Building a Business on the Land: How One Nebraska Farmer is Thriving with HitchPin

Farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. For Jolene Dunbar of 88 Custom Hay in Almeria, Nebraska, that way of life has always revolved around hay and forage. With deep family roots in agriculture, Jolene has taken her passion for haying and turned it into a thriving business, overcoming challenges and embracing technology to connect with more customers. 

A Life Rooted in Agriculture 

Jolene grew up in the hayfield, literally. She remembers as a young girl watching the men work, waiting for the day when she could finally reach the pedals on the tractor and join them. That dream became a reality when she took over part of her family’s operation and, later, expanded it into 88 Custom Hay alongside her business partner, Jacob Stern. 

Today, their operation covers over 340 acres of irrigated land, producing high-quality hay and forage, including millet, alfalfa, rye, and cane. They also offer custom baling and trucking services, covering multiple Nebraska counties. 

Challenges of Running a Forage Business 

Growing hay isn’t like growing grain. Jolene explains that there’s little financial security for forage farmers—no government programs to fall back on, no standardized pricing. It’s a business built on trust, handshake deals, and navigating unpredictable markets. 

One of the biggest hurdles? The ongoing drought. “If it keeps up, this will be our fourth year of drought,” Jolene says. Low yields and declining hay quality have made it tougher for both producers and buyers. 

On top of that, labor shortages and soaring equipment costs add more pressure. “We solve our labor issues with equipment,” Jolene says, “but the price of machinery and parts just keeps climbing.” 

How HitchPin is Changing the Game 

For Jolene, HitchPin has been a game-changer. Before discovering the platform, marketing hay was limited to local newspaper ads or word-of-mouth. But with HitchPin, she can reach buyers across the region without the hassle of dealing with traditional marketplaces like Facebook. 

“Posting on HitchPin is simple, and it gets the job done,” Jolene explains. She appreciates that it’s built specifically for agriculture, unlike other platforms where farm products often get lost in the mix. The ability to quickly list available hay and forage, update inventory as needed, and connect with serious buyers has made a big difference in her business. 

Growing for the Future 

Despite the challenges, Jolene is optimistic about the future of agriculture. She sees younger generations stepping up to take over family farms, bringing fresh ideas and new energy. She’s also deeply involved in her community, volunteering with 4-H and serving on local ag boards to help support and educate the next generation of farmers. 

“There’s plenty of work for everyone,” Jolene says. “Instead of competing, we need to lift each other up.” 

With her strong commitment to family, farming, and community, Jolene represents the best of rural America. And with HitchPin in her corner, she’s making sure her hay and forage operation continues to thrive. 

Find 88 Custom Hay on HitchPin 

Looking for quality hay, baling services, or trucking solutions? Check out 88 Custom Hay on HitchPin, where Jolene and her team are ready to help.  

Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Explore how HitchPin can work for you.