Mike Koehne

This first-generation Indiana farmer built a global business from scratch.

- By Lisa Foust Prater Executive Editor, Family & Rural Issues [e-mail]

Despite having no family farming legacy, Mike Koehne wanted to be a farmer since joining FFA in high school. He trained to be a diesel mechanic but couldn't shake the desire to farm, so in 1992, he rented some land in southern Indiana.

Today, Kingdom Farms consists of 900 acres of corn, soybeans, and specialty crops. Koehne also runs a farm drainage business.

He said neighboring farmers and other mentors helped him learn the ropes. Serving on industry boards has allowed Koehne to connect with farmers across the country and see the global impact of his crops; he has participated in trade missions to 13 countries.

He and wife, Jill, have four children; son Luke has joined the farming operation. That's one reason Koehne said he is passionate about ensuring the long-term health of his land.

SF: What was it like to start farming from scratch?