Coming Into the Agriculture Scene With an Outside View

How many of us remember thinking of our future dream job as a kid? Who can say that they have succeeded in finding the same dream job they once believed in as a child? I know I have not pursued the same career. My dream job was to be an Ice Cream man that would drive around town with my own catchy tune playing from the speakers. While growing up your parents, family, friends and even yourself constantly wonder what you want to do for a living the rest of your life, and I still do not fully understand what my desired career is.

I quickly grew out of the childish dream and stopped thinking that far ahead until high school. Junior year is when I started thinking again since it was time to visit colleges and apply for an intended major. I did not initially choose to study agriculture until one day a switch flipped in my brain and I decided to pursue Agriculture Science at Western Illinois University. Coming from a high school in Bartlett, Illinois, a North West suburb of Chicago, there were no agriculture-based courses offered at my school. the closest related class I took was AP Environmental Science.

Transitioning to WIU

Coming to Western Illinois from the suburbs, I was in for a big transition. My first few weeks attending classes, I not only noticed how much more there were to a corn or soybean plant besides what they produce, but I quickly noticed a difference in the people. I noticed how different they dressed compared to me. I showed up in Nike running shoes and Nike joggers where everyone else either had “Hey Dudes” or “Twisted X” shoes which were both brands I have never seen or heard of before. After a few weeks in my first semester, I got more comfortable with how my classes worked regarding to how each professor teaches and how my classmates interacted in and out of the classroom.

“When I first started my 176 agronomy class, there were some topics that were only briefly discussed because many of the students in the class knew as they were from a farm, but they were lost on me. I had to play catch up for a long time to learn basic farmhand knowledge that some kids had known forever”

-Claudia Bland. WIU School of Ag Alumni

Getting Comfortable

Since I knew there were not going to be any familiar faces, I had to figure out the hard part of making friends with people I have little in common with. There is one person and one organization that initially helped me get acquainted into the WIU School of Ag. That one person was Claudia Bland, and the organization was my fraternity Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS). Claudia and I were in the WIU Marching Leathernecks together in 2018 which is where we met. She helped me by driving me to the Fall of 2018 Aggie Picnic after a band practice and overall knowing there was another aggie in the marching band made me happy. My fraternity AGS helped me get even more happy with my transition to WIU because I made many new friends who happened to already be in my first semester classes as well as establishing a home away from home.

This is a picture of Claudia Bland (Left) and myself (Right) before marching band rehearsal being the only two Aggies in the ensemble. – Photo taken by another band member.

This is a picture of my Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity’s house. I am very lucky to have such a place like this to call home. – Photo taken by AGS alumni Hunter Imhof

Now that I am in my Junior year at Western Illinois University, I have not switched my major from Agriculture Science. Over the past three years I have changed my opinion on many topics after having many experiences within the school and outside the school grounds. I have been able to take many more classes about my major that has taught me more facts than I can remember. I have been able to get to know my friends and professors more than I thought college would allow which is a positive for smaller schools. Although my time here in the School of Ag has overall been positive, there have been some negatives. Coming from the suburbs of a large city, I have been asked “Why Ag?” countless times and my response was never definitive, it was always “Well, My cousins farm so I have been around agriculture many times and one day in high school the idea of studying agriculture clicked.” Even though studying Agriculture Science can be very difficult for me compared to my peers who have grown up on a farm, I can confidently change my answer of why I chose ag to “I enjoy it.”

About the Author

Photo taken by WIU Visual Production Center

Hello, my name is Derek Becker. I am currently from Gifford, Illinois. I am a Junior at Western Illinois University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science with a minor in Precision Agriculture. I plan to obtain a job in the Digital Agronomy field after graduation. Thank you for taking the time and reading my blog!

Nothing Is Ever Impossible

“You’re going to school to be a what?” This is a question I tend to receive quite often. Wondering what it is? An agronomist! I am an Agriculture Business major and also minoring in Agronomy at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Although, I didn’t start out with this dream in the beginning. I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois and I didn’t really have an agriculture background. Sure my grandpa farmed back in the day, but he had passed away a long time before I was even born. My dad does help my uncle, but that’s about it. I was not in 4-H, I did not have livestock, and we only had 120 acres to ourselves that we cash rented out to a family friend. I played softball and basketball and was not really into the whole agriculture thing. So you’re probably wondering where the spark happened.

