Flying Crop Duster Planes with the Suhn Family

Family Farming

Sep 25

Marcus and Jenna Suhn currently reside in Brookings, SD, but their hangar is located in Miller, SD, Marcus’s hometown. They're constantly balancing family life with the demands of running Dakota Pro Air, their crop dusting business. Their story is one of hard work, dedication, and a love for their community.

A bright yellow crop duster airplane parked inside a spacious hangar in South Dakota, ready for its next flight.

Crosby Suhn smiling at camera at dakota pro air in miller, south dakota

suhn family lining up next to crop duster plane located in miller, south dakota

9 year old bohdan suhn sitting in cockpit of bright yellow crop duster plane

2 year old baron suhn looking intensely at camera with yellow crop duster plane in background

crosby suhn ducking underneath yellow crop duster plane wing

annie suhn posing in front of yellow crop duster plane

Marcus experienced his first flight in 6th grade when his teacher’s husband gave the entire class a ride in his plane. From there, Marcus became a lifelong aviation enthusiast. Later on, he attended South Dakota State University to play football. Although not immediately, Marcus eventually decided to pursue his passion further, majoring in aviation to fly charter planes. After graduation, Marcus traded the football field for the cockpit.

marcus suhn on the football bleachers in miller, south dakota

wide view of south dakota state university's soy based football field and bleachers.

He dove headfirst into crop dusting, drawn to its independence and challenges. Then Jenna, a supportive partner, joined him on his crop dusting business.

jenna suhn and kids waving goodbye to marcus suhn before he flys the crop duster plane.

Jenna is a Sioux Falls native that also attended SDSU but for early childhood education. Surprisingly, Marcus and Jenna met because Marcus and Jenna’s brother were living together at the time. Now a few years later and a move to Brookings, SD, Jenna teaches at SDSU and raises their five kids: Boden, Annie, Gentry, Crosby, and Barren while Marcus works in Miller, SD.

jenna suhn and kids smiling together in front of their brookings, south dakota home

9 year old bohdan soon sitting on a leather couch with doodle dog named Eddie

Crop Dusting: A Sky-High Mission

Crop dusting is more than just a job; it's an essential service for South Dakota's farmers. These pilots are the unsung heroes, protecting crops from pests and diseases that threaten yields. For soybeans, an important crop in South Dakota, aerial application is a game-changer. As Marcus explains, "We're like crop superheroes, ensuring farmers get the best possible harvest."

front view of yellow crop duster plane during sunset

marcus suhn standing in front of yellow crop duster plane with helmet on his side.

Balancing Passion and Family

Life as a crop duster is far from ordinary. Marcus's days begin before dawn in Miller, SD. It starts with pre-flight checks and ensuring he has the correct chemicals and tools for the job. Jenna manages the household in Brookings, SD, raising their five children while supporting Marcus's demanding schedule.

Balancing family and farming is a constant juggling act, but their shared dedication keeps them grounded.

Challenges and Triumphs

Long hours, unpredictable weather, and the inherent risks of flying are constantly on the back of their minds. However, knowing they are directly contributing to the well-being of a farmer's crops is incredibly fulfilling. Despite the real concerns about flying Jenna shares, "Watching Marcus do what he loves is inspiring, and knowing we're contributing to our community is incredibly rewarding."

suhn family standing in front of yellow crop duster plane

baron suhn being held by jenna and holding a tin airplane toy

Beyond The Horizon

The Suhns are optimistic about agriculture's future. They believe in the technology and sustainable practices that improve South Dakota's agricultural industry. As their children grow, they hope to instill in them a strong work ethic and appreciation for the food on their table. Read more about what farmers ask when working with a crop duster like Marcus.