Member Feature: Vern Terrell

We are excited to feature one of our members, Vern Terrell! Vern is a second-generation farmer and rancher in Hay Springs, Nebraska. Alongside his wife Marjean, son Brock, and daughter-in-law Heidi, Vern operates Terrell Farms and Terrell Ranches, a diversified cow-calf, feedlot, and farming enterprise. The operation began in 1948 when World War II veterans, including Vern's family, settled on the Mirage Flats Irrigation Project. Today, the Terrells continue that legacy, emphasizing diversification through feedlot integration, seed production, and crop rotation to strengthen revenue and manage risk. Vern believes in the value of land stewardship and practices it by prioritizing soil health through cover crops, rotational grazing, and conservation-minded practices. Vern believes in investing in young people and fostering opportunities for the next generation to thrive in agriculture. 

"I've always been about giving young people an opportunity, and I decided we were willing to invest money into this for that sole purpose. Not necessarily for our own advantage, but maybe to help some young person get into agriculture. We decided to invest personally and in our business. Anytime you can be involved in any group, you've come home learning something from them," said Vern.

We thank Vern Terrell for taking the time to interview with us for this feature!