Justin Gerber

Image of Justin Gerber in front of a tractor

From his early career training to returning years later for business support, Justin Gerber’s Riverland journey reflects the value of learning at different phases of life.  “Once you get closer to retirement, you might think you’re done learning. But you’re probably never done learning.”

Education for Every Season: Justin Gerber’s Riverland Journey Continues

Justin grew up on the same land he farms today, carrying forward a family legacy rooted in agriculture and hard work. A 2003 graduate of Riverland’s Construction Electrician program, Justin built his technical skills early and spent more than a decade working in the field before launching his own electrical business, Gerber Electric, in 2018.

At the same time, farming never left the picture. After the unexpected loss of his father in 2008, Justin took on increased responsibility at home, gradually expanding his operation. Today, he farms approximately 700 acres while running a successful electrical business that employs up to six people seasonally.

For Justin, Riverland has played a critical role at multiple stages of his life. The electrician program provided the technical and code based knowledge needed for licensure—training that would have been nearly impossible to acquire on the job alone. Later, Farm Business Management gave him confidence and clarity on the financial side of farming.


“The Farm Business Management program doesn’t tell you what to do,” Justin says. “It helps you understand what you can risk and what might not be a good idea financially.”

With regular check ins, detailed cash flow analysis, and benchmarking against other producers, Justin uses Farm Business Management as a safeguard—ensuring that sound decisions stay sound over time.

Today, Justin continues balancing entrepreneurship, agriculture, and family life alongside his wife Lynette and their two children. His story reflects what Riverland does best—supporting students and producers with practical education that strengthens families, businesses, and entire communities.


Justin came to Riverland fresh out of high school, but after almost 20 years he’s glad to be still learning at Riverland.  “Once you get closer to retirement, you might think you’re done learning. But you’re probably never done learning.”