How To Discover NEW Farm Business Ideas

Many of us have started farming or homesteading in order to feed our families, connect with our communities, take care of the land, and make money while doing what we love. All of our situations are going to be different, but many of us have similar guiding principles.

To help you achieve your social, environmental, and financial goals, I have a special collaboration to share with you that I did with my friend and mentor Troy Bishop, The Grass Whisperer. In this video series Troy and I will explore the beginning relationship between a farmer and a Conservation Professional.

A Note From Troy

Our family has been farming the same land for over 130 years with basically limited advice or financial resources from " Federal Conservation Agencies". We are independent for sure, and fiscally responsible -as much as possible- in making our holistic goals attainable for the next generations.

We took on risk with our own money to try new approaches, and to remain viable for all these years. I came to agency life (local Soil & Water Conservation District) because I had a skillset in grazing and practical land management, and wanted to support my family more while the animals grazed😉. I brought farming realities into a local agency who helps from the ground up. I've been misconstrued as a Federal Employee, State employee and Extension Associate from day one, and been called a "Goberment person". Nothing could be farther from the truth.

As a farmer/District guy, I've strived to give practical advice and not suggest cost-share funding - which BTW, is what the majority of customers are looking for- until goals and plans are vetted. We deliver science-based knowledge, which is independent, and often old-fashioned. Our focus is not how to get you givernment money.

What we strive for is a relationship based on trust and that starts when customers come through the door or when we are asked to address and opportunity or concern. Some of the best knowledge I've ever received, that goes unnoticed by most, is how public funds are used to facilitate meetings where seasoned farmers or workman-like agency/extension folks are showing us real solutions on the land.

In our 5-part experiment, I wanted to touch on what my first meeting with a customer (you) is like, to inspire others to give us a try around the country. I'll just say, I'm trying to break down a few stereotypes in hopes of helping as best as we can in the many, many contexts customers bring us. It doesn't always have to be about the money as you'll soon realize by the end of these videos.

Thanks GW