A new field: Mid-life career change shifts focus to African agriculture

Barb Bierman Batie
Jan 24, 2025
Jan 24, 2025

Reiners new ventures 1 - worked.jpg — Jay Reiners, left, visits with Dr. Peter Munga and his wife, during a function last February in Kenya while on a trade mission there with Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen. That trip sparked a passion for sharing agricultural knowledge gained during 34 years of farming with young farmers in Africa. He and fellow Nebraskan Brandon Hunnicutt will return to Ghana in March to begin developing partnerships for their LLC, Sustainable Agriculture Solutions for Africa.
Submitted photo

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Early in 2024, a trip to Africa became the pivotal point in one central Nebraska farmer’s decision to leave full-time farming and take up a new challenge.

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The Nebraska Corn Board elected its leadership team during its August board meeting in Scottsbluff. They are past chairman Dave Merrell, left, secretary/treasurer Jay Reiners, vice chairman Brandon Hunnicutt and chairman David Bruntz.
Submitted photo

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Barb Bierman Batie grew up near Battle Creek, Nebraska, and now farms row crops with her Platte Valley Farmer, Don Batie, northeast of Lexington. She has written for local, state, regional and international publications. She joined the Midwest Messenger crew in 2010. She can be reached at barb.batie@gmail.com.