“Having a spouse that you are on the same page with when it comes to growing your business makes a huge difference. If you guys are both running in the same direction for your dream, you get so much farther, so much faster versus if only one of you has that dream or if you are going in different directions with that dream.”
As I sit in my hammock on a beautiful day, surrounded by the sounds of our farm, I can't help but reflect on how far we've come. From our humble beginnings seven years ago with a fe...
“Having a spouse that you are on the same page with when it comes to growing your business makes a huge difference. If you guys are both running in the same direction for your dream, you get so much farther, so much faster versus if only one of you has that dream or if you are going in different directions with that dream.”
As I sit in my hammock on a beautiful day, surrounded by the sounds of our farm, I can't help but reflect on how far we've come. From our humble beginnings seven years ago with a few cows, goats, and chickens, we've grown into a thriving operation with crops, more livestock, and even a dairy cow (my pet project).
This growth has taught me valuable lessons, and I want to share them with young farmers or anyone considering a future in agriculture. Here are the skills I wish I'd focused on earlier:
1. Choose Your Partner Wisely
While this isn't exactly a skill, it's a crucial lesson. Having a spouse who shares your vision for farming is invaluable. When you're both running in the same direction, you'll get much further, much faster. My husband and I didn't discuss our farm dreams when we first met, but luckily, we were on the same page. We support each other's goals and find ways to make our individual interests work together.
2. Basic Mechanics and Engine Knowledge
I had no idea how important understanding engines would be in farming. My husband's ability to fix 90% of our equipment problems is a huge asset. If you have the chance to take mechanic classes or even watch YouTube videos on the subject, do it. It'll make you much more helpful when things inevitably break down.
3. Accounting and Record Keeping
Understanding our finances is crucial. I've always been interested in bookkeeping, which has served us well. Knowing our financial position helps us plan for expansion and gives us confidence in our decisions. For those just starting, I recommend using a tool called Wave instead of QuickBooks. It's easier to understand and navigate.
4. Cooking Skills
As the primary cook in our household, I wish I'd invested more in this skill earlier. Cooking for a family with different preferences and allergies, and potentially for farm hands or harvest crews, is a big responsibility. Learning to cook efficiently and skillfully can turn a daily stressor into an enjoyable task.
5. Event Planning (or Farm Schedule Management)
This might sound strange, but getting on the same page about timelines and priorities with your farming partner is crucial. We plan what we can, knowing we'll need to be flexible. Mapping out tasks, priorities, and existing commitments helps us be realistic about what we can accomplish.
6. Reflection and Learning from Others
Take time to reflect on your progress and learn from those who've been farming longer. Ask older family members what they wish they'd known when they were younger. Their insights can be invaluable.
As we see shifts in agriculture, from changing demographics to new marketing strategies and diverse farm types, it's important to hold onto the wisdom of previous generations while embracing new opportunities.
Remember, as you work towards your goals, think about how they'll affect your day-to-day life. It's easy to get caught up in big dreams, but considering how they'll impact your daily experience is crucial.
I'd love to hear what skills you've found most valuable or wish you'd learned earlier. Share your thoughts in our Farming on Purpose podcast Facebook group. Let's learn from each other and grow stronger together.
Farming isn't just a job; it's a lifestyle that shapes our families and communities. By continually learning and adapting, we can ensure a bright future for agriculture and our farm families.
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About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright:
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
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