Hi! My name is Sam Froelich and I live in Lincoln, N.D. I am a credit analyst assistant manager at First International Bank and Trust in Bismarck, and I focus on agricultural lending. I grew up on a small cow-calf farm raising registered Red Angus cattle. Growing up, I was very involved in 4-H, and my sister and I showed cattle, sheep, and pigs. I continue to volunteer, when possible, for 4-H events throughout the state. And I love helping my sister’s family with their show cattle. I have a niece and a nephew to help teach agriculture to.
Me with my niece and nephew.
Growing up in agriculture has made me want to stay a part of it. It’s just a way of life that I love. It’s not just an industry but also a community. A community where you get to know some of the best people that truly love caring for others including animals and the land. A community that is always there for you through thick and thin.
Since I am not involved with production agriculture on a day-to-day basis, sometimes my biggest struggle is feeling like I’m not doing enough for the industry. However, I do educate and spread the wonderful story of farming and ranching to people who may not know much about it. Just saying I’m involved starts a conversation, and typically the conversation lets me tell my story and the importance of agriculture to the world.
I think farmers and ranchers have a different view on things and are bigger risk takers than others since so many things in agriculture (i.e., weather, commodity prices, costs, etc.) are out of their control. But at the same time, they are just like other people that have a passion and follow their passion and do what they love to do.
When I was young, I wanted to be a financial planner that worked with investments. Even though I am not a financial planner, I am still in the financial services industry and my role is specifically tied to agricultural lending. I also wanted to live on a farm/ranch and be involved with agriculture. Although, I don’t live on a farm, I continue to be involved with agriculture as much as I can.
As farmers and ranchers, we are passionate about what we do and we want to do it in the safest and most efficient way to provide safe and quality products to consumers. We care! Ask questions, you’ll never learn about agriculture unless you ask.
Sam Froelich is the District 7 representative on NDFB's Promotion and Education Committee.