A century ago, farming wasn’t just an occupation in Southeast Missouri — it was a way of life. Despite changing times, one thing remains constant: farming in Southeast Missouri is about more than just making a living. “The freedom to make decisions and grow a commodity, to provide food to eat … it’s a good life.”Today, the Aufdenberg farm continues to produce soybeans, corn and feeder cattle. While farming practices have changed throughout the years, as have government guidelines regarding methods of planting, Aufdenberg says you just learn as you go. If farming doesn’t work out, Gerard isn’t against moving to Florida and selling snowcones on the beach.