AgEmerge Podcast 155 with Luke and Thad Bergschneider

Luke and Thad Bergschneider are from Central Illinois where Luke is a University of Illinois Soil Scientist and Researcher and Thad is the current National FFA President. The future of agriculture is in good hands! These bright, articulate, knowledgeable men are critical thinkers, who are exploring how they can be an asset to agriculture. Growing up on their family farm, these two have grown not just crops and livestock, but also a passion for the future of agriculture. Luke, a crop scientist and researcher at the University of Illinois, is dedicated to studying soil health, water quality, and nutrient cycles—bridging the gap between science and real-world farming. Meanwhile, Thad has taken a bold step into national leadership, serving as the National FFA President, advocating for agricultural education and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. From hands-on experience in the field to cutting-edge research and nationwide advocacy, these brothers are shaping the future of agriculture in their own unique ways. Luke and Thad Bergschneider, two of seven siblings, grew up immersed in agriculture on their family farm in Central Illinois. There they gained firsthand experience raising corn, soybeans, and cattle, along with forays into pigs, turkeys, and sheep. After high school Luke studied agronomy at Western Illinois University and then attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he received a MS in Crop Sciences. He now works with the UIUC Soils Lab supporting multiple on-farm research projects studying water quality and nutrient cycles while continuing to contribute part-time to the family farm. Thad, after joining Luke at UIUC for a semester, is now taking a gap year to serve as the National FFA President. In this role, he is dedicating his time to advocating for agriculture, promoting agricultural education, and supporting the next generation of leaders who will change the world. Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we’ll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to kim@asn.farm we’d love to hear from you.