While talking with my uncle the other day about grain bins, grain dryers, wagons, feed mixers, and of course my latest hard lesson learned, that was mentioned in the last episode, he began to tell a story. The story was full of great thoughts for me as a farmer, but the biggest thing that I took away from it all was one little piece of information that was relevant to the overall lesson. The little piece of information came in the from of this quote, "When father came out to the farrowing shed" (that is the quote as best as I can remember). At first glance that isn't a very exciting statement, but it reminded me of something very important to my beginning farmer journey. What it reminded me was that my uncle, who is on my speed dial and receives calls weekly, didn't just up and gain his farming knowledge all by himself in the matter of a few moments. He was on the farm from the very beginning and farming alongside his father (my grandfather) for years as he grew up and learned and then even as he became an adult. I am confident that if I could pick up a thimble's worth of knowledge that passed between my grandfather and my uncle I would be lightyears ahead of where I am now. That is why I am continually talking about the importance of interning on a farming, volunteering on a farm, or just getting out and talking to farmers in general. And, that is why I believe that mentors are without a doubt one of the most important tools in the toolbox of any beginning farmer. My mentors range from family to friends to the neighbors that I work for now and they are indispensable!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
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