Reed Rooted for Success in Phelps County

Strong schools, good mentors, and financial support can all play a part in bringing youth back to Phelps County. 

Josh Reed, a 2021 Holdrege High School graduate, returned to Phelps County after earning an associate’s degree in agronomy and recently put his roots down even further by purchasing his first home in Holdrege. His journey back to Holdrege is proof that when a community invests in its young people, they notice.

Strong Schools and Strong Role Models

Growing up in Phelps County, Reed learned early that success comes from hard work and strong relationships. He said his father, Mark Reed, owner of Reed Disposal, was one of his biggest influences. He saw his dad rise early each day to serve customers in the waste disposal business.

His dad also gave him some good advice about building relationships.

“My dad has always said, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,’” Reed said. “You can always learn new things from someone that is really good at their job. If you are ever interested in doing something, go ask someone you know if you can help them and learn from them.”

That advice paid off early. 

Reed’s interest in agriculture took root during his freshman and sophomore years in FFA. Then came a pivotal summer in 2018 when a local businessman gave Reed a chance to discover his career path.

“After my freshman year, I started helping Dave Nelson (South Platte Crop Consulting) scout two days a week and that really got me hooked into agriculture,” Reed said. “After that summer, I knew I wanted to pursue agronomy.”

He worked for South Platte all through high school and college.

After high school, Reed earned an associate’s degree in agronomy and precision agriculture at Southeast Community College in Beatrice. He also earned FFA’s highest honor, the American FFA Degree. 

PCDC Support Made A Difference

PCDC High  Demand Jobs Scholarships helped Reed pursue his post high-school education with little debt.

“I was very fortunate to receive the PCDC High Demand Jobs Scholarship both years I was in college,” Reed said. “Applying for the PCDC scholarships made me realize how much Phelps County wants the younger generation to succeed.”

He noted that not every community offers this kind of support.

“That definitely made an impact on coming back to build a career in Holdrege where I know people are wanting me to succeed,” he said.

He returned to Holdrege in 2023 with a full-time job at South Platte Crop Consulting where he continues to serve farmers across seven counties.

PCDC’s support didn’t stop there. Reed also participated in the GO! HOME grant program, which provides matching funds to employers to help with a home down payment for their employees. In 2025, Reed was able to purchase his first home in Holdrege.

“I am very grateful I was able to receive this from both Dave and PCDC in helping me pay for my down payment in buying my first home here in Holdrege,” he said.

Thriving at Home

One recent moment especially reinforced his sense that young voices matter in Phelps County. After the January town hall about the DG Fuels project, Reed had the opportunity to speak with PCDC board members and Mike Darcy, CEO of DG Fuels.

“It was the right place at the right time,” Reed said. “I was able to ask questions involving the fuel plant that I had for my future and how it would affect my generation in agriculture. They took me seriously and valued the questions I was asking. Doing that showed me that younger voices are heard and valued in the community.”

Outside of work, Reed enjoys small-town life. He plays slow-pitch softball in the summer, enjoys driving country roads with friends, and hunting throughout Phelps County.

Professionally, he sees tremendous opportunity in the region’s agricultural future.

“Phelps County is one of the top counties for progressive farming in Nebraska,” Reed said. “I really enjoy being able to help farmers that want to succeed and grow the best crop possible.”

Looking ahead, Reed hopes to one day own his own agriculture business focused on helping farmers maximize yields while preserving land and water resources.

He’s already investing in the community that invested in him. Reed is active with the Knights of Columbus at All Saints Catholic Church, participates in a men’s Bible study group, and plays on multiple slow-pitch softball teams. In the future, he hopes to serve on local boards to help move Phelps County forward.

His message to other young people considering their next step is simple:

“People want to watch you succeed here,” he said. “It is a small but great community of people that if you work hard, you will succeed at anything you want.”