By Cap Warren, Illinois Central College, Growing Careers in Ag Mentorship Program

Participating in the Illinois Soybean Association Mentorship Program was an incredible experience that gave me the opportunity to learn more about agriculture, build valuable connections and further confirm the career path I want to pursue in the future.

Cap Warren, Illinois Central College, at the Farm Credit Illinois visit

My name is Copernicus, or Cap, Warren from Washington, Illinois, and I currently attend Illinois Central College. This May, I will graduate with my transfer associate in business degree, and next May I will complete the applied science program with a focus in agronomy while also earning certifications in precision agriculture and agricultural production.

In addition to being a student, I have worked as a realtor with RE/MAX Traders Unlimited for the past four years, helping clients buy and sell nearly 80 homes. While real estate has been an important part of my life, agriculture is where I truly see my future. What makes my journey somewhat unique is that I did not grow up on a farm, and none of my relatives, close or distant, have ever farmed. My interest in agriculture began through my passion for history, especially agricultural history, which eventually led me toward pursuing a future as a first-generation row crop and cattle farmer.

The mentorship program gave me the opportunity to visit several agricultural businesses and organizations throughout Illinois, each offering a unique perspective on the industry.

One of our visits included hearing from Dan Sahm with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Dan was extremely informative and passionate about soil conservation and soil health. It was especially interesting to see conservation practices in the field and learn how these methods help reduce erosion while protecting farmland for future generations. His enthusiasm for helping both farmers and the environment made a strong impression on me.

Another highlight of the program was visiting Beck’s Hybrids in El Paso, Illinois, where we heard David Ringger speak and toured the facility. This was one of my favorite experiences during the mentorship program. David was an outstanding speaker who genuinely cared about helping students learn more about agriculture. The family atmosphere at Beck’s Hybrids was very noticeable, and it was easy to see why so many people think highly of the company. Touring the facility and learning more about seed development and innovation was both educational and exciting.

We also had the opportunity to visit Farm Credit Illinois in Mahomet, where Rod Stoll and his team spoke with us about agriculture finance and supporting rural communities. Rod’s passion for farming and helping producers succeed was very clear throughout the visit. Hearing from professionals who truly care about the future of agriculture was motivating and encouraging.

Our visit to Precision Planting in Tremont and Morton was another unforgettable experience. Caleb Schleder and his coworkers demonstrated the incredible amount of technology and innovation involved in modern agriculture. Touring both locations gave us a firsthand look at the development and engineering behind precision agriculture equipment. The professionalism and passion displayed by everyone there showed how rapidly agriculture continues to evolve.

The final visit of the program was with Pace Analytical in Peoria. Although different from the other visits, it was extremely interesting and engaging. Learning about water testing and the importance of water quality helped me better understand another important side of agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Beyond the educational experiences, one of the most valuable parts of this mentorship program was the relationships I built along the way. I was able to connect with industry professionals, exchange contact information with speakers, and meet students from other colleges who share many of the same interests and goals. I truly believe several of these friendships and professional connections will last for years to come.

I would like to sincerely thank the Illinois Soybean Association for allowing me to participate in this mentorship program and for investing in students who are passionate about the future of agriculture. This experience gave me valuable knowledge, meaningful connections and even greater motivation as I continue working toward my goals in the agricultural industry.

Participants of ISA’s Mentorship Program