News

Andrew Hollenback can be seen harvesting crops in the evening, coaching little league football on Saturday mornings and working full-time for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as the Regional Manager for the Division of Watercraft during the week. As a husband, father, farmer and graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU), Andrew was recently chosen as the fourth quarter Beck’s Young Farm Leader.

The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Beck’s Hybrids share the belief that building a grassroots network of young agricultural leaders is important to the continued success of the soybean industry and all of Ohio agriculture. For this reason, OSA and Beck’s Hybrids partnered to create the Beck’s Young Farm Leader Program to showcase the hard work, dedication and leadership of young Ohio farmers.

“I congratulate Andrew for being selected as a Beck’s Young Farm Leader,” said Tommie Price, OSA president and soybean farmer from Putnam County. “Andrew is a great example of a young farmer who has persevered over the years and represents his community and family in a positive way.”

Andrew’s parents operated a dairy farm in Ohio until the 1980s. Shortly after, Andrew remained involved in the agriculture industry by bailing hay in the summer and farming in the evenings while attending OSU.

Andrew currently farms soybeans, corn, wheat and alfalfa in Licking and Knox Counties. Starting with an International Harvester 715 combine, John Deere 4430 and some used hay equipment; he purchased his farm in 2003.

“Since owning our farm, Mamie and I have been able to purchase more equipment and were also able to increase our grain bin storage, which enables us to combine long after the elevators have closed.”

“The on farm storage has been irreplaceable,” he added. “Our farming decisions are focused on maximizing the hours available away from the office to get all the farm work done.”

With a degree in Natural Resources Management and his role with ODNR, Andrew understands first-hand the importance of being a good steward of the land.

Andrew hired an agronomist to assist with maximizing the farms fertilizer application and accurate planting practices. Andrew’s father, Sam also helps on the farm by working the fields, planting, combining, making hay, and hauling grain until Andrew returns from ODNR in the evenings.

Andrew has utilized several government programs including The Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Reserve Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. Andrew has also utilized several Licking and Knox Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) programs to improve their waterways, field tiling, and cattle lot for their registered Hereford Herd cow and calf operation. As a result, Andrew was awarded “2010 Conservationalist of the Year” by the Licking County SWCD.

In addition to working full-time, Andrew serves on the Board of Directors for the Licking County Farm Bureau and would like to pursue political office as a Township Trustee or County Commissioner. Andrew and Mamie are active members of the Utica United Methodist Church and have hosted the Licking County Soil Judging Competition on their farm in Utica, Ohio.

“Good leaders are important in agricultural politics, and some of those have to be young leaders,” said Andrew. “Agriculture has an important history in this country and continues to play a vital role today.”

“I try to be an ambassador for Ohio agriculture,” he added. “It’s important to realize the effort and time that goes into producing and selling products like soybeans.”

Andrew directly supports animal agriculture, the number one consumer of soybean meal.

“We operate a registered Hereford Herd cow and calf operation and have created a partnership for our 45,000 chicken complex raising fertile eggs for a hatchery,” said Andrew. “We have hosted multiple tours showcasing animal agriculture and farming in Ohio.”

One of the Beck’s Young Farm Leaders will be selected as the 2014 Beck’s Young Farm Leader of the Year and receive a trip for two ($2,000 value) to the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Beck’s Young Farm Leaders may also be chosen to attend OSA and/or Beck’s Hybrids leadership training programs, board meetings, events and other relevant activities.

“Beck’s Hybrids congratulates Andrew on his accomplishments,” said Bruce Kettler, Director of Public Relations at Beck’s Hybrids. “Our industry continues to be very dynamic and it will need energetic leaders like him to make sure that soybeans stay relevant and grow market share.”