One of the great joys of public speaking is working with young and beginning farmers and ranchers. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious as they look forward to the future. One program that we conduct for young farmers is Farm Credit University’s “Ag Biz Planner.” This is a ten-module online program that is mentor-based by an agricultural lender.

Recently, I had the opportunity to follow up with two brothers who had previously completed the program. I was curious to know if the activities designed in their business plan, as part of the course, were implemented on the farm.

One of the activities of the Ag Biz Planner course was to develop a job description for each employee, outlining responsibilities and accountability measures. But back on their farm, it was still the “era of grandpa” who quickly questioned the need for such an academic exercise. Still, these two brothers had to deal with a tough issue involving one of the farm employees who also happened to be a family member.

This particular family member was not performing. Substance abuse issues caused tardy arrivals and less than optimal performance, among other problems. Despite repeated opportunities for improvement, the family member was finally let go. This action brought immediate relief as other team members had been attempting to cover this individual’s duties.

In the course, a second action item was to develop a business plan that included topics for crucial conversations. Transition management was one of these topics. Well, it seems the estate plan was well developed and in place. However, the transition management badly needed some attention. 

In this process, the two bright and astute daughters-in-law saw how recording a family history could solidify the family, including the strong-willed grandpa. They conducted extensive interviews and researched the history of the four-generation farm. The history contained pictures as well as the many trials and tribulations of the business over the decades along with numerous achievements and some setbacks. One of the daughters-in-law accepted the challenge of climbing to the top of an 80-foot silo for current pictures of the farm. (Perhaps this family could benefit from a drone!)

Researching and drafting this family history took long hours and dedication. At the conclusion, an impressive book was presented as a Christmas gift for the family. The grandparents were enthralled and captivated. Through their work, the daughters-in-law showed the grandparents how much the entire family values the farm and wants to see it continue. Of course, a family history was one of the components of the business plan grandpa was reluctant to approve.

This story reminds us that sometimes every family needs to be challenged. In this case, the program Ag Biz Planner not only challenged the family but transformed it for a more sustainable, positive future.

More often than not, accepting a challenge yields results that are positive in many different ways.