Politics

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets supporters after the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speak after the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump reacts to a question during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

The Republican presidential candidates during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

House Speaker Paul Ryan watches the debate during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

The audience listens during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is tended to during a commercial break during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidates Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Donald Trump and Ben Carson speak during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Donald Trump and Ben Carson during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal speak during the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in the audience before the start of the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Audience members file in before the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Kevin Eppel and Lori Eppel, of Brookfield, Wis., take a picture in front of the stage before the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Workers check their phones as the stage is prepared prior to the start of the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Workers prepare the stage prior to the start of the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Workers prepare the stage prior to the start of the Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks during a WSJ+ event on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee, Wis. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The Wall Street Journal

Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich greets guests during a campaign stop at the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago on Monday, November 9, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich, left, holds a sign made by Arthur Siml, right, of Wheaton, Ill., and his grandson Carl Miller, 17, center, of Downers Grove, Ill., at the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago on Monday, November 9, 2015. Siml and Miller have been collecting the autographs of numerous presidential candidates. Siml says the key is "a good sign and come early." (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Recent Work

The New York Mets' Jon Niese, center, sprays beer on Jay Horwitz, Vice President of Media Relations, after Game 4 of the National League baseball championship series against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, in Chicago. The Mets won 8-3 to advance to the World Series. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The New York Mets)

New York Mets' Wilmer Flores steals second base under Chicago Cubs' Javier Baez during the first inning of Game 4 of the National League baseball championship series Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, in Chicago.  (Andrew A. Nelles/For The New York Mets)

Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon of the New York Mets, left, pours champagne into the mouth of Noah Syndergaard after Game 4 of the National League baseball championship series against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, in Chicago. The Mets won 8-3 to advance to the World Series. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The New York Mets)

New York Mets manager Terry Collins (10) heads onto the field before Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy celebrates after hitting a solo home-run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

Chicago Cubs' Starlin Castro forces out New York Mets' David Wright after Daniel Murphy grounded into a double play during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) throws to first for an out against Chicago Cubs' Javier Baez during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets' Daniel Murphy (28) scores past Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero (47) on a ground out hit by Lucas Duda during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets' Daniel Murphy (28) celebrates after scoring on a ground out hit by Lucas Duda against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia celebrates after the Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets players including Daniel Murphy (28) celebrate after the Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

New York Mets' players watch from the dugout during the ninth inning of Game 4 of the National League baseball championship series against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The New York Mets)

New York Mets' Jeurys Familia and catcher Travis d'Arnaud celebrate after Game 4 of the National League baseball championship series against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, in Chicago. The Mets won 8-3 to advance to the World Series.  (Andrew A. Nelles/For The New York Mets)

New York Mets fans celebrate after the Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the National League baseball championship series on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, in Chicago. (Andrew A. Nelles / For The New York Mets)

Mishawaka, IN - August 11, 2015: Production Technician Antonio Wilson installs electronics on the dash of a Mercedes-Benz R-Class Luxury Vehicle at the AM General Commercial Assembly Plant in Mishawaka, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015. Mercedes-Benz agreed to relocate the production of the R-Class luxury vehicle, which is available exclusively in China, to the Mishawaka facility. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The New York Times

Mishawaka, IN - August 11, 2015: Plant workers listen to presenters during AM General's Launch Ceremony For Production of Mercedes-Benz R-Class Luxury Vehicle at the AM General Commercial Assembly Plant in Mishawaka, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015. Mercedes-Benz agreed to relocate the production of the R-Class luxury vehicle, which is available exclusively in China, to the Mishawaka facility. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The New York Times

Sweet corm is dressed with black truffle, pancetta, and pecorino cheese at The Florentine booth during The Chicago Food + Wine Festival at Lincoln Park in Chicago on Saturday, August 29, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Charles Hinriksson, of Chicago, performs during a Story Club North Side event at the Holiday Club in Chicago on Thursday, September 3, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Eagle, Wis. - September 7, 2015: Dan Ogrodowski at his residence in Eagle, Wis., Monday, Sept. 7, 2015. Ogrodowski, who was sexually abused by a priest as a child, is part of a small settlement the archdiocese of Milwaukee recently announced. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The New York Times

Eagle, Wis. - September 7, 2015: Dan Ogrodowski, who works as a handyman, builds a wooden bridge for a client at his residence in Eagle, Wis., Monday, Sept. 7, 2015. Ogrodowski, who was sexually abused by a priest as a child, is part of a small settlement the archdiocese of Milwaukee recently announced. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The New York Times

Milwaukee, Wis. - September 7, 2015: St. Augustine of Hippo in Milwaukee, Wis., Monday, Sept. 7, 2015. Dan Ogrodowski, who was sexually abused by a priest while attending St. Augustine of Hippo as a child, is part of a small settlement the archdiocese of Milwaukee recently announced. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The New York Times

Aaron Nagy removes a pizza from the oven during a soft launch event at Pie Five Pizza in Glenview, Ill., on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. The Pie Five Pizza in Glenview will officially open on Friday. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Jesus Bernabe adds toppings to a pizza for a customer during a soft launch event at Pie Five Pizza in Glenview, Ill., on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. The Pie Five Pizza in Glenview will officially open on Friday. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Loyola Academy's Thomas Smart (86) comes up short for an incomplete pass next to Brother Rice's Aarion Lacy (32) during the first half at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Ill., on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Loyola Academy won 28-0. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Chicago, IL - September 13, 2015:  Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner arrives on the parade route at the start of the Mexican Independence Parade in Chicago, Ill., on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. CREDIT: Andrew A. Nelles for The New York Times