Harvest 2020. I was finally able to go home and help. This is my dad in the picture.

There’s a moment I will never forget in middle school. It was 8^th grade year and the officers from the high school FFA chapter were coming to speak with us about joining once we became freshman. They came in wearing their official dress and I thought to myself, “who are these dorks?” My best friend bumped my arm and said, “that’ll be us one day”. I thought to myself, “What? Definitely not! I don’t know anything about ag!” Fast-forward a few years and I’m standing in the same room, in my dorky official dress, talking to these 8^th graders about joining FFA. This was the first moment in my life where I had done something that was not only out of my comfort zone, but out of everything I knew. My ag advisor, who happened to be my best friend’s dad, really pushed me to get involved. I was in involved in several different contests every year, but there was one that caught my attention. It was my section’s first year for trying an ag sales contest. To my surprise, I did the best on my team, and was one of the top 10 individuals. This is what lit my fire to pursue a degree in agriculture business.

“You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Benjamin Franklin

So I graduate high school and decide to further my education at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. This was a huge step for me, and a lot of things were happing at once. I’m moving out of my hometown, going to college, and going into a field that I still do not know much about. I get my class schedule and I see a soil fertility class and my heart dropped. I thought to myself, “Oh man what have I gotten myself into. This is going to be a wreck!” I get into the class and it is basically all boys besides a handful of girls who had to be in there because it was required. It was extremely intimidating. I was so scared to get called on because I really knew nothing. But as I got settled in and started to relax, I really got into the material. I was fascinated and had no idea how much science went into agriculture. That next summer I was enrolled in an Integrated Pest Management class and that was the turning point for me. I fell in love with the problem solving and putting the puzzle pieces together, and I knew, that’s what I wanted to do. But then came another challenge. Welcome to a career field that is male dominated. That was intimidating. Not only was I learning this all for the first time, but I was the only one who wanted to pursue this career. Eventually I gained the confidence I needed to thrive and surpass my peers, but it didn’t come easy. I had to push myself harder than the rest, ask the hard questions, and put myself out there in situations that made me uncomfortable to gain that confidence.

Another photo from harvest 2020.

Because of those hard decisions, I gained the drive, confidence, and skills to achieve the goals I set for myself way back in high school, and I am so proud of how far I’ve come. The takeaway from this is, you don’t have to be male or female, know it all or nothing at all, to become the person you always dreamed of being. As long as you have the drive and willpower, you can achieve anything and everything.

“With God, all things are possible”

Matthew 19:26

Hello everyone! My name is Madison Neeley and I am from Oblong, IL. I am currently a student at Western Illinois University and pursuing a major in Agriculture Business and a minor in Agronomy. After graduation I plan to start working an agronomy position. Thank you for reading my blog!

Continuing Family Traditions

Every since I was a young girl, I have been raised on a family farm in West Central Illinois. This has caused me to develop a deep connect to agriculture. Throughout my childhood, I was involved on the farm which allowed me to learn about agriculture. During the years, my family has had three traditions that has made an impact on my life. These include taking weekly photos with the corn, riding in the tractor or combine, and taking combine tire pictures. Today, the traditions have now been taken over by my niece and nephews.

Watching the Corn Grow

One of the traditions we would do is take weekly corn pictures every week after the corn started to come up. We would do this every other year because we rotated the field between corn and soybeans. So around April or May we would start taking photos every week till the field was harvest in September or October. After we were done for the season, we then look back on the photos and compare the growth of the corn from the being to the end. My niece actually did this for the first time last year and it helped her grow a connect to the corn in the field.

My niece Khyleigh with the corn! Photo Credits: Brenda Post

Riding in the Tractor and Combine

One of my most favorite activities on the farm still today is riding in the tractor or combine. As a child, I always found it so amazing how you could watch the corn come into the front of the combine and soon turn around and find the kernels of corn right behind you. Riding in the tractor and combine with my parents and grandparents taught me how important it is to have teamwork and good communication skills. Also, riding in the tractor allowed me to learn more about how crops go from the field to the table since I would occasionally ride to the elevator and watch the grain get emptied into the pit. Another favorite part of mine growing up was driving the tractor or combine. This is one of my favorite parts of being an aunt now since I can help teach my nephews and niece about what the machines do and take them on rides.

