K-P Farm Partnership and Porter Farms
Aaron Porter
Hometown: Dexter, MO
Farming Since: 2001
Aaron Porter fell in love with farming at a young age while learning from his grandfather about what it means to lead a life well lived. Now, Porter spends his time in the field, farming with his father-in-law, wife and children in Stoddard County on an irrigated cotton, corn, soybean and sweet corn operation. When he’s not farming, he’s busy serving on several boards at the local and state levels.
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Farmer Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I met my wife, Sarah, while at the University of Missouri-Columbia. We have three children: Alex, Ava and Adam. In them, I am truly blessed.
I love farm life. There is nothing better, except maybe a little ranch in the middle of the Rockies where I can run some momma cows and hunt elk.
Tell us a little about your farm.
My father-in-law and I, along with my wife and children, raise irrigated cotton, corn, soybeans, and sweet corn in Stoddard County near Essex.
Tell us about your involvement in agriculture.
I serve on the Stoddard County Farm Bureau Board. I am also a member of the MU Seed Advisory Committee, Strip Trial Program Farmer Panel and the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center Advisory Board.
My favorite memory on the farm is hauling hay with my grandpa. We’d be hitting round bales with the pickup mounted bale spear at 20 mph. It was my job to watch out the back glass and make sure grandpa hit the bull’s eye. I’d get a knot on my head and he’d get a good laugh. I fell for it every time; would love to do that over again.”
Should tractors be red or green?
I bleed green.
What is your favorite planting or harvest snack?
Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts.
What are you listening to while working?
Right now, Ian Munsick.
Who are your favorite ag influencers to follow?
I follow what the University of Missouri, Mississippi State, Georgia, and Illinois Extension Services say. They all provide great research that I use to aid in decision-making. I also really like Soybean Research Information Network (SRIN). It is a tremendous resource for soybean-related information. Check it out next time you have an agronomic question about soybeans.
I advise my children to find something they love that we cannot do without. Nothing adheres to that rule better than agriculture. The old saying goes, ‘you need a farmer three times a day.’ Whether a farmer, crop geneticist, chemical engineer, agronomist, or veterinarian, all are essential in providing food, fuel and fiber. Agriculture is a rewarding endeavor that must rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of a growing population.”
Who is your biggest influence?
My Grandpa Miller is the reason I do what I do. He taught me a lot about farming and a lot about what makes a life well lived.
Do you incorporate any sustainable practices on your farm?
We use cover crops, terraces and tile on certain fields to alleviate erosion. We also no-till all our beans to make them easier to plant into the next spring.