Reyna Wences, 24, packs her bags the night before her flight, at her home in Chicago, on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Wences is making a pilgrimage to see Pope Francis in Washington D.C. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Spectators catch Chicago White Sox Trayce Thompson's two-run home run over Oakland Athletics center fielder Craig Gentry during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago White Sox's Geovany Soto scores on Melky Cabrera's game winning RBI-single past Oakland Athletics catcher Carson Blair (39) during the 14th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, in Chicago. Chicago won 8-7 in 14 innings. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Alex Garcia, 17, takes notes during a statistics class at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago, Ill., on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015. (Photo for The Deseret News by: Andrew A. Nelles)

Oakland Athletics' Brett Lawrie is forced out by Chicago White Sox second baseman Micah Johnson on a double play hit by Danny Valencia during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago White Sox right fielder Avisail Garcia fails to make the catch on Oakland Athletics Billy Butler's three-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Oakland Athletics designated hitter Billy Butler celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Tim Johnson casts his line while fishing with Tane Baker, both of Perryville, as fog covers Perry County Community Lake in Perryville, Mo., on the morning of Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. Perry County Community Lake is a popular fishing spot for local residents.

Tom Ritter left a lucrative job designing weapons systems in the aerospace industry to return home and take over the family farm. The farm, which has been in the family for three generations, has changed direction under Tom, now focusing on sustainability while raising high-end grass-fed beef. Tom lives a humble life in a mobile home with his roommate Jennifer Allie Friedrich, who has cerebral palsy. Tom's passions drive his life. He spends his days watching over the animals and those he cares for most.

Tom Ritter pets his dog Millie while checking the cattle on his Perry County farm. Tom raises the cattle naturally, with a grass diet as well as the absence of hormones, antibiotics and GMO products.

Tom walks up the front steps after doing chores. Tom, who spent the previous two decades working as an aerospace engineer, enjoys the freedom he has on the farm. “I kinda dreaded going in everyday.”

After having breakfast, Tom sweeps the kitchen while chatting with his roommate Jennifer Allie Friedrich. Tom and Jenn, who describe themselves as best friends, have been roommates for fifteen years. “She helps me, and I help her,” Tom says.

Donning a bee suit, Tom prepares to check out the health of the bee hives that he keeps on the farm.

Tom weighs a 55-pound calf shortly after cow Buffy, right, gave birth. “I never did have children,” Tom says. “These animals are like children to me.”

During a visit to his meat processor, Tom checks on the quality of the carcasses from his recently slaughtered cattle. “Obviously, when you're around something for two years, three years, whatever. You become attached to them, at least I do,” Tom said referring to his cattle. “It's a little tearful at times.”

At the end of the day Tom stops to check on Sarge the bull. The land has been in the Ritter family for about 75 years.

Jenn and Tom share mellon during a stop on their favorite hilltop at the end of the workday. The spot is very special to them. “We'd love to be buried up here,” Tom says.

Tom interacts with his cattle while riding through the farm. There are over 80 head on the 300 acre farm.

Tom adjusts solar panels outside of his home, which runs entirely off solar power. “My philosophy is being self-sufficient and self-sustaining,” Tom says.

Cattle rush up to Jenn and Tom as they hand out treats made of molasses, alfalfa, and vitamins. “I wouldn't trade it for the world.” Tom says. “I'd much rather live very humbly, simply, and enjoy this life.”

Kansas City Royals' Eric Hosmer takes his helmet off after striking out against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar leaps over Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant after forcing the out on a double play hit by Tommy La Stella during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago Cubs Chris Denorfia has water dumped on him by teammates Anthony Rizzo, left, and Dexter Fowler, right, after a walk-off home run against the Kansas City Royals during the 11th inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, in Chicago. The Cubs won 1-0 in 11 innings. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago Cubs Chris Denorfia connects for a walk-off home run against the Kansas City Royals during the 11th inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, in Chicago. The Cubs won 1-0 in 11 innings. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago White Sox right fielder Trayce Thompson loses the ball on a double hit by Oakland Athletics' Brett Lawrie during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) maneuvers for the puck with Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Patrick Budde plays guitar during a rehearsal of the Chicago Children's Theatre's adaptation of the book "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" at the Den Theatre in Chicago on Thursday, October 8, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Director Stuart Carden observes the performance during a rehearsal of the Chicago Children's Theatre's adaptation of the book "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" at the Den Theatre in Chicago on Thursday, October 8, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Jakub Kot, 19, and Nicole Buch, 17, both of Chicago, walk through the House of Torment haunted house in Morton Grove, Ill., on Thursday, October 8, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Molly Speakes, of Asheville, N.C., reacts during a scare at 13th Floor haunted house in Melrose Park, Ill., on Thursday, October 8, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

A costumed haunted house employee with a chainsaw interacts with visitors at 13th Floor haunted house in Melrose Park, Ill., on Thursday, October 8, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling defends against a New York Islanders shot during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) looks up to the scoreboard after scoring against the New York Islanders during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in Chicago. Chicago won 4-1. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Peter Singer, Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, speaks during a Chicago Humanities Festival event at Northestern University's McCormick Auditorium in Evanston, Ill., on Saturday, October 24, 2015. (Andrew A. Nelles/For The Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov (15) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov (89) collide during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Kristers Gudlevskis and defenseman Victor Hedman (77) defend against Chicago Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov (15) during the third period in an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Chicago won 1-0. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) scores a game winning goal past Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Kristers Gudlevskis during overtime in an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Chicago won 1-0. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates his game winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with Brent Seabrook (7) and Patrick Kane (88) during overtime in an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Chicago won 1-0. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)