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My dad inspired me to be rooted in agriculture by always being a positive role model and supporting me throughout my education and career. My roots in agriculture started by being involved in 4-H while growing up on the 3rd generation family farm in South Dakota. While in 4-H my dad taught me how to raise and show hogs while teaching me the values of integrity and hard work. My dad told me to always do your best in everything. I was involved in FFA during high school where I advanced though the various degrees, learning more about agriculture song the way. My father supported my decision to raise some ewes and lambs as my FFA project even though neither one of us knew much about them. I received the American Farmer degree as my dad attended the national convention in Kansas City to support me. My dad encouraged me to get my undergraduate degree in agronomy and then a Masters degree before I worked in the seed business as a corn breeder than a research manager away from the farm and South Dakota. My calling came in 2008 when I was given the opportunity to return home to that family farm where my grandfather and dad worked so hard to make a living. I was able to work together with my dad for the next 11 years, learning everything he had to teach me before he passed away. Now it’s my chance to do the same with my sons. This is what rooted in ag is all about, teaching and passing your legacy on to the next generation.

I grew up in the buddy seat of my mom's Claas chopper and on my dad's shoulders while he breeds heifers. My mom would spend all day harvesting grass and come home beat red because the ac didn't work, but she would still cook dinner and raise my brothers and I through tired allergy-ridden eyes. I would hear my dad's phone ring in the middle of the night and hear him mumble "I'll be right over" before pulling on his barn boots and heading over to the farm to pull a calf, eventually realizing sleep wasn't going to be an option. I didn’t really understand all they did or why they did it until I was older and able to really be a part of the farm. I eventually understood how unbelievably passionate they have to be to dairy farm. They are passionate about our community, our land, our animals, and our future. I am incredibly thankful that that passion was passed down to me. My parents inspire me to do better and be better in all aspects of life, agricultural and otherwise because of their diligence, passion, and hope.

My grandfather, Ralph Walter, inspired me to build a life and career in agriculture. Growing up on the family farm, I was fortunate to be exposed to many aspects of production agriculture.

My grandpa ran about 250 shorthorn cows when he was younger, but they made the decision to sell the cow herd and focus on the feedlot side of cattle production. As a young, first-year 4H member, my grandpa took me under his wing and spent years teaching me the proper way to raise, feed and care for cattle.

After graduating from Texas Tech University, I chose to return home to Grand Ridge, Illinois to continue the family tradition of farming. I am blessed to be able to return and farm alongside both my father and grandfather, whom I am able to learn a vast wealth of knowledge from that they have gained over their years of experience. It is truly a dream of mine to raise my kids on the farm the way that I was raised, in hopes of the tradition continuing for generations.