For Logan Nelson, farming has always felt like home.
Growing up in Eagle Bend, Minnesota, Logan spent countless hours on his grandpa’s farm, helping grow corn and soybeans and soaking in the quiet rhythm of farm life. Those early experiences made a lasting impression.
“I’ve always loved farming,” Logan said. “It’s very peaceful.”
That love for agriculture eventually led Logan to R.D. Offutt Farms — through the encouragement of a great teacher and a willingness to try something new.
Finding a New Opportunity
Logan attended Bertha High School after transferring there from Clarissa in third grade. By his junior year, he had nearly completed his graduation requirements. With just one credit remaining, he enrolled in a work-based learning program that gave him flexibility to explore hands-on career experiences during school hours.
He began working with a dairy farmer near Browerville and continued there through the summer before his senior year. By fall 2025, Logan felt ready for a new opportunity.
That’s when his agriculture teacher at Bertha, Mrs. Oyster, stepped in. She connected Logan with Jonathan Robbins, Wadena Farm Manager at R.D. Offutt Farms, believing the opportunity would be a good fit.
“She encouraged me and has always supported me,” Logan said. “She’s been a big help.”
In September 2025, Logan was hired at the Wadena farm and quickly discovered a side of agriculture he had never seen before.
Experiencing Potato Farming for the First Time
Before coming to R.D. Offutt Farms, Logan had never seen potato planters or modern irrigation systems in action.
“I thought it was very cool,” he said, especially the technology behind how the equipment operates and how irrigation systems are managed.
After learning the ropes during his first few months on the job, Logan was able to take on more responsibility by the end of the year. His role expanded, and he became more involved in day-to-day farm operations.
Working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Logan jumped into a wide variety of tasks — fixing and servicing equipment, washing harvest bins, helping with planters and harvesters and driving a field truck.
One of his favorite roles came during planting season, when he helped deliver supplies to crews in the field.
“I loved helping during planting,” he said.
Jonathan Robbins reflected on Logan’s journey, along with two other high school students who have interned at the Wadena farm this year.
“Having Logan at the Wadena farm has been a great experience for our team,” Robbins said. “He showed a strong work ethic, a genuine interest in learning, and fit right in with the crew. Opportunities like this help us build the next generation of agricultural leaders, and it’s exciting to see young people like Logan discovering what a future in agriculture can look like.”
Looking Ahead
Logan will graduate from Bertha High School on Friday, May 22, and his career path is already taking shape.
This summer, he plans to earn his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and work evenings on a friend’s farm. This fall, Logan was awarded sponsorship into RDO Equipment Co.’s Access Your Future Internship Program. Through the program, he will gain hands-on experience while attending North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., where he is enrolled in the John Deere Agriculture Technician program.
Reflecting on his internship experience, Logan said it helped confirm both his interests and his goals. Just as important, it showed him the kind of workplace and team culture he values.
“I really enjoy the environment and the people at RDO,” he said. “I get along with everyone so well. I loved it. Good people to hang around with — they’re always willing to help and teach you what’s needed.”
Investing in the Next Generation of Agriculture
Logan’s experience highlights the impact that hands-on learning and strong school partnerships can have on students exploring careers in agriculture. At R.D. Offutt Farms, we are proud to offer internship opportunities to students 18 years of age and older that provide real-world exposure to modern farming, equipment, and teamwork.
Looking ahead, we are actively building a high school internship program in partnership with local schools, FFA chapters, and agricultural education programs, with a goal of expanding opportunities to students ages 16 and up in the coming years.
By investing in students early—through mentorship, meaningful work, and trusted community partnerships—we’re helping young people like Logan see that agriculture offers not just a job, but a future. And in doing so, we’re helping ensure the next generation of farm leaders is ready to grow.
