Born July 19, 1965 near Litchfield, Illinois. Father worked at a post office for most of his life and was a hobby farmer & his mom was a school teacher and then raised her three kids. She went back to teaching when the kids went off to college. Maternal grandfather was a butcher. Traces family back to great-grandfather when they settled here.
FARM BUSINESS
Beef operation farm, had Black Angus cattle. Grain, soybean and hay were part of the farm operations. Father was post office worker for about 35 years; was the main source of income. The farm helped supplement the family. Matt would do chores in the morning before school and later at night.
FARMING METHODS
Would walk the beans and get rid of weeds since they didn't have the chemicals they do today. Walked about 20 miles a day in order to do this.
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Would do chores early in the morning, get on the bus around 7
FARM ORGANIZATIONS
Did FFA; father active in 4-H. Participated in FFA fairs.
GLOBAL ECONOMY
Mentions Grain revolution of the 1970s. Notes that Russians are buying all the grain. Notes land price increases. Mentions President Carter's grain embargo.
