Aldrich Farms
Darrell Aldrich
Hometown: Excelsior Springs, MO
Farming Since: 1983
Darrell Aldrich of Clay County is proud to pass agriculture down to the next generation. He started farming right out of high school in 1983, joining his father and his uncle. Now, he gets to work alongside the next generation to join the family farm raising corn, soybeans and cattle. Darrell and his wife, Pam, have dedicated many years to serving the industry, including volunteering in roles through Missouri Farm Bureau.
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Farmer Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Darrell Aldrich, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council director from District 1 in Clay County. I started farming right out of high school in 1983. My wife, Pam, and I have been married 39 years with two kids, Lane and Bethany, a son- and daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter, Scottie.

Tell us a little about your farm.
We raise corn, soybeans and cattle on our farm. It’s a family operation – I farm with my son and two employees, one of which feels like family, as he has been with us for 30 years.
Should tractors be red or green?
At our place, we pretty well bleed green.
Getting to farm with my uncle and my grandpa. When I started, they had a small operation, and getting to work with them is a fond memory. Now I get to farm with the younger generations of my family.”
How do you take your coffee?
I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink Pepsi.

Tell us about your involvement in agriculture.
I’ve served on our county’s FSA committee and served on soil and water. I am active in Missouri Farm Bureau, having previously served on the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. I’m currently serving as the chairman of the Northern Regional Endorsement Committee. I’ve also been an MSMC director for 4 years.
What is your favorite planting or harvest snack?
Cheese peanut butter crackers.
What are you listening to while working?
Mostly KMZU Radio out of Carrollton listening to farm markets and market reports.

Who are your favorite ag influencers to follow?
I don’t follow influencers.
I know it costs a lot of money, but there’s no limits – if you set your heart on it, you can do it. If you have the will power, there’s a way. There are a lot of adventures in agriculture. Every day is a new day. You can always have a plan, but it almost always goes awry.”
Does your family implement any sustainable practices?
We work on drainage systems, utilize cover crops, build ponds and use strip-till and no-till practices.