For Forreston graduate Justin Myers, farming isn’t just an occupation—it’s the rhythm of his family’s life. As a third-generation farmer, Justin now works full-time alongside his dad, tending livestock, baling hay, and bringing modern precision agriculture into practice. “Grandpa started it in the ’60s,” Justin says. “Dad worked off the farm for years, but about a decade ago he came back full-time. Now I’m carrying it forward.”

That forward motion includes education. Justin earned 14 college credits last year through a dual credit program with Highland Community College, and now he’s pursuing an ag business degree with an emphasis in crop production. He admits school wasn’t always his favorite, but he lights up when talking about the opportunities Highland and Forreston High School gave him. “I really enjoyed it,” he says. “I got along with the students up there and made some good friends. It made me want to keep going.”

At home, mornings begin with chores: checking on 14 head of steers, donkeys, and goats, making sure water lines are running, and heading into the fields if the season calls for it. In summer, that means baling hay—square bales for his own small business, round bales in partnership with his dad. “We trade labor and equipment,” he explains. “It works out for both of us.”

The work is demanding, but Justin embraces it. “I enjoy it,” he says. “I really do.” That passion extends to technology as well. Today’s equipment is a far cry from what his grandfather used. Deere combines now use cameras and sensors to estimate yields, adjust settings automatically, and reduce crop loss. Auto steer and auto path systems ensure rows line up with precision. “It’s adjusting the combine on the fly as it goes,” Justin explains. “It’s incredible technology, but you still have to know when to override it.”

FFA has been another cornerstone in Justin’s journey. A state-degreed member, he recently competed as a Star Farmer finalist and walked the stage at national convention, now a National Finalist. Yet he remains humble about the recognition. “I’m not out there looking for medals,” he says. “I just want to do the work and grow good crops.” What he treasures most are the life lessons. “Communication, friendships, and meeting people from all different backgrounds,” he says. “It always felt like you belonged there. No shutdown, no judgment—just a great group of kids.”

When asked what advice he’d give to his younger self, Justin reflects: “It’s gonna go by fast. Freshman year I thought it would last forever, but before you know it, you’re done. Make the most of it.” Sports took a back seat for him, replaced by time in FFA and on the farm. “Mom’s a teacher in Rockford and she wouldn’t let me skip school—unless it was for FFA,” he laughs. “So I did as much as I could in FFA.”

Justin sees the broader picture of farming too. He talks easily about the supply chain—from agronomists advising on hybrid seeds, to shipping grain by rail to Texas cattle yards, to the beef eventually landing on dinner tables across America. “There’s a lot of people in that chain,” he says. “We’re really good at high-yield corn and soybeans around here, but it starts with us and it takes a lot of work.” Farmers, he adds, aren’t the quiet, safe players some might think. “We’re the biggest gamblers you’ll ever meet. Buying land at today’s prices is high stakes.”

Through it all, Justin stays grounded in family and place. He’ll soon move into his late grandfather’s home, continuing the family’s presence on the land that began more than half a century ago. It’s not a path everyone would choose, but for Justin Myers, the work, the land, and the legacy feel exactly right. And to us, that feels like home.