing her to fall into another bunker that was empty. With his older sister unconscious, Sam, only 16 at the time, called for help as his sister lay motionless.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Mell was rushed to UW-Madison hospital, where she stayed for a week and received the diagnosis of a complete injury, leaving her unable to move her legs. Unyielding in spirit, Mell advocated to be transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, renowned for rehabilitation, where she began her new journey of adjusting to life with paralysis.

“I wanted to learn to walk again,” she says, noting that with a complete injury diagnosis the plan quickly changed to helping her readjust to life in a chair, which frustrated her as other patients were learning to walk again.

“I went from having a lot of hope to feeling frustrated that they didn’t have hope for me,” she shares.

Returning Home
Indeed, her resolve was tested, yet Mell remained determined to return to her studies and not lose her academic momentum.

“I didn’t want to fall behind,” she says, and she eagerly awaited to be reunited with her friends from the Association of Women in Agriculture at UW-Madison, which she says became her lifeline, providing essential support and acceptance.

“If I didn’t have the friends that I made that first semester and a half at school, I would have not gone back,” she says. “People look at you differently when you are in a chair, but I never got that feeling from my girls.”

Adapting to New Challenges
Thanks to workers’ compensation, Mell received a high-powered wheelchair, enabling her to navigate the campus effectively, although she notes not every area of the campus is accessible. Despite the challenges, she looks forward to graduating with a degree in dairy science this spring, while contemplating her future. Returning to the farm to continue feeding calves and lending a helping hand or assisting other dairy farms in a tech role were exciting prospects. Mell smiles big and says she’d love to do both.

“I find being outside and on farms very therapeutic,” she says.

A Therapeutic Bond with Animals
The fresh air, the smell of the farms, working with family — many would concur with Mell that farms are indeed therapeutic places. With genuine warmth, she adds that animals treated her no differently, unbothered by her being in a chair.

“Calves don’t look at me differently,” she says. “They are used to me being in a chair.”

Although she openly shares that independence remains a constant struggle for her. Tasks such as lifting milk replacer bags now require help, which causes her frustration.

“I’m an independent woman,” she says. “I don’t like asking for help.”

To better accommodate Mell’s wheelchair, the farm is constructing a new calf room, aiming to enhance her ability to perform tasks independently. The spirited 20-something’s attitude remains undeterred, accepting that she cannot change the past yet is hopeful about the future.

Finding Strength in Faith
Mell recently received the prestigious Socrates Award from the Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation; an annual $1,000 lifetime grant. These funds will financially assist in alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy, which she believes will benefit her still-strong legs.

Despite the setback, she holds firm to the belief that medical advancements could one day allow her to walk again.

“The medical world is changing and finding new things every day,” she says.

Mell’s grounding faith, nurtured long before her accident, bolsters her resilience daily.

“I read the Bible every day and that gives me the strength in the morning to just get up,” she shares.

Family plays a critical role in Mell’s life, with her brother Sam emerging as one of her greatest supporters. From carrying her upstairs to providing emotional strength, their bond is unwavering. Weekly, Mell’s father and brother assist her in staying active using a treadmill where she is harnessed in and they help her move her legs, showing a shared commitment to her rehabilitation.

“Even on the hard days, having family that worships together and being there for one another has been one of the greatest blessings,” she says.

Having a strong faith has allowed Mell’s mental health to remain strong through it all. She says she focuses on the now and doesn’t think what the future may look like.

“I can only control what’s happening in the moment,” she says. “I have to keep hope alive — that is what keeps me going.”

Sydni Mell’s journey is one of hope, faith and remarkable resilience. Her ability to focus on the present and keep hope alive underlines her story as an inspiration. While significant barriers remain, her unwavering spirit and the love of those around her continue to guide her through the ups and downs, making her journey a testament to overcoming adversity.

Your Next Read:
The Heartbeat of Fir Ridge Holsteins: Ida Ruby’s Impact on Oregon’s Dairy Landscape

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

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:14:52 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.

