Is it possible to get started in production ag without owning land, livestock or going deep in debt?  I was recently visiting with Kit Pharo about the growth of PCC® over the last 35 years.  He made it clear that he and Deanna started their business from scratch. That’s amazing when you consider that PCC has grown into one of the largest seedstock businesses in the nation.  So is it still possible for a young person to start from scratch today?  Absolutely.  We meet young people all the time who are doing it.  However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

This past week we visited Nathan and McKenzie Pulliam, caretakers at the Monkey Ranch north of Kimball, NE.  They’re working with the ranch owners, cattle investors and horse lovers to follow a dream and start a business of their own.  They care for the ranch property and a hundred cow/calf pairs while training horses.  It has not been easy, but they’re slowly making progress.  Here’s a quick look at some realities of following a dream and starting from scratch.

1.  Be willing to sacrifice.  Most likely you’ll have to live in a rural setting that lacks urban amenities.  This couple drives 45 minutes for church and shopping.  You’ll have to work longer hours, take outside jobs while juggling family responsibilities and financial stress.  With livestock to care for, they are tied down most all the time.  The trade-off is, you get to manage your own time and experience simple pleasures that city dwellers miss.

2.  Keep learning.  With the abundance of online ag content, there’s no limit to learning opportunities on the web.  Nathan has gathered techniques from several world-famous horse trainers via the internet.  As a result, he has a large bag of tricks to choose from when faced with training challenges.  Internships are another great way to gain experience while learning skills of the trade and making contacts.  The cows Nate cares for belong to the man he interned for in WY. 

3.  Be open to opportunity.  Look for win/win scenarios.  Nathan is providing a service this ranch needs in exchange for a place to live and train his horses.  If you do what you say and you do it on time, you are head and shoulders above the crowd.  The average age of farmers and ranchers in the US is 58 years.  They are looking for young people who are willing to work for, partner with, and build toward mutually beneficial relationships.  All that’s needed to qualify is a teachable spirit, integrity and a willingness to work hard.  Can a young person today get started in production ag without owning land, livestock or machinery?  Absolutely, but let’s be real about the challenges you face.  It’s not easy.  I’ll have more on this next week on the Herd Quitter® Minute.