Hello all; my name is Danielle Hagemann. Last fall I completed two days at Eastland Feed and Grain in Monroe, WI; however, this spring I have planned to be hosted by Bocker Ruff Grain in Polo, IL, under the direction of Paul Behrends. Due to the current pandemic, these plans have been pushed back, to maintain the health and safety of all individuals involved.
COVID-19 has inadvertently turned our world upside down. As members of the agriculture community, we can all agree that upon the completion of 2019 we were praying for an easier 2020. While our wishes don’t seem to be granted, our industry as a whole continues to place food on the bare grocery store shelves, and contribute philanthropically during even the most adverse times. Whether it’s farmers donating their unused N95 masks to health care workers and first responders, or companies including GROWMARK donating grain to food banks in need, we have all stepped up in this time of need.
Farming is never canceled. As agriculturists, some of our best work is done in trying times, and we continue to provide for our population in the most difficult situations. I would like to personally say thank you to all of those involved in every aspect of agriculture. I hope that after the world has returned to normal, everyone will continue to respect and appreciate the American farmer.

Since the Summer Kickoff Tour, I have been able to work several days at Sublette Farmers Elevator. Here I have been able to perform a variety of jobs and learn about the daily tasks of multiple employees. Starting my workdays in November, I was able to be included in what goes on during harvest at the elevator. Some responsibilities included riding along with semi drivers to pick up loads of corn from a local farmer’s field and dumping semi’s when they got to the elevator. I also was able to learn about how things don’t always run as smoothly as you’d like during this busy time of the year. On the first of my workdays, I was included in helping fix buckets on a belt that broke from wear and tear of continuously moving grain. Although things don’t always run perfectly, I learned the importance of having a good team behind the elevator manager to get things running back on track in a fast and efficient way.

During my workdays in Sublette, I was not only able to learn more about the elevator business but also gain a network of individuals. Although Sublette is my hometown elevator, I was surprised by the number of individuals I had not met that worked there. From part-time employees to scale operators, I was able to meet the entire team that helps Sublette Farmers Elevator be successful. On the third workday, I even got to go to a barge loading facility on the Illinois River and meet individuals there and see their operation.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience working at Sublette Farmers Elevator. I feel that I have obtained an excellent overview of the operations that take place at the facility daily. I look forward to eventually using the knowledge I have acquired in my career one day. Thank you to the management and staff at Sublette Farmers Elevator for a great learning experience.