NE Current Events
In recent years, education and peer group businesses have "sprouted" up to service farmers and agribusiness.
Is there a fundamental deficiency in today's 4-year agriculture degree? If so, what can be done to elevate the university system? What are the alternatives?
Meet Grant Wiese and Jeff Kazin, founders of two separate businesses that focus on advanced education in the agriculture industry.
Jeff Kazin | Co-Founded Agris Academy
A business focused on educating producers in the area of merchandising and risk management.
Grant Wiese | Founded Farm640
A business focused on preparing farms to make land acquisitions.
We'll discuss this topic of alternative education methods for forward-looking producers and field questions from attendees on various topics.
Save this event in your calendar!
Here's the Zoom link: https://braintrust-ag.circle.so/c/events-calendar/education
SW Financial Literacy
It is balance sheet season. Here are a few reminders on how to correctly fill in your balance sheet when dealing with year end expenses:
-A '24 crop year expense that has not been paid yet needs to be shown in Accounts Payable.
-A '25 expense that has been booked but not paid or delivered is not included on your balance sheet.
-A '25 expense that has been paid for is shown under Current Assets as a 'Prepaid Expense', even if not yet delivered to your farm (i.e. prepaying fertilizer).
-If you have a '25 crop expense that has already been planted in the field (i.e. winter wheat or cover crop), this will be shown under 'Investment in Growing Crops' until the crop is harvested.
NW Call to Action
A Thankful Farmer
Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It has the ability to change your perspective when life has you down. It uplifts the downtrodden.
Living a life of gratitude can help you become an optimistic individual and create happiness. Each morning as I drop my kids off at school, we list the things we are grateful for. Being grateful is a choice, and I want my kids to choose to recognize the goodness in their life every day.
As farmers, we have a lot to be grateful for. Here is a reminder of what we have:
1. Bountiful Harvests
One of the most obvious reasons farmers have to be thankful is the harvest itself. While the road to a successful harvest is long, filled with uncertainties and hard work, the reward of a plentiful crop is worth every ounce of effort. The sight of a productive field gives a sense of accomplishment and is a reminder that, despite the trials, nature often rewards patience and hard work.
2. Supportive Communities
Farming is not an isolated endeavor; it’s a community effort. We have a deep bond with our local communities, which provide support in countless ways. Neighbors help each other with tasks like harvesting, repairs, or caring for animals during times of need. Farming is the backbone of the local economy, and when farmers thrive, so does the entire community.
3. Technological Advancements
Technology has dramatically changed the way farming is done. From GPS to drones that monitor crop health, modern technology has allowed farmers to increase efficiency and precision in ways that were previously unimaginable. Advances in crop genetics have led to more resilient plants, able to withstand pests, diseases, and extreme weather conditions. These innovations not only improve productivity but have helped make farming safer.
4. Resilience of the Farmers Themselves
Farmers face challenges that are beyond their control, from droughts and floods to unpredictable market conditions. They wake up before the sun, work tirelessly through the seasons, and persist even when the outlook isn’t favorable. This inner strength, combined with a deep passion for what they do, is something worth celebrating. Best of all, we get to share and pass this strength onto our kids.
5. The Joy of Working with Animals
For those who raise livestock, the bond with animals is one of the most rewarding aspects of farming. There’s something deeply satisfying about caring for animals—whether it’s the quiet companionship of a herd of cattle, the playful antics of a flock of chickens, or the daily routine of feeding and milking dairy cows. There is joy in seeing the animals grow strong and healthy.
6. The Beauty of the Outdoors
Farming offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a daily basis. Farmers are witness to the beauty of each changing season—the first signs of spring as crops begin to sprout, the warmth of summer days spent in the field, the crispness of autumn harvests, and the quiet stillness of winter. This connection to the outdoors brings a sense of peace and grounding to our lives.
7. Family Legacy and Tradition
Many farmers are part of multi-generational farms, where the knowledge and traditions of previous generations are passed down. For these farmers, there is a deep sense of gratitude for the legacy they continue and hope to pass on in the future. For those who are just starting their farming journey, there is the opportunity to build something meaningful and contribute to the future of agriculture.
Conclusion
While farming can be a tough and unpredictable profession, it is also filled with moments of joy, gratitude, and reward. Make sure to slow down and recognize the blessings that surround you this week.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Grant
