Born on May 8, 1937 in Shawneetown, Il., one of nine children born to Patrick and Geneva Scates. The Scates family has lived in the Shawneetown area since the early 1800s. Portions of the current farm can be traced back to the original homestead granted to the Colman family shortly after they came to America from Ireland. During his youth, the farm was a diverse operation, including a dairy herd, beef cows, swine, and numerous crops. Stephen recalls plowing with a team of horses. Over time the farm evolved, reducing its focus on livestock and focusing more on crop production. The current farm consists of approximately 15,000 acres and is mostly planted in corn and soybeans. Stephen is not the sole owner; each brother has received an equal share of land from their father. As each generation proceeds they too will become equal share holders in the Pat Scates & Sons farm. The farm also sells its well-known Shawnee Sweet corn through local farm stands in the area. The majority of the crops from the farm are sold through large brokers who in turn sell to both New Orleans and St. Louis markets. Beyond being a farmer, Stephen was appointed by Bill Clinton as the Director of the Illinois FSA (Farm Service Agency). He was the chair of the Soybean Association and most recently worked closely with Barack Obama on his 2008 presidential campaign.
From the description of An interview with Stephen Scates / Stephen Scates ; Michael Maniscalco, interviewer. 2008. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 756047996
