First-generation farmer Jacob Schmidt of west central Illinois grows corn and soybean and has his own cow-calf operation. Hear how he got his start into farming and agriculture on The First Years with host Anna-Lisa Laca.

First-generation farmer Jacob Schmidt of west central Illinois grows corn and soybean and has his own cow-calf operation. Hear how he got his start into farming and agriculture on The First Years with host Anna-Lisa Laca.

A podcast about the unicorns of American Agriculture: first generation farmers, and the guts, grit, determination and business prowess required to be one.

The First Years

Episode 008: Jacob Schmidt

Jarrod Sanders decided he wanted to become a farmer to do something bigger than himself. So in March he got up the nerves to approach an established farmer in his community to serve as his mentor. Over the past few months he’s acquired the knowledge necessary to start his own farm and is in the process of securing a Micro-Loan from FSA to buy his own cows.

Jarrod Sanders decided he wanted to become a farmer to do something bigger than himself. So in March he got up the nerves to approach an established farmer in his community to serve as his mentor. Over the past few months he&rsquo;s acquired the knowledge necessary to start his own farm and is in the process of securing a Micro-Loan from FSA to buy his own cows.

Episode 017: Jarrod Sanders

Wesley Kent started his farm with a 100-cow dairy in 2000. Since that time he’s diversified his operation to include beef cows, 600 acres of crop and pasture land and two turkey houses. In this episode he walks us through the process of raising turkeys from the time they arrive on the farm until the time they leave. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wesley Kent started his farm with a 100-cow dairy in 2000. Since that time he&rsquo;s diversified his operation to include beef cows, 600 acres of crop and pasture land and two turkey houses. In this episode he walks us through the process of raising turkeys from the time they arrive on the farm until the time they leave. Happy Thanksgiving!

Episode 016: Wesley Kent

Tyler Hedge is a first generation farmer from Indiana. Growing up, he watched his neighbor farm, and now he's working alongside him trying to build his business for his kids to enjoy later in life.

Tyler Hedge is a first generation farmer from Indiana. Growing up, he watched his neighbor farm, and now he's working alongside him trying to build his business for his kids to enjoy later in life.

Episode 008: Jacob Schmidt

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