I was born and raised on a diversified farming operation in Hartland, MN, just north of Albert Lea, MN. We ran a 60-80 head sow farrow-to-finish operation, a 50 head cow/calf operation, and we expanded to a 350 head confinement feedlot.

 

I graduated from SDSU in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, and I started my first job in northwest Iowa working for Vigortone Ag Products as a sales manager. In 1989 my family moved to Ames, Ia. where I took a position with American Protein Corp. I traveled about 20 states and parts of Canada, where I promoted using sprayed dried animal plasma and other sprayed dried animal protein products in the feed industry. I also had the opportunity to do some shrimp research in Hawaii (keep in mind it was all work and no play).

 

I decided to move back to South Dakota in 1991 where I worked for a veterinarian in Beresford promoting animal health and Cargill feed. The opportunity to grow my business and join a larger dealership came about in 1993 working in northeast Nebraska and southern South Dakota. In the summer of 1997 I started with J&R Feeds as a livestock consultant.

 

I am married to a lovely gal who was born in Iowa, and has been a teacher since she came off the farm. We have five daughters, Danielle, Kacey, Brittany, McKinsey and Jill.

 

My hobbies are singing at special events and the church choir. Being outdoors in our garden and watching wildlife sometimes seems to be my summer highlight. In the winter months I keep myself busy playing volleyball and trying to feel young again. I also try to plan to go camping, hunting and fishing more but I can’t seem to find time.

 

I find it very challenging to help producers make the most out of what they have. I feel that many producers need assistance when it comes to maximizing their profits in the livestock industry because of the many different situations that come up due to changes in the environment, genetics, health, marketing and management.

 

I am proud to work for J&R because from the top to the bottom, their philosophy is the same as mine, helping people become more successful today than they were yesterday.