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This Modern Dairy Embraces Technology While Honoring Tradition

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:14:32 GMT

In the serene landscapes of Lancaster, Wis., a remarkable journey unfolds — one that intertwines technology, tradition and an enduring passion for dairy farming. Amanda Buschor, a dynamic young dairy farmer, has masterfully managed to blend her personal life and professional aspirations, all while spearheading the operations of Majestic View Dairy, a farm her family helped to establish four decades ago.

A Journey Through Education and Experience
Majestic View Dairy, now home to 1,100 mature cows and nearly 4,000 acres, is a long-standing partnership between Buschor’s parents, Ron and Terri Abing, and John Haskins’ family. Buschor’s early exposure to farming life was enriched by her hands-on experiences and formal education at Lakeshore Technical School, as well as growing up and working side-by-side with her family and other key employees on their farm.

(Merck Animal Health)

“Our farm herd managers were not afraid to try some things, and that really helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life,” she says. “At the time, I was actually going back and forth between nursing and a career in dairy herd management.”

Buschor’s time at Lakeshore Technical School further helped enrich her understanding of the industry, combining classroom learning with her real-world experiences on the farm. It is during this time she took on an internship with Soaring Eagle Dairy, LLC in Newton, Wis.

“That family took the time to teach me so many hands on learning opportunities,” Buschor shares.

Obviously, these experiences shaped her passion for dairy farming. This eventually led her back to her family farm, where she now helps oversee 28 full and part-time employees.

Game-Changer Technology
In 2016, Buschor’s sister, Sarah, who had been vital to helping with herd health took a job opportunity in the dairy industry. A few months later, the farm experienced another big change when her father experienced some health challenges. This left Buschor alone juggling multiple responsibilities. Six months pregnant with her third child, along with raising a 4- and 2-year-old, Buschor quickly learned to rely heavily on the technological advancements her farm put in place during the years prior.

This natural caretaker and problem solver says if the technology weren’t already in place, she likely would have walked away. Technology such as SenseHub Dairy monitoring system and sort gates work seamlessly with their parlor, making Buschor’s job as herd manager that much easier.

“I would not have been able to physically be at home every day with my newborn if I was not able to help the people who were working on the farm every day by managing remotely,” Buschor explains. “I would not have been able to work remotely, if it wasn’t for this state-of-the-art [SenseHub] technology already in place.”

(Merck Animal Health)

Because of the circumstances, Buschor had to learn and lean on the technology, and, over time, relied on it as her No. 1 assistant.

These innovations have become indispensable assets, providing this young farmer with much needed flexibility.

“For me, it just has created so much flexibility with my schedule,” she says.

Buschor’s three sons each play three different sports, which means they deal with nine sports schedules. On-farm technology gives her peace of mind to push stop at the dairy and attend one of her kids’ sporting events or get one boy from school to practice.

Technology also lets her quickly change course because of incoming weather, for example. Most of their cow touches are automatically sorted through their sort gate.

“Say we are scheduled to give shots on Tuesday morning when it’s supposed to be -30. Well, with the help of a few clicks of a button, we can easily complete this task a few days later without disrupting the barn,” she shares.

Hands-On Care and Holistic Approaches
Buschor’s intrinsic passion for problem-solving and caring for others is evident in her approach to cattle care. She combines technological insights with intuitive understanding of animal health, ensuring each cow’s needs are met.

“If employees in the parlor see a cow that has mastitis, for instance, they can actually sort her from the parlor with a long hold of the button,” she says, noting along with WhatsApp, the team in the barns are notified and they can address her quickly. “They just take a picture of the cow number, and I know she will be back in the barn waiting for me.”

With all the hustle and bustle on the farm, sort-gate technology is a luxury Buschor could not imagine life without.

“We bred 40 cows and gave 50 shots this morning and all the cows were sorted off by the sort-gate after milking,” she shares. Cows that are sorted off go into pens with bedding, water and feed and just hang out until she — or one of her assistants — are ready for them.

Farm consultants always comment on what a nice, quiet barn she has, which Buschor says is because of the sort-gates.

“We don’t have to go and disturb the whole pen to address just one cow,” she says.

“It’s all very cool and manageable technology for our team to use.”

