The most dangerous quote in our language is, “We’ve always done it this way.” Or, at least that was true for Grace Hopper, a mathematician and U.S. Navy rear admiral. She was best known for her trail-blazing contributions to computer technologies and implementation of programming languages.

If she would’ve listened to those who were resistant to change, she likely wouldn’t have been able to pioneer automatic programming and explore new ways to code computers. Her work helped make computers accessible to people without a math or engineering background, helping people feel more comfortable to start with the early adoption of computers.

When pushing for some type of change, many of us may have heard some variation of, “Well, that’s just how we do it here.” This could have been in regard to starting a new production practice, implementing a new operating procedure or trying to create a better way to accomplish a task, whether that’s in a career or on the farm.

For me, I love change. Well, mostly when the change is my idea, that is. I like to think that even when it’s not, I’m able to adapt and thrive in different and changing circumstances. With the start of 2025 quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to talk about embracing changes.

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A new byline

Many of you have read my byline in newsletters and this magazine or heard my name around the region over the years as I’ve covered ag news. McNaughton isn’t really a common name in the Midwest, so I always felt like it stood out a little bit. Now, after getting married in November, you’ll see a new byline atop my articles here at Farm Progress: Sarah McNaughton-Peterson.

I thought long and hard about what I would do with my name after marriage, as I am very attached to McNaughton. Bless my husband for not immediately laughing out loud at me when I jokingly suggested he should take my family name “since it’s cooler.” He still declined changing his name, but hey, I tried.

Alas, getting used to writing a new name might take me the entirety of 2025, but I’ve got plenty of time to practice writing it.

Aside from those who try to change or implement new habits in the form of New Year’s resolutions, there is a slew of benefits you might see from embracing changes and just giving it a try, no matter what the calendar says.

Many of us find comfort with a consistent routine. Maybe that routine is what you make for breakfast each day, or maybe starting your workday checking email. Small changes such as taking a different route to work, sitting in a new spot at your office or branching out with the restaurants you try can open you to new ways of thinking.

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Start considering bigger changes, such as trying a nontraditional crop, becoming an early adopter of some of the latest farm tech or even a change in scenery, and you might just find yourself getting excited for change.

Embracing a new perspective is especially important during times of economic downturn, which many individuals are facing in and out of agriculture. Maybe you hit the challenge head-on with growing an entirely new crop, or maybe you tightened the purse straps and cut costs wherever you could.

Whatever the types of changes you’re implementing, there are a few ways to make sure those changes aren’t costing you more in the long run.

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Change can be hard. But don’t forget that optimism and opportunity go hand in hand. Reassess your trajectory, and find an unexpected or new way forward. When you embrace change, you embrace new perspectives and a new way to thrive in your farm and life.