There is always something about the first. That first date. That first car. That first job.

2022 was that first year for many. Whether it was the first year employed by Beck’s, the first year selling Beck’s, or the first year planting Beck’s, that first year meant something. That first year brought new opportunities. It brought personal and professional growth. But most importantly, it brought friends to lean on, laugh with, and learn from.

Josh Pedro, seed advisor in Nebraska, joined Beck’s in January 2022, just months after Beck’s expanded to Nebraska. Josh, his wife Ashley, and their two kids love to camp, attend their children’s sporting events, and do all the family things. Josh knew from the beginning that Beck’s was different, not because of their business strategy, but the care their family received after Ashley received devasting news for the second time just weeks after Josh started at Beck’s. Ashley’s stage IV colon cancer had returned after a clean bill of health months prior, and Beck’s became that extended family the Pedro’s desperately needed.

Josh values the opportunity to support and serve western farmers as his day-to-day. “At Beck’s, we do things that just make sense,” Josh expresses. “The customer is always top of mind.”

Chad Nelsen, with 61 Seed in South Dakota, became a Beck’s dealer in late 2021. Chad and his brother Scott knew that starting a dealership with Beck’s would align seamlessly with the future of their farm. But it wasn’t just a business decision. It was about the family and friends Beck’s brings through the dealership.

“It’s been a truly rewarding experience,” Chad explains. “We are excited to continue learning and evolving our dealership.”

When Chad isn’t helping farmers, he can be found serving as a board member for the South Dakota Soybean Association, spending time with his wife Jamie and their four children, or cheering on the Minnesota Vikings.

Donald Morton, an Arkansas native, planted Beck’s for the first time in 2022. For Donald and his son Cole, choosing Beck’s was an easy decision. The value beyond the bag that Beck's brings to farmers, from their seed treatment, 100% Free Replant Policy, the affordable seed costs, and being family-owned were just a few of the many reasons why it became a practical decision to bring Beck's onto their farm.

Donald’s first impression of Beck’s goes beyond the seed he planted. He had the opportunity to visit Beck’s headquarters for a fly-in tour this past summer and was in awe of the facility, the people, and the dedication to farmers that was well represented.

Donald, his wife Kelly, and their two kids Cole and Caroline, have a simple mission: keep the farm a family farm. “We are always evolving,” Donald explains. “Implementing new technologies is the main priority to the success of our farm.”

While that first year can bring challenges, it’s safe to say that Josh, Chad, and Donald will always remember their first year with Beck’s.

On that first date, we learn the most about someone. In that first car, we learn how to drive. In that first job, we learn responsibility.

In that first year with Beck’s, we learn that Beck’s motto of helping farmers succeed goes far beyond what happens on the farm. It’s about growing personally and professionally, building relationships, and extending a hand when needed.