Prioritizing Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
Buschor’s father passed away in 2021 and she smiles when she reflects on his progressive mindset — willing to try new things while keeping his eye toward the future. After his stroke in 2016, he allowed her to take on more responsibilities and ever since, she has jumped in with both feet, hands-on with the cows while also working with her mom to handle the HR responsibilities, regulations and inspections of the farm.

“I have two assistants who help me with the cow work, and I’m trying to let them take on the lead and be back-up support so they can learn more,” she shares.

Buschor’s philosophy extends beyond technology; she values the well-being of everyone involved in the farm. She advocates for balance, ensuring her family and staff prioritize personal time over farm obligations and says that she doesn’t want the farm to be an excuse why somebody doesn’t take time off. By fostering an environment that encourages rest and rejuvenation, she sets a precedent for mental and physical well-being in the farming community.

“I don’t care if it’s my mom, I don’t care if it’s me, I don’t care if it’s my cousin. I don’t want them to use the farm as an excuse to not get away and take care of themselves because this farm has so many good workers, and good technology to get the job done,” she says.

Embracing Change and Looking Forward
Buschor’s journey represents the dynamic world of modern agriculture, blending innovation with tradition. Through technology and a deep-seated passion for her work, Buschor ensures her family’s legacy continues to thrive, fostering a harmonious future for both her family and her cows. With a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve, Buschor exemplifies how technology in agriculture can revolutionize daily farm operations, leading to success and satisfaction in both personal and professional spheres.

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

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:42:30 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.

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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 15:02:28 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 .

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

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:54 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.”

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What the Next Generation Can Do to Prepare for Transition Planning

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:38:30 GMT

The interconnectedness of agriculture business and family relationships can make transition and estate planning feel challenging. Having the conversations and carrying out the legalities are two separate components that require great detail. Add on managing finances and what should be an exciting opportunity for the rising generation can quickly become overwhelming.

Jessica Groskopf, a Nebraska farmer and transition planning expert, talks about transition and estate planning in a different light. She spoke on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast about how the next generation can prepare themselves. She recognizes the challenges that come with the process, but also sees the hidden opportunities that can help the rising generation build for the future.

“There is a big part of the message missing when it comes to talking about estate and transition planning,” Groskopf says. “That part of the message is what we can do as the younger generation to prepare ourselves for that eventual transfer.”

Jessica and her husband know firsthand what it is like to build for the future even when there has been a lack of transparency and communication from the senior generation. Together, they turned what looked like a less-than-ideal buy out to others into a great opportunity for themselves by using emergency funds, good debt, flexible investments, and alternative revenue.

Groskopf says, “Fifty percent of land owned by an operator was purchased from a non-relative.”

That means the younger generation needs to start preparing financially because the likelihood of them purchasing property is very high.

Financial preparation can include many components. The Groskopfs knew they wanted to buy farmland at some point regardless of if it was in the family or not. So, they started early to prepare for their unknown scenario of a down payment for property.

“The key to savings and investing is time,” Groskopfs says. “The younger you start saving and investing, the better off you will be especially if you are allowing that money to grow over a significant amount of time.”

About five years after they began saving and investing, Jessica and her husband bought into the family partnership with the money they had accumulated. The amount of time, and money needed for a down payment is unique to each individual person and family.

Emergency funds are the first step to financial security.

“For most farm and ranch families, I prefer they have three to six months worth of family living expenses on hand,” says Groskopf

Emergency funds are the safety net that families can use to safeguard against bad debt and continue to move forward financially. One smart practice with emergency funds is to make sure they are in an easily accessible account that earns interest. Two account examples to explore are high-yield savings accounts or money markets.

The next step is to tackle “bad” debt.

“Not all debt is bad and debt is certainly not dumb,” Groskopf says. “Debt is a tool…I think most people understand what bad debt is, but I want to provide a clear definition. Bad debt has a relatively high interest rate, usually over seven percent. Bad debt is also purchasing items that are not necessary.”

Other considerations to make about debt include depreciation, tax advantages and if the item putting you in debt is adding value in other areas of the business. It ultimately comes down to how you manage debt because even good debt can pile up and put farmers and ranchers in less-than-ideal financial positions.

