Austin grew up in the heart of corn and cattle country in Kenesaw, Neb. He spent summers and free time working on the family farm and tending to his 4-H calves. Austin graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a B.S in animal science, focusing on livestock production, with a minor in agribusiness. After gaining experience in the feedlot industry, he began working as a commodity analyst for Brugler Marketing & Management, a well-known market analysis and advisory firm. He is a frequent contributor to several ag radio stations across the U.S. and has been quoted in major news wire services.