Location: St. James, Minn.
Co-op: Central Farm Service (CFS)
Operation: “My ancestors immigrated to the U.S. from Norway in 1876 and homesteaded our farm. We raise corn, soybeans, canning peas and hogs. This year we are celebrating 150 years of operation and my family will receive the Sesquicentennial Farm Award from the Minnesota Farm Bureau at our county fair in July!”
Family: “My great-uncle Tom Blackstad is the current owner of our farm and my uncle Dan Bottin works there, but every member of our family plays a role, whether it’s helping with meals or running stuff around during busy seasons. Their dedication and commitment have played a part in the farm's continued success. Tom has taught me so much and I am extremely grateful to work on the same home farm and work the same ground our ancestors did.
“My parents, sisters and I are active in advocating for agriculture through Farm Bureau, FFA and 4-H. They have been the driving force for my passion for agriculture and advocating for the industry. My grandparents have always supported my obsession and passion for agriculture. My grandpa passed away in 2019, but some of my best memories with him and my grandma are on the farm.
“One of the most exciting parts of getting to work on the farm is getting to show my girlfriend, Emily, how the farm works. It's been a privilege to teach her how to operate equipment and she helps me maintain equipment.”
Education: Jacob earned a diploma in farm operations and management from Ridgewater College, Willmar, Minn.
How does your co-op support your farm? “Our co-op supports every part of our farm. The agronomy department helps us with our decisions not only during the growing season, but how we can make every decision leading up to getting seed in the ground. The feed department keeps our hogs fed 365 days a year, checking feed quality and adjusting rations. The energy department makes sure we have enough fuel to keep things running. The grain department helps us market our grain. Without the co-op, we would not have the comfort of having a knowledgeable team backing our operation.
Why are you committed to agriculture? “I grew up obsessed with agriculture. But agriculture isn't just the farm. Agriculture is the salesperson, the accountant and the mechanic at the dealership. It's the trucker hauling produce, the teller at the bank, the cashier at the gas station. Agriculture is the backbone of the world. The farm cannot survive without any of those.
“I was very involved in FFA and 4-H in high school. Both organizations teach you to be a leader and, more important, how to serve. I am committed to serving and preserving American agriculture so if I am blessed with kids someday, they can understand and appreciate the ones who came before us. Protecting American agriculture isn't a one-man job – it takes an army. Organizations like Farm Bureau and the corn and soybean growers associations help promote and protect American agriculture, educating citizens about what fuel to purchase at the pump, informing kids about farm safety and advocating for the agriculture industry.”
How can the cooperative system serve new generations? “The cooperative system helps support new generations with internships and job opportunities and simply expanding their networks. Networking is one of the best things about agriculture. I've been in countless situations where I’ve asked someone where they are from and then the world starts to get smaller because the person I just met knows someone else I know. The cooperative system helps enhance personal connections within the agriculture industry.”
How has participating in CHS New Leaders Forum benefited you? “Participating in New Leaders Forum gave me new networking opportunities. My favorite part was getting one-on-one time with CHS Board members and staff. They were interested in my story and perspective, and they were engaged with me.
“It takes a co-op to preserve and strengthen American agriculture.”