Once you have an emergency fund, and have paid off “bad debt”, it’s time to focus on other savings and investments.

“If the money will be needed within three years, it should go into the savings bucket,” Groskopf says. “High-yield savings accounts, money markets and bonds are all examples of accounts that can be used for shorter-term savings. Accounts used for savings should earn enough interest to outpace inflation, look for options with an annual percentage yield of 3% or higher.”

Groskopf says to invest money that will not be needed in the short term. Investment accounts usually have higher rates of returns but require leaving the money in the accounts for long periods of time to receive the advantages of using them.

For farmers and ranchers aiming to secure their financial future, Jessica recommends investing in flexible accounts. When picking an investment account, considerations need made to what tax and penalties may apply upon withdrawal of the funds along with any other stipulations that come along with the account. Once you have selected the account, you will then need to select the investments within the account. Producers should look for lost cost, diversified options such as Index Funds, Mutual Funds or Exchange Traded Funds, she adds.

“If your head is spinning when it comes to all this information, I’d encourage you to sit down with a financial advisor and explain your situation. Share how long you’d like to invest and how accessible you need the funds to be,” Groskopf says.

Alternative revenue streams or town jobs are a common risk management strategy for farm and ranch families. Whether they pay for living expenses or even supplement the business during the beginning years, they can be a valuable tool.

“I’m someone who says that it has to fit with the farm or the ranch,” Groskopf says. “You have to make sure the seasonality of the business doesn’t conflict with the farm or ranch and that you have the flexibility you need to get everything done.”

Financial and non-financial considerations need to be made before committing to another form of revenue for your personal life or ranch.

Building for the future takes time and experience.

“No one has taught any of us how to do this finance stuff…it is not something you should inherently know,” Groskopf explains. “If you are starting from scratch, go back to your balance sheet. Write down what you do and don’t have in place and even what you don’t understand. Connect with an expert such as your local banker or a financial planner who can help you move forward.”

If you are not comfortable investing on your own, work closely with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional, Certified Public Accountant, tax preparer, and/or investment advisor.

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Next Gen Spotlight: Minnesota Farmer Balances Tradition and Innovation

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:07:52 GMT

Growing up with five brothers, Rebecca Sip never expected to return to the farm full time. However, when her parents started talking about retirement, the future of the family farm was in question because her siblings had established off-farm careers.

“I had always thought someday when I had a family, I’d be able to bring them back to the farm for visits as I’d seen my extended relatives do for years growing up,” Sip explains. “When the thought there might not be a farm to come back to loomed as a reality, I had a conversation with my sister, and we both said, ‘let’s give this a shot.’”

Today, Sip raises soybeans, corn, wheat and sugar beets across 3,000 acres north of Ada, Minn., alongside her brother, Paul, sister, Marissa, and their parents. Taking the leap to full-time farmers hasn’t been without its challenges, but the family has learned to play to each other’s strengths.

Q: Did you face any challenges returning to the farm?

A: It was definitely overwhelming at first. Mechanics has been a huge learning curve for me. I still wouldn’t say it’s my strong point on the farm — my brother is far more gifted in that area. But it’s also been an encouragement because I can look back and see all the things I’m confident to tackle now that I didn’t know how to do when we started.

Q: What’s the hardest part of getting started as a young farmer?

A: You don’t have years of experience. For example, every field has different soil, each soil reacts differently to weather conditions, which can have major effects on crop results. My dad’s wisdom from his years of working through so many different conditions is really invaluable and something I want to thoroughly learn.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: There’s a verse from the Bible my dad has quoted for many years: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” It’s just made me realize if I desire blessings in my life, I need to approach things in humility. That’s huge on the farm because it’s really easy when you’re in the heat of harvest to be tired, stubborn and not approach communication with humility. You can hold an opinion without doing it in a smug manner, and it certainly makes the disagreements go smoother if you can remember that.

Q: Any advice for others just getting started?

