Nick Maynard

Seidler Ranch

Nick Maynard is a student at Western Illinois University, where he is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Science with a focus on agronomy and a minor in Animal Science. He comes from a long line of farmers, proudly being the sixth generation on his family farm in Mendon, Illinois. The farm spans 700 acres of row crops and supports 85 head of cattle. Nick has always been actively involved in daily farm operations, which has given him a strong foundation for his future in agriculture. Nick will be spending his summer as an intern at the Seidler Ranch.

During high school, he was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) for all four years, serving as an officer for two of those years. His passion for agriculture grew during the COVID pandemic when he had more time to learn about farming alongside his grandfather, and from his dad, who always encouraged him to do his best. Additionally, his experiences in FFA, from livestock judging to agricultural sales competitions, have further shaped his interest in agriculture.

Nick is eager to gain experience on a larger cattle operation, as this will help him expand his family's herd in the future. He is excited to explore a new part of the country and learn different approaches to cattle operations firsthand. This summer, Nick aims to improve his efficiency in handling cattle and become more comfortable working with cattle on horseback.

When asked who he would love to spend a day with, he mentioned JB Mauney, hoping to hear stories about bull riding. Additionally, he is looking forward to spotting some mule deer while at the ranch.

Nick's future plans include pursuing a job in the agriculture field, possibly with a seed company or on a cattle operation. Ultimately, he hopes to start his own farm and build his own herd.