Some of my favorite memories as a kid during harvest was riding with my mom to take supper out to the field and having tailgate picnics as a family.

Alex Post

My nephew Reid riding in the tractor! Photo Credit: Brenda Post

Combine Tire Pictures

The last tradition is getting my picture taken in the combine tire. I have been doing this since I was a baby and is something that my nephews and niece have also started. This tradition has more of a symbolic meaning to me. Looking back the photos, I not only can see how much I have grown up over the years, but also how much my knowledge of agriculture has grown.

My sister Alex and I with our yearly tire picture. Photo Credits: Brenda Post

Conclusion

Even though the traditions don’t seem like much, they have allowed me to get involved in agriculture at a very young age. Since I have valued these traditions so much, I hope they can impact my niece and nephews just as much or more.

About the Author

Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey Post, I am from Golden, Illinois. I am currently a Junior at Western Illinois University and studying Agriculture Business. Thank you for reading my blog!

Photo Credits: Brenda Post

The Illinois Backgrounder

Marc Anthony once said “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”For many including myself that’s the goal. I consider myself to be lucky to have found what I love to do this early in my life and I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to live any other way. The person I have to thank for introducing me into this would be my grandpa. I only knew him for ten years of my life but the imprint his left on me over those ten years still carries through me today and I hope it never stops. My earliest memories would be riding around in the old blue Chevy S-10 of his going to sale barns with him, checking his calves and pigs, weeding his strawberry plants, and going up town for morning coffee. The reason I do what I do is because of him.

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”

Marc Anthony

Backgrounding cattle is when someone either buys calves out of the sale barn or raises them and straightens them out to be more appealing to the feedlots. Typically people will buy lightweight cattle out of the sale barn weighing anywhere from 350-600 pounds. They will get them through their “sweat” period which is when sickness is most common making the calf a more valuable commodity. The calves are typically marketed weighing anywhere from 700-900 pounds going directly to the commercial feedlots. Now there is differences in how it can be done but that is primarily a general overview. 

The Illinois backgrounder is a rare breed, hardly any of us left. This is mainly due to the risk of the business and generally speaking there’s not many cattle in Illinois. Due to lack of pasture in the area many calves will be put in a dry lot all summer instead of out on pasture. I know of around 10 backgrounders in my area when I could name 50 cow calf guys. While this is probably a typical balance anywhere in the country. Many guys are moving to cow calf simply because it’s less risky. Cows will give you several chances to make your money while the feeder calves only give you one swing.

 

• 

Here is a set of calves coming to the bunk that have been running on corn stocks.

I currently run calves 12 months out of the year. I’ve learned it can be a full time job some days and a breeze on others. I will start buying local cattle in November til around the end of January. Then as winter winds up I’ll go out of state to Ohio and the Virginia’s and buy higher risk calves. These calves are considered higher risk because lots will still be bulls, not weaned, and no shots. They also have a long truck ride to our place so there’s definitely lots of added stress to them. But the price of the cattle make up for a little extra work. 

Here is a few steers that were on grass last summer. I really enjoy the charloais cross calves.

This life isn’t for everyone but I’m glad I enjoy it l couldn’t find anything more fun or rewarding than this is in my eyes. I’m very thankful that I have went down this path and as my grandpa once said “I’m just one of the lucky ones.”

About The Author

My name is Carter Weaver, a junior at Western Illinois University currently studying ag business. My plan after college is currently undecided. While I would like to raise calves full time I don’t think that’s feasible quite yet. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my blog post.

Conservation Tillage Gaining Momentum on Farms Across the Midwest

The best memories of my childhood include sitting down with my grandfather and watching VCR tapes of antiquated agricultural practices such as a team of Belgian horses pulling a one bottom moldboard plow. Next, we would put in a tape that showed a more modern 1100 horsepower Big Bud with an 18 bottom plow working ground. Through watching these tapes and the discussions that ensued, I learned about the evolution of farming: why things were done a certain way and when, why, and how those practices changed. 

