Ohio farm

When I found out that I was going to be a father back in 2012, I had visions of getting a miniature version of myself that would love the outdoors and farming as much as I do. We would plan hunting trips, restore old tractors and work around the farm together.

When my daughter arrived in 2013, I bought her all the Carhartt clothes we could afford, picked out the best baby hiking gear, and gave her farm toys with the anticipation that she would love it all. And she did for a time — until she was old enough to form her own opinions.

I still try to maintain her interest with the theory that more exposure to these things (my hobbies) would show her how much fun they are. While hiking, I talk about how the trees grow so big, encourage her to listen for grouse and try to teach her about all the cool plants of the world. She often finds these things boring. To her, being outside is about finding cool bugs, picking out the best rocks, and collecting sticks and flowers to take home for crafts. It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy the outdoors; she just experiences and views it differently than I do.

The same goes for farming. I would love for her to grow up to have a career in agriculture, but I don’t think that is likely based on her interests. She is still young, and her views and experiences probably will change over time, but to suddenly find a passion for farming is unlikely. She probably always will enjoy the typical farm kid activities — making forts out of hay bales, snuggling barn kittens, looking for treasures — but she likely will never enjoy baling hay.

There is often a strong sentiment from the older generation that farm kids should take over the farming operation from their parents. This could be based in business continuity purposes, in sentimentality, due to a sense of obligation, or a million other reasons. Farm transitions can be incredibly challenging, but even more so when the next generation does not have the same passion for agriculture as the older generation. Communication is essential when discussing farm transition, and so is accepting that not every farm kid wants to be a farm adult.

It’s important for the older generation to be open to the fact that the younger generation may not want to farm at all or may want to farm, but in a different way. Starting these conversations early is important — gauging if they might have any interest in taking on the family farm even with a different business plan in mind — can save everyone from disappointment in the future.

It also can help the younger generation feel more empowered to think about whether a different version of the family farm might be right for them. And that, in turn, can help the older generation start planning for any necessary transitions now.

Not many current farmers are farming the way their parents, or grandparents, did. Markets, farming practices and individual preferences change over generations. Being adaptable to those changes will keep our farming community flourishing.

Submitted by Lee Beers, an Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator for OSU Extension – Trumbull County, can be reached by email.

 

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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