(Editor’s note: Davon will emcee a farmer panel discussion on multi-generation farm operations at the upcoming Farm Futures Business Summit, June 16-17, in Iowa City. Register here.)

As planting season finishes and you’re watching those seedlings emerge, I wonder if you’re as diligent about planting and tending the next generation of farm owners.

Farm kids have a variety of experiences: some are working in the field every day, some live away from the farm and visit occasionally, and some are busy with other activities and have a passing involvement. Regardless of the physical situation, take a minute to think about what you’re consciously (or subconsciously) teaching them about the business.

Positive attitude?

First, take a look at the attitude you project. Some families realize—too late—that the attitude was mostly negative. Do they only hear about problems after a long, tiring day? Do they sense the conflict among family members and think, “I don’t want any part of that?” Do they hear about how tough times are and think it’s impossible to be financially successful at farming? Those are all real stresses, but do you also reflect the things you love about farming?

Finding their niche

Second, be intentional with experiences that expose them to the various opportunities within agriculture in general, and your farm in particular. Accounting, marketing, human resources, engineering, information technology, life sciences -- those are viewed as “valuable” career choices in the profiles they take at school, but do they know they’re all part of farming? Set up job shadow day or other interactions so they know more than just your role.

Related:Family farm uses technology to improve efficiency and save money

Build a network

Third, just as you need peer support, so do they. I know a peer group that brings their kids--baby to teens--to a meeting annually so their next gen will start their careers with a network of young farmers across the country. Take your family to industry conferences so they both learn and have some fun associated with the farm.

A grandmother observed to me that her grandchildren only see the work of the business; it’s never been associated with a fun family trip. She regrets, “Why didn’t we let them tag along on the fun trips to conferences and meet the industry friends that are so important to us?”

Link tasks to farming

Finally, link the tasks you do every day with their current life. Like a sports team watching game film afterward to improve, we look at yield maps to find weak spots and plan to improve them. Completing the tiresome 4-H record book financial pages? That’s why we keep detailed field and enterprise records to know what is profitable and what isn’t.

Related:Keeping the family farm for another generation

The crop in the ground requires being fed with nutrients and water—just like your next generation needs to be nurtured into future owners.

Davon Cook is a family business consultant at K Coe Isom. Reach Davon at [email protected]. The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.