The Mid-West Farm Report has added Ben Jarboe from Paxton, Illinois to its team of reporters. Jarboe grew up on a corn and soybean operation. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, where he received a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management. During his time at Illinois College, Jarboe was a four-year member of the baseball team. He also enjoys outdoor activities, fishing, and hanging out with friends.
Farming helped spark Jarboe’s passion for agriculture. It’s how he developed an interest in learning about different types of farming and farm technology. Growing up around farming left him wanting to learn more about the industry.
“I remember when I was younger all I wanted to do was be in the fields and on tractors,” he says. “My love for farming has never wavered.”
Jarboe is excited to immerse himself in Wisconsin agriculture, exploring both the similarities and differences from the agriculture he knows in Illinois.
“Even though I get told I should buy a cow because of the amount of milk I drink, growing up in a state that focused on crops didn’t give me much of a chance to learn about the dairy industry,” he said. “So I’m excited for the opportunity to learn about the dairy industry and get to know more about what it takes to be a dairy farmer.”
Elizabeth Schoeneberg from DeForest is joining Mid-West Farm Report as a summer intern.
Schoeneberg is preparing for her junior year at DeForest Area High School, with plans of going into agricultural communications.
“I am very grateful that I have been given the opportunity to work with the Mid-West Farm Report team,” she said. “I know it will help me later.”
Schoeneberg grew up surrounded by agriculture and the agribusiness world at her family’s Sesquicentennial Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin. The farm, Creek Bed Farmacy, includes a small-scale dairy beef operation, plus a few acres of cash crops.
Schoeneberg’s parents have been pivoting toward agri-tourism options over the past 13 years. Today, the family farm features one of the state’s largest corn mazes, pumpkin patches, U-pick and pre-picked strawberries, fresh-grown peaches, and direct-market beef. They’re also looking forward to selling ‘cut-your-own’ Christmas tree experiences.
Schoeneberg said helping educate farm customers is one of the reasons she wants to pursue ag communications. She said the summer internship with Mid-West Farm Report will help elevate those conversations.
“From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, and even the technology we use daily, it’s important to me that our community understands just how necessary agriculture is – and to appreciate the farmers and others involved in making the magic happen,” Schoeneberg said.
