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To thrive in today’s agricultural economy, small farmers sometimes have to look beyond traditional farming. For Austin Ledyard, a young ag professional member in Ashland County Farm Bureau, this has meant a strategic shift toward diversification, creating a steady foundation through custom services, equipment repair, and niche crop production. These additional income streams do more than just balance the books, they ensure the farm remains viable for future generations.

About Austin

I am the 6th generation of farmers on the same land. We raise corn, soybeans, wheat and distillery rye and have a small herd of beef cattle. My father started a custom application company when I was a kid, and as I got older I continued to help and learn the business and now I am the primary applicator. We service Ashland, Huron, Lorain, Medina, Richland and Wayne counties. I own an agricultural fabrication/repair business where I build, modify and repair equipment, machines, and tools. On top of that, I am a realtor trying to focus on agricultural sales.

Branching out

The custom application business was started many years ago to help diversify the business for the farm and it turned out to be successful. This made it so we could still be involved in agriculture while having a steady income during the off months. We began growing distillery rye to diversify our crop income, too. It opens a lot of doors for us on where, when and how we can sell the grain. Running a repair business and being a realtor also helps me stay in agriculture while giving myself a more reliable source of income year-round. I combined both of my passions to help other farmers and to be able to create new things

Diversification importance

Having multiple sources of income can help a farm stay afloat during times of financial hardship. The distillery rye has helped us a lot when grain prices have dipped because the market for it is so diverse and there are a lot of options of what can be done with it. The custom application is always needed no matter what crop prices are, so it helps us have a steady income even when prices drop. I think that diversification of your business is essential to stay afloat as the market is always changing and you can be prepared for any fluctuations.

Value of advocacy

Ohio Farm Bureau gives me and other farmers a voice at the state and national level. Lately with the threat of data centers and things like that moving in, Ohio Farm Bureau has shown me they care by trying to keep farmland as farmland. That feels most important to me and I can see the work they do. The organization has helped me and my family to make connections with new, likeminded individuals that have helped me further my business.

Opportunity: Growing Tomorrow Grant

Are you a young farmer or agricultural entrepreneur in the early-stage of building your business looking to grow or diversify and be sustainable? Ohio Farm Bureau’s Growing Tomorrow Grant might be for you! The Growing Tomorrow Grant is more than just funding; it is a legacy of support for young agriculturalists from former Ohio Farm Bureau board trustee, Mike Boyert and his wife Patti. By providing the tools they themselves missed out on, they are enabling young professionals to solve critical issues like rural economic hardship and the need for better public education of our national food system.

Upcoming Events/Deadlines

Growing Tomorrow Grant Application Deadline: July 31. Apply

Curious about the diverse careers in agriculture? Learn more at one of Ohio Farm Bureau’s free ExploreAg one-day camps for students entering grades 9-12! See the full list of camp descriptions and application deadlines.