Working long hours outside in both the freezing cold and humid weather doesn’t sound like the ideal job to most people. However, senior Spencer Rahn expected this when he decided to seek a career in farming.

Spencer plans to take over his grandfather’s farm in Arkansas City, Kansas after high school. On the farm, they raise cattle and grew hay, wheat and soybeans. Since age 12, Spencer worked on the farm each summer. Last summer, he decided he wants to farm as a career and attend Cowley County Community College to pursue an agribusiness degree.

Kevin Rahn, Spencer’s dad, takes pride in Spencer’s decision to preserve the family farm.

“It is great that the tradition will continue as his grandpa has been farming the land for over 50 years,” Kevin said.

According to Spencer, a regular day of farming varies depending on the season.

“There are lots of repairs to make, but it depends on the time of the year,” Spencer said. “In the summer, there is a lot of field work and in the winter it is mostly livestock.”

Spencer goes to the farm often in the summer for the harvest, his favorite time of year.

“During harvest, I do a little bit of everything, but mainly drive the combine and keep the equipment in check,” Spencer said.

Fixing machinery proves to be Spencer’s least favorite task to do on the farm.

“I don’t like to work on equipment because nothing ever works the way it’s supposed to when I’m repairing stuff,” Spencer said.

Kevin believes Spencer had the necessary qualities to be a farmer.

“Spencer has the passion and work ethic it requires,” Kevin said. “He will hopefully be able to grow it into his own and be successful.”

Spencer anticipates challenges to arise when running the farm alone.

“I think the most difficult part about taking over the farm will be all of the stress and decision making,” Spencer said. “I grew up farming, so I know I can do it.”