Fifth-generation North Dakota farmer reflects on dreams of being a pastor while seeding potatoes in June

Editor’s observe: Katie Pinke can be checking up with Thomas Shephard all through the rising season as a part of our Comply with a Farmer collection.

CRYSTAL, N.D. — Situated a half an hour south of the Canadian border and half an hour to the west of Minnesota, close to Crystal, North Dakota, Thomas Shephard grew up with goals of not farming, however is now in his seventh-year farming at Shephard Farms, returning in 2015.

“For a very long time, I thought of being a pastor. You already know. the household farm. it’s been within the household so lengthy. I used to be the one boy, so I form of knew since I used to be younger that my dad and mom and everybody would need me to maintain farming, and I felt that stress. I didn’t prefer it, and I form of simply thought, ‘I wish to do my very own factor,’” he stated. “However then, after I was gone, after I received to see the world somewhat extra, I spotted simply how lovely of a factor we’ve got right here again on the farm. And my favourite factor about farming is who I get to do it with; that may be my dad. It’s only a legacy I’m honored to be part of.”

Shephard, 29, earned a level in enterprise together with biblical research in 2015 from the College of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Shephard household has been rising potatoes for the reason that Nineteen Thirties, primarily chipping potatoes. He lives together with his spouse, Samantha and 10-month-old daughter, Selah.

Moreover, on the farm, the Shephard household grows wheat, corn, soybeans and edible beans. However Thomas stated “every part revolves across the potato.”

The 2022 planting has drastic adjustments from latest years.

“We’re nicely into June right here and we simply hit the midway level planting potatoes. And often this time of 12 months we’ve been achieved for weeks. However we simply form of roll with the punches and do what we are able to,” stated Shephard on June 6, 2022, whereas overlooking a discipline throughout from his dad and mom, Karen and Lyle Shephard’s house farm.

“The factor about potatoes is, it actually doesn’t have an finish date. We simply need to get them in, and we’re doing what we are able to with that,” he stated. “The forecast appears to be like promising with some heat climate coming. We hope the crops come out and we simply received’t have down time between planting and the subsequent issues that come. We’ll be rolling right here.”

Whereas Shephard’s profession path didn’t immediately result in being a pastor, he continues his ardour for ministry.

“Farming has offered a chance to remain concerned with ministry, whether or not that be volunteering with athletic ministry, or I wish to pulpit provide at small church buildings all through the world. My occupation permits me to take action,” he stated.

Agweek plans to return to Shephard Farms when potato fields bloom. Whereas that is often in early July, it possible can be in mid-July resulting from this 12 months’s late planting. We then will comply with Shephard by way of harvest.