Big Sandy Couple to Represent MT in Leadership Program
Farmers Union Enterprise is comprised of five Farmers Union states including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each of the FUE states select a couple to participate in the FUE Couples Leadership Program. This year’s couple representing Montana is Kody and Serena Cator. The couple lives on the family farm near Big Sandy and have two children, Faith and Ridge. Kody and Serena come from military backgrounds and share how that experience has shaped their lives.
1.) How did the two of you meet? We met in the army and were married after we got out of the military. We’ve been married for 10 years. Kody was in the army for six years. He was in infantry and I was in the army for four years in military intelligence.
2.) What influence does your military service have on your life? It’s hard to sum up what the military taught us, it taught us so much.In short it would be to adapt and overcome.
No matter what life throws at you, you need to adapt and overcome. I learned that for you to be successful in life, you need a good solid team. A team that supports you and that communicates with you. A team that against all odds will have your back and that it’s all about team, no selfishness.
Courtesy Joellyn Clark Designs
3.) What was it like growing up on the farm? I had a different type of upbringing than my brother. The women made meals and cooked and cleaned. I mowed yards and ran meals to the men.
Serena, Kody, Ridge and Faith Cantor ;Courtesy Joellyn Clark Designs
4.) Have you always wanted to return to the farm? When I was in high school I didn’t want to return. After college I had plans to join the FBI. But college and the military led me on a different path. I knew I wanted to start a family and wanted to be in a farming community. It’s about living in a small town and having a close knit family.
5.) What has growing up on a farm taught you? It’s taught me that you can’t control your environment, however you can stay positive and adapt and overcome.
6.) Tell us about your work off the farm. I work at the local grocery store and help with youth basketball.
7.) What advice would you give to someone who is interested in farming? I would say to do some research before jumping into something. I would say to write short and long term goals, and then celebrate those
small victories. Second to that always remain positive. Even when there’s too much rain, or there’s drought you can always find something to be thankful for.
8.) What activities does your family enjoy? We love just being together whether it’s just watching a family movie or going camping or fishing.
9.) What do you like best about being a Montana Farmers Union member? I enjoy being part of a great community of farmers and ranchers.
10.) What is your favorite memory of being involved in Montana Farmers Union? I always went to the camps when I was little, those are some of my favorite memories to this day.
11.) Why do you think it is important to be part of a farm organization? Being part of a farm organization like Montana Farmers Union provides the opportunity to be part of a team.
12.) What are you and Kody hoping to get out of the FUE Couples Leadership Program? I’m hoping to learn more about farm topics and study them a bit more. I’m also excited to meet new people.
