Man helps neighbor live dream of farming

The man’s own children
aren’t interested in
farming.

PORTAGE, Ohio (AP) — Ryan Miller was in elementary school when his father was permanently disabled in a farm accident and had to sell their land.

But the boy never gave up his dream of farming.

He’s getting the chance to make his dream reality thanks to a neighbor who has become a mentor and a second father to him.

Miller began tagging along with neighbor Dave Adams after Adams bought one of the family’s tractors following the accident that left Miller’s father a quadriplegic.

The young man rode in the tractor with Adams after the sale.

“From then on, he hung around and wanted to help in any way he could,” Adams said. “I’ve never seen a young man more interested in farming.”

Miller, now 25, has acquired some land from his grandfather and plans to take over for Adams when he retires.

“This wasn’t something just handed to him. He’s worked for it all his life,” Adams said. “This is special. You usually don’t find someone to train you and let you in to become part of the operation.”

When their partnership began about 15 years, Miller rode his bike to Adams’ farm every day just to make sure he didn’t miss anything.

Some days the boy went to the farm twice a day.

“He would find me at certain fields and sit there and watch me,” Adams said.

As Miller grew older, Adams began allowing the boy to drive the tractor.

Their relationship grew from there and they now work together on about 900 acres.

Adams, 62, is planning for retirement. His own children are not interested in running the family farm.

“As close as we are, I kind of consider him like a son of mine,” Adams said.

The pair never wanted their relationship to replace Miller’s father.

“I owe a lot to my entire family. My dad gave me the passion for farming,” Miller said.

Despite limitations, Randy Miller has played a part in his son’s farm education.

The two often talk about farm issues. The young farmer credits both his father and grandfather.

“They both have years of experience and they always have good ideas. I value that a lot,” Miller said.

Miller only wishes he could have learned more with his father on their farm. “This is by far the next best opportunity,” he said.