More Than Just Planting Seeds: McKenzie Mertens spends a day on the farm with Jordan Scott

One of the best ways to understand agriculture is by spending time with the people who live it every day. That’s exactly what happened when Olivia visited Jordan Scott’s family farm. From walking through the equipment that keeps the operation running to hearing stories that span generations, the experience offered a closer look at the planning, hard work, and resilience that farming requires. Along the way, Olivia gained an even greater appreciation for the people behind our food and the legacy many farm families are proud to carry forward. Below, she shares her reflections from a day spent learning more about life on the farm and the many things that happen long before a seed ever goes into the ground.

Growing up around farming and cattle, I have always had an appreciation for agriculture. But recently, a visit to Jordan Scott’s family farm reminded me just how much work, dedication, and perseverance go into a farmer’s livelihood.

Jordan grows corn and soybeans, and during my visit he took the time to walk me through his operation. We looked at his planter, combine, and the equipment that keeps everything moving throughout the season. What struck me most was learning how farming begins long before a single seed is planted. There are countless decisions to make, repairs to complete, and challenges to navigate before the first pass is ever made across a field.

As Jordan explained the equipment, the maintenance, and the unexpected difficulties that can arise, I found myself thinking about how many moving pieces exist within agriculture. Every machine, every weather forecast, every timing decision matters. It gave me a renewed appreciation for farm life and the hard work and resilience required to make a farm successful.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was hearing the history behind the farm. Jordan purchased the farm, and he still has equipment that belonged to his great-grandfather when he farmed the same ground years ago. Standing there, looking at machinery that had served multiple generations, was a powerful reminder that farming is often much more than an occupation—it’s a legacy.

While I was raised around agriculture, this experience allowed me to see it through a different lens. Instead of simply recognizing the work, I was able to focus on the person behind it—the livelihood, the challenges, the sacrifices, and the pride that come with carrying on a family tradition.

I left the farm with a deeper respect for Jordan and for farmers everywhere. Their work starts long before the seeds go into the ground and continues long after harvest. Seeing that firsthand was both humbling and inspiring, and it’s an experience I won’t soon forget.