Here at 21st Century Equipment, we’re fortunate to connect with some of the best folks the agriculture industry has to offer. That extends even to up-and-comers like this year’s fantastic batch of summer interns. Get to know a few of the hardworkers who are learning the ropes in 2025 by reading their stories below.

Jason Nelson, 19 – Sophomore at Casper College, Casper, WY

Jason’s interest in 21st Century started when he was a kid, going to town with his father to get parts. When he was old enough, he started working part time in inventory and stocking shelves.

His internship experience has been varied and exciting.

“My favorite thing so far was traveling to Julesburg, Colorado with Preston [Jueneman] and Troy [Randall] to set up a brand new N560C with a 350L air cart to plant sorghum,” Jason said. “It took a couple hours to get going from the depth to the section control in the 8R 410.”

“I am looking forward to seeing the new auto unload on the combines during wheat harvest and getting to see automation within the machines and the new technology,” he said, when asked about what comes next.

Outside of ag, Jason enjoys studying history in school. He also spends time doing team roping, golfing, and trap shooting along with watching rodeos and helping his father on their farm.

“I do have a career in mind, and it is to be a precision ag consultant,” Jason said. “Other than working as a precision ag guy, I would like to farm and ranch with my brother.”

The quote that defines Jason’s outlook is: “A carpenter is only as good as his tools. My dad told me this and it means have the best tools for the job. Have the best, and be the best for whatever you are working on.”

Jason’s experience so far has been a good one, and he’s enjoyed learning from 21st Century Equipment already.

“21st is a great company that is willing to help the customer however they need,” he said. “The staff at the different locations are all down-to-earth people who are great to be around.”

Cole Halley, 20 – Junior at Northeastern Junior College (NJC), Sterling, CO

Cole says he’s always been interested in the agriculture sector as a whole.

“I’ve worked in the sector my entire life, and I wanted to understand the manufacturing side of ag,” he said. “Working for John Deere has always been a dream of mine. 21st Century Equipment being the local dealer is an excellent way to jump start my career at Deere.”

Cole’s favorite opportunity during his internship so far has been to operate equipment on the test farm. That included the 8RX 410 equipped with the 1725C planter.

“Casey [Andrews] was a fantastic teacher in demonstrating how to use modern equipment,” he added.

When asked about what he hopes to learn next, Cole mentioned, “I am looking forward to developing my trouble shooting skills. Additionally, I hope to gain an understanding of how the equipment operates and how to keep the equipment working, as well as being able to identify and diagnose more precision technology.”

In school, Cole is predominantly interested in ag science subjects such as crop and soil science. He also has a knack for math and physics courses. The combination of these focuses has led him to pursue ag and biological systems engineering.

Outside of his studies, Cole enjoys mechanical work (including working on his friends’ vehicles for them), as well as working on computers and farm work.

Cole also already has lofty career aspirations.

“A career goal that I have is to work in research and development for an agriculture company. Hopefully John Deere,” he said. “While I have a goal set, I am open to all opportunities that come my way.”

Most of Cole’s family comes from the agriculture sector. Both sets of his grandparents owned farms, one in LaSalle, Colorado and one in Brush, Colorado. His father and mother also each grew up on farms, with his dad continuing to work in the ag sector.

The quote that sticks with Cole is: “Failure is not an option.”

“Gene Kranz, flight director of Apollo 13 [said this]. This quote speaks to me because no matter what happens in life you can’t have a redo. You must keep moving forward from where you’re at,” Cole said.

Riley Dobbins, 21 – Senior at Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Riley majors in Ag Systems Technology and Industrial Technology at Iowa State University. His interest in 21st Century began with wanting to know more about the tech and precision side of ag.

“I saw that 21st was hiring a precision intern which was perfect. I wanted more experience working with the machinery and equipment which works out great,” Riley said.

Speaking of tech, his favorite experience as an intern so far has been right in line with his interests.

“My favorite thing that I’ve gotten to do so far is work with the new autonomous tractor,” Riley said. “There have been a few demos, and I got to be part of one of them and help when needed.”

As his internship moves along, Riley is looking forward to harvest season.

