When it comes to the idea of farming, many people still visualize the older gentleman wearing a straw hat and bib overalls. These individuals still exist and operate their smaller operations, but have become established and reached the maximum output that they feel comfortable with for many reasons. These may include a limited amount of on-farm labor, the cost of buying more land, the increased cost of equipment, or the desire to eventually retire and possibly sell or rent out their farmland, buildings, and equipment. Many members of this generation have become very successful, but will eventually have to make a decision on taking the next step or change for their operation. This could unfortunately require selling their operation, but may not have to if we as the younger generation coming into agriculture take initiative and communicate with the older generation.
One of the most important aspects of a good relationship of any form is trust, which is the same case between a young person coming into agriculture and an older individual who has been established and is looking to enjoy retirement. Many members of this older generation would be more than happy to help us out and speak with us if we just took the initiative to do so.
In order to be a successful young farmer, it is important to remain or become sustainable by limiting costs and utilizing all resources within your operation. This includes utilizing equipment, land, livestock, buildings, and grain storage systems at the most efficient ways possible. This may seem simple, but many are not using these strategies in some of today’s operations. It is also very important to service and maintain equipment regularly to avoid unnecessary repairs and maximize the longevity of your equipment.
“Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible and never be too prideful to ask for help from someone willing to give it.” Cody Piper~First Generation Farmer
Although it is tough for a young farmer to get started on his or her own, it is definitely possible. Land is by far the biggest expense if you buy, but there are also options for cash rent or farming on share agreements depending on the landowners preferences. Farming on shares spreads the risk and input expenses between the landowner and farmer which causes less stress to the farmer. Aside from land, equipment is your next biggest expense. With this being said, it isn’t a bad idea to take on some custom acres during the spring and fall to build up some extra capital that may be used to continue investing in your operation. It is also important to efficiently utilize land that is not tillable, such as very erodible, wet, or rough terrain. These areas can be fenced in and used for grazing by cattle or other pasture animals. It is also important to utilize your semis when grain isn’t being hauled which may include hauling local for other farmers, co-ops, etc. It is also possible to get your own authority. This will allow hauling for large brokerage companies which will open many doors for longer distance hauls when farming slows down a bit. This also gives you an opportunity to hire truck drivers full-time and assure for reliable drivers when harvest season comes around.
One of the most important aspect of being a successful young farmer is continuing to make connections and build trustful relationships with people. Taking advantage of marketing tools and cost saving precision technologies are also important. These technologies include variable rate limestone and fertilizer application, independent planter row unit shut-offs, and no-till or strip till farming which will save on equipment costs. There are also several programs to help beginning farmers get started such as rebates on seed, new farmer loans, and rebates for new customers from many co-ops. In Conclusion, efficient management practices and utilizing tools and resources available to young farmers gives the opportunity for a successful long-term career and growth.
Hello, my name is Colton Allen and I am a senior at Western Illinois University. I am majoring in agriculture business with a minor in marketing. I will graduate this May with my Bachelor’s degree and plan to work in the agriculture retail business and continue farming.
Western Illinois University School of Agriculture 
I think that this is a great blog for anybody going into farming to read. With diminishing profit margins it is important to make money wherever you can. The side trucking is a really good point along with the custom work. This is a really accurate and true blog.
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Very informative blog, provides good insight to modern agriculture and what the younger generation has to face. Trucking and custom farming are both solid ways to diversify financial risks associated with farming.
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In many different situations being a younger farmer is sometimes an advantage, you don’t have different instilled ways that you have to continually follow. There is also different programs within the USDA offered to first time farmers and different people who can help show you a good direction to have high yields as well as implementing different conservational practices; whereas there is the older generation who are so set in their ways that they refuse to open their mind to the possibility of change. I really enjoyed this read and hearing what you had to say about being a young farmer.
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Very interesting blog. I think the best advice for young farmers come from older generations. But as a younger farmer you have some advantages to try new things to become more sustainable.
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Awesome blog for young farmers!
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