Clayton VanAernam is 17 and a junior at Audubon High School. He farms with his parents, Andy and Ashley, near Exira in Audubon County. They have a cow-calf herd, and Clayton helps his uncle with his row crop operation. He is involved with FFA, serving as chapter president, and is also active in 4-H.

Planting season is just starting around here. We are planning on starting sometime today. We have received large amounts of rain within the last few weeks — roughly 3.5 inches. It has finally dried off enough so we can being to start field work. The pastures are beginning to take off, and the hay is the same way. We have five cows left to calve for the spring. Calves are looking to be one of the best sets we have had this year. Overall we are starting at a good point.

Once again planting came to a halt due to a light rain last night. We are hoping to run tomorrow morning. Most people have started, but a few are still waiting. On the cattle front, the pastures are growing great, and we are looking to get a few out on grass next week. The hay crop is starting to look great and should be a good turnout due to the rain we have gotten this spring. We are hoping to get a good run on planting this week.