by Emmery Mehlhoff, NDFB Public Policy Liaison
Sometimes as podcast host for Straight Talk with NDFB, I take the show on the road.
Last week, my co-host Alisha and I went to Wimbledon, N.D., to visit with our Young Farmer and Rancher Committee members, Matt and Bethany Peterson. I enjoy all of the guests we have on Straight Talk with NDFB, but interviewing members, particularly young members, who are working hard on their farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses are at the top of my list.
Other than serving on our YF&R Committee, Matt and Bethany are owners of Aligned Ag Inc. Since their beginning in 2021, they have grown Aligned Ag from a small start-up business to a brand-new facility with four full-time employees.
Matt grew up in Wimbledon and met his wife Bethany at NDSU. (Watch this video from the podcast to hear the story of how they met!) After sharing resumes, they decided they wanted to build an agronomy business together. They moved back to Wimbledon to start Aligned Ag.
The new Aligned Ag facility has been under construction for several months and was recently completed. I live near Wimbledon, and have watched the progress of their facility being built. The construction was recently completed and the Aligned Ag team hosted a community open house earlier this week
When the opportunity emerged to have the Petersons on the podcast, Alisha and I decided to do the podcast on-site. After our interview, Matt and Bethany gave us a tour of their new building.
The facility included several offices, a snack area, a conference room, and a bathroom.
The warehouse housed the seed and chemical for the upcoming season.
The seed treatment building was designed so trucks can easily be loaded during the busy season.
During our podcast conversation, Matt and Bethany talked about what it was like to start a business. They talked about their experience going into business as a husband and wife and shared advice for other entrepreneurs.
NDFB’s Young Farmer and Rancher program was designed to help young men and women develop agriculture leadership skills. Leadership was the word that came to mind as Alisha and I drove home after our interview. It takes leadership, hard work, and tenacity to build a business from the ground up and Matt and Bethany are great examples.
I am thankful for all of the agriculture leaders I have come across in my time with NDFB and I am thankful Matt and Bethany are putting roots down in my community.
Check out Straight Talk with NDFB on Wednesday, April 17th for the entire podcast!!!
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