by Jay Canzonier
“2025 will be easy,” they said. Crops and livestock will flourish, markets will be favorable, and managing our farm businesses will be a snap, just like the good old days. Then reality set in: policy changes, rising input costs, and Mother Nature’s curveballs remind us how much is outside our control. An old agronomy professor imparted this wisdom on us: “Rule #2 in farming: Farmers can’t control the weather.”
He was right—but he left something out. We may not be able to command the weather or the markets, but we can control how we lead our team through challenging times.
As we head into harvest, here are a few controllables worth focusing on:
Attