Opinion: Be Young, Have Fun, Grow
April 23, 2013 
Before they became men, the once-youthful Beach Boys belted out in one of their hit tunes: “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older …” A resounding response to that notion: Hell no! Getting old stinks. As we age, priorities change, responsibilities increase, things that you used to be able to do with ease become harder, days go by quicker, regrets mount, and then — just like that — you’re dead. OK, the latter portion of that timetable progression might be a little dramatic, but it gets your attention. No one has come up with an immortality pill … yet.
The point of all this morbid muddle is to get one thinking about what they are doing and where they are going. Facts are that the average age of today’s U.S. farmer is nearly 60. That number is relatively high when you take into account what’s at stake. An industry as old as time itself has carried on thanks to generations of determined folk like yourselves. Life expectancies have grown, but so has the number of distractions luring away a promising labor force with leadership potential. Today’s youth is learning in ways their parents and grandparents never imagined. Knowing how these individuals think and function will help today’s farming veterans teach the neophytes well, rest assured they are leaving the business in good hands.
Fresh Crop Of Talent
Not willing to sit idly by, the next generation of growers are infusing new, innovative ideas and fresh perspectives into established systems. This is translating into enhanced efficiency, improved production, instant knowledge exchange, and most notably — better communication. At no time has it been so easy to reach out and touch somebody (call, text, eMail, Tweet, Facebook, Instagram, and FaceTime — to name a few) from anywhere and any time. A good chunk of what we like to call GenNext Growers are already in the field leading the way to a fruitful tomorrow. It’s really interesting to see what these individuals bring to the table and where they see agriculture heading.
It’s A Farmer’s Life
Covering the ag industry for a living, you come across some extraordinarily dedicated individuals. Fascinatingly enough, this distinguishing trait is more the rule than the exception. There must be something about farming that keeps you young and driven. Perhaps it’s the chance to get your hands dirty every day. Maybe it’s the satisfaction you get from bringing a crop to harvest. Or, maybe the kid at heart in you loves tooling around on tractors.
Whatever the case may be, that kind of commitment cannot be taught. But, it can be inspired. Do the GenNext Growers have what it takes to carry the torch? Yes, and it’s already happening. Lack of years on the job won’t deter this group of decision-makers. To that end, mere age won’t stop ag’s elder statesmen and women from contributing to what they love. You are as young as you feel.
Subscribe Today For
