Five Tips for Young and Beginning Farmers

By ASHLEY HICKS

AgChoice Loan Officer

Are you young and beginning in your career? Whether you're a first generation dairyman, farming in the evening after your day job, or working in industry – here are some tips to help you be successful!

Find a mentor

A mentor serves as a trusted advisor. Someone who you can bounce new ideas off of and share your struggles with, and who is invested in seeing you succeed. Your mentor can be a family member, an individual from your community, an industry professional or a business partner. Many times you develop a personal relationship with your mentor but it's important to maintain a certain level of professionalism – that way he/she can give you or your business a "kick in the butt" if necessary.

Ask for help

It's not feasible to be good at everything, let alone have time for everything (even though we try), so don't be afraid to ask for help. Some of the most successful business owners I know are excellent delegators – they are good at asking for help; especially when they are facing challenges in their businesses. Use your resources. There are an abundance of industry experts available to help your business grow in areas you see potential.

Try something new

You learn something new every day – if you want to. It's easy to practice the model, "if it's not broke, don't fix it," but in order to grow and improve your business or advance your career, it's necessary to embrace new ideas and try new things, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of educational opportunities presented to you. Go on a farm tour, enroll in a class or watch a webinar. Learn from your peers. Absorb everything you can. And most important: don't forget to share your ideas and experiences to help someone else learn as well.

Assess your progress

Take time to reflect and analyze yourself and/or your business. Most importantly, celebrate your successes! Set goals and recognize when you achieve milestones. Next, look for areas that could use improvement. Great managers are always striving to be better.

Don't work too hard

It's easy to work, work and then work some more. Especially when you're just starting a business or are invested in a career you are passionate about. It's important to have a work-life balance. A little time away from your "desk" will help keep you fresh-minded and energized about your work. Your friends and family will probably enjoy spending time with you, too.

AgChoice Farm Credit is invested in helping young and/or beginning farmers succeed! Contact the Martinsburg office for more information about educational opportunities and young or beginning and small farmer programs.

Author's Note: AgChoice Farm Credit specializes in providing farm and country property loans and financial services to help our Martinsburg customers confidently reach their dreams. To learn more about AgChoice and our 103 years of experience, contact us at 814-793-3783 or visit AgChoice.com.

AgChoice Farm Credit does not compensate the Herald for the publication of this column.