Dad and I make a really good team. We feed off of each other, bouncing ideas around all the time. We don’t leave many stones unturned. If we see that we can make some money doing something, we usually try it.

Whether it’s from a crop insurance or lending standpoint, if you have any questions, their expertise is pretty invaluable. If we have an opportunity come up and we need financing, they are quick and efficient, and they handle everything very professionally. I can’t imagine we could find better service.

It doesn’t matter what you raise, whether it’s corn, wheat or cattle, it seems like the markets go down on a daily basis, but our costs don’t. FCSAmerica has been really good about teaching us how to manage everything and how to avoid getting extended to a point where we can’t get back when things get tough.

Number one, listen to the older guys. When they are telling you about the business, don’t talk. Just listen. Don’t ever think you know everything, because you don’t. You need to learn and work hard.

Growing up, I milked cows, fed hogs and took care of stocker cattle right here in my own backyard. I was involved in almost every aspect of it. It didn’t take me long to figure out this is what I wanted to do. I was fortunate enough that when I graduated from high school, I had an operation big enough to come back to and a family that was able to bring me into the operation.