“Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization." - Daniel Webster.

Missouri farmers live by principles of heritage, hard work, and a deep bond with their land, creating a way of life that extends beyond the fields. While many see only the crops and livestock, the lives of farmers encompass much more. Since 1869, CFM Insurance has stood alongside the farming community, fully understanding the unique challenges and unwavering commitment that come with this way of life.

In this second installment of our Beyond the Fields series, we spotlight Brad Meineka, a dedicated farmer and CFM policyholder who exemplifies the true spirit of Missouri agriculture. Since graduating college in 2011, Brad and his wife have farmed full-time alongside his parents, continuing a family legacy that spans generations. Their diversified operation, which includes raising corn, soybeans, and cattle on acreage in and around Concordia, Missouri, is a testament to hard work, family bonds, and a steadfast connection to the land.

Through Brad’s story, we explore the dedication, heart, and traditions that define Missouri farming, offering a glimpse into the future of this way of life through his humble eyes and experiences.

The All-Consuming Nature of Farming

For Brad, farming is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle that can often be overwhelming in the best and worst ways imaginable. The unpredictable aspect of raising livestock, especially cattle, often means that a sick cow or a newborn calf can easily disrupt even the best-laid plans.

“I can’t count how many times cows have delayed a family trip or holiday get together because one of them is sick, calving, or in a location other than the pasture,” Brad admits, a reality familiar to most farmers.

Long hours are part of the deal. During planting and harvest seasons, success often depends on how much you can get done in the shortest amount of time.

“Long hours are inevitably logged in the tractor during spring and the combine during fall. When success or failure is determined by the bushels in the bin, every hour—and even every minute—counts.”

But despite the challenges, farming also brings families together. Brad cherishes the time he spends with his children on the farm, whether they’re checking on baby calves or riding alongside him in the tractor. It’s these moments that keep him going, reminding him why farming is not just an occupation, but a lifelong commitment.

The Power of Community in Times of Need

Communities rely on farmers all year round for food, fuel, labor, and other essential resources. But sometimes, even the strongest farmers need to lean on their communities when times get tough.

Last August, Brad’s world took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with cancer and had to begin chemotherapy abruptly. His treatment overlapped with one of the busiest times of the year—harvest season. Facing the daunting challenge of chemo while running a large farm, Brad experienced firsthand the incredible power of community support.

The Concordia farming community rallied around Brad and his family in a way that left him both humbled and forever grateful.

"The Concordia community showed up in an incredible way to lend a hand. From people with no experience cutting silage but who could drive a tractor and were willing to 'figure it out,' to neighbors bringing combines, grain carts, and trucks, harvesting entire fields without asking for a penny in return."

For Brad, this outpouring of support from his neighbors speaks to the deep connections that rural life fosters. Farmers don’t just work the land—they nurture the relationships that surround them, stepping up when someone is in need and knowing without a doubt that the same will be done for them.

Masters of Adaptation: Farmers and the Art of Overcoming Obstacles

Farming, like life, brings plenty of unexpected challenges. From sudden, volatile weather changes to equipment breakdowns at the worst possible times, farmers often face obstacles that require quick thinking and resilience.

As Brad puts it, "Mother nature always seems to have some curveballs up her sleeves every year. You can watch the forecast and plan accordingly, but sometimes the weather can change in an instant."

“Sometimes you have to plant a field twice—or even three times—if the weather doesn’t cooperate,” Brad explains. “The beautiful haying forecast can be ruined by a pop-up shower, and plans and schedules have to be changed on the spot.”

Then there are times when you have to get creative, finding quick makeshift solutions to unfortunate problems:

“Equipment breaks down at some of the most inopportune times. If you're lucky the fixes are as simple as grabbing a bolt from the shed and continuing on. But other times you have to come up with your own solution when rain is coming and the dealership won’t have your parts until next week. Sometimes you come up with a solution that would make MacGyver proud.”

It’s these unpredictable moments that test a farmer’s grit, but for Brad, they also strengthen his bond with the land and his determination to keep the farm running smoothly.

A Labor of Love: Finding Fulfillment in Farming

Despite the long hours and countless challenges, the rewards of farming are undeniable. Brad finds joy in the tangible results of his hard work, whether it’s seeing the extra pounds his calves have gained or watching a field yield more than expected. But the greatest reward for him is seeing his children take an interest in farming. Their innocent excitement over the smallest details—like noticing how well the beans are growing near the house—gives Brad hope for the future.

“I really enjoy seeing the bounty of your labor for the year. Whether that be seeing the calves you weaned being a few extra pounds heavier for the year or a certain field yielding just a little more than the last time it was in that crop. But nothing beats seeing my kids take an interest in what I do. Mostly it’s the little comments that make me smile: ‘Look at all those calves, Dad!’ or ‘The beans by the house look really good!' You never know what a kid is paying attention to.”

Brad is committed to ensuring that his farm not only survives but thrives for generations to come. To achieve this, he’s embraced precision technology to optimize operations. With tools like auto-steer and section control, Brad maximizes efficiency while reducing fatigue. The yield monitor in his combine helps him apply fertilizer exactly where it’s needed, ensuring every part of the field gets the right treatment.

“We’ve tried to adopt as much precision technology as we can on our farm since I graduated college. We’ve installed section control on the planter and anhydrous toolbar to cut down on over-application as much as possible. We’ve invested in auto-steer, which has really helped reduce operator fatigue. It also lets you pay more attention to the implement behind you, ensuring it’s working at its peak, while allowing you to make a few phone calls to keep other parts of the operation running smoothly.

The yield monitor in our combine helps us know which areas of our fields need more fertilizer and which areas need less, so we get the right rate in the right spot. We’ve also upgraded some equipment to let us be more efficient with our time, so we get as much done as possible while we’re working.”

These innovations and investments are all part of Brad’s plan to keep the farm competitive, efficient, and sustainable—not just for himself, but for those who will follow in his footsteps.

Building Tomorrow: Preparing the Next Generation

Brad hopes to keep the farm in the family, though he’s realistic about his children’s futures.

"I would love to keep the farm in the family for generations to come, but I ultimately want my children to do what makes them happy. If they want to continue farming, great. If not, that’s fine too."

Regardless of what his children decide, Brad is committed to improving the farm and ensuring that it supports his family long after he's gone.

"I personally want to keep improving the farm throughout my life and have it support my family and I as long as possible."

Brad Meineka’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that comes with farming. It’s about more than just growing crops and raising livestock—it’s about fostering relationships, leaning on your community, and finding joy in the little things. And through all the challenges, Brad continues to lead his family farm with pride, ensuring its future for generations to come.

At CFM, we are honored to stand by policyholders like Brad, protecting their legacies and supporting them through every challenge life throws their way.

Because like farming, our commitment goes beyond the fields—it’s about protecting what matters most and ensuring legacies endure.