Every road that goes through Winnebago, a village of about 2,000 people on the reservation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, passes miles of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa before reaching the next town. Non-Natives own much of the farmland within the reservation, which is located primarily in northeast Nebraska. And, until about a decade ago, non-Native farmers leased most of the tribe-owned cropland.
Today, tribe members farm their own land, thanks in large part to Aaron LaPointe, who grew up hunting, fishing, skateboarding, and playing basketball in Winnebago. Despite so much farmland surrounding his hometown, LaPointe says, “I had never even stepped foot on a farm until I was in college.”
Today, at age 32, LaPointe is senior director of business operations for Winnebago-owned Ho-Chunk, Inc., where he leads several subsidiary companies, including Ho-Chunk Farms. (Ho-Chunk is a shortened form of Hochungra, meaning “people of the big voice,” as the Winnebagos refer to themselves.)
This year, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development awarded LaPointe its Native American 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes Native citizens for outstanding leadership and community contributions.
Finding His Purpose
Esta historia es de la edición May - June 2024 de Successful Farming.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May - June 2024 de Successful Farming.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Hagie's Sprayer, Built With Deere Tech
The Hagie STS16 with 120-foot boom comes factory-installed with John Deere See and Spray Premium.
No-Spring Hydraulic Press
Air-return shop press makes for easier positioning.
The Disappearing American Farmer
A new book examines this trend and how it can be stopped.
60-Year Partnership Still Going Strong
Gil Tinsey and Fred Hasen met in college and have been farming together in Michigan since the 1960s.
A NewGeneration Farm
Regenerative agriculture spurs growth at Sather Farm and Ranch.
Yields Increase With Lime
Managing soil pH could increase crop production.
Solar Harvest Coming to a Field Near You
More research and work is being done to expand the use of agrivoltaics in North America.
The Cost of Leadership
When parents won't make decisions, it’s difficult for farming heirs to set goals.
The Power of Artificial Intelligence
How animal agriculture is reaping the benefits of Al.
Shutdown
lowa plant is first casualty in USDA meat processing initiative.