Matthew R. LaFontaine
Experience
2 Bottom Plow Farms (285 acres: corn, soybeans, woodland)
Owner/Operator (2003—Present)
- Responsible for land acquisition and finance decisions
- Responsible for profit and loss, including seed, fertilizer, and chemical purchase and grain marketing
- Responsible for plant health, weed control, and pest control
- Creation of brand identity
- Initiation and execution of all government programs
- Crop insurance selection and record keeping
- Ensure the safe operation of all equipment (tillage, planting, spraying, harvest)
- Maintain and improve soil health and fertility
- Prevent and control soil erosion
- Maintain and repair equipment
- Maintain and repair buildings, ditches, and drainage systems
- Maintain and market timber
Dave LaFontaine Farms (1,000 acres: corn, soybeans, wheat, poultry)
Farm Laborer (1982—Present)
- Safe operation of all equipment (tillage, planting, spraying, harvest)
- Thorough knowledge of farming equipment and tools
- Maintain and repair equipment
- Maintain and repair buildings, ditches, and drainage systems
- Gather eggs
- Haul manureFarm Laborer (1982—Present)
Charles Bowers Farms (Custom hay and straw baling)
Operator (1987--1994)
- Job scheduling
- Safe operation of all equipment
- Record keeping
- Money collection
- Maintain & repair equipment
- Purchase supplies
Victor Steiner II Farms (150 acres, corn, soybeans, oats, farrow-to-finish hog operation, sheep)
Farm Laborer (1987--1994)
- Feed animals
- Build and maintain fences
- Replaced metal roofs on all hog buildings
- Animal vaccinations
- Clean farrowing crates and nursery
- Bale hay
Certifications & Agriculture Activities
- Indiana Private Applicator Permit
- Ohio Private Applicator Permit
- E-verify Program
- Indiana Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
- FFA
- Chapter President (1989--1991)
- Indiana Section 2 Star Agribusinessman Award
- National Convention (1990)
- State Leadership Camp (1997)
- 4-H