Underlying my passion for agriculture is a deep commitment to land conservation for wildlife and water conservation for human health. I love that as a policy associate I work with people who share that passion and get the opportunity to help others achieve their goals in agriculture.
While attending high school in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, I worked weekends and summers at a farrow-to-finish hog farm. The experience taught me the value of hard work and gave me an appreciation for animal husbandry. I liked it so much that I even told my parents I wanted to be a hog farmer after high school, but they encouraged me to go to college. I listened, but I also retained a passion for agriculture.
After graduating from Wayne State College and working in industry for several years, I bought a small acreage near North Bend and started Hideaway Farm. I planted a big garden, orchard, and berry patch, and started raising chickens, pigs, and cattle. I have been selling my products at farmers markets in Omaha and Lincoln. My wife and I are now raising our two children on the farm, and I hope they grow up to appreciate how special a place it is.
Before becoming a Center staff member, I served on the Center's Advisory Committee, and I currently serve on the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District Board of Directors.
Q&A
If you could have a superpower, what would you choose, and why?
I would have the power of flight, because looking down at the earth is fascinating.
Are you a morning person or a night owl, and what is your favorite thing about that time of day?
I am a morning person. I enjoy the quiet and the sunrise.
If you could meet any celebrity or public figure, dead or alive, who would you choose?
John Neihardt
