Letter from the Editor

In his “Letter to Me” song, Brad Paisley sings about advice he wish he’d known at 17. Many times throughout my life, I’ve thought a crystal ball foretelling how things would turn out would have made critical decisions much easier.

Since life is truly the best teacher, I asked some ag friends what message they wish they’d received while growing up. The respondents included purebred and commercial cattle producers, financial advisers, company executives, agribusiness professionals and college students. Hopefully, their experience can help you avoid mistakes and get ahead on life’s path.

SCHOOL MATTERS

• “Worry as much about your extracurriculars as your grades. In the end, grades never mattered.”

• “Strive to be proficient at public speaking — that ability will take you far.”

• “Don’t get too caught up in watching your competition that you lose sight of your own work. The best thing you can do is to remove yourself from that and focus on your own work. Build something you enjoy so much that it doesn’t even matter what someone else is doing.”

MAKE CONNECTIONS

• Several respondents advised to spend as much time as possible with older generations, and to really listen to their advice. “I would ask the older folks to tell me more about their lives and times growing up and starting out in life,” one person said. “That time will turn into cherished memories later,” another commented.

• “Never be too proud to ask for help. As a green-behind-the-ears college graduate, I honestly thought I could navigate the job market on my own without using a network of extraordinary set of friends and family members. I would be so much further if I’d been willing to ask and accept help from those who genuinely wanted to help me.”

EXPLORE LIFE OUTSIDE OF AGRICULTURE!

• Multiple people commented that there is much more to life outside of agriculture. “Don’t be afraid to work outside of agriculture for a chapter of your career. There are wonderful people in every industry. You will learn SO much and will serve as an advocate for ag in ways you never imagined.”

• “Embrace global travel, take advantage of world class cities and all they have to offer, look beyond agriculture and expand your world view. Your work ethic and your rural values will take you far, but paired with an openness to diversity and critical thinking will make you indispensable.”

FARMING AND RANCHING ADVICE

• “Buy land and buy your home as soon as you can. Buy things that appreciate. Vehicles, equipment, etc. all depreciate. I could have bought 80 acres for $32,000 not far out of college. What is that worth today? I bought cows, equipment and junk iron with that $32,000 and rented some land. Now, all the cows and equipment are long gone, but those 80 acres have increased in value.”

• “Don’t let the things out of your control wear you down. The weather is the main challenge farmers face. It will take down your attitude, but there

“PREPARE WHILE OTHERS ARE DAYDREAMING.” — WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

is no point stressing about it. Try to be positive and trust the Lord will provide. Be smart when there is a good harvest and prepare for the drought. It will come.”

• “Know the difference between “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and the law of diminishing returns. At some point, it’s best to get rid of your equipment and go to an auction to find something used that you can get more life out of without spending so much time in the shop.”

• “Buy more cows!”

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE

• “You are never too young to start saving for retirement. When you turn 18 and you have income, start a ROTH. You will be surprised to see what a little bit can do with 40 years of growth and a little bit of discipline.”

GENERAL LIFE TIPS

• “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Time goes so fast, so I wish I would have slowed down to enjoy it.”

• “I wish I would have had more patience with others.”

• “I was not raised in this industry. Through marriage, I have learned about the agriculture industry. My two thoughts are: 1) Share your story. So many people have no idea about what you do. 2) Take time to appreciate all your opportunities. My children have been able to travel for shows and meet so many people throughout the United States and have made some great friends of all ages.”

• “Learn from other’s mistakes.”

• “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”

• “Don’t let what others think of you bother you. Life happens, live it.”

Someone you know is one chapter ahead of you in life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mentor to help coach you in areas where you need help. By learning what worked or didn’t work for them, you can soar ahead in life.