Lucas Daniel

Integrated Solutions Consultant
Sydenstricker John Deere Precision
University of Missouri
Ag Systems Management B.S. December 2017
Hometown: Leonard, Mo.

My experiences at MU prepared me for an exciting career that is different every day.

I help farmers in Northeast Missouri with their technology needs. Every farm’s need is unique. I help farmers capture, use and analyze their data to improve profits.

I work with different generations of farm families to implement the latest technology. The younger generation embraces it more easily. The older generation may be more hesitant, but they recognize the value of having it to keep their farm operations current for the next generation.

I grew up on a small family farm at Leonard, Mo., population 59. My FFA experiences at North Shelby High School often took me to the MU campus. My FFA advisor and my experiences at MU led me to the ASM program. I always had a passion for agriculture. I wanted to improve agriculture for farmers and help them run their operations better. ASM’s precision ag technology program, including my internship and Study Abroad experience, gave me a strong foundation to find a fulfilling career.

I am responsible for John Deere product activation, building quotes, guidance system installation and helping Sydenstricker customers in any way I can. Sydenstricker has 11 locations in Missouri for new and used equipment sales, parts, service and precision technology. My cell phone is a critical part of my job as it makes me available to help farmers when they need help-during late-night planting or harvesting.

One of the program’s requirements is an internship. I had an internship with Sydenstricker from May to August 2017. During my final semester, I had classes two days a week and floated between Sydenstricker’s locations in Northeast Missouri.  I accepted full-time employment upon graduation. The internship gave me an edge in finding a fulfilling position with a well-respected company within driving distance of my hometown.

Leon Schumacher, one of my ASM professors, also encouraged me to participate in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Study Abroad program. We went to Germany and toured manufacturing plants for John Deere and others. We had nine intense days of education and fun. We saw different methods used in agriculture, incredible architecture and learned about the country’s history.

Professors at MU helped to shape my career. Dr. Schumacher always took time to sit down and share his knowledge with me. He wants to make every opportunity available to you. He always has your best interest in mind. Karen Funkenbusch also made me feel welcome. Even though her class was online, she recognized me and made me feel welcome when she saw me in the building. Joe Zulovich’s structures class was one of my favorites and Dan Downing’s internal combustion class was eye opening.

Even though MU is a large university, the ASM individualized program has a small, family feeling. Everyone works to prepare you to succeed in college, career and life.

Thanks to ASM, I get to do what I love to do in my hometown area every day.