Part of Agriculture Some Forget About: An Interview with Zach Hughes

Zach Hughes, from Sullivan, Illinois is a prime example of a person who loves agriculture and provides services in ways we usually forget about. Zach just so happens to be my future brother-in-law, he just proposed to my sister over the Christmas holiday! He is 23 years old and is currently living in Sullivan and working out of Assumption at Sloan Implement. Here is a short interview with Zach about how he contributes (indirectly) to agriculture and farming on a daily basis.

Zach likes to hunt

Kayla: Zach, tell me about your history with agriculture? (Involvements in high school, experience, etc.)
Zach: I started my career in agriculture when i was 12 years old when i was hired on by a local farmer to mow. I then went on to high school where i continued to work for the same local farmer and also joined Future Farmers of America where I became the treasurer. After high school I attended Lake Land Community College in Mattoon, IL with a major in Applied Science in the John Deere Ag Tech. program.

Zach hauling hay

Kayla: What type of career do you have now?
Zach: I am currently employed by Sloan Implement Company in Assumption, IL as a service technician. My job consists of fixing and maintaining John Deere equipment for farmers. I work day to day on new and old equipment.
Kayla: How does your job help aide in the bigger picture of agriculture?
Zach: The way my job aides in the big picture of agriculture is I'm one of many people that keep the machinery running that gets the crops out of the fields.
Kayla: What do you feel is one of the biggest issues facing agriculture or your related industry today?

Zach: I believe the biggest issue facing my related industry today is the EPA regulations for the amount of particulate matter that off road diesel engines can emit. With these more strict standards come new technologies in diesel engine designs. Along with this comes new training on how to diagnose and work on such engines.

Zach with me and my family!