Craig Anthony, a next-generation producer near Brock, Neb., knew at an extremely young age that he wanted to be a farmer when he grew up. Learning from others in the industry and having his father, Blane, as a role model helped him kick-start his passion for farming.

With soybean harvest all but complete in Nebraska and across the Great Plains, and corn harvest progressing into the home stretch in most regions, Farm Progress caught up with Craig and his family working the field earlier in the season, harvesting soybeans on their southeast Nebraska farm.

At age 9, Craig began learning about harvest operations in the combine, and ever since, he has spent his time after school in the fall in a combine cab and in the field right alongside his dad. Craig is now a teenager and still has his sights set on farming with his dad someday, although many kids his age have no interest in production agriculture.

“I love the relationships that I have with older people,” Craig says. “For example, my friends and mentors are so knowledgeable about farming and always help me out where they can.”

Farm shows such as Husker Harvest Days and Commodity Classic are events that the whole Anthony family attend to learn more about the industry. Emily, Craig’s mother, says that when Craig is at the farm shows, he is not shy. He constantly talks to different people about farming.

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A family rooted in agriculture

Craig’s older sister, Gretchen, also is no stranger to agriculture. She currently holds the historian position in their local FFA chapter and competed in nationals with her agriscience fair project on corn byproducts in concrete and the effects it has on global warming.

Just like every farming operation, fall is a busy time that requires all hands on deck. One way that Emily helps on the farm is making field meals for the farmers who are harvesting. Her most popular dishes include meatball subs, apple goodie and homemade runzas.

Blane and Emily recognize that to have the next generation involved with agriculture, you need to expose them early on. However, giving them the option to explore careers off the farm also is important.

“If we do not get them early, we are not going to get them at all,” Blane says. “We want it to be [Craig’s] choice, of course, but he really has taken an active role on the farm and seems to enjoy it.”

Although it might seem like there are fewer youth getting involved in production ag these days, there is the next generation, like Craig, who are passionate about the industry and are looking forward to what the future holds.

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