Agriculture has been constantly evolving since its inception. Modern influences on this evolution include chasing higher yields while accounting for hurdles such as an ever-growing world population upwards of 7.8 billion, increasing environmental protection restrictions and trying to produce more on less acreage. In the journal “Sustainable Agriculture,” authors explain: 

In its efforts to feed a growing world population, agriculture has expanded, resulting in a greater impact on the environment, human health and biodiversity. But given our current knowledge of the planet’s capacity, we now realize that producing enough food is not enough it must also be done sustainably. Farmers need to generate adequate crop yields of high quality, conserve natural resources for future generations, make enough money to live on, and be socially just to their workers and community. (John P. Reganold, Robert I. Papendick and James F. Parr; Scientific American, June 1990)

One solution to increase profitability amidst these modern influences may lie in conservation-minded tillage practices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines conservation tillage as “any tillage and planting system that covers 30 percent or more of the soil surface with crop residue, after planting, to reduce soil erosion by water.”More and more farmers are jumping on board with this practice. According to the Census of Agriculture, from 2012 to 2017 there was a 27.5% increase in reduced tillage numbers as well as a reduction of intensive tillage by 19 million acres. This increase is proof that soil scientists, agronomists and farmers alike are finding a growing list of benefits of conservation tillage. 

Looking at the topic from a historical perspective, a shift toward conservation followed the dust bowl era which exposed the flaws of farming practices at the time. These 20^th century farming practices focused on getting profit from the land as quickly and easily as possible without any concern for the effects they would have on the soil. The devastating effects of the Dust Bowl led to the study of soil conservation. Throughout the past two centuries, the soils of the Midwest have been overworked. This has led the thick and nutrient-rich soil to be degraded in relation to its natural form. Fortunately, years of research has shown we can reverse these effects and make production agriculture sustainable for future farmers as well as profitable for current farmers. Today, farmers are finding prolonged success with implementing conservational tillage practices such as no-till, strip till, or mulch till. The bulk of these farmers contribute their success to a renewed focus on soil health.

“Why is the practice still so popular? ‘It’s just something we’ve always done,’ he said. Tillage has been practiced for generations, which means it can be accepted uncritically as a necessary part of farming. That used to be true, but not anymore.”

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/pia/newsroom/releases/?cid=NRCSEPRD1505218

Benefits of Conservation-Minded Tillage Systems

Bigger Acre by Acre Margins

Margins make money. Conservation-minded tillage practices mean fewer trips over the field and less time and money out the door. Less is more when it comes to increasing margins in a conservation tillage system.

More Carbon Retention

The amount of carbon in the soil can have a big impact on soil health and the atmosphere. As one of the main elements in soil organic matter, carbon contributes to healthy crops. More carbon is in the soil means less CO2 in the atmosphere, and that’s something we can all get behind.

Higher Soil Organic Matter Levels

Soil organic matter, or crop residue, is key to a prosperous soil ecology. Organic matter acts as storage for nutrients, recycling these nutrients from previous applications and crops. Organic matter absorbs moisture, controls erosion, allows microorganisms to eat, and builds more diverse and healthier ecosystems.

Increased Soil Biodiversity

It is hard to stress the importance of the microorganisms that call our soils home. These organisms include earthworms, bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, algae, protozoa, nematodes (yes, they can be helpful) and millions more. The microorganisms in soil breakdown organic matter which makes nutrients more plant available, promotes nitrogen fixation and supports overall water and nutrient uptake. Studies have shown that tillage can be extremely destructive to these soil microbes, creating a hostile environment which will have a negative effect on overall soil health.

Increased Soil Porosity

The more tillage that is incorporated the more soil pores close leading to less water and nutrient infiltration and, consequently, more runoff carrying away precious soil. Some may say a soil management system that allows maximum root growth is best for soil and its porosity. More roots mean better breathing respiration and more water and nutrient infiltration.

