MAY 2016 • VOICE OF AGRICULTURE • www.fbmn.org • 17A
YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS
Refine, Adapt, Set and Accomplish Goals What an exciting time to be a Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R)! With representation from four college campuses and universities, the growth of our Collegiate Discussion Meet over the past year was a big success and achieved one of the goals that we set as a state committee. Another tremendous success was witnessing our second Excellence in Agriculture winner, Mike Miron, take home the grand prize as murmurs of “back to back” sounded from the gleeful Minnesota section of the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention. Using the momentum of success, our committee refined and honed our goals for 2016 as we seek continued growth and outreach on our college campuses, and increased participants in all our YF&R contests. Just as we built on success to create new goals, I believe the same method can be adapted and applied to our farms as we embark upon another growing season. 2015 proved to be a challenging year for Minnesota agriculture, continuing a downtrend in net farm income and crop and livestock prices. Unfortunately, the trend looks to remain in place albeit unforeseen events altering its trajectory. But many of us do not have to look back far to find some of the greatest successes in our farming careers. A little more than a year has gone by since cattle reached all-time highs. Corn and soybeans achieved theirs a few years prior; and even milk prices had a short spurt into profitable levels not too long ago as well. But what was successful during those times may not be in the current environment. As a result, I propose three areas of success that can be refined and adapted to set goals for the upcoming year. 1. Marketing. No, I am not going to attempt to give marketing advice. But, young and old farmers alike can’t ignore the impact it has on our farms. What worked in an environment of high prices may not work in an era of low prices. Often doing nothing seemed to be the best approach, turning marketing into an afterthought. But it might be time to be proactive, or to use tools and
Hometown: Chandler Educa�on: I graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Ci�es with a �achelor’s degree in agricultural educa�on. Farm Descri��on: I farm by Chandler and Edgerton with the help of my father, Glen. I raise oats, alfalfa, corn, soybeans and cover crops along with a cow/calf beef herd, finishing ca�le, hogs, sheep and bees. Innova�ve Farming �ethods: I have been experimen�ng with different seeding methods for cover crops to extend the grazing season for my ca�le as well as improve soil health and fer�lity. JOEL TALSMA So far the best results have been MFBF YF&R broadcas�ng the seed into COMMITTEE MEMBER standing corn. I have also begun direct marke�ng a small herd of grass-finished beef. Hobbies: I like to travel, read, play games and host couch surfers. Why did you get involved in YF&R: I was excited to meet and work with young leaders in agriculture from across the state as well as learn about different farming methods and ideas being implemented on members’ farms. Dates to Remember: July 15 – Deadline for Achievement Award Contest; July 15 – Deadline for Excellence in Agriculture Contest; July 15 – YF&R Summer Leadership Tour in Dodge County; August 25-September 5 – Minnesota State Fair volunteer to work in our booth. strategies that we haven’t tried for a while. Although hard to palate, good marketing may also involve minimizing losses. Reflect upon what was successful in the past and be willing to modify it as necessary going forward. 2. Diversification. In past years, both crop and livestock diversity seemed to fall out of favor as specialization in one particular sector or commodity gave a competitive advantage. Specialization is a successful approach, especially in an environment of high input prices and high land costs. But I would encourage farmers to revisit the idea of diversity as they seek to develop goals for the upcoming years. Diversification in both crops and livestock helps weather economic storms that can drag one sector or commodity into turmoil, helping working capital during unprofitable times. Diversification can also help lower input costs as each component helps support the
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others, lessening dependence on commercial inputs and outside resources. Every farm is different, but diversification has a rich legacy in surviving hard times. It may be worth considering. 3. Unconventional. Perhaps ‘non-traditional’ or ‘different’ would be a better classification. We often hear about the hurdles and difficulties for beginning farmers. Much of it is true. It is not easy to get started. High prices and profitable years have given a traditional approach to agriculture a costly price tag. But I would encourage those looking to get started (and all farmers for that matter) to think outside the box and consider an unconventional approach as an option. Demand for niche market products has never been greater and the spectrum for these products is nearly as great
as the demand! Whether it is organic, free range, grass-fed, locally grown or heritage breeds only. If you can think of a way to grow or raise it, there is probably a market for it that fits your farm. These segments seem to scare many in agriculture, but I think they should be considered as part of the whole and a viable option on our farms. There are opportunities in these markets that do not erect some of the traditional barriers to start farming. They also can help young people return to rural communities and can be highly profitable at the same time. As we build goals for our farms, think constructively about unconventional approaches. Though they may not have worked in the past, such an approach may have a place in the future. It is an exciting time to be a Young Farmer and Rancher! Not only because of the success of our past accomplishments, but because of the goals we have yet to achieve. Whether it is within Farm Bureau or at home on our farms, let us build on our success to accomplish the goals we set for the future.
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