Meet the Caspers: Sowing the Seeds of Success
In the heart of the Midwest, where corn and soybean fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and the hardworking spirit of agriculture thrives, Steve and Jody Casper, Kearney County, Nebraska, have been cultivating success on their farm and in their community for over four decades. As dealers for Hoegemeyer Hybrids for more than forty years, this dynamic couple doesn't just witness the evolution of agriculture—they actively shape its future.
Reflecting on their journey, the Caspers acknowledge the significant role Hoegemeyer has played since they started as a dealer in the 1980s. Selling corn and soybeans, they credit last year's standout products and customer service for retaining and attracting customers. The Caspers, with their son Alan and Carson Blum actively involved in their business, ensure excellent customer service all year.
Jody manages the office intricacies and has seen the company evolve. She describes the Hoegemeyer team as friends and emphasizes their accessibility, saying they are "just a cell phone call away."
Steve says Hoegemeyer becoming a part of Corteva Agriscience is a game-changer for their customers. "We have had so many good hybrids in the past, but working with Corteva, we have so much more to offer. Back in the 1980s, the biggest decision a farmer had to make was whether you wanted flats or rounds between four hybrids," explains Steve.
Tobian Tool, the Hoegemeyer DSM (District Sales Manager) who has been working closely with the Caspers since 2009, emphasizes their unwavering commitment to their customers. "Steve and Jody are always on the cutting edge of technology," Tobian remarks. "They've been through the good times and bad, thick and thin, and I've learned a lot from them."
For the Caspers, the tenet "the customer is always first" is more than just a business strategy – it's a way of life. Tobian highlights Steve's dedication: "If there's a problem, he takes care of it. He goes beyond, and his word is his bond. Strong loyalty to the customer. The biggest thing I learned from the Caspers is to do it right the first time, and it always works out."
Jody, an integral part of the business, ensures its smooth operation. "She keeps it running." Tobian adds.
Patty Popken, Sales and Marketing Administrator at Hoegemeyer for 36 years, attests to the Caspers' character. "The Caspers are great people. They care about their customers, and we have a lot of fun working together," Patty says. She emphasizes their proactive approach to problem-solving, stating, "If the customer has a problem, they are right on it.
Jody grew up in a small town and met Steve while taking EMT training classes. Together they have five kids within six years of age made up from previous marriages and 12 grandchildren. Jody says why you put up with teenagers because now, with grandkids, it is all worth the stress.
Steve, whose farming roots run deep, started working on a small farm in his 20s, and today, along with their son Alan, oversees a corn and soybean farm and the seed business. He shares his love for cattle with their son Dave, who manages a cow-calf operation.
They have started traveling in the last few years and enjoy the Hoegemeyer trips and the friendships they have made from them. They love traveling in Mexico and have trips planned for 2024.
Despite the demanding nature of their work, the Caspers find joy in hobbies – Jody in yard work and her grandchildren, and Steve in golf, whenever time permits.
The Caspers exemplify a commitment to their community by actively supporting local FFA, 4-H, high schools, and more. When a local school no longer had an FFA program, they stepped up to help get a new one organized. They support future farmers with FFA test plots and purchasing 4-H livestock at the county fair auctions.
Steve and Jody also host an annual Hoegemeyer customer appreciation field day on the farm at the end of August.
Jody's involvement in the county FSA board committee and County Planning and Zoning committee highlights their commitment to serving the community for future generations.
The Caspers have seen a lot of changes over the years in the seed industry, but they have also experienced consistency and stability with Hoegemeyer. They're proud to be part of the Hoegemeyer team and genuinely believe they are successful dealers because of the people from Hoegemeyer that they've worked with in the past and today.
Steve and Jody sow the seeds of success in the Nebraska fields with their customers and community. Their story is not just one of agricultural triumph but a testament to the enduring spirit of community and family that defines the heartland of America.
