Farm Progress

What I learned since I started farming five years ago.

Maria Cox, Blogger

November 21, 2016

2 Min Read
aipao/Thinkstock

I just finished my 5th harvest on the farm. At 32 years old, I'm still toddler age when it comes to the typical farmer, but I have learned more than expected. I thought it would be fun to write a letter to myself in early 2012, the year I moved back to Illinois.

Maria,

Congratulations on making the decision to leave the corporate world and return to the family business. The enthusiasm you feel today will subside but will never go away completely. Every day on the farm will be full of challenges and choices. There will be conflicts and hard times, but you need to keep focused on moving the business forward. Prices are good now, but get prepared for limit swings in the cattle and grain markets.

Here are some things you will learn over the next five harvests:

Personnel conflict is real. Some people you valued in your business will turn on you. Unfortunately, an employee won’t accept you because of your age and gender. You and your parents will need to make some tough decisions about what type of person is best suited working for you. And, please don’t take the decision to fire an employee personally and feel like you’ve done something wrong. Get rid of the wrong people, keep the right people, and things will get better.

Last thing, you and your dad have a great relationship, but you will argue. Please remember that you will disagree about minor stuff, and your dad has 40+ years of experience behind his ideas.

Farming is your game to win. You thought if you followed the rulebook of farming then you’d be successful. But, guess what? There is no rulebook, and there aren’t any rules. There is no case study, class, or book that will teach you how to succeed. Your education and corporate experience are great stepping stools, but no one will figure this farming thing out for you. You must be your own advocate. Ask questions, go to meetings, and keep an open mind. Don’t be complacent.

You can’t do it alone. Cultivate good relationships with people. You will see your parents in a new light. They aren’t just mom and dad anymore, but your partners and confidantes. You will not only share in the bounty of a record harvest but also shoulder the burden of a large operating note.

Maria, you have much to learn. You think you have a lot of responsibility now, but it will only increase in the days ahead. You are going to make more mistakes. Position yourself to do well personally and financially. Lean in and break barriers.

Lastly, remember to have fun. Farming with family will be the best part of your life. 

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.

About the Author(s)

Maria Cox

Blogger

Maria Cox is a sixth generation grain, livestock, and hay farmer from White Hall, Ill.  She has been farming with her family since 2012, and also has experience in grain marketing and crop insurance.  She holds a M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and a B.S. in Agribusiness from the University of Illinois. You can find her online at www.coxlandandcattleinc.com and twitter @mariacoxfarm.

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