The Open Space

I love open space. Growing up on a farm, it seemed as if there was no limit to the amount of space we had. Fields went on forever into the distance. The sky seemed huge. I could see approximately 6 or 7 grain elevators in neighboring towns from our home farm, which was located on a ridge. I will always value being able to watch a sunset, and see the sun fall all the way to the ground…out of sight.

I have had the privilege to work in the industry of agriculture my entire life. It’s all I have ever known or done. I have held a variety of jobs in the industry, dating back to my summer college internships. I sold feed for Cargill, worked as a county extension agent, conducted test-plot research for Rhone-Poulenc Ag Company, worked at a fertilizer and grain division of my local elevator, and worked for multiple state Farm Bureau organizations. This trail of jobs has taken me to places like Volga, South Dakota, Lakefield, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota.

Even though my college and career path has allowed me to see much of the Upper Midwest, there are certain “constants” I continue to appreciate about living here. Some of my favorite commonalities of the Upper Midwest include: the people, the change of seasons, the friendliness, the sense of community, and the open space.

Whenever I travel to a big city, I tense-up. The sights, smells, and sounds are all a stress to me. I don’t like not seeing farmland. It doesn’t seem right. I remember a trip to New York City several years ago, where the locals all looked so pale-skinned to me. And I started to think about it…the only time of day many of the folks in Manhattan see the sun is…during the noon hour! The buildings block out the beauty.

I don’t think we know how great we have it, living in a place where we can appreciate the sun and sky. I love doing business with people I know. I admire the generosity of the people here. Agriculture is at the heart of this place, and it’s a part of me. I don’t know what I would do without this industry. I will always love a place that offers that peaceful and comforting familiarity of the place I grew up, right here in the Upper Midwest, where I’m within 5 minutes of fields, and open space.