“I arrived just as planting was getting wrapped up, so it has been a bit slower. Once harvest gets going there should be a lot of cool stuff to learn and do,” Riley said.

Riley has always enjoyed learning about tech throughout his studies and even built his own computer in high school. Currently he’s enjoying hands-on classes such as Advanced Manufacturing and Ag Machinery and Power. He says he’s also looking forward to Precision Ag and Tractor Power in his next semester.

When it comes to the future, Riley knows he wants to work in the ag machinery industry, but he admits he’s still testing out the waters on specifics.

“I am still trying different things to see what my interests are, but I am enjoying this internship,” he said.

Both of Riley’s parents grew up on farms, with his mother raising cutting horses and his father raising pigs. His father works for Hefty Seed Company which is a seed and chemical retailer. Riley worked for the company every summer between 8th grade and his freshman year of college.

Riley’s favorite quote comes from the film, and character, Rocky: “It ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”

“This quote speaks to me because it promotes perseverance and resilience when faced with adversity,” Riley said. “Life can be great but sometimes you fail or something bad happens and being able to fight through that and keep going is what makes a winner.”

When asked about his impressions of 21st Century, he credits the people most of all.

“21st Century is a great equipment company with an even better atmosphere,” he said. “The people there are super cool and always willing to help. It’s a fun place to work and you learn a lot.”

Brennen Welsh, 19 – Sophomore at Northeastern Junior College (NJC), Sterling, Colorado

Brennen’s interest in 21st Century came directly from someone already with the company.

I’ve always had some interest in agriculture, but what really sparked it was a presentation in high school from a guy from 21st Century,” Brennen said. “He showed us how guidance systems work, and that really caught my attention. After that, I talked with my cousins who knew about what 21st Century had to offer. Then later on, I took a precision ag class in college, and that really solidified my interest and made me want to learn more through an internship.”

The John Deere tech has been Brennen’s favorite part of his internship so far.

“I have learned how to navigate the John Deere Operations Center and analyze the data and clean up boundaries on people’s fields,” Brennen said. “I’ve ridden along for See & Spray testing, got to see the test farm, and got to see the autonomous tractor in action. I also watched ExactShot technology work and helped install ethernet switches, modems, and spray nozzles into tractors. On top of all that, one of the best parts is that I’ve met a lot of great people while working.”

Brennen also can’t wait to roll his sleeves up as his internship progresses.

“I am looking forward to getting more hands-on and familiar with the equipment and learning how to troubleshoot and set up precision ag hardware in real-world situations,” he said. “I also want to better understand how to use Operations Center to the fullest and how to read and understand the data better to help farmers make decisions. Overall, I’m excited to keep building my skills, work alongside experienced techs, and get a clearer picture of what a career in this field could look like.”

Brennen’s focuses in school have appropriately been on things like ag mechanics and precision agriculture, or as he puts it, “anything involving technology and problem solving.” Outside of his studies he likes to fish, relax with friends and family, hunt, play sports, camp, and play his guitar.

Brennen’s interest in ag and technology is strong, but he also knows he wants to keep exploring his options to narrow down what he wants to do as a career.

“This internship has been a great opportunity to see what a future in this field could look like, and I’m open to trying different paths to see where I fit best,” he said.

Brennen says ag has been in his family for generations, with his grandfather farming for nearly 40 years, taking over for his great grandfather.

“During that time my parents and uncles helped him on the farm until he retired,” Brennen said. “Now, my cousins have taken over and have been farming for 8 years, so farming has always been something I’ve been around growing up.”

Brennen’s favorite quote is: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

“It reminds me that consistency is more powerful than perfection,” Brennen said. “It’s the idea that success isn’t about one big moment, but about the small, everyday choices we make. Wither it is studying a little every day, practicing a skill, or simply showing up with a positive attitude, these efforts add up over time which encourages me to keep going, even when progress feels slow, because each step counts toward something bigger.”

It’s safe to say Brennen has enjoyed his time with 21st Century and specifically with this summer internship.

“What stands out most is how 21st Century genuinely cares about its people—investing in employee growth, supporting local communities, and always putting the needs of farmers first,” he said.

Gaining Ground Winter 2023

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