Meet Neil Wicke of Crop Air LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neil Wicke.

Hi Neil, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey in agriculture started at a young age. My grandparents farmed in NW Kansas and grew up spending much of my summer months there helping out with the cattle and farming operation. In college, I started pursuing aviation, as it was something that seemed interesting to me. After getting my commercial pilots license and my flight instructor rating, I focused my energy on getting to the airlines. The more I looked into it, the more I realized that might not be the path for me. That’s when I set out to try to marry both ag and aviation. I always knew aerial application or “crop dusting” existed but didn’t know much about it. I had a mentor at the school where I was getting my flight training help me get connected in the industry and I got my first opportunity in Kansas working for the crop duster who actually sprayed my grandparent’s crops! After a few years there, I was able to move a bit closer to home in Northern Colorado and worked for another operation for 2 years before the opportunity to purchase Crop Air came up. Growing up in the Eaton area seemed like a natural fit and the previous owner and I came up with an agreement that I would come work for him for a bit and then we would discuss moving forward if it seemed like the right fit. After 8 seasons of ownership, I’d say it is safe to say that it was the right fit!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has certainly not always been smooth. My first year of owning Crop Air, I hadn’t even earned a penny in revenue and I had both of my airplanes in the shop for unexpected repairs. I had zero airplanes and work coming up on Saturday. It was Tuesday. In a mad scramble, we were able to get one airplane back online and I was able to go to work that summer. I didn’t end up getting the other one back until the next year so I sprayed my first season and an owner with one airplane when the work was normally done by two. Fortunately, I had some friends from other areas that were able to help get me out of some of the busier times. After starting out like I did, it’s easy to look at the small bumps in the road that happen now and not worry too much about them because of what we were able to overcome so early on.

We’ve been impressed with Crop Air LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Crop Air LLC specializes in aerial application or the applying of fertilizer, seeds and chemicals, both organic and conventional, by airplane, helicopter or drone. We currently operate 4 Air Tractor airplanes and a drone for applications. Our ability to jump on our customers needs quickly is something we strive to be better at everyday. We love assisting our customers in making the right decisions for their farms and seeing them get the results that they want and need to keep feeding the world!

How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. Working hard, building meaningful relationships and God’s will are what have gotten me to where I am today. I believe everything happens for a reason but you also have to be willing to put yourself out there in order for opportunities to come your way. Sitting on the couch waiting for luck to come will never get anyone anywhere. You have to keep moving. The more you do that, the more you can see opportunities because you see them from a different angles. That’s not luck, that’s persistence. Things don’t just fall into your lap, you have to go grab them!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cropairco.com
• Instagram: @cropairco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cropair/