{"id":89951,"date":"2025-09-26T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=89951"},"modified":"2025-09-26T08:56:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T13:56:42","slug":"heart-of-a-tiger-delivering-innovative-agriculture-practices-to-rural-kansas-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=89951","title":{"rendered":"Heart of a Tiger:\u00a0Delivering innovative agriculture practices to rural Kansas, the world"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>From the rolling&nbsp;hills&nbsp;of Rush County, where his mother was raised on a farm among&nbsp;five&nbsp;siblings, Jeremy Myrick&nbsp;traces his roots back to the heart of agriculture&nbsp;in rural Kansas. His story, starting as a toddler living with his grandmother while his family\u2019s home was being repaired,&nbsp;shows&nbsp;the essence of hard work and&nbsp;the love of a family that nurtured his passion for farming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of Jeremy&#8217;s childhood was spent on the family farm, where he dedicated countless hours to riding various pieces of equipment and engaging in tasks such as elevating terraces and building waterways. Surrounded by animals and learning the ins and outs of machinery, he developed a deep connection to the land. His grandfather, a dedicated welder, instilled a strong work ethic in the family, with high expectations set for Jeremy and his siblings. Through his cherished relationships with his uncles and grandmother, he came to view farming not just as a vocation, but as the way of life he truly desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was fortunate to spend a considerable amount of time on the farm, bonding with my uncles and learning the ropes,\u201d Jeremy recalls. Jeremy\u2019s early experiences solidified his desire to work the land, yet sports, particularly football, also captured his enthusiasm.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"89953\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?attachment_id=89953\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?fit=1366%2C2048&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1366,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Myrick Family Picture.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?fit=173%2C260&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?fit=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg-683x1024.jpeg?resize=683%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89953\" style=\"width:342px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?resize=173%2C260&amp;ssl=1 173w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?resize=768%2C1151&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?resize=1025%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1025w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Myrick-Family-Picture.jpg.jpeg?w=1366&amp;ssl=1 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>After graduating&nbsp;from&nbsp;high school in 2008, Jeremy took a significant step toward his future, earning a football scholarship at Garden City Community College (GCCC). \u201cMy parents always insisted on hard work and self-sufficiency. They assured me that I would appreciate the struggle, and they were right,\u201d he reflects on a lesson that would define his journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Garden City Community College (GCCC), Jeremy dedicated most of his time to football and&nbsp;\u201cvarious extracurricular activities,\u201d&nbsp;yet after two years, he found himself without a degree. With a heart set on returning to the family farm, he moved back in with his grandmother, a decision he described as fortunate. \u201cShe was one of the best \u2018roommates\u2019 anyone could have,\u201d Jeremy fondly recalls, reflecting on the support and comfort she provided during that pivotal time in his life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While he immersed himself in farm work, his family emphasized the importance of education, encouraging him to finish the remaining credits needed for his degree. Inspired by their belief in him, Jeremy committed himself to his studies and ultimately completed his associate degree at GCCC in 2013, marking a significant step on his journey toward personal and professional fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the death of his grandmother in 2014, he returned to school full-time at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to pursue an agriculture degree, culminating in his graduation in 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing up in Western Kansas, Jeremy always felt a calling toward agriculture but was uncertain about his future path\u2014whether to stay on the family farm run by his uncle or venture into the corporate world. Realizing his deep attachment to his hometown, he sought a way to remain connected to the land. After starting his career as an agronomist, Jeremy discovered&nbsp;Diamond Ag. Research, a unique opportunity right in his own backyard. \u201cOnce I joined the team, I never looked back,\u201d he recalls. The role offered him a perfect blend of hands-on farming&nbsp;experience and the application of academic knowledge, all while allowing him to connect with people from around the globe and introduce new chemistry, traits, and practices to the agricultural sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jeremy began his journey at DAR as an Ag.