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Influencer We’re Watching: Nebraska Farmer QConnealy
Nebraska farmer QConnealy asked a really important question recently: What hat do you choose when heading to a farm show?
Q’s accounts are filled with great images of everyday life with his family and on the farm. Follow him on TikTok and X. Here’s a quick Q&A to get to know him better:
1a. How many acres do you farm?
Haha! Just kidding! ;)
1b. When did you know farming was for you?
I really didn’t know I wanted to go into farming until after college. My dad encouraged me to get out and do something else first. He said he could always teach me if I came back. I ended up getting a degree in Interactive Media and Business. But after a few interviews, I figured out farming might be a better career choice.
I’ve always been the tech guy and love the ag tech world. I started out designing websites in high school, which is why I went to school for it. Now on the farm, I’ve taken on the role of IT. I’ve also had the chance to work with companies and be part of the process—getting to be a farmer voice and give feedback on new tech.
2. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing on the farm this year?
Like most, it’s been the tight crunch between the cost of fertilizer and what we’re seeing for commodity prices. This year we’ve really focused on ways to pinpoint our fertilizer use with variable rates so we can maximize yield at the best price.
3. What are some of your hobbies outside of farming? How do you make time for your family and hobbies during the busy season?
Outside of my content creation, which is just a creative outlet for me, our family follows anything Nebraska Cornhuskers. Football, volleyball—we’ve been to a bunch of different sports.
I try to hit the golf course during the summer, and I’m in a sporting clays league—our team’s called the Corn Stars.
But a lot of my time is spent with my kids and their activities. Whether it’s running to different practices or events or coaching my son’s team, I try to make sure I’m there.
To make it work, you have to team up with your spouse and figure out your priorities. I’ve got a solid support system—friends, my agronomist, and a few people I know I can call to run the combine for an hour if I’ve got a kid thing going on. My friend group helps a lot too—we text and keep each other laughing. You’ve got to have a good sense of humor in this life.
4. How did you get started with your social media presence?
In 2017, I went viral after wakeboarding on some flooded fields we had. I knew it was a chance to find my voice, share my story, and talk about agriculture in my own way.
I really try to show the good parts. It can be rugged and crazy, but if we can have fun and show the light side, it makes sharing a lot easier. Especially with video tools today—it’s super easy to post a 30-second clip and reach thousands of people. I try to be personable, connect with people, and reply to comments. It’s just an easy way to share what’s going on.
5. What advice would you give to younger farmers just starting out?
I didn’t get this chance, but I’d tell someone to take a sales job for a bit. It builds thicker skin for dealing with people. There’s so much going on in farming—being flexible is key. Sales experience gives you a look at how different farms operate, and you can take those lessons back home.
