This month we are pleased to feature Chris Drake. In September we will participate in the National Association of County Ag Extension Agents Conference as well as feature Chris, this feels like an extra special circumstance because Chris came to know about DCI through his local extension office - what a wonderful example of the positive networking opportunities available to us in our industry! Please enjoy reading more about Chris in this month's spotlight.

How did you get involved with DCI?
    Our county ag agent referred me to DCI one winter as I was looking to supplement my farm income.

Tell us about your background:
    I have been involved in agriculture my entire life. Working with my grandparents on both sides then working for the local cooperative for 15 years before taking on my father-in-law’s farming operation.

What is the best thing about being a DCI Contractor?
    The flexibility and changing routine. I enjoy seeing how other operations are adapting and changing.

What would you like to share about your home and family life?
    My wife Jodi and I have been married for 22 years. We have two daughters. Madeline is going to be 15 soon and Caroline will be 12 this fall. Jodi is our County Extension Agent and the whole family is active with 4-H .

What was your first job?
    My first job was riding horses for a friend to see what they would do.

What do you do during the first hour of the morning?
    I check email and watch the local news.

What are your hobbies and interests?
    I enjoy running my cow herd and riding my horses. I recently bought a team of Percheron mares and enjoy driving them and working them light. I plan on using them to give wagon rides through the local park at Christmas time to enjoy the light displays.

What is your greatest achievement?
    My family. I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughters preparing to show livestock and serve in our community.

What are you ordering for your favorite meal?
    I always enjoy a good steak. But am open to trying new things!

Who are your favorite music artists?
    I am still a fan of George Strait and Reba.

What is the happiest memory of your life?
    When my first daughter was born.

Tell us about your favorite pet.
    I have been blessed with several good border collie dogs, but right now we have a King Charles spaniel that has won our hearts.

What three people (living or not) would you invite to a dinner party?
    I would love to sit down with Will Rogers. I think a conversation with former president Reagan would be interesting. Thirdly I think I would enjoy breaking bread with grandpa again. He was a huge influence on me and left this world to soon .

What historical figure do you admire most?
    Teddy Roosevelt may have been as outspoken and different in his day as our current president is now.

What was the first concert you attended?
    Reba

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
    Coca Cola, I start my day with it and often end an evening with some.

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know:
    I started in a small town in south central Kansas and have lived in several western Kansas locations. I have stayed within the same area for the last 22 years.

Where in the world are you dying to visit?
    I would like the opportunity to visit Canada and Alaska

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    Never go to bed mad.