Dan was born on a diversified farm and ranch in Sioux County, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. After graduation, he returned to the family farm and ranch for six years. In 1987, Dan accepted the position of Operations Manager at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. In 1991, he was named Director of the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead, Nebraska. Dan has a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics - Agribusiness, and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Animal Science and Agronomy all from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Dan is a LEAD VII Fellow.