OSA and Beck’s Hybrids believe building a grassroots network of young agricultural leaders is important to the continued success of the soybean industry and all of Ohio agriculture. As a result, OSA and Beck’s Hybrids created a program that identifies those who are the agricultural leaders of tomorrow.

“We are excited to name Jeff as one of the 2013 Beck’s Young Farm Leaders,” said Jerry Bambauer, OSA president and soybean farmer from Auglaize County.  “Jeff has built a foundation for farming success and will continue to be a leader for the agriculture industry.”

Jeff, a third generation farmer, grew up in Union County and managed a swine operation.  In 1997, Jeff sold the hogs and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Crop Science at The Ohio State University.

After graduating in 2001, he went to work on the family farm where he continues to grow 2,000 acres of seed soybeans, as well as 1,500 acres of corn utilized primarily for ethanol production.  Jeff farms with his father, mother, uncle, aunt and wife.

“By working with seed companies we are always looking for better ways to make quality seeds that we would want if we were buying it on the other end,” he said.

Jeff won the Future Farmers of America National Swine Entrepreneur award in 1997 and is currently a member of OSA, First Christian Church and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. In addition, he is also involved with the Champaign Premium Grain Growers.

After 13 years of farming, there are a few priorities that Jeff believes are vital to the continued success of the entire agricultural industry.  One of those is the next generation.

“With the growth of my family, it has become clear that in order for my children and grandchildren to live a successful farm life, the agriculture industry as a whole is going to require more advocates to keep it viable,” Jeff said. “As more generations move off the farm, more people lose perspective of what it takes to grow their food. I want to become involved and help make sure that my children and other children can earn a living feeding the world.”

Another important part of maintaining success for all farmers is not just being supportive of industry advances, but taking part in them.

He is showing that commitment through his participation in a yield and quality study being conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University funded by the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff. Through two trials on nine locations, soybean researchers will determine which agronomic practices contribute to an increase in soybean yield. Jeff is excited to be a part of the three year study.

While maximizing yield is always a priority for farmers, ensuring that product makes it to international markets is just as important.

“We need to figure out how to get 100 bushel soybeans and continue to expand our export markets,” Jeff said. “I also believe while export markets are important, continued research over the years for new uses for soybeans is vital to the continued success of the industry we love and support.”

Besides keeping busy with their 10 month old son, Jeff and his family run a minimum till operation with most of their soybean acreage being no-till. From a marketing standpoint, Jeff’s father Mike handles most of the transactions while Jeff handles most of the input buying.

“One of the key attributes that all commodity organizations like OSA have is the grassroots nature of its leadership,” said Bruce Kettler, director of public relations at Beck’s Hybrids. “As farms grow larger and as the average age of the farming population increases it’s critical to make sure that young farmers are learning about the importance of their industry. We congratulate Jeff on his selection and look forward to recognizing more Beck’s Young Farm Leaders in the coming quarters.”