2025 Board of Directors Elections

Age: 51

Farming Operation

Sean is the owner and operator of Rittinger Farms LLC, a fourth-generation grain farm. The operation consists of row crop corn and soybeans on 700 owned and 200 rented acres in South Central Ohio and 800 owned acres under pivot in Nebraska, being leased to a local young farmer. He, along with his wife Rachel, also own and operate Stoutsville Seed Shed, a full-service seed business offering precision agriculture, nutrition and drone services. Sean is committed to using the most up-to-date digital, precision and agronomic practices. He also has conducted research for various agriculture companies on his farm for the past 20 years. He is proud to be a fourth-generation farm operator but even more proud to be a first-generation land owner.

Education

The Ohio State University, B.S. Ag Business and Applied Economics

Board Experience

• Farm Credit Mid-America Advisory Committee, Circleville Office, 2010-2016
• Alpha Gamma Sigma Alumni Board, past president
• Alpha Gamma Sigma Foundation
• Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers, 2021 to present
  • Policy & Procedures Committee
  • Solar Strike Team

Community and Industry Involvement

• Amanda-Clearcreek FFA Advisory Council
• Amanda-Clearcreek Schools Finance Advisory Committee
• Lancaster FFA Advisory Council
• Lancaster Young Farmers
• Mt. Carmel United Church of Christ, Deacon
• Pickaway County Farmers Club, past president

Biographical Information

Like many farm kids, I started my farming career on a carpet square with my bed as a barn for toy tractors. My love for agriculture grew as I went with my dad to the family farm at Grandpa Wheeler’s house every available chance. Growing up in the 1980s and witnessing my family persist through a tough farm economy, I decided on college and getting a “town job.” But my senior year at The Ohio State University, my heart told me to return home to farm. However, the family farm had just given up acres of farm ground, so I found another route into corporate agriculture learning the seed sales side of the industry. I ended up in home territory as a sales representative and cultivated many relationships with neighbors and friends building a strong business.

In 2006, my wife Rachel and I bought a small 35-acre farm. Our farming career restarted with 40 acres and the ability to help the family farm on the side. In 2009 we started a 10-year buyout of my father’s machinery, and in 2018 we were able to buy the farm I was born and raised on from the landowners my parents had farmed for since 1970. Today I still farm and run a full-service seed business close to where it all started in 1973. We are hopefully preparing for the possibility of our two sons, Christian (13) and Grant (10), and daughter, Sylvie (8), to be fifth generation farmers.

Why do you want to serve on the Farm Credit Mid-America Board?

I believe your lender is one of the most important people in your business or farm operation. For me, Farm Credit Mid-America has always provided guidance and financing. Every team member I have worked with at Farm Credit Mid-America remain close advisors to me in business today. My goal as a director is to promote an environment that makes financial lenders want to be long term employees and viewed as reliable business partners by their customers. I have a vested interest to ensure the next generation of rural America has access to trusted financial resources. Lending is a business, but those who offer a personal touch are needed in rural areas due to the complexity and diversity of our needs. I want Farm Credit Mid-America to be a business partner who knows your farm and family, is an integral part of the community fabric, and celebrates with you when the deal is done.