What advice would you give a budding young farmer?

[farmwoody]

Afternoon all,

I'm looking at doing an advice piece for young farmers on the FG website - it would be interesting to see what experienced farmers like yourselves would say to them.

Would be fantastic to get a wide range of thoughts from a variety of farmers across the world to use in the article.
Thanks in advance

So, what advice would you give a budding young farmer?

 

[nick...]

If they want to earn alot of money and work normal hours,do something else
Nick...

 

[AvonValleyFarmer]

Don't willy wave, you don't need fancy kit on finance. Don't be afraid to ask for advice. And enjoy it

 

[rose pilchett]

If you're 20 and your parents and accountant say you are a partner, you are a signatory on cheque book as such and for RPA forms be careful as you may find out when you're 35 that in actual fact parents didn't really mean 'partner' but hey thanks for all the hard work.
Think what I am trying to say is yes when your young you should be able to trust your parents and what 20 year old would think of querying any good news and doing further due diligence on decisions made by family?Because you really wouldn't expect your parents to stuff you over after lots of hard graft and all the borrowings are paid off....

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

find someone very very rich and marry them

 

[Hampton]

99% of things cannot be fixed with brute force and/or a hammer!

 

[ollandroverman]

It is equally the most rewarding, and the most frustrating occupation choice you can make.
Unless you are lucky and can grow at a steady pace, it will take money, lots and lots of money to get established.

My second point is cashflow related.
It is really hard to keep a smooth, liquid cash flow through out the peaks and troughs the whole year brings, in order to keep the wheels of your business turning.

 

[Red Fred]

 

[TripleSix]

Always keep a bit of baler twine in your pocket.

 

[awkward]

Travel everywhere and any where .because when you start farming the opportunities will be few and far between

 

[ImLost]

find someone very very rich and marry them

Nah, marry someone you love who will help you come hell or high water, money definitely does not mean everything.

 

[Roger Perry]

Education and experience is the key to being successful.
At 20 years old you better get ready for major changes in the way the world produces its' food, the drift away from some traditional staples into healthier lifestyles is growing rapidly, be aware, be part of it.

Get a degree in agricultural business/travel to the major producing regions of the world to see how others operate..........do not settle.....have lots of ambition, remember that from the shoulders down is only worth $10 per hour, from the shoulders up is worth $$$$$$$

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

Learn some business skills, be prepared to think outside of the box.

Always ask lots of questions and listen to advice.

Hard work is rewarded, but be able to admit when you are wasting your time, effort and money.

Always have a plan B to fall back on.

 

[ladycrofter]

Bit of detail please. Do you mean someone say in their early 20-30's taking over a farm? Or an 18 year old who wants to farm/help on a farm?

 

[ImLost]

You cant get experience by googling it.

 

[llamedos]

Don't believe everything you read in the media.

 

[farmwoody]

Bit of detail please. Do you mean someone say in their early 20-30's taking over a farm? Or an 18 year old who wants to farm/help on a farm?

Someone in their 20-30s...

 

[Flossie]

Nah, marry someone you love who will help you come hell or high water, money definitely does not mean everything.

+1
For all the crap a farm can throw at you, if you can shut the door on it at night and come in to a happy home, it doesn't really matter.

 

[ImLost]

Dont want to be negative, but knowing what it is like to come inside after a bad day and not get support........ things like money suddenly mean nothing.

 

[Red Fred]

The one thing you never get back is time. Make the most of it and don't work for nothing for years on the promise of riches later without having it in writing. Or to misquote Len Deighton "In ten years time, being the finest tractor driver in the county won't get you as much as a free dog license."