Nick Hagen is also a Minnesota farmer, and he is from the fifth generation of his family to be a farmer. He was a farm boy from a community known as East Grand Forks. He started doing chores around the house and on the farm by mowing the lawn and doing other manual tasks at a tender age. He always liked the idea of being a farmer.

But Nick also had another passion: music. In high school, depending on the seasons, he participated in bands and played the trombone. His talent made him decide to apply to The Juilliard School, a well-known music college in New York.

From Music to Farming

Juilliard accepted Nick into their school. He was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the only two students in the school for a specific program in trombones. Initially, he was interested in music and intended to become a musician. Yet, while as a Juilliard student, he found himself returning to farming once more. He missed the calmness of the farm and the tradition of his family.

Upon his graduation in 2009, he went back to his parental home to join his father in farming. But he hesitated whether farming was the best thing to do. After facing these challenges, in 2011, Nick returned back to New York to determine if music was right for him.

Meeting Molly Yeh

While in New York, Nick became friends again with Molly Yeh. They had been introduced to each other at Juilliard, where Molly was learning the art of being a percussionist. They soon discovered that they have similar preferences, and both prefer to spend most of their time at home. It was time to leave New York; it was no longer the right environment for them.

They returned to Minnesota in 2013, and Nick chose to get involved in farming. They also got married on this farm in 2015.

Life on the Farm

Currently, Nick is engaged in the farming of sugar beets and wheat on his family’s farm. He enjoys the challenges that are associated with farming. Every day is unique, and nature makes sure that he is always alert. Arguments have been made that farming, like music, demands concentration and inspiration. Nick is quoted as saying that he likes finding ways to optimize every single day.

Despite his primary job, which deals with farming, Nick continues to play the trombone during the off-season. He is most comfortable on the farm and likes being with his father and helping him out. He also enjoys taking time to be with his wife, Molly, and their two daughters.

Conclusion

Molly Yeh is a Food Network star. She is also a cookbook author. Soon, she will open a restaurant. She and Nick enjoy living in the countryside. Their restaurant will serve local dishes like tater tot hotdish and cookie salad.

Nick is happy with his life. He came back to the farm because of his family’s history. But he stayed because he loves farming. Farming is now his passion. He feels lucky to continue his family's work.