I was recently asked if I would be interested in writing a page for this magazine. It didn’t take me long to arrive at a “yes,” for a few important reasons. I will explain the why behind that decision in the very near future. But first, I want to share that something new is happening on the back page of every issue – and I am genuinely excited to be part of that change.
In upcoming articles, I’ll go into more detail about what you can expect from this column. For this issue, however, I’d like to take a moment to help you better understand the person behind the page.
While I am not an exact replica of anyone else, I suspect we have a lot in common. I am a fourth-generation farmer, and I love farming. My parents always said they could tell early on that farming was in my future. I was playing with tractors in the sandbox by 3 years old and driving real ones by the time I was 7.
I grew up on the farm, where we still operate today and have owned and operated it for just shy of 40 years. That may help you realize I’m older than many of you – but not old. I’ll explain that more clearly in another issue. Let’s just say I’ve been around the sun a few times and have experienced life’s ups and downs. Like many of you, I’ve seen incredible highs and some very difficult lows.
I understand who you are and what you do. I understand the long hours and deep sacrifices you make. I understand how much you care for the people, animals and environment you are entrusted to steward. And I also understand that even though you dedicate your life to caring for these things – and do an exceptional job – not everyone appreciates it.
Farmers are remarkable. Roughly 1.5% of the population is responsible for providing food for the other 98.5%. That makes what you do incredibly important.
I also understand that while farmers are strong, determined and independent, some of the challenges we face tug deeply at our hearts and sometimes bring quiet tears. I understand the monumental highs – and the challenging lows – of working with family.
My beautiful wife, Pam, and I have been married for 43 years. She also grew up on a dairy farm, and we have worked side by side our entire careers. I know both the joy and the challenge of farming with your spouse. I’ve come to believe that if you really want to test the strength of a marriage, try moving cattle together!
Pam and I are blessed with two wonderful children, Shawn and Laura, both of whom are part owners and hold key roles on our farm. Shawn is responsible for crops and machinery and oversees one of our three pillars: caring for the environment. His wife, Crystal, works off the farm as a dental hygienist. Together, they have blessed us with two precious grandchildren, Jackson and Brynlee.
Laura has a heart for animals like no one I know. She truly loves them all, which makes her the perfect fit to lead our second pillar: caring for animals. Like so many of you, she pours her heart into providing the best possible care every day. Laura also plays an important role in our third pillar – caring for people. She invests deeply in our team on the farm and also spends considerable time impacting people beyond it through social media, speaking and writing. She is passionate about helping share the incredible story that farmers must tell.
Laura’s husband, Tyler, is a city boy who has transformed into an incredible asset to our farm. He serves as our head feeder and has elevated that critical role to an exceptional level. He also leads our milking team and does an outstanding job balancing the fine line between friend, family member and boss. Fun is part of our culture, and when fun is happening on our farm, Tyler is usually right in the middle of it.
As you can see, we likely have a lot in common. Most farms are still family farms, run by hardworking, committed people who share many of the same joys and challenges we do.
In the next issue, I’ll outline the types of topics you can expect from this page. Until then, know this: I understand – and I genuinely care. I care about you, your family, your business, your employees, your community and our industry.
