Meet Influencer Chelsey Erdmann
About Chelsey
Chelsey Erdmann is a passionate native of North Dakota with deep roots in agriculture. She proudly represents the sixth generation of her family's farm.
Rhein Valley Farms is a diverse farming operation, Encompassing row crops, a commercial cow herd, cattle feedlot and backgrounding, as well as an on-farm feed business.
Chelsey's parents always made it clear that there was room for her and her brother to come back to the family business and farm. Chelsey obtained a degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University and began her career at a John Deere dealership. She had the opportunity to come home to the farm full-time the same year her grandparents retired from the farming operation.
Today, Chelsey farms alongside her parents and one brother, with each of them actively involved in every aspect of the operation. They work together to carry forward their farming legacy to the next generation, including the seventh that tag along daily.
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A Generational Tradition
Chelsey works alongside her family on their row crop and cattle operation in North Dakota. We sat down with Chelsey to hear about the impact Pioneer has made on her farming experience.
Now that you’re farming full time, what has been your favorite part?
As challenging as some days can be, I consider it a gift that I have the time to spend with my family. Taking my three kids to the farm every day is something truly special to me. We used to have four generations on the farm daily before my grandpa passed away in the fall of 2022.
How did you start sharing your story online?
My family has always placed value on being a resource for those with questions and we were taught to advocate for the industry while growing up. I remember as a child, when we would visit a large grocery store, my mom would make her way around the store filling the cart and my dad would go to the meat department to browse how the consumer sees our product then inevitably, every time, end up answering questions for customers while bridging the gap.
I’ve always loved sharing photos of our beautiful way of life. Partly to let the world in on the specialness and partly to document our turn on this place. My first step in officially sharing our story was a video was in response to a negative statement about agriculture, and from there, I’ve continued to share our perspective from the field. A neighbor I greatly admire shared a nugget of wisdom I think of often while sharing — “They’re going to tell our story regardless. We might as well include our side."
What’s the one thing you’ve learned by being an influencer?
There is immense power in playing the offensive. I have found that when I initiate the conversation from a place of how and why we do it rather than defend an opinion about agriculture, people are respectful and supportive. I believe most people are good, truly, and I create content that allows me to be open and transparent.
What is your favorite part about sharing your story online?
The sense of community. With young kids, being involved in the farm, and a daily 40-minute drive, I don't have much time to connect with friends. Instagram gives me the opportunity to find and interact with friends. It has become my connection to the outside world that otherwise wouldn't be possible.
As a Pioneer Influencer, what is your connection to the Pioneer brand?
My family has been a proud Pioneer customer for many years. Our farm is located just four miles from our local Pioneer dealership, which has made a significant impact on our community and our family's farm. Their values truly embody the essence of a small business. They have been great neighbors, and we are honored to be their customers.