Marc and Meagan Kaiser are building their future — finding a way to be part of their families' corn and soybean operation and soil testing lab while starting a precision ag business and being active in farm groups.
After a 30-year career, her advice to someone just getting started is to be an effective communicator, which includes developing listening skills, and invite people to the table to take in different perspectives.
What would you tell someone launching their farming career today? A panel of Illinois farmers recently shared some of their successes and setbacks along with a handful of recommendations for young or new farmers.
As someone who enjoys technology, Kaden Sweeney says he's geared toward numbers. New this year, the family operation plans to control the grain cart from the combine for ease and efficiency.
Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it's largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that's now seen phenomenal growth.
Wayne Gehrke and Carolyn Brummel share how they diversified beyond corn and soybeans and made the most of what they already had so they both could farm full time.
“As a young person, if you’re not going to be proud of what you do, don’t waste your time," he advises. "Be proud of what you do, and everywhere you go, be excited about it and talk about it.”
Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it's largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that's now seen phenomenal growth.
Are leaders made or born? “Some people are more naturally disposed to being leaders, but it doesn’t mean they’re good at it. To be a really good leader, you're made into one through intention and exposure," she says.
In addition to traditional row crops and cattle, Lindsay Baneck operates a direct-to-consumer produce business in Wisconsin. These days, her goals are geared toward success and sustainability.
Use the topics and tools included in The DIRTT Project to jump-start the succession planning process for your operation whether you are just beginning or need to get on track.
What’s the most challenging thing about running a legacy brand? “The biggest challenge is being pigeonholed. Everyone expects us to recreate the past, but the future doesn’t look like what we were," Lamar says.
After almost 19 years and about 1,500 commentaries, John Phipps announced he's retiring from U.S. Farm Report. In his final regular Customer Support segment, he calls it an adventure that's been a gift from viewers.
According to Shuring, what may be considered equal doesn’t always make sense when the succession plan involves family members who actively work on the farm, and others who do not.
Succession planning can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Achieving consensus among family members, committing to the plan and understanding potential consequences are vital to secure the future of the farm.
Maybe it’s because I’m a farm kid at heart, but I think the best Halloween costume ideas come straight from the farm. And I'm not the only one on our team here at Farm Journal who feels that way.
At 22 years old, Emma decided the college life wasn't for her. She dropped out and decided to become a farmhand. With each adventure comes lessons she shares on her "Ag With Emma" social media accounts.
New veterinarians are overwhelmingly women, and technology is helping entice more female farmers. Are women on track to become the majority in agriculture? John Phipps provides his thoughts in Customer Support.
If your available labor pool seems to be getting more shallow, Rachel Beardsley, partner at Fragomen, an immigration law firm, says ag business managers can think more creatively.
“There are some things that we've adopted over the years that really aren't particularly useful and I think in some cases even detrimental to our performance,” says Dave Mitchell.
Grounded by his family but propelled by vision, Trey Wasserburger is the energetic force behind creating more processing capacity for local cattle producers.
As Mary Pat Sass’ social media shows glimpses of life from the seat of the tractor, it’s not the view she envisioned for her life even a decade ago. But through humor and candor, she's now an inspiration to others.
Andy Griffith actually grew up in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, but many people refer to it as Mayberry. Today, visiting the North Carolina town is like stepping onto the TV set decades ago.
To boost employee retention, farms need leaders who can effectively inspire and guide others. The job often requires its leaders to possess a handful of characteristics not necessarily used on other areas of the farm.
Plenty of farmers started young, worked hard and found a path forward. Along the way, they learned from mistakes and celebrated successes. Farming is hard, but here's why those who have taken the road say it's worth it.
At 28, Zoe Kent is the owner and operator of Kent Farms in Ohio. As the eighth generation, she feels a responsibility to continue the family's legacy. The transition happened sooner than she or her father planned.
Ron Rabou spent the first 26 years of his life expecting to return to his family ranch. When his dad passed and it came time to transition the farm, negotiations weren’t as easy as he imagined. Here's what he learned.
More than 50% of farmers intend to grow their operation, based on responses in Purdue’s February 2023 Ag Economy Barometer.
If you’re thinking about scaling your farm, it’s important to first ask these questions.
Art Johnson’s farm has been in the family for nearly a century. What was once a tobacco farm in Kernersville, NC, is now a thriving agritourism business that attracts up to 1,000 people each day during the spring.
During the 2024 Top Producer Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.