Chase Rogers
In Town: Chase is a real estate appraiser and works with United Country Realty in Mtn. Grove, Mo., as an agent.
In the Country: Chase has been involved in agriculture his entire life. “My parents owned a dairy until I was a teenager and my wife’s family still owns and operates a dairy. We are currently milking 55 cows on her family operation and I have about 40 head of beef commercial cows. I own and operate a 140-acre farm in Vanzant, Mo.”
Family: Wife, Leslie and two sons; Garrett, 4 and Treyton, 2. “Farming is a great way of life to raise a family,” Chase explained. “The boys get the opportunity to be involved at some level, no matter how small or young they are. They love to go feed with dad, and they feel like they are truly part of the farm,” he said.
How do you make farming and a full-time job work?
“Farming is my main priority,” Chase said, “but the appraisal and real estate work helps us make it in farming.”
Advice for young people wanting to get into farming?
“One thing I suggest is be aware of government programs. Find out what type of low interest loans might be available and what programs are available for you to learn and help your operation,” he said. “The most important is for a young person wanting to farm is to not be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let your pride outweigh and override your opportunity to learn from those who have been doing this for a while. The problem is that many of the long time producers don’t just open up, you have to ask questions and listen.”
Story and Photo by Stephanie Beltz-Price