A: You don’t need to know everything at once, but you do need to be constantly learning — and slow down enough to enjoy it. A breakdown on the combine in freezing cold weather 20 miles from the shop is uncomfortable. Being stuck in the mud in three tracked Challenger tractors makes you wonder what you’re doing. But, in my view, those things also make you a more resilient person.

Q: What’s something you hope to implement or change on your operation down the road?

A: There’s going to be a lot of change for us in the next few years as my parents step back. Taking over the decisions and planning this last year has been another level of growth for all three of us. I’m really glad it’s a gradual transition process and not a hammer drop. Beyond that, there’s definitely things that would be nice to change and add to the operation, but with tighter margins you can’t throw much money at things that won’t necessarily give you monetary return.

Q: If you had a magic wand to fix one problem on the farm or in agriculture, what would it be?

A: Pesticide resistance. If every farmer was able to spray less, save money, save time and still end up with excellent results — that would be amazing.

Your Next Read — Unlikely Beginnings: How a Farm Journal Ad Transformed a Farm Family’s Legacy

Chief Tractor Kid? John Deere Saddles Up With Young Farmer Jackson Laux

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:47:45 GMT

He sold your grandfather a tractor back in ’73, likes the look of a clean lawn, and every morning he checks the chicken coop for fresh eggs. And now he’s John Deere’s first-ever Chief Tractor Kid.

Yep, you heard that right: John Deere is partnering with Jackson Laux, a 9-year-old farmer from Indiana and viral social media sensation known for his love of tractors and farming. Jackson will create content for Deere’s social media channels throughout the next year to bring awareness to the people in agriculture.

RELATED: Brock Purdy Leads Chief Tractor Officer Search

“Creating content alongside Jackson will help us introduce agriculture to a new generation in fun, unique formats that capture the true day-to-day life of a farmer,” said Jennifer Hartmann, global director of strategic public relations and enterprise social media.

Jackson went viral on TikTok in November 2023 when his cousin posted a video of him in response to the comment “farm kids are just built different”. Coined as the youngest tractor expert by his followers, Jackson has worked on his family’s farm in “good old South Whitley, Windy-ana” since the day he could walk. The good natured Indiana farm kid comes from a family of fifth-generation farmers.

@justbeckythings Reply to @peachstatehomesteader he sure is….8 years old & already owns his first of many to come @johndeere ♬ original sound - Becca

“Farming is really cool, and I want to show other kids my age why they should get into farming too. And show farmers of all ages why they should take the time to teach us younger ones,” Jackson said.

Watch the story unfold on TikTok and Instagram by following @JohnDeere.

And in the words of Jackson: “That’s all she wrote.”

Your Next Read: John Deere Presses Pause at Iowa Plant, Bourgault and Unverferth Add to Lineup

Why Students Should Apply for the 2025 Summer Veterinary Internship Program Now

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:13:43 GMT

The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU CVM) is seeking veterinary student applicants for summer 2025 swine, bovine and poultry internship positions.

Will Fombelle, DVM, is a veteran of several internships spread across his undergraduate studies in animal sciences and also into his veterinary school education. During the summer of 2012, he completed the Swine Veterinary Internship Program (SVIP).

“While in school, I took on the attitude of completing as many internships as I possibly could in order to not only narrow down my career choice but also my future employer. By participating in these programs, I was able to mold my interests into the fields of swine medicine and production which greatly accelerated my vision of where I chose to start my career in veterinary medicine at Carthage Veterinary Service,” he said in a previous PorkBusiness.com article .

Participants in the SVIP collaborate with a mentoring veterinarian or team of veterinarians at a production system or practice. Students are immersed in modern swine production and health daily and take the lead on designing and executing a field trial with guidance from mentors, ISU CVM said on its website . Students also take part in diagnostic test sampling and implement the principles and methods of swine diagnostic collection, testing and interpretation.

“Even if your university has classes well into the summer, you have a study abroad trip planned, a wedding or another reason you might not be able to commit to the entire 12 weeks, go ahead and apply,” ISU CVM encouraged. “Just note your availability in the section where it asks about conflicts. We can’t guarantee we can accommodate all schedules but if a student is selected we will try our hardest to be flexible and make it work.”

Applications are due Dec. 1, 2024 (late applications are accepted but higher priority will be given to those received by Dec. 1).

