As a farm leader, you’re used to getting things done – making sure all the work that needs to be completed in the operation is happening like clockwork. Because many farmers started their career working mainly on the production side, they got used to getting the work done themselves.

That can be a great way to begin as a young farmer. Getting all that hands-on experience is important because the farmer can learn how to do just about everything in terms of operations and labor. This is helpful for future farm leaders because they get a clear sense of the full operational picture and what it takes to get everything done.

Where to focus

Here’s what can happen, though, when that same farmer enters more of a leadership role in the operation. As the leader takes on more responsibility for management, they may still feel pulled toward all the operational tasks that they used to do – rather than the business and financial focus that their new role requires.

This is an instance where doing the same things that made them successful in their previous role probably won’t bring them and their farm success in their new leadership role. It takes a mindset shift away from working in the farm and more toward working on the farm business.

One thing that can help future aspiring farm leaders avoid this trap is to start working on building a business-focused mindset early on. Once you’ve identified someone as a future leader in your operation, you can start bringing them into the business decision-making little by little.

How to bring next generation into the farm

Here are a couple ideas for how to get started.

How are you navigating this market?

Farmers have found that getting some third-party perspective from our market advisors has helped ease their minds. The advisors help farmer clients with planning and execution around marketing decisions and help keep them up to speed on the current rapidly-changing grain market situation – and how it impacts their operation.

Get a free two-week trial of our marketing information service (MarketView Basic). Your free trial includes regular audio and video updates, technical analysis, recommendations and more. Learn more about our market advisor programs and offerings at www.waterstreetag.com.