Article

Clint Lease is a corn, soybean and wheat grower from rural Tiffin in Seneca County. He and his father work full-time jobs off the farm before heading home and jumping in a truck or tractor to get to work somewhere on their 500-acre grain farm.  He graduated from Mohawk High School before attending Owens Community College, Heidelberg University, and Bowling Green State University.  He has also attended the YAP Conference for two years and was a participant in the Discussion Meet contest in December.

Meet Clint Lease

What and where do you farm (or work for an Agribusiness)?

I work with my father to raise corn, soybeans and wheat in Eden Township.

How long have you been a farmer?

I have been riding on equipment and helping to “supervise” for as long as I can remember, but finally got a chance to really contribute to the productivity of our farm in the late 1990s, when I was nearing the end of elementary school.

Why did you decide to be a farmer (or work in Agribusiness)?

During planting and harvesting season, if I must travel for any reason, the only place I want to be is out in the fields like every other farmer I see as I look down from the highway.  I can’t imagine being anywhere else during those seasons.

What do you love about farming?

I love the smell of freshly tilled dirt and the steady peacefulness that comes from the constant hum of a tractor working to pull a tool up and down the field.

Why do you think it’s important to know where your food comes from?

For me, I understand that all food is regulated by our government and we would not have access to it if it was not safe to eat.  But it’s important for people who do not live on farms to know where their food comes from in order to help them understand how much work goes into the production of that food.

What is the biggest challenge facing agriculture?

The way that the world markets can control our bottom line in today’s agriculture.

Why are you a Farm Bureau member? What do you see as the biggest benefit? 

I am a Farm Bureau member because I want to be part of something that protects the interests of so many people with one common goal: to be successful in agriculture. The biggest benefit that I see is the lobbying power of a group with number of members that we have in Farm Bureau.

What is your favorite Farm Bureau event or activity?  

The Kid’s Tractor Pull at the Fair.

What Farm Bureau programs are you most active in?

I have attended the YAP Conference a couple times at the state level a couple of times and also participated in the Discussion Meet contest this year.  At the county level, I anticipate helping out with a variety of projects as we look ahead to an exciting spring and summer ahead of us!

What other hobbies or interests do you have?

I have been involved in a Trap Shooting league for the last few years and am actively involved in the local Lions Club.