Production Blog

DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- We need two farmers with opinions. Do you like to talk farming, agronomics, rural life? Here's your chance to do it on a national platform.

For the past 18 years, DTN has followed farmers from two different regions of the country throughout the growing season. Now we're looking for farmer volunteers for the 2023 View From the Cab feature.

Ohio farmer Luke Garrabrant held his hand up to be a View From the Cab farmer last year to expand his voice and outreach.

"It gave me a chance to tell the story of our farm, our region and our crops," said Garrabrant. It also gave him, as a young farmer, a chance to discuss the good, bad and challenging aspects of being a "beginning farmer" -- one who has struck out on his own, despite generations of farming in his background. Find his profile here: https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Each week throughout the growing season, View From the Cab farmers report what's happening and explore different aspects of agriculture. A DTN reporter interviews the farmers each week and files the combined story.

Farmers often comment that real life on the farm isn't told. View From the Cab is a diary-like feature that bridges the gap between news and everyday farm life. Many of the participating farmers go on to be trusted advisers and help with other DTN writing projects.

For Marc Arnusch, View From the Cab was an opportunity to explain what it is like to endure drought and farm in the arid west during 2022. His region of the country is feeling the pressure of urban demands for water, energy and land.

The 29-part series also allowed Arnusch the chance to expand his network of connections as he interacted with readers of the column. "It's amazing what opportunities can come from communicating about your farm," he said.

"Readers throughout the country contacted us, including farmers who needed help with harvest, folks looking for grain for their distillery and I even heard from my high school English teacher who encouraged me to use proper grammar," Arnusch said. Find a profile of Arnusch and Arnusch Farms here: https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Do you have a story to tell? Simply email a note (to pamela.smith@dtn.com ) saying why you want to be a View From the Cab contributor and a bit about your farm. Include your contact information.

Past View From the Cab contributors:

2022: Luke Garrabrant, Johnstown, Ohio; Marc Arnusch, Keenesburg, Colorado

2021: Kellie Blair, Dayton, Iowa; Ryan Wieck, Umbarger, Texas

2020: Ryan Jenkins, Jay, Florida; Reid Thompson, Colfax, Illinois

2019: Ashley Andersen, Blair, Nebraska; Scott Wallis, Princeton, Indiana

2018: Kyle Krier, Claflin, Kansas; Genny Haun, Kenton, Ohio

2017: Zack Rendel, Miami, Oklahoma; Brent and Lisa Judisch, Cedar Falls, Iowa

2016: Chase Brown, Warrensburg, Illinois; Jim Hoover, Newport, Pennsylvania

2015: Lane Robinson, Cromwell, Indiana; Leon Kriesel, Gurley, Nebraska

2014: Karen and Bill Johnson, Avoca, Iowa; Jamie Harris, Madison, Florida

2013: William "Shep" Sheppard, Louisiana, Missouri; Kane Bercaw, Union City, Michigan

2012: Katie Sanger Hancock, Water Valley, Kentucky; Ryan Brodersen, Randolph, Nebraska

2011: Tom Tibbits, Minneapolis, Kansas; David Brandt, Carroll, Ohio

2010: Becton Bell, Wilson, Arkansas; Frank Zweber, Hoven, South Dakota

2009: Marcus Hess, Bushnell, Illinois; Matt Wolle, St. James, Minnesota

2008: Dan Pedersen, Underwood, Iowa; Brad Lindstrom, Varna, Illinois

2007: Matt Rush, Fairfield, Illinois; Jason Heijl, Abbott, Texas

2006: Bob Worth, Lake Benton, Minnesota; Keith Miller, Great Bend, Kansas

2005: Richard Oswald, Langdon, Missouri; Mark Rasumssen, Hoagland, Montana.

Find the 2022 wrap up of View From the Cab https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Pamela Smith can be reached at Pamela.Smith@dtn.com

Follow her on Twitter @PamSmithDTN

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