Rolling Over Roadblocks

Breaking into the industry as a young farmer comes with its challenges. Missouri FFA’s State Star Farmer Star FARMER to sell the green bean equipment so I would have the money to invest in crop is all too familiar with the inputs.” hurdles and roadblocks that must be overcome. Jacob Dierking of the Santa Fe FFA Chapter started this journey through his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). “In 2015, I was given an opportunity by two neighboring landowners to start farming, first with a 10-acre Rolling Over Roadblocks By 2019, Dierking was farming a total of 195 acres of corn, 111 acres of soybeans and 25 acres of sweet corn. While his progress is evident, it wasn’t always easy. Dierking field and then another 19 acres had to overcome on which I grew corn,” he says. “In 2016, I was able to rent many challenges, including one of the most prevalent 35 acres to grow corn. I also began a vegetable business among beginning farmers. growing 9 acres of sweet corn with my parents and brother.” “One major challenge in my SAE was financially being able to purchase enough equipment to farm efficiently,” With his sights set on growth, Dierking he says. “When I began my SAE, had to choose between focusing on the I was able to exchange my labor row crop or vegetable production side with my grandpa for the use of of his business throughout the years his machinery. Since then, I have that followed. been able to purchase many “In 2017, we expanded to growing 80 acres of sweet corn and 34 acres Overcoming roadblocks has of green beans,” he says. “In 2018, a empowered Dierking to pursue a neighbor retired, and I was able to rent career in production agriculture. his farm to grow 83 acres of corn and After graduating from State Fair 39 acres of soybeans. Since I was able Community College, he plans to to rent more land, I decided to scale expand his row crop operation back the vegetable production so I could by obtaining more land to rent in properly manage my row crops. In 2019, the future. another farmer retired, and I decided needed pieces of equipment.”