Advice to Young Farmers
After years in agricultural banking and building Farm4Profit into what it is today, I've learned a few things about what separates successful farmers from those who struggle. Here's my advice to the next generation getting into agriculture:
The Business Fundamentals
1. Know Your Numbers
Profit doesn't just happen. Understand your cost of production, breakevens, and margins. You can't improve what you don't measure.
2. Farm for Profit, Not for Looks
Don't get caught up in having the shiniest equipment. Focus on return on investment.
3. Start Small, Scale Smart
You don't have to farm 2,000 acres in year one. Grow responsibly and sustainably.
4. Treat Farming Like a Business
Build a business plan. Have a marketing strategy. Track expenses and income with discipline.
5. Diversify Your Income
Whether that's custom work, off-farm jobs, or value-added sales—build multiple revenue streams to weather the storms.
Technology and Learning
6. Adopt Technology Wisely
Don't be afraid of tech, but make sure it pays. Use tools like precision ag, apps, and data platforms that give you ROI.
7. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Talk to other farmers, agronomists, and lenders. There's no shame in not knowing; there is shame in staying ignorant.
8. Know the Products You Sell (or Use)
Whether it's seed, tech, or iron—be an expert. People can spot BS from a mile away. Run trials, do tests, take notes.
Building Relationships
9. If You're in Sales, Don't Sell—Serve
Build relationships. Help solve problems. That's how you build trust and long-term clients. Be the "banker on the bench"—someone people know they can call when they need help.
10. Work With People Smarter Than You
Build a strong team: agronomist, banker, accountant, mentor. Surround yourself with people who level you up.
11. Network Like It's Your Job
Whether you're at a farm show, listening to podcasts, or scrolling Twitter/X—make connections that matter.
Mindset and Resilience
12. Failure is Feedback, Not the End
Mistakes will happen. Learn from them. Grow from them. Just try not to make big mistakes.
13. Protect Your Mental Health
Farming is stressful. It's okay to step away, talk to someone, and reset. A clear mind makes better decisions.
14. Stay Humble, Stay Hungry
Be proud of your wins, but never think you've "made it." Keep pushing, keep improving.
The Bottom Line
15. Remember: If You Aren't Farming for Profit, You Won't Be Farming for Long
Passion is great. But passion without profit becomes a hobby—or worse, debt.
The agricultural industry needs young farmers who think like business owners, not just operators. These principles have guided every successful farmer I've worked with, whether as their banker or through the hundreds of interviews we've done on Farm4Profit.
Don't just run your farm the way your grandpa or dad did. Treat it like a business to ensure it thrives for future generations.