Mertz Farms
Denny Mertz
Hometown: Chesterfield, MO
Farming Since: 1975
Inspired by his grandfather’s produce and livestock farm, Denny Mertz found a passion for agriculture at a young age. After pursuing a career with Emerson as a design engineering supervisor, he was encouraged to get more involved in agriculture and farm full time. Now, Mertz farms in Elsberry, Missouri, an hour commute from his home in Chesterfield. He and his wife, Valerie, have found ample opportunities to get involved in the industry.
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Farmer Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Chesterfield, Missouri when there were still farms in St. Louis County. My earliest memories were of me running across the street daily to help my grandpa on his diversified subsistence truck farm growing fruits, vegetables, hogs, chickens and dairy cows. I spent many hours riding the fender of a 9N Ford as Grandpa worked the fields. I received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1975, and soon after married Valerie, my high school sweetheart. I worked for Emerson as a design engineering supervisor for 26 years. After going through several ag leadership programs, such as MFA Young Cooperators, ALOT, Dupont Young Leaders and Syngenta Leadership at its Best, and learning the difference a person can make in agriculture by just showing up, I left my engineering career to follow my passion and farm full time.
Tell us a little about your farm.
I started farming part time in Chesterfield after college, but by the early 1980’s urban sprawl had claimed most of the cropland I rented in St. Louis County. An Emerson co-worker suggested I attend the foreclosure sale of his brother’s farm near Elsberry in Lincoln County. That was the start of a series of land acquisitions leading to the moderate size corn and soybean operation I have today near Elsberry, which is a one-hour commute from our home in Chesterfield.
Should tractors be red or green?
Mostly green, but blue works too.
Growing up in the 1950’s, I was lucky enough to see my grandpa transition from mules to tractors on the farm. On Grandpa’s “Friday egg route”, we’d drive into the city (Ladue/Frontenac) in his 1949 Ford F-1 with eggs and produce to sell to his residential customers, who would leave their back door open with money on the kitchen table. It taught me much about responsibility and honesty. We stopped at Schnucks to get sliced ham, hard rolls and a bottle of Whistle Orange Soda for lunch in the truck while parked under a shade tree in the parking lot.”
How do you take your coffee?
Cream & sugar, but I prefer Diet Coke for a kick start.
Tell us about your involvement in agriculture.
St. Louis County Farm Bureau President; Missouri Farm Bureau Board of Directors (2009-2017) and PAC Trustee; Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT) Board of Directors and past president (Class X); World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Committee; Paseo Biofuels Board of Directors; St. Louis Science Center GROW Advisory Council; and St. Louis Agribusiness Club.
What is your favorite planting or harvest snack?
Cherry Pop-Tarts.
What are you listening to while working?
Conservative talk radio or country music, but quiet is also okay because many problems can be solved in 30 minutes on a tractor seat.
Who are your favorite ag influencers to follow?
I don’t really follow influencers.
My grandfather Mertz instilled in me a love of farming and strong work ethic, but a close second is my friend Warren Stemme, who was instrumental in my initial involvement with Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybeans and ALOT.”
Does your family implement any sustainable practices?
I’ve been 100% no-till since 1985, primarily to save time, fuel and soil.