By Matt Propst, Illinois Central College

Matt Propst of Illinois Central College at Farm Credit IL in Mahomet

Participating in Illinois Soybean Association’s Growing Careers in Ag mentorship experience gave me a broader understanding of the agriculture industry and helped me better define my future goals as a crop specialist and on the family farm. Through meeting with mentors from different areas of agriculture, I was able to see how many moving parts are involved in the industry and how each role contributes to the success of farmers and producers.

One of the most valuable experiences I had was meeting with a mentor from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who focuses on conserving natural resources and improving soil health. From this, I learned how important it is to manage soil properly in order to maintain productivity over time. Practices like reduced tillage, planting cover crops and managing erosion stood out to me as practical ways farmers can improve their operations. This experience showed me that successful farming isn’t just about short-term yields, but also about making decisions that protect the land for the future.

I also had the opportunity to learn about the financial side of agriculture through Farm Credit. This experience helped me understand how important financial management is in farming. From loans and appraisals to understanding policies and risk, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. It made me realize that being a successful farmer requires not only strong agricultural knowledge, but also the ability to make smart financial decisions. This is something that will be especially important to me in the future as I plan to manage my own farm and raise cattle.

Another key part of the mentorship program was learning about the seed industry. I gained insight into how seed is developed, tested and brought to market. From hybrid selection and field trials to processing and packaging, there is a detailed process behind producing high-quality seed. I also learned how companies use marketing strategies and customer relationships to stand out. Providing good service, offering trials and focusing on performance all play a role in building trust with farmers. This experience helped me understand the importance of both science and business within agriculture.

In addition to technical knowledge, this mentorship experience helped me grow personally. Many of the lessons I learned went beyond farming practices and focused on mindset and work ethic. Advice like finding a mentor, focusing on the customer and being willing to put in the hard work really stood out to me. These are lessons that apply not only to agriculture, but to any career path.

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was the connections I built along the way. I was able to develop relationships with my mentors, who provided valuable insights and real-world advice. At the same time, I connected with other students who were going through similar experiences. Being able to share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other made the program even more impactful. These connections are important because they can continue to support me in the future, whether through advice, opportunities or collaboration.

Overall, the Growing Careers in Ag mentorship experience gave me a clearer understanding of the agriculture industry and helped prepare me for my future. It strengthened my interest in farming and gave me practical knowledge that I can apply in real-world situations. More importantly, it showed me the value of learning from others and building strong connections. This experience will have a lasting impact on both my career and personal growth.