When Maverick was born in February of 2019, Chris discovered a new love, one that he had never experienced before.

“After Maverick was born, he had meconium in his lungs, so he spent a week in the NICU. The first time I actually got to hold him was two days after being born, and there are no words to explain the love I felt in that moment — it was unreal! I never could have imagined loving another human being as much as I love him.”

Chris has found that his new role as a father has a lot of similarities with his other love, farming, and he’s also discovered the challenges that come with both.

“Both definitely require love, attention to detail and long days/nights, but they both leave you feeling very rewarded,” Chris said. “Luckily, Maverick was born during our off-season, so my dad took care of the farming while I stayed home with my wife. Now that wheat harvest has started and the new season is beginning, it feels weird not being with Maverick all day and just being with him and experiencing every new sound and expression he makes throughout the day.”

Though Maverick is just 4 months old, there have been milestones Chris has already missed out on and knows there will be more in the future. He also knows that every time he is out in the field, it’s for a bigger purpose.

“I know everything I do is for my wife and son, to provide for them and keep food on the table and clothes on their backs,” Chris said. “I do think about the things I may miss while out on the tractor 12 hours a day, six days a week for seven to eight months out of the year, and it breaks my heart. His first steps, first word or his first anything for that matter. I know it's just part of life. I might not be able to catch every moment because life is just that way. It makes me feel good knowing my dad and I are building something together that Maverick will have one day to do what he wants with, so I definitely have no regrets.”

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