In case you missed it, last week I started a video series about young farmers and ranchers starting from scratch.  Although it’s possible, it’s not easy.  We visited Nathan and McKenzie on a ranch north of Kimball, NE.  They are working with the ranch owners, cattle investors, and horse lovers to follow a dream and start a business of their own.  Here’s a quick look at some realities of starting from scratch.  Last week we talked about these three:

1.  Be willing to sacrifice. 

2.  Always keep learning. 

3.  Be open to opportunity.   

4.  Build a network.  Look for positive role models.  Collect contact info of established business owners, entrepreneurs and industry experts, then don’t be afraid to reach out to them for wisdom.  We become the sum of the people we hang out with.  Find like-minded individuals with whom you can trade work, share information, and gain encouragement.  That is a huge part of PCC’s history.  For Nathan, he met his ranch owner during his cowboy internship in Wyoming.  That led to him being called two years later when they needed a ranch caretaker.

5.  Be willing to fail.  Don’t be afraid to try new techniques that require you to think outside the box or may draw criticism from neighbors.  Learn by experience what works and what doesn’t.  For instance, the only way to become a good grazer is to try it.  Then make plans to improve next time around.  Also, realize that failure in agriculture is a real possibility.  Weather events and market fluctuation are part of the risk.  Face it, Farming and Ranching can break your heart as well as your bank.  You will not find a successful farmer or rancher who has never lost a crop or failed to make a profit. But failure is not final!  It is a temporary detour on the road to success. 

6.  Don’t be in a hurry. 

During my brief stint at Iowa State in 1980, I remember a fellow young farmer making this brag:  “I’m going to borrow all the money I can borrow and go big.  After all, there’s no shame in taking bankruptcy today.”  Something about that didn’t set right with me, but you will find a lot of advisors with that same philosophy today.  Yet I’ve met thousands of farmers and ranchers through the years and those who are most content are those who were willing to grow slowly from their own profits. Can a young person today get started in production Ag without owning land, livestock or going deep in debt?  Absolutely, but there are plenty of challenges.  Next week, we’ll take a look at what we can do to make opportunities available to the next generation.  I’ll see you next time on the Herd Quitter® Minute.