What does it really take to keep a farm running? 🚜 Our Union County CEO Class of 2027 found out firsthand during a visit to Lambdin Farms in Wolf Lake. A big thank you to Randy Lambdin, Eric Lambdin, and Cole Pender, a proud UCCEO Class of 2025 alumnus 🎓, for an eye-opening morning filled with honest conversation and hard-earned wisdom. 🌾

Many of our students have grown up around agriculture, yet they still came away amazed by just how much the world depends on farmers. They learned how factors like fuel prices ripple through the cost of crop production, why the Lambdins keep reliable older equipment running rather than investing in costly new machines, and how farming is truly a year-round job, with every season setting the stage for the next harvest. The apple demonstration was a big hit 🍎, a simple but powerful illustration of how little of our world's land is actually available for farming.

The conversation went well beyond farming. Randy and Eric shared lessons that will serve these students for life: keep money back for a rainy day, grow slowly, and be ready for changes you don't see coming. They reminded us that everyone's path looks different and that college isn't the only road to success. 🛤️ One piece of advice from Randy especially stuck with our students: "Never give up on your passion. There are endless opportunities, and if you have something that you want to work for, work for it!" 💪

Students especially appreciated how naturally the conversation flowed and how they were treated as capable young adults. Most of all, they were inspired by the Lambdins' and Cole’s genuine love for their work, a pride that holds steady in good years and hard ones alike.

A special thank you to our student liaison, Shelby Pender, who did an outstanding job with introductions that were both informative and entertaining! It was extra special having her introduce her own brother, Cole. 👏 Seeing siblings follow each other through UCCEO means so much to our program. When an alumnus comes back to share his journey and his sister steps up to lead the conversation, it shows the kind of lasting impact this experience has on families and our community. 💙

Thank you to Lambdin Farms for investing in the next generation of leaders. Our students left with a deeper appreciation for agriculture and the people who keep our communities fed and running. 💚

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