Your landlords, customers, suppliers and other key partners want to hear from you more often. Newsletters and yearly updates are an easy way to stand out and build stronger connections.

I recently asked my dad, who was an agriculture banker for more than 50 years, how many newsletters he received from his customers. His answer? Zero.

This is an easy opportunity, and you don’t need to be a marketing expert to make it work. In fact, it’s never been simpler.

Not sure what to write about? Use this framework to get started. A farming friend of mine in Eastern Minnesota has been creating quarterly newsletters, and they’ve been a big hit. Here are the three topics we came up with that he writes about every time. I’ve included some examples to get your creativity flowing.

Share happenings on the farm

This is your chance to show the unique personality of your farm. Building strong relationships is important with landlords, bankers, feedlots, and suppliers. These people want to feel connected to what’s happening on your farm. Think of it like turning your annual Christmas card into a quarterly update. It might feel like a lot at first but being open and honest will help you connect better. Don’t just share the good stuff—talk about challenges, too. Everyone can relate to overcoming obstacles.

Example ideas:

Show leadership

Your partners trust you because they see you as responsible and innovative. Let them know how you’re staying ahead and taking care of their land as if it were your own. Sharing what you’re trying, learning and improving helps others see the value you bring.

Example Ideas:

Market perspective

Share what you’re seeing out in the fields. Landlords especially want to hear about land values and market trends. Keep it balanced—while it’s natural to focus on challenges, be sure to mention things you’re excited about, too. A little optimism goes a long way.

Example ideas:

Why newsletters work

Sharing regular updates helps people see the value of working with you and keeps you top of mind. You want to be the first one they call when opportunities arise.

Start small—your first newsletter doesn’t have to be perfect. Just focus on being consistent, genuine and showing people that you care about the relationship.

Matt Boos, founder of Agrigrowth Consulting, specializes in helping multi-generational farms grow strategically through peer group formation and facilitation, auxiliary business development, and succession planning. He writes from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Reach Boos at [email protected].