Dwayne Thrasher, 37, is the patriarch of his family's farm. Since his 20s, he's managed the large hog, cattle and row crop operation with the help of his wife, mother and grandmother.

Farming is more than a business, it is a way of life rooted in the strong moral values and self-motivation Thrasher exhibits day in and day out. By the time the sun and his wife and kids rise, he has checked the commodity markets and planned out the day's to-do list. With Blackberry in hand and his dog alongside, he is constantly texting everyone involved and going between each pasture and barn to ensure each animal and acre of ground is cared for properly.

Thrasher works hard so that he can end his day with his family helping his kids with their math homework and saying nightly prayers together.

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Thrasher is up before 6 a.m. every morning to review the overnight commodity markets and do some paperwork before employees arrive.