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When Brian Huettig graduated from the University of Idaho in 2001, he knew returning to the family farm would mean more than just continuing tradition—it would require completely reimagining four generations of farming knowledge and evolving for the future.

“When I first came back, obviously it was a struggle,” Brian admits. “My dad had farmed with his brothers for 30 years, and here comes some young guy who thinks he knows everything.”

What started as tension between father and son eventually became a partnership built on mutual respect, honest conversation and defined roles. “My dad and I came to the conclusion it was best if I just started making the day-to-day decisions,” Brian explains. “Since then, our relationship is great. I talk to my dad every day, and I communicate with him about the financial side and my plans moving forward.”

Growth Through Strategy

BLN Huettig Farms—named for Brian, his father Larry, and mother Nancy—has grown dramatically under Brian’s leadership. What began as 1,100 acres in 2001 has expanded to 6,500 acres today, including 2,500 acres of barley, 1,000 acres each of sugar beets and potatoes, 500 acres of additional beans, and 1,500 acres of corn.

The diversification strategy reflects Brian’s philosophy of stability over speculation. “We’ve been really diversified for years. We try to stay in business rather than chase the high markets,” he notes. This approach has proven especially valuable during challenging economic periods when commodity prices fluctuate.

Brian’s most significant early contribution focused on irrigation management, which became the cornerstone of the farm’s success. “Irrigation was the thing I felt was most important when I came back,” he explains. “Our farm was all deep well, so we were short of water.”

His commitment to water efficiency meant literal around-the-clock work. “When I had a pivot go down, or I had water available, I was quick to move that water somewhere else. And if it was in the middle of the night, that’s what I was doing,” Brian explains. This hands-on dedication to irrigation timing and water balance became his calling card and proved his value to the operation. The farm has embraced technological advances while maintaining its practical foundation. Modern technology now includes GPS tractors, variable rate fertilizer application and irrigation systems that allow for precise targeting of different soil types while using less water. “It allows us to work more hours without having guys that are tired because they’re not focused on steering—they can pay attention to the equipment better.”

The technology adoption wasn’t always smooth. Brian recalls bringing their first GPS tractor to the farm with a 13-foot implement. “My dad couldn’t understand why we needed GPS on a little piece of equipment like that,” Brian remembers. “He ran it for about one day and quickly realized how convenient it was.”

The real test came when his dad called because the GPS wasn’t working. When Brian suggested he “just drive it,” that wasn’t something his father wanted to do anymore. “We’ve kind of gotten spoiled with technology,” Brian admits with a smile.

Building for Tomorrow

As Brian looks ahead, his focus has shifted toward sustainability and legacy. “I don’t want my girls and my nephew to have to deal with the debt we carry,” he explains. “My goal is to pay down debt over the years and still be successful.”

This measured approach reflects lessons learned over two decades of farming. Brian’s philosophy isn’t about avoiding growth—it’s about strategic expansion. “When there are chances to expand, you take those chances, but in a methodical way of knowing your debt structure and how much risk you want to take,” he explains.

A Community Partner

Since switching to First Federal in 2020, the farm has found a banking partner that understands both agriculture and community connections. The relationship began through President and CEO Jason Meyerhoeffer, who Brian’s father had known for years. What impressed Brian about First Fed wasn’t just their banking services—it was their community commitment. “They donate a lot of money, they give a lot of time,” he notes.

This community involvement reinforced what Brian already believed: “Working with a community bank is very important to farms. Having local people, who live in the area, that you partner with makes all the difference.”