GRAIN MERCHANDISER: ROSS UTECHT

I grew up on an acreage northeast of Superior, Neb. My family did not operate a farm, but we did enjoy living in the country and spending a majority of our time in the outdoors. I attended the Superior school system and graduated from Superior High School in 2010.

My fiancé, Courtney, and I currently live together in Red Cloud, Neb., where she is a 4th grade teacher at Red Cloud Elementary School. Courtney and I are blessed with a beautiful 4-month old baby girl named Sadie, and we are planning a June 2018 wedding.

I grew up hunting, fishing, playing sports and just being outdoors. Apart from spending time with my family after the work day, you will find me on the golf course, on the lake fishing or in the blind hunting ducks and geese. I also enjoying coaching youth basketball and baseball when I can.

I have been a grain merchandiser with Aurora Cooperative for just short of 2 years. In high school I worked as a farmhand and in college I worked at a bank. Before starting my career at Aurora Cooperative, I was an independent insurance agent. I office at our Superior East terminal location, and work with growers west of Highway 14. My trade area is mainly focused in the Guide Rock, Red Cloud, Blue Hill, Bladen, Roseland, Burr Oak and Esbon areas.

One of the best parts of my career is getting the privilege to work with multiple farmer-owners across a large trade territory. It’s rewarding to help find new destinations for our producer’s grain as well as providing them with sound marketing advice.

I believe in doing whatever I can to help our farmer-owners remain profitable and be successful at every turn.