&nbsp;Research Assistant II and steadily advanced to the position of efficacy project manager. Over time, discussions began about the possibility of him purchasing the company. Today, as the owner of DAR, Jeremy reflects on the significance of his work: \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect blend of&nbsp;agriculture&nbsp;and research, enabling me to engage with people worldwide.\u201d Through his leadership, he continues to foster innovation and support local agriculture, all while honoring the roots that have deeply influenced his life\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Jeremy reflects on his career, he emphasizes the significance of collaborating with students from FHSU. \u201cWe attend the Ag.&nbsp;fair every year to recruit interns who share a connection to this region,\u201d he explains. \u201cMany of these students understand the local agricultural landscape and bring&nbsp;this knowledge and experience&nbsp;to the table.\u201d Interns play a crucial role at DAR, assisting in tasks such as logging test substances, maintaining and fabricating equipment as needed for trials, and mixing test substances into spray treatments. Their responsibilities also include conducting herbicide control evaluations, plant stand counts, and a variety of other assessments required by research protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, beyond business, Jeremy is a pillar in his community, currently serving as the president of the Pawnee County Farm Bureau (PCFB). \u201cI\u2019m still trying to find my footing in this role,\u201d he admits, but remains committed to making an impact. \u201cIt\u2019s crucial that we reach out and give back to our agricultural community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From organizing agricultural events at local schools to initiating mentorship opportunities for budding farmers, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of outreach. \u201cWe want to shine a light on agriculture and educate those less familiar. Engaging with the community is integral,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Balancing work and family, Jeremy is a devoted husband and father of four.&nbsp;He married in the fall of 2017, and&nbsp;his personal life took on new dimensions when he became a father. \u201cI call it miniature farming,\u201d he jokes about involving his children in his work, teaching them the values he learned as a child. \u201cThey\u2019re learning the ropes, and I hope one day they\u2019ll take over and be even more successful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Jeremy acknowledges the challenges of the agricultural sector, especially in uncertain times. \u201cMy goal is to keep Diamond Ag.&nbsp;afloat because I simply cannot fathom failure,\u201d he states resolutely. He aims to expand the company while cherishing time with his growing family, understanding the significance of both pursuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve appreciated the work ethic my parents instilled in me. You&nbsp;must&nbsp;want it and work for it,\u201d Jeremy reflects, embodying the spirit of resilience. As he considers his journey thus far, Jeremy expresses a heartfelt perspective: \u201cIf you do what you love, you won\u2019t work a day in your life. It sounds good, but it\u2019s not real. However, because you love it, you\u2019re willing to work harder than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To aspiring entrepreneurs and students considering a career in agriculture, Jeremy conveys an essential message: \u201cI\u2019m very proud of my unconventional route. If I could change anything, I wouldn\u2019t. We all mature at different rates, and our unique paths shape who we are today. I was scared to&nbsp;return&nbsp;to school at 24, but&nbsp;I found my purpose once locked in. Hard times make tough people. If you want it,&nbsp;go&nbsp;get it. Remember, Rome wasn\u2019t built in a day. Keep your head up,&nbsp;grind away, and don\u2019t lose sight of your goals. There will be bumps in the road, but with commitment, today\u2019s mountains can become mere mounds in your rearview mirror.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With aspirations for continual growth and community impact, Jeremy Myrick&nbsp;is not just cultivating crops; he is nurturing a legacy that honors his roots while paving the way for future generations in Pawnee County and beyond. His journey&nbsp;is&nbsp;a powerful reminder that dedication, resilience, and passion can create a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally, even amidst the challenges of the agricultural landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\"><em>Tisa Mason is president of Fort Hays State University.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From the rolling&nbsp;hills&nbsp;of Rush County, where his mother was raised on a farm among&nbsp;five&nbsp;siblings, Jeremy Myrick&nbsp;traces his roots back to the heart of agriculture&nbsp;in rural&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37698,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-89951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinion"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Mason-Tisa-040A6662.jpg?fit=750%2C1050&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=89951"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89951\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":89954,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89951\/revisions\/89954"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/37698"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=89951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=89951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=89951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}