Apply here.

“These summer internships are the first exposure for students to the real world, and we should do our best to make each student’s experience a positive one,” Fombelle wrote.

Learn more here.

Your Next Read: Find and Develop Your Replacement in the Pork Industry

Next Gen Spotlight: Indiana Farmer Modernizes Farm With Robotics and Automation

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:28:46 GMT

Lance Sommers, 37, farms 2,000 acres of grain crops and raises 300 head of dairy cows near the Ohio-Indiana border. His grandfather founded Sommers Farms, Inc. after immigrating to the area from Switzerland.

Today, the third-generation farmer manages the operation alongside his father, mother, sister, brother-in-law and nephew — who recently returned to the farm after majoring in ag business at Purdue University.

In 2015, Sommers and his family had an epiphany. Technology, they decided, was going to be the future of farming. Lance immediately dug in, doing research into the technologies that would work for his farm. He decided to add automation and robotics to the dairy side of the business to free up himself and his family members to refocus their efforts on other aspects of the operation. Today, the farm deploys five Lely robotic milking systems, robotic alley scrapers in the barns that run autonomously, and automated cow and calf feeding technologies that ensure his growing herd always has food within reach.

Q: How important is technology to your operation?

A: “You know, I think if you’re not adapting to our current situation and environment, you might not be here in the years to come. So, seeing that technology is readily available to us all and it’s not going anywhere, you either have to adapt or you’re probably going to be left out. By using technology, we get a 10% to 15% increase on our production, and then we are able to be more flexible in our schedule with grain farming and all of the school events and things like that. When we had the dairy, before we brought in all the technology, things were on a much more fixed schedule. Now, we are able to move our schedules around to kind of allow ourselves to have more of a work-life balance. The flexibility that technology gives us has certainly proven to be nice to have.”

Q: As a young farmer, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: “That would be a quote I heard from a high-yield soybean farmer in Georgia, Randy Dowdy. I met him at an industry event, and he told me ‘what makes a good farmer a great farmer is timing and attention to detail.’ I still think about that, and it turns out he was right.”

Q: Is there a piece of advice that you would offer to a younger row crop or livestock farmer who is just starting to get up and running with their business?

A: “Yeah, I would just say, work hard because hard work will always be important. Be ready to put in the work and the time and then look for opportunities where you can use technology to benefit you. It’s about working smarter not harder. And there’s a point where that needs to be in correlation. You still need to put the time in, but you can also use technology to you and your family’s benefit — to free yourselves up and to be more efficient overall and more productive.

The other piece comes from an ag retail salesperson that we’ve worked with for years. He always used to tell me how important it is to understand that we don’t know what we don’t know yet. So always try to be willing and ready to learn and to try something new. You shouldn’t ever be under the impression that you know it all, because again, we don’t know what we don’t know yet.”

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

The Growing Crisis in Our Communities: Can 4-H Answer the Call?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:35:23 GMT

Did you know that 52% of Gen Z kids feel like they are failing at life goals? And that 53% of Gen Z’s report feeling lonely?

“Recent years have only intensified these challenges. Chronic absenteeism has doubled since the 2018-2019 school year, and math and reading scores have plummeted, marking the largest declines in student performance in 50 years. As academic achievement continues to drop, youth feel disconnected, less confident, and unsure of how to navigate the future,” Jill Bramble, president and CEO of 4-H said in a release .

Gen Z’s challenges aren’t just academic; they’re personal, she adds. Many young people say they are falling short, unable to envision a successful future where they feel connected to their friends, families, and communities.

“Without the essential skills they need to adapt and succeed, they face an uncertain path. The result is a growing crisis in our communities—a crisis that requires immediate action,” Bramble said.

For many youth, the road ahead may be challenging, yet 4-H says its members are succeeding. Why? Data from a Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development shows that compared to their peers they’re:

2x more likely to have the goal of being a leader
3x more likely to participate in community service
2x more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose

“While schools play a critical role in education, they cannot do it alone. Employers are increasingly focusing on skills that extend beyond traditional subjects, with 77% stating the need for analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, and adaptability. That’s where 4-H comes in,” Bramble said.

