Meet Connor Rodwell, a 17-year-old farmer working with soybeans from York, New York. At Gary Swede Farms, he integrates sustainable practices and precision technology, showcasing the future of agriculture while preparing for his agronomy studies.
In the final chapter in our series on the next generation of growers, we are pleased to introduce Connor Rodwell, a 17-year-old from York, New York, who has been immersed in farming since childhood. Working at Gary Swede Farms, Connor has been involved in various agricultural activities, including soybean farming, for several years.
Connor's passion for agriculture is evident. "I've been coming up to the farm since I was a child because my dad's worked here pretty much forever," he says. His experience ranges from showing hogs and meat birds in the Livingston County 4-H club to working with advanced farming techniques and technologies on the job.
Gary Swede Farms cultivates nearly a thousand acres of soybeans, a crop they switched to from black beans about 17 years ago. Connor explains that soybeans are favored for their lower input costs and easier harvest compared to other crops. The soybeans grown at Gary Swede Farms are shipped to local elevators and sold globally.
Connor is deeply involved in sustainable farming practices that benefit both the crops and the environment. "We do strip till and no till farming to help keep the soil intact and reduce erosion," he notes. Strip-till farming, in particular, involves only working the soil that gets planted, leaving the rest of the ground undisturbed.
Additionally, the farm practices double cropping, which allows them to harvest two crops from the same field in one year. For instance, after harvesting peas, they plant soybeans in the same field.
Connor's enthusiasm for the future is palpable. He is excited about advancements such as biodiesel made from soybean oil, which is already being used in the diesel fuel for their trucks.
Connor also points out the versatility of soybeans beyond food. Soybean meal and oil have various uses, including renewable energy sources like biodiesel. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the agricultural industry.
Technology plays a significant role at Gary Swede Farms. Connor highlights the use of precision agriculture tools like GPS and variable rate fertilizers. "Tech on the farm is a really big thing, especially for us," he says. "The precision ag and GPS make everything so precise and easier to manage."
As Connor prepares to attend Iowa State University to major in agronomy, he is eager to see how the agricultural industry will evolve. "I'm looking forward to learning all kinds of things about agriculture and doing a lot of networking," he says.
Connor Rodwell represents the future of agriculture, blending traditional farming values with modern techniques and sustainability practices. As he continues on his educational journey, he looks forward to contributing to the ever-evolving field of agriculture.