More Controlled Erosion

Tillage disturbs soil aggregate stability; these aggregates improve soil structure and disallow erosion. Along with soil loss, erosion carries off organic matter, pesticides and nutrients. Along with erosion, years of continuous tillage can create a soil hardpan, usually 6-8 inches deep, that disallows root growth and elongation. Ultimately, this affects crop development and yield.

Utilize Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology have allowed for easier implementation of conservation-minded tillage. These technologies include advanced herbicides, biotechnology, and planter attachments and can all be put to use in conservation-minded tillage. 

Conservation is not the answer to every problem, in fact it may not answer any, but it can be an extremely valuable way to look at farming both today and tomorrow.

About the author

Hi everyone! My name is Matt Ricketts. I am a senior at Western Illinois University from Galesburg, Illinois. I am currently studying Agricultural Business with a minor in Precision Agriculture. After graduation I plan on continuing a Masters Degree from WIU in Business Administration and hopefully work in the agribusiness industry. Thank you for reading my blog!

Making a Change in Favor of Cannabis

Photo by Rick Proctor on Unsplash

February 4th, 2020. The day that shaped my educational pathway and future career interests. On this day, Western Illinois University officially approved the Cannabis Production minor.

Since the day cannabis was legalized in the State of Illinois on January first in the year of 2020, I have taken much interest in familiarizing myself with the plant. My interest in cannabis went so far as to potentially considering a full-time career within the cannabis industry. I found myself searching for job opportunities, and even universities I could attend in a pursuit of gaining all the knowledge I possibly can to prepare myself in this career path. I have finally found my calling and what I want to do with my life. Discouragement set in as I realized I could not pursue my career choice because Western Illinois University did not offer classes pertaining to cannabis. I am a senior here at Western and so close to graduation, so choosing a different school was not at the top of my priority list, but it was a possibility. Until… I received an email that forever changed my life.

I could not believe my eyes when the email I received read “Cannabis Production Minor to Launch at WIU in Fall 2020”. I was so excited for this new opportunity so I emailed my advisor right away to change my minor. From that point on, I have devoted my interests to the cannabis industry. Cannabis production is my minor, but I am also majoring in agriculture business, which has helped me gain knowledge in business aspects of the cannabis industry. The courses I am taking at WIU for my cannabis minor have been enriching and the highlight of my degree pursuit. Here is an example of the experience I am gaining through WIU and taking this minor:

(This is a CBD cannabis strain called Cherry 308. I started these plants from seed in the Horticulture Cannabis course at WIU. Note: only CBD strains are allowed to be grown on campus. Plants have to have less than 0.3% THC).

Through this change at WIU, I am able to express my passions and fulfill my love for producing cannabis. The benefits this plant can offer are not only based on health aspects, but also those based on job opportunities and career development. The cannabis industry is continuously growing so the need for workers will rise tremendously. The opportunities I have been given at WIU will allow me to delve into an industry that has helped so many people as well as my own personal growth.

After I complete my course work and graduate from WIU, I will be taking the skills and knowledge I have gained and focus on implementing them in fulfilling my dream job in a cannabis related career. I am excited to finally be able to put my new found knowledge to use and produce a plant that has been known to benefit so many people. Western Illinois University’s change, has changed my life for the better.

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”

Bob Marley

About the Author

Hello! My name is Kourtney Harris, I am from Perry, Illinois and I am a current senior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring in Agriculture Business Management and minoring in Cannabis Production. I am not a traditional agriculture student. I did not grow up on a farm, but I have always had an interest and passion for agriculture. Growing up in a rural community has helped shaped my interests in agriculture. My college journey began at John Wood Community College and will be concluded at Western Illinois University. My love and passion for agriculture has been what has fueled my want to pursue a higher education within this great industry. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Lessons Learned In 4-H

I have been involved in 4-H and showing pigs since I was eight years old. From the outside looking in showing livestock probably looks like a bunch of kids parading animals around. It is really a lot more than that. Coming up on my last year of being able to show has given me a chance to look back and reflect on my years of showing pigs. Growing up showing pigs has taught me lessons and given me memories that will last a lifetime.

Sometimes the most important lessons are learned outside the ring and come in the form of kind words from out biggest supporters.

