Update from Zach Becker (U of I)

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.