Robert Turek
born and raised near Gibbon, Nebraska, is the 9th of 10 children in a large farming family that grew corn, soybeans, and alfalfa while raising livestock, hogs, and broiler chickens. They also sold cream and eggs, grew a large garden, and canned a variety of vegetables. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska, Robert farmed with his father and brothers until the economic downturn of the 1980s led him to a 34-year career with farmer-owned cooperatives. Robert’s personal journey has been shaped by his 25-year marriage to his late wife, Shanna, whom he lost to Huntington’s Disease. He is the proud father of three children—two daughters, thriving in the fields of counseling and finance, and a son pursuing a career in aviation. Robert joined the Grain Place in April 2024 to learn about organic farming and explore sustainable agricultural opportunities.
Adam Brown
Adam Brown, a 30-year-old farmer from Lincoln, Nebraska, grew up in the city but was always drawn to nature and the outdoors. Some of his favorite hobbies are fishing, kayaking, and hiking. His passion for farming developed while spending time on his grandpa and uncle’s farm south of Kearney, sparking a desire to farm in harmony with nature. In college, he studied Water Science and quickly realized the interconnectedness of water, soil, and ecosystem health. Adam faced challenges breaking into farming without assets or connections, but his journey led him to the Grain Place, where he began as an intern in February 2024 and became a resident farmer by May. Adam is eager to continue learning about organic and regenerative agriculture, from field preparation and irrigation management to caring for cattle and hogs.