Amanda Schnoor

Hard Work

Showing pigs has shown me the value of hard work. Working with livestock of any kind can be hard work and time-consuming. They require care 24/7. When you are showing that animal it requires even more time. You have to work with it and train it to follow your lead so that you can successfully show it. It has also taught to me recognize small accomplishments to keep me motivated. Once you are in the show ring you have little to no control over the outcome. Showing livestock is based on that judge’s opinion for that day and they determine how your animal places. A different judge could sort the same set of animals in a different way. You can not always win or be the best so, it is important to recognize small victories so you can be proud of the progress that you have made.

Leadership

Next up is leadership. Once in the ring, showing pigs isn’t necessarily a group effort. Leadership comes into play outside of the ring. When I was younger I remember watching the older kids and how they acted around the barn or in the show ring. As I got older I began to realize that the younger kids were beginning to watch me and my friends like we once did. I learned that it is important to always try your best to be a good role model for the younger kids. You never know when they are watching and which of your habits, good or bad, they will pick up.

Advocating

I have also learned how to advocate for agriculture by showing pigs. Growing up on a farm I was used to being around pigs. It was surprising to me when people started asking questions as they were walking through the show barn. Most of these questions seemed to have simple answers to me and that’s when I realized that we had very different backgrounds. I learned that it is important to answer their questions, even if they seemed to have obvious answers, and teach them more about the livestock industry. By engaging with people in the barn or ringside helps them better understand livestock and makes them feel more comfortable about them.

Memories

Another thing that I gained from showing is the memories. Over the years I have spent countless hours in the barn, at shows, or in the show ring. Throughout this, I have created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. There was never a dull moment in the show barn. When we were younger we would play baseball in the show ring at the country fair during lunch or after the show. When we got older we would pass the downtime by playing very heated games of BS and kings corners. These are just a few of the many memories that I will always remember.

Conclusion

Photo taken by Cindy’s Livestock Photos

My years in 4-H and showing pigs has taught me lessons that will be beneficial to me for my whole life. It has taught me to always work your hardest, always try to be the best you, and educate others about what you believe in. Showing pigs has shaped me into the person that I am today and will continue to do so. I am grateful for the lessons and memories that showing has given me.

About the Author

Hi everyone! My name is Bailey Roselieb and I am from Annawan, Illinois. I am a junior at Western Illinois University working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in Accounting. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Growing Up As The Crazy Horse Girl

For as long as I can remember, and even before that, my life has revolved around getting time in the saddle. No matter the time of day or what is going on, if I can find an hour to ride, then the barn is where you would find me. Even as my life changed and got more hectic throughout high school and sports teams I have always found a way to make time for horses. This has lead to some challenges but also many great rewards and life lessons. Specifically, there are three life lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Intention is Important

• This is a lesson in which I never even realized I learned over the years, but became outstandingly apparent over the past few months. When riding and showing horses it is important that when you ask them to do something, verbally, or nonverbally, it is executed without hesitation. This comes through being intentional in your actions. Going into every ride or every day with a plan makes obtaining goals a realistic accomplishment, instead of a whimsical dream. As an adult pursing a degree in education I hear a lot about being intentional, about telling students why the information they are learning is important. Little did I realize I had been groomed for this task every single minute, hour, day or week I spent and will continue to spend at the barn.

Riding without intention.

Responsibility and Hard Work Go Hand in Hand

• A quick look at any of my social media accounts and one would assume that riding horses is all sunshine and rainbows. While the industry has immense rewards the downside involves large amounts of time, effort, and obligation. Knowing that a 1000 pound animal relies solely on my actions is a responsibility and privilege all in one. Taking care of these animals is truly an opportunity like any other. This includes, cleaning and mucking stalls, farrier visits, riding at least 4 times a week, chiropractic sessions (for the horse and rider), and of course yearly vet appointments. Their is no option of these tasks being completed if I want to continue to ride and show at maximum level. Thus, my attendance at the barn is frequent, often leading to many hectic and long weeks. Despite all the hard work, the overwhelming gratitude I feel for the industry is immense because gaining characteristics of responsibility and hard work, is critical for me now as a college student and will be crucial for me as an adult.

