It’s no coincidence that I work with tractors and implements for a living, considering I dreamed of becoming a ship captain or an airline pilot as a child. I’ve always been fascinated with large machinery and the people who operate it.

I’ve never wanted to be anything other than a farmer. For me, farming is a lifestyle, not a job. 

"Growing up on the farm, it was hard not to resent the missed sleepovers, sports teams and free time that other kids my age were able to enjoy. Farming was hard work, and I couldn’t see myself turning it into a career.

I continued to work on the family farm throughout college. I saw how financially hard it was on my family and was determined not to take the same path. After I got my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I went into public accounting and completely removed myself from the farm.

“I’ve always loved every aspect of the farming profession, even as a young kid. Living in the country, taking care of animals, taking care of the land … I knew it was what I wanted to do. My dad was a farmer and rancher, and I wanted to be just like him.