This producer grows grain and raises hogs in Winchester, Ind.
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
As National Ag Day approaches on March 22, Farms.com is connecting with U.S. producers to find out why they love farming.
Aaron Chalfant is a fourth-generation farmer from Winchester, Ind., raising corn, soybeans and hogs. He returned to the farm after earning a bachelor’s degree in ag economics from Purdue University in 2007.
He and his wife, Allison, are also raising their two children, Ruby and Knox.
Chalfant has always loved farming.
As the fourth generation to farm the land, it’s always been in his blood.
“Imagine you’re 10-years-old and dad tosses you the keys to a 400-horsepower four-wheel-drive tractor attached to a field cultivator and you’re out there turning dirt,” he told Farms.com. “I fell in love with farming early and have loved it ever since.”
That love for farming has developed additional layers over time.
When Chalfant was old enough to get his trucking license, he developed an appreciation for that part of agriculture too.
“You get your license and suddenly you’re in a semi looking at an ethanol plant or a grain terminal where nobody is younger than you,” he said. “You’re 18-years-old and loving it because none of your other friends are doing it.”
Chalfant is also a hog producer.
Working with livestock comes with a different sense of appreciation than grains, Chalfant said.
“I’ve always been one to try to challenge myself and I love the challenges being a hog producer brings,” he said. “Whether it’s health issues or the market volatility. And to add to that, the manure from the hogs has turned out to be another profitable entity for us because we can now haul manure for other farmers.”
A challenge on the grain side that Chalfant enjoys is the industry’s innovations.
The ag industry is always full of exciting news, he said.
“When you look at the new equipment, and the new inputs, it’s all just so fun,” he said. “You’re like a scientist trying to find the right mix of equipment, fertilizers and other inputs and hope the weather cooperates. Sometimes it doesn’t always work out, but the challenge is fun.”
Farms.com has since connected with two other producers leading up to National Ag Day.
Andrea Brown, a farmer from Pennsylvania, and Josh Boxell, who raises crops about two hours away from Chalfant in Kokomo, Ind.
Telling Farms.com why you love farming could win you a prize pack.
Until March 22 at 11:59PM, a social media post on the @FarmsNews Twitter account with the hashtag #ForTheLoveofFarming and includes a photo or video explaining why you love farming, automatically enters you into a draw for a prize package worth $250.
Winners will be announced on March 28.