Sunshine and Rainbows

Mindset Over Everything

• This lesson came to me most recently, but the more I think about it the more I realize it has been with me all along. The horse world is a world where it is easy to get caught up in perfection. There are always riders that have better tack, better horses, and better technique. Deciphering through that mess of perfection can be a path extremely hard to see. Recent rides with my fellow riding colleagues has shed light on the need for changing of a mindset from, as they call it “this ride must be perfect” to “this ride will be lovely” which is a lot like the glass half full mentality. In life this mentality can make or break a lot of everyday tasks.

The horse industry has given me more than I will ever be able to give it. The life lessons of intention, responsibility, hard work, and mindset are lessons in which horses bring about so effortlessly, but never a moment to late. So while the stigma of being “the crazy horse girl” may frighten some off, there is nothing else I would rather be.

Hello Everyone! My name is Colby Trone and I am currently a junior here at Western Illinois University pursing a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education. After graduation I plan to teach high school agriculture courses and be an FFA advisor. I also plan to pursue my master’s in Education. I also currently work as a first responder for Roseville Area Ambulance Service and serve on their board as the President.

Getting Started as a Young Farmer

Growing up in a farming family as a sixth generation farmer it has always been my goal to continue the family farming operation whether it would be my full time occupation or something alongside my other career path. The spring of 2020 the opportunity presented itself to get started farming on my own and I decided this was my chance to get my foot in the door. I signed the lease to a piece of ground that was offered to my family to farm and I cash rented 60 acres alongside my brother and uncle. Then in the fall of 2020 another piece of land was presented to our family to farm and I was able to pick up another 40 acres for rent. This was a big decision that I thought about a lot considering the financials that come along with getting started farming especially at the age of 19 at the time as well as still being in college. As I thought if this was the right time or not I remembered what my dad had told me,

It’s not easy to get into farming, but there’s no better time than now.

Ron Schoff

I figured if this is what I wanted to continue to do the rest of my life I might as well go for it. I’d be lying if I said farming was easy and it isn’t stressful, but the knowledge gained and people I met through my first year of farming I surely don’t regret my decision.

My whole life being involved with the farming operation I was very familiar with the operating equipment side of things such as tillage, applying NH3/fertilizer, planting and harvesting etc. , but in my first year of farming this is where I learned a whole new side to farming I wasn’t very involved with before. First thing was since it was a new piece of ground our family had not farmed before I had to collect information on the ground and assess what shape it was in. This included ordering soil tests on the field and communicating with my agronomist to put together a fertilizer maintenance plan. Another aspect was deciding what to plant this first year, and then which hybrid based on what I thought would do well in this specific field. Along with seed I also had to order fertilizers and NH3 which involved a lot of communication with my agronomist I had not been used to prior to this. Once the crop was in the ground I had to coordinate who was going to spray the field, harvest it, and haul it to the grain elevator or ethanol plant. I soon learned that farming involves a lot of planning ahead and coordination with whoever you decide to do your business with. 

The biggest part of farming that really interested me and I am looking to expand my knowledge in is the marketing of your crop.  My family sells a large majority of our grain through Consolidated Grain and Barge (CGB) and this is who I chose to sell my grain through as well. This is when I learned a lot about the grain market and how creating grain contracts work. Once again I was presented with a big decision to make and that was when to sell. This is a tricky part to farming because you have to watch the market closely and decide when you think it is best to sell, because ultimately this decides how much potential profit you may or may not make off of selling your grain. 

I think starting to farm on my own has really taught me a lot as well as prepared me for the rest of my life ahead. It has forced me to make decisions on my own which I will have to continue to do the rest of my life. It has also made me realize how great of a support system I am surrounded with including my friends and family that keep pushing me to do what I enjoy and not be scared to take new opportunities presented to me. After my first year farming it has definitely made me realize this is what I love to do and what I want to do the rest of my life.

About the Author

My name is Dan Schoff, I am from Walnut, Illinois. I am a junior at Western Illinois University and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy and a minor in Ag Business. After graduation, my plans are to work my way into an Agronomist position close to Walnut and continue my own farming as well as stay involved in our family trucking business. Thank you for taking time to read my post!