Farmer Wisdom & Advice; Who’s Got Some?

[Farmer Blog]

Can any of you share advice or a lesson about farming that no one told you? This could be technical in nature, but I am really seeking pieces of wisdom. Something that will help the next generation, future farmer be better at his/her job.

[Patricia Early]

You need to learn as much about related fields as about agriculture, such as business, marketing, small engine repair, equipment maintenance, how a well works, etc, etc. I'm amazed everyday at how I learn about all the things it takes to keep the farm running, and so little of it has to do with seeds and soil. ;- )

[Patricia Early]

And I couldn't agree more about knowing the old-timers! They know everything, and have seen everything, during their lifetime, and are so proud to share it with us. Because I work with my grandfather, I know firsthand how invaluable his insight is every day. But not only do -I- benefit from his knowledge, but he benefits from my asking! Age and infirmity have robbed him of most of his sight, his strength, his hearing, and the fine motor control of his hands, and there are days when he slips into deep depression as he mourns the loss of his vitality and his "usefulness" as a man. I think that by me asking his guidance, wisdom and advice, I remind him that his value is in who he is, not in what he can physically do, and that nothing will ever take away that value he has to his family and neighbors.

Jim Snyder said:

Get to know the old timers in the farming community. They are well connected, have infinite amounts of common sense and tools from years past and are sometimes very willing to share or help you fix stuff. One saved my rear last week when I needed a hydraulic cylinder for my John Deere 4010 to do some disking. He said I could use it for as long as I needed it.

[cynthia l hager]

I'm learning this one right now, Colleges with Animal Health/farming stuff.
I'm taking a few courses and am very excited to (hopefully/probably by June) get an 'Animal Health Technician Certificate' and an 'Equine Science Specialist Certificate'. Of course I have been working on this for a few semesters. I am not sure what I will be able to do with the certificates, (I need a new job) but have learned lots of things that hopefully will help with my little ranch. I don't mean to tout my own horn but I'm very excited and a little bit proud of myself. But to really answer this question of advice/lessons/wisdom, I am exposed to some really learned people. Of course I'm learning basics also. Now I'm a city girl that is developing her own little ranch with alpacas (ya). I have 10 alpacas (for breeding), 14 chicks (I have had chickens before), LGD (Anatolian Shepard dogs), gotta have a cat too. Small garden. So I come into this with a lot less knowledge than those born on a farm! I am being exposed to so many new and exciting things! We have a mini AI lab coming up. Several Speakers (some Vets) will be talking on several different subjects like Chiropractic-Holistic Medicine, Massage, shoeing, Colic, Nutrition, Parasites, Vaccination, we have someone coming from Fort Dodge. Has any one heard of Dr. Robert Bray? I hear he is famous!....so exciting! Worth taking the same classes a second time (different speakers?) I plan on interviewing my local Feed Store Owner even! So my answer is take a college class in your field. You probably learn something new, might be able to share your knowledge, and will be able to meet like minded people in your area...what can be better than that! Oh I plan on taking a beginner computer class and a web class...that should be handy also. Although I love the 'Ol guys....College is my final answer.

[cynthia l hager]

Patricia Early said:

And I couldn't agree more about knowing the old-timers! They know everything, and have seen everything, during their lifetime, and are so proud to share it with us. Because I work with my grandfather, I know firsthand how invaluable his insight is every day. But not only do -I- benefit from his knowledge, but he benefits from my asking! Age and infirmity have robbed him of most of his sight, his strength, his hearing, and the fine motor control of his hands, and there are days when he slips into deep depression as he mourns the loss of his vitality and his "usefulness" as a man. I think that by me asking his guidance, wisdom and advice, I remind him that his value is in who he is, not in what he can physically do, and that nothing will ever take away that value he has to his family and neighbors.

Jim Snyder said:

Get to know the old timers in the farming community. They are well connected, have infinite amounts of common sense and tools from years past and are sometimes very willing to share or help you fix stuff. One saved my rear last week when I needed a hydraulic cylinder for my John Deere 4010 to do some disking. He said I could use it for as long as I needed it.

So true Patricia, I am so into letting these older people feel like they still have something to contribute because they DO! When we speak to them about what they have done all their lives their eyes light up! I know my Dad feels like less of a man because his body is falling him, but he is still a man... now with wisdom rather than physical strength! My father 82 with Parkinson's,God Bless him. And while I'm at it Bless my mom who is caring for him!

[Michael Rutherford]

Dont count your chickens before they hatch

Dont put all your eggs in one basket

Dont leave the gate open

If you THINK you checked something then check it again so you KNOW

Theres never enough time in a day to get everything done

The hardware store never has the part you need right this second in stock

That said read read read and then read some more. Then get five different opinions on the subject. With todays internet its a vast wealth of knowledge out there at your finger tips. Every farm or farmer should be web savy to be able to find sources online for information. If it be on pest, weeds, crop disease, livestock disease, and more it CAN be found online.
Find a mentor you can take all the ag classes in the world and read all the books on how to farm you like, but nothing is any better than actually doing it. Learning from a mentor gives you the help of learning from someone elses mistakes whos already been there done that. You get to learn time saving tips and advice from someone whos learned from doing it or others.
Go on farm tours if they are offered in your area. This has been one of the best things for me as everyone has a different way of doing things. And by going on a farm tour you see lots of other ideas or pick up tips on how others handle certain things that could save you a lifetime of troubles.
This wont stop you from making mistakes of your own but at least you wont be making the same mistakes others have made. hope this helps.