Carpenter Farms
Daniel Carpenter
Hometown: Norborne, MO
It all started in the makeshift buddy seat of an old Massey Ferguson combine. Cutting soybeans with his dad is one of Daniel Carpenter’s fondest memories of growing up on the family farm. Now, he works on that same farm alongside his brothers, dad and uncle while operating his own Pioneer seed agency. Carpenter is raising his daughter, Elaina, to be the fifth generation on their farm alongside his wife, Samantha.
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Farmer Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a fourth-generation farmer in Ray and Carroll counties. I grew up on a livestock, corn and soybean operation. My two younger brothers, Mark and Michael, farm full time with my dad and uncle. In addition to helping on the farm during planting and harvest, I own and operate a Pioneer seed agency. My wife, Samantha, and I have one-year-old daughter, Elaina.
Tell us a little about your farm.
My great grandpa moved to Missouri in the early 1950s to take an agricultural education position. With it, he established a small farm. My grandpa grew the operation and started farming on a larger scale. Every generation has grown it from there.
Should tractors be red or green?
We have a pretty good mix of both. Depends on how well your dealer network and support is behind each color.
We had an old Massey Ferguson combine. It didn’t have a buddy seat, but had a generous back ledge for a toddler to sit on. I remember we’d listen to John Anderson on the cassette tape while I cut soybeans with my dad.
How do you take your coffee?
Black at about twice the legal limit.
Tell us about your involvement in agriculture.
In addition to serving on the Missouri Soybean Association board of directors, I’ve participated in leadership programs including the National Corn Growers Association Leadership Academy and DuPont New Leaders Program. I am a proud member of the Missouri Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow Class XVIII. I’ve served on various boards including Carroll County Farm Bureau. I also support local youth in agriculture through the Ray and Carroll county fairs.
What is your favorite planting or harvest snack?
I’m not much of a snack guy.
What are you listening to while working?
I listen to a wide range of podcasts – The Tucker Carlson Show, The Shawn Ryan Show, Jocko Podcast and Ag PhD. I seek out current news and information that’s interesting and leadership development based. If I’m not listening to a podcast, it’s 90’s country or red dirt.
Who are your favorite ag influencers to follow?
Brian and Darren Hefty with the Ag PhD Podcast.
Start building out your social network at an early age. FFA can be a big driver of that. It’s easier said than done, but be outgoing, talk to others and introduce yourself to new people. This will set you up for a strong social and business network for the future.
Does your family implement any sustainable practices?
We use cover crops on 30 percent of our acres. We’ve reduced tillage over the last ten years where it makes sense. We’re working toward implementing a split approach to nitrogen application to utilize nutrients better than we have in the past.