On Oct. 9, companies like Georgia Boot and others announced support of the “Beyond Ready” initiative that seeks to expand the reach of 4-H to 10 million youth by 2030 by addressing critical issues such as community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for inclusion.

“4-H is an incredible program that directly benefits kids on a local and national scale,” Libby Hosler, marketing manager for Georgia Boot said in a release. “As a long-term partner, we are committed to supporting the Beyond Ready campaign to amplify the reach of 4-H to more youth across the country through hands-on learning experiences that help build life skills like confidence, creativity, leadership and resiliency.”

Through Cooperative Extension’s network of over 100 land-grant universities, 4-H’s research-backed programs reach young people through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs, online through CLOVER by 4-H, and 4-H camps. The life-changing 4-H experience is delivered by 3,500 4-H professionals and 500,000 volunteers who serve every county and parish in the country. 4-H programs are peer-led, hands-on and community-focused with programming that is often customized to fit the needs of the local community.

Visit 4-h.org to learn more.

Your Next Read: 5 Things No One Tells You About 4-H

Next Gen Spotlight: Indiana Farmer Helps Grow Family Businesses

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:06:41 GMT

In 2019, Bri Osborne took her father, Steve Stagge, up on his offer to come back and help with the family farm and his manure business.

Together, the father and daughter manage 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans alongside 7,000 head of hogs with help from their hired hand, Alfonso, and Bri’s husband, Dustin.

They also have an impressive collection of businesses that keep their plates full year round, including a dragline manure business and a spray drone service called Osborne Ag Services. Besides their two spray drones, the business is also diving into offering Grain Weevil robots inside grain bins as a service. Bri says farmer demand for their spray drone service has exploded the past two years, doubling the acres they cover.

Q: How do you manage your time running multiple businesses?

A: In the fall and spring, it’s all hands on deck between farming and drag lining. The spray drones were a perfect fit for our schedule, with that busy season spanning from July to the end of August. In the wintertime, we build custom drone trailers, haul grain and perform equipment maintenance. It’s more of a manage by season type of time management, but it keeps us busy throughout the year.

Q: What are some of the things on the farm you’re passionate about?

A: Like the average farmer, I love harvest time. My main role during harvest is in the grain cart and helping move trucks around. Spraying in the spring time and tending to the crops is also another passion I’ve pursued. My dad handles his own crop spraying and taught me the ropes. My husband was a commercial applicator for over 15 years, so that all plays into why we started our own spraying business. I also manage the marketing and bookwork for the farm. There’s always something new to learn when it comes to grain marketing, and it’s different every year.

Q: Who have been your main mentors so far?

A: My dad has been a huge mentor. I am a fourth-generation farmer. My great-grandpa started this farm growing corn and soybeans and raising hogs on dirt. My grandpa was very knowledgeable with the crops, and he taught my dad, and my dad taught me. My dad took the farm to the next level with the commercial hog operation and the drag line business, and my husband and I hope to continue to expand. Our crop consultant and input salesman, Pete, has been a huge help in teaching me the agronomy side.

Q: How important is technology to your farm?

A: I think technology is where ag is headed, which is another reason why we were excited to be getting into the drones and be a part of the Bin Assist Network with the grain weevils. There’s a lot of knowledge and components that go into farming, and technology has played a huge part in helping farmers see what product or farming practices can help their bottom dollar. We are technology-based with all we do on the farm and related businesses.

Q: What advice would you have for others who are just getting into farming?

A: I guess my first piece of advice would be to diversify to help bring value back to the farm. The grain market is ever changing, and it’s comforting to have another stream of income when the markets jump up and down. With our ag-related businesses, it has always been important to us to treat other fields as if they were our own. If you are timely and do the job right, the business will continue to grow and be successful. Also, be a sponge for knowledge. There’s something you can learn from everybody, everybody’s had different experiences.

Your Next Read — Next Gen Spotlight: Missouri Farmer Diversifies to ‘Roll With the Punches and Grow’

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

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 19:43:14 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 16:43:02 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

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:35:24 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.