The oldest Gen Xers are turning 60 in 2025 — hard to believe if you happen to be one. In My So-Called Midlife, KJZZ takes a closer look at this generation and what they’re up to — or, rather, up against.
Gen X stereotypes have persisted since the 1990s, when the then-20-somethings were often portrayed as apathetic slackers. But our latest Gen X profile reveals they can’t all be painted with that broad brush.
Meet John Boelts.
"I'm 47 and so right there at the bleeding edge of Gen X, I guess. I own and operate Desert Premium Farms in Yuma, Arizona," Boelts said.
He's a fifth-generation farmer originally from Nebraska. He currently serves as the president of the Arizona Farm Bureau.
"And I can remember as a kid, my father trying everything he could to make an extra few pennies here and there a few extra dollars here and there to make the farm work."John Boelts
When Boelts was 8, the family moved to Yuma. Growing up, Boelts said he wanted to farm. His dad, on the other hand, didn't want him to join the business.
"When the topic came up or he brought it up to me, he encouraged me to find another line of work and, you know, now being 28 years in this business, I can honestly say I well appreciate why my dad gave that recommendation," Boelts said.
He said the work is physically and financially challenging. Even with that knowledge, Boelts said that it "seems like one or two of my kids are pretty interested." His daughter is specifically drawn to animal agriculture.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to an editing error, the photo caption has been updated to correctly identify John Boelts.
