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GRAIN MERCHANDISER: JULIE MILLER-HODGES

Aurora Cooperative 7 years ago

I grew up south of Aurora where my father was a producer – corn, soybeans, milo, and wheat along with a few head of cattle. My family owns a greenhouse in Aurora with spring bedding plants called Keystone Gardens. That is where I grew up playing in the dirt, and where I still get to play in the dirt whenever I have the chance to.

My husband Ray and I opted to live in Aurora and raise our daughter, Roxanne. Ray works at Case New Holland (CNH) in Grand Island. Roxanne graduated from Aurora High School and then went on to college at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She started her career and lives in northern Dallas, Texas where we visit her often.

It’s no surprise that one of my hobbies is gardening since I grew up doing it. Another one of my hobbies is automobiles which surprises most people who don’t know me. I still own my first car – a 1971 Chevy Camaro – which I enjoy working on and driving. I also drive a 1967 Chevy C10 pick-up to work every day. My husband and I also own a 1965 Dodge convertible and 1976 Dodge Aspen.

I have been with Aurora Cooperative for 30 years. Before starting my career here, I worked in insurance, real estate, and did some farm management. I have been in grain accounting from the day I walked in the door. I am now a Grain Merchandiser located in the corporate office in Aurora. My trade area covers Aurora, Murphy, Marquette, Harvard, Clay Center, Geneva, Grand Island, Chapman, Central City, Sutton – usually wherever the producer wants to go with grain.

What I enjoy most about my career is getting to talk to producers. I strive to always provide the most accurate information to help them make decisions for their farming operations. Informed decisions make them more profitable.