What is your background?: I am from Wells, Minnesota. It’s a small town in south central Minnesota located 20 minutes west of Albert Lea, MN. I grew up on my family’s farm with my father Jeff, mother Kaprice, older sister Taylor, and younger sister Kiera. On our farm we raise corn, soybeans, oats, and finish hogs. My high school career was spent at United South Central, where I was deeply involved with FFA and clay target league. I was the president of FFA and team captain of the clay target league.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: Kirkwood’s advanced and diversified agriculture programs are what brought me here. I toured many colleges and universities throughout high school and Kirkwood stood out as the best fit. Most of the instructors are involved in agriculture in addition to teaching at the college, which was, in my opinion, a huge benefit. I believe this because their infield experience brings a practical and applied aspect to the classes that I don’t believe I would’ve received from a university.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: Agricultural Geospatial Technology is my program of study. The capabilities of precision agriculture are what really intrigue me about this program. I know from my family’s farm that the benefits from precision farming are endless and the job outlook is fantastic. It’s an all-around great field that brings me gratification knowing that I will be helping farms and farm families, like my own, improve their operations.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: On top of my studies at Kirkwood, I also work for the Kirkwood farm. I help with harvest, feeding and caring for cattle, and any other farm related tasks. I originally applied for the job at the farm as a source for income, but it has since turned into another great agriculture learning experience. I am also fortunate enough to be involved with the study abroad program. Over spring break a group of 18 agriculture students and two faculty will be traveling to Brazil to learn about their agricultural practices. I am very excited for this trip, not only because of all the new experiences that will be encountered, but also because it will provide me with an opportunity to tour Brazilian soybean farms and learn about their specific production practices, allowing me to compare them to U.S. production.
Are you involved in anything off of campus?: Outside of Kirkwood, I work on my family’s farm and am involved in the Quality Deer Management Association, St. Casimir’s Church, Wells Rifle and Pistol Club, and United South Central FFA. I recently won the Grain Production Placement proficiency award at the 2018 National FFA Convention and Expo.
What do you do for fun?: When it comes time to relax and have fun I love spending my time outdoors. Fishing, shooting trap, and farming are some of my favorite things to do. However, my annual trip to Missouri deer hunting is always the highlight of my year. Getting away from home and hanging out with good friends always brings good times and even better memories.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In five years, I see myself deeply involved in agriculture. I plan on working for L & D Ag Services, (I currently have an internship with them,) where I will be servicing and installing precision ag hardware on application equipment throughout the United States. I would also like to have my own custom application business started at this point. This business would focus on custom strip tillage and nutrient application, both of which are currently in high demand in my area. Last, but certainly not least, I hope to be a business partner in my family’s farming operation and eventually take it over when my father retires.