Farming has never been a one-size-fits-all business. Every operation is different, shaped by the land, the family working it, and the challenges they face. That’s exactly the case for Jesse Welch and his family, who are taking their farm in Tonganoxie, Kansas, to new heights by blending tradition with innovation.
Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future
Jesse and his family moved from Reno, Nevada, back to their Kansas roots to take over their family farm, which has been in operation for...
Farming has never been a one-size-fits-all business. Every operation is different, shaped by the land, the family working it, and the challenges they face. That’s exactly the case for Jesse Welch and his family, who are taking their farm in Tonganoxie, Kansas, to new heights by blending tradition with innovation.
Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future
Jesse and his family moved from Reno, Nevada, back to their Kansas roots to take over their family farm, which has been in operation for more than a hundred years. Over the decades, the farm has evolved—from raising sheep and dairy cows to focusing on row crops like hay and soybeans. But Jesse saw an opportunity to do more.
Instead of sticking to just one path, Jesse and his wife took a hands-on approach to diversifying their operation. They experimented with different crops, eventually finding success with squash and pumpkins on a two-acre plot. On top of that, they started raising chickens, expanding into egg production and meat birds. Their goal? Keep building something sustainable for the future while keeping their farm traditions alive.
The Challenge of Scaling Up
Like many farmers, Jesse quickly realized that growth comes with challenges—one of the biggest being equipment.
“We have tractors, trucks, and the basics, but when you start moving bigger and heavier products, you need the right tools to make it work,” Jesse shared.
For example, when listing hay bales and hedge posts on HitchPin, he ran into a common hurdle: customers were interested, but self-loading heavy items wasn’t ideal. That’s where scaling up the right way became essential, ensuring buyers could get what they needed with less hassle.
Turning Hay into Revenue with HitchPin
One of Jesse’s biggest successes came from an unexpected place—old hay. Like many farmers, he had a barn full of hay that he assumed would end up as waste. But through HitchPin, he found buyers who needed affordable feed options. In no time, he sold over 600 bales, turning what could have been a loss into a profitable transaction.
Beyond just making a sale, Jesse found something even more valuable: connections.
“What’s been really great is after a sale, I’ve been able to collaborate with other farmers. That network has been huge,” Jesse explained.
A Marketplace Built for Agriculture
For Jesse, HitchPin solved a problem that many farmers and ranchers face—finding the right place to buy and sell. Before using HitchPin, options were limited.
“It was either eBay, which isn’t really built for farm stuff, or Facebook Marketplace, which has its own challenges. HitchPin is made for ag—it’s a place where you can actually see what things are selling for in your area,” Jesse said.
Price discovery has been a game-changer for him. Instead of guessing at prices based on Google searches, he can see what’s fair and competitive based on actual farm transactions in his region.
The Future of Welch Farms
Jesse and his family aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Along with their growing row crops and poultry business, they’re looking to expand into firewood and lumber sales, taking advantage of the natural resources on their land. They also plan to sell equipment they no longer need, helping other farmers find reliable tools at fair prices.
“I think just getting involved is key,” Jesse said. “Even if you’re not selling right away, using HitchPin to see what’s out there and understand the market makes a big difference.”
If you’re looking for hay, hedge posts, or soon-to-come farm products from Welch Farms, check out their HitchPin storefront. And if you’re a farmer wondering how to reach more buyers and make sales easier, Jesse’s advice is simple: start today.
Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Explore how HitchPin can work for you.
