It’s an exciting time when the next generation determines that they are going to pursue a career on the farm.

While recent headlines regarding child labor violations have involved industries and occupations not categorized as agriculture, that does not mean agriculture operations and jobs are not being monitored to ensure compliance with child labor laws.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a producer in possession of any type of farm or ranch must be in want of updated machinery. So what considerations should play into a producer’s decision to custom hire versus purchasing, maintaining and operating their own equipment?

On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted its final rules requiring the disclosure of certain climate-related information in filings with the SEC, including registration statements and annual reports.

Your body is not a machine. You are not serving yourself or others well by being a workaholic. When are you going to pay attention to your physical, emotional and mental needs, and those of your spouse and family?

Leading any business is extremely challenging. If the business is a family business, the level of difficulty is increased, and if you intend for it to be a multigenerational business, the difficulty is even greater still.

Although maintaining equipment takes time, it’s a worthwhile investment that can maximize your overall production. But if you want to maximize profitability for your farm, it’s equally as important to tune up your farm’s financial operations.

Farmers work hard and in challenging conditions. Farming is demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. It requires resilient people, but that resilience can take its toll. Concern over farmers’ mental health has increased in the last few years.