All photos by Sara Hisel
Tell us about your farm/ranch?
I’m the 6th generation, along with my one brother, parents, grandparents, and my kids on our family operation that was originally homestead at this location in 1893.
Our family raises commercial cattle, corn, pinto beans, and soybeans. The operation also includes a feedlot, feed dealership, and my husband’s fencing supply company.
I’ve been running cattle with family since expanding my herd after college graduation in 2014 and full-time farming and ranching since retiring from my position as the Data Department Manager at a local equipment dealer in spring of 2018.
Why do you farm/ranch? What motivates you to keep doing it?
My heart has always held a special place for agriculture. This life is so special and unique, but yet wildly overlooked from the outside.
I’ve always known I wanted to remain in agriculture. The family, the values, and the lifestyle in this industry is unmatched.
When I had the opportunity to return to the farm full time it felt right. Working for a company gave me incredible experience and a new skill set, but I felt called to build something with family.
What are your biggest struggles as a farmer or rancher?
Good question, this one took me awhile.
My method for life is to view every situation, every circumstance as an opportunity.
How is this meant to lead us to what’s next? What opportunity is presenting itself to us right now?
We have opportunities rather than struggles.
Right now, I feel my opportunities are trying to add value, expose my kids to this life, and continue building on the foundation that was started so many years ago that has sustained 6 generations.
Do you think farmers and ranchers are inherently different than other people?
Yes and no.
We do what we love and are blessed with the opportunity! This life is one that we chose and continue to choose. It’s so special to raise a family this way.
Where I see differences are in how we handle adversity and circumstances out of our control. The level of trust in something bigger than ourselves that it takes to roll the dice year after year is something different than many industries.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How does farming/ranching fit into that dream?
Independent. The opportunity for time freedom and unlimited potential.
Those are what I hoped to find in a career and lifestyle. That’s what agriculture provides.
If you could say one thing to consumers about agriculture, and you knew it would change the way they think, what would you say?
Another loaded question!
The world is filled with more gray area than we will ever see black and white. Have a conversation with those you have questions with. Think critically when forming the questions and absolutely challenge what you’re reading or seeing.
You might be surprised at what you find is true or what you find to be the whole story.
Chelsey is the District 5 representative on the NDFB Promotion and Education Committee. You can follow her on her blog at Oh That's Chelsey and on social media.