It is Nebraska's largest industry, generating $17 billion a year and creating one in three jobs. We are talking about agriculture. News 5's Rachel Lake's in depth report: Farming into the Future continues showing us how this industry has changed over the years along with some things that stay the same.
"What a way of life where you can, every year, see new life happen whether it be in livestock in watching those new calves hit the ground or planting corn or beans and see that new life spring up," said Glenvil farmer Ron Pavelka.
It is a life Ron has known since he was a young boy growing up in Glenvil.
"I remember growing up. Saturday cartoons was something I really hated to miss. But it was a day that we cleaned the barn. So I just learned the value of a good day's work," said Ron.
It was work that continued into adulthood.
"When Ron took off and went to college I cried because I thought that was the end of the family heritage and he made the decision to come back and farm. Which I am very happy about whether it was right or wrong," said Ron's father Ed Pavelka.
Years ago, Ed Pavelka began farming on just 160 acres now his family farms about 1500 acres.
The Pavelkas raise cattle. They also harvest corn, soybeans and wheat.
"One way or the other all of us farmers get it into the ground and we get the job done," said Ron.
It is a job that has gotten easier with the years.
"I can remember as a kid hauling miles and miles of pipe to irrigate this farm. Now with the advent of center pivot irrigation it has freed us up to focus on other things," said Ron.
Farmers also work the ground less.
"Now we take better care of the soil which obviously reduces the number of times that we go across the field," Ron said. "It saves us fuel and it saves us the fertilizer and the herbicide."
But some things never change. Like the unpredictable weather.
"A lot is riding on what we do in the next couple weeks getting our crops into the ground our whole year depends on how well it goes for the next couple of weeks," said Ron.
Something else that has not changed is this family's passion for farming.
"I love the cattle, love to see the new calves born and love farming," said Ed.
"Farming is what we do. It is what we have done for many generations. It is what I know and if my children choose to do that then so be it and I hope that I will be able to allow them to have that opportunity," Ron said.
And opportunity for a fulfilling life.
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