Jeff and Cailey

How we got started in agriculture

Jeff: We started our cow/calf operation together from scratch. There wasn’t an option for us to go to a family operation so we started buying chunks of ground where we could and put in the sweat equity to build up our net worth.

Our greatest challenge

Cailey: One of our biggest challenges is time and resource management. We both work off the ranch so running our operation is kind of like having a third full-time job. What started out as a hobby has become a capital investment, and we continue to grow every year.

Our relationship with Farm Credit

Jeff: We have an excellent relationship with our loan officer. When we go to her with new opportunities she will visit with us for hours to discuss prices, scenarios and whether it’s going to be a good investment. She’s more than our ag lender. We look to her as a financial adviser in all aspects of our operation.

Why we continue working with Farm Credit

Jeff: Farm Credit stands behind us during hard times. They specialize in agriculture and understand the challenges we face. As a member of a cooperative we have the option to vote in board elections, and the cash-back dividends give us a competitive advantage.

Our vision for the future

Cailey: Our vision for the future of our operation is long-term sustainable growth. There’s a certain way of life that comes with ranching and we want to give our kids the opportunity to be a part of that lifestyle and culture.