Beyond the Fields: Meet Jordan

From passionate beginnings to professional success, Jordan’s story is one of hard work, curiosity, and a deep love for agriculture. As a Sales Manager at Henry Farmers Co-op, Jordan plays a vital role overseeing the agronomy team during their daily tasks and also assisting local farmers.

In this interview, Jordan shares how he got started in the farming industry, what he’s learned along the way, and his advice for others considering a career in Agriculture. Let’s dive into his story!

An Inside Look at Jordan’s Journey in Retail Agriculture

What drew you to the agriculture industry?

I spent my childhood helping a close friend, who felt like family, on his farm and enjoyed every moment. After college, I began working at the CO-OP to pay my bills and ended up falling in love with it.

What aspects of farming do you find most fulfilling?

When you finally see the results of your efforts—like when the combine starts rolling and you're seeing the rewards of all that planning and planting—it’s a pretty awesome feeling! All that stress and hard work really pays off, and you can just sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Can you give me an overview of your role and key responsibilities within the Co-op?

My current title is Sales Manager. I make it a point to keep up with the latest trends and requirements in the industry, often trying to stay one step ahead of our on-staff agronomist as the year rolls on.

How does the co-op’s mission and values influence your work?

Fortunately, I’ve never worked another professional job other than the CO-OP, so I pretty much live and breathe it. Working at a place where the people you work for and with make the tough decisions for the company inspires you to maintain a level of employment that can't be beaten.

What’s something about your role that people might not realize?

Although I am a Manager, I consistently approach my work with the mindset of "Tell me what I can do to help."

Can you share a success story or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

The achievement I am most proud of happened during a farm visit when the grower said to me, “Well we’ve always done okay, but since we started doing what you’ve told us, and followed your path, our yields have gone nothing but straight up.” That was the day I realized I was meant to do this!

What activities do you enjoy outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests?

I'm not really into hobbies myself. With three kids aged 11, 8, and 4, their interests have become my hobbies, and I'm perfectly okay with that!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to the industry?

Retail Agriculture isn’t for everyone, no doubt about it. I’d tell them to approach it carefully, because if you end up enjoying it, you'll be hooked! Be proactive, take some risks, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Not everyone will succeed, but you’ll never know unless you give it a shot.

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Jordan’s story is a testament to where passion, hard work, and a willingness to take risks can lead. His journey into the Retail Ag industry at Henry Farmer’s Co-op shows that success often comes from embracing challenges and staying proactive.

We're proud to have team members like Jordan who not only help drive our mission forward but also inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.