For the love of family… and farming

On Friday, June 3rd, Joe Harrel accepted his Farm Management and Technology (FMT) diploma during Spring 2022 Convocation ceremonies for the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Unlike many members of the Class of 2022, however, Harrel will not be seeking employment upon graduation. Truth of the matter is, he is already gainfully employed.

“I own the Speedy Auto Service and the Novus Glass in Kirkland with my partner Andy Arbuckle, and I own and operate Optimum Business Brokers as well,” says Harrel, who was also selected valedictorian by his classmates.

So, why does an established businessman go back to university full time in a field in which he has no experience with classmates young enough to be his children?

It goes back to Harrel’s weekend gig. On the farm. His son’s farm.

 Read the full Q&A in Focus on Macdonald.