Career pivots, trusting your gut, and working with family | How Could I Know? Ep 5

"“I almost had pigeonholed myself,” says Prinzen. “I was going to school and just going to farm. That was what I was going to do. Don't box yourself in.”"

"Prinzen shares how several pivotal moments - including walking away from plans to expand the family's hog operation and leaving a retail agronomy role after only one year - forced him to balance loyalty, family expectations, and his own interests in crop science and agronomy."

"Throughout the conversation, Prinzen repeatedly returns to the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, especially during periods of uncertainty and growth. He credits both his wife, Colleen, and his employers for encouraging him to take opportunities he initially doubted he was ready for."

"“You've got to trust yourself and believe in yourself,” he says. “But also understand there are other feelings at the table too.”"

Henry Prinzen planned to study at the University of Guelph, return to the family farm, and build a career there. He later shifted away from assumptions about success and avoided boxing himself into a single route. Key decisions included not expanding the family hog operation and leaving a retail agronomy role after one year. He credits encouragement from his wife and employers for helping him take opportunities he initially doubted he could handle. He emphasizes trusting oneself while also recognizing that other perspectives and emotions influence decisions. He now leads agronomy for Ontario at Maizex Seeds while continuing to play a major role in the family’s cash crop and livestock operations.

Read at Realagriculture