Here’s to our farming fathers
Photo by: Layton Photography
Dad-ism’s, GOLDEN NUGGETS & LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY
We asked some of our dad’s in the AgKnow Network for advice they’d give a new farmer - and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Here are some of the lessons they learned along the way:
1 | Your family won’t remember how many bales you made that summer.
But, they will remember the trip to the lake. The growing season is short but so is the growing up season. In the end it's the relationships that count. Invest now, make your family a priority, and they will make you a priority.
2 | Include your spouse.
It is so easy to get caught up in all the decisions and activities of farming and rely on your spouse to handle the rest. Growing kids, holding down a job, and keeping the household running is hard work. Remember to pay attention, involving them in the farm and staying involved in the family is the only way it works.
3 | KEEP GRANDPA INVOLVED
Remember how frustrating your old man was when you started farming? With luck that will be you making crooked swaths, bouncing the header off the gate, and backing the truck into the gully. Your willingness to drop efficiency to allow Grandpa to participate will pay off when you inherit the title. You will never have an employee who cares as much about you or the farm as your dad. So let him do things his way and participate where he can.
4 | EXPECT THINGS NOT TO GO TO PLAN
It's a tricky business bringing another family into the farming operation. Expect to have to have an off farm job to make it work. Hard work is a given, don’t expect something for nothing and you won’t be disappointed.
5 | THE HIDDEN MEANING OF “NO”
“No” has lots of meanings. It can mean “not now”, “I don’t know what to think about that” and “give me time to think” all just in those two letters. If you have a good idea, stick with it. Build a case, show the benefits, try it in a small way.
6 | REMEMBER YOUR WHY
Never lose sight of why you are working. Are you working to have a successful crop? Produce beef profitably? Grow the biggest buck? Or to live your best life doing the things that are meaningful? Ask yourself why. Focus on the why and be open and flexible to do what it takes.
7 | HUMOR IS PART OF HEALING
Always have a few jokes and stories to lighten the mood and engage with the family. Remember that they will pick up on your stress. A little bit of fun and laughter goes a long way.
Now let’s talk about those Dad-ism’s.
Do they all make sense? Definitely not. do they make us laugh? Absolutely.
It’s slicker than owl-snot out here.
If at first you don’t succeed, try reading the instructions.
It’s only a little burnt, just add more jam.
The cows don’t care what you look like, let’s go.
You’re sucking slough water!
It doesn’t cost anything to pay attention! Now pay attention!
Go pound salt.
You can stay up as long as you want, but first, you have to lay in your bed for a few minutes.
Off like a dirty shirt.
Mickey-mouse it together.
We do quality mickey-mouse work here.
What’s on your mind, besides hair?
I’ll hold that cookie for you.
I’m not judging - I’m just being right.
Just Jimmy-rig it.
We support you, but it doesn’t mean we can’t make fun of you.
You owe me, you’re using my heat.
Quit making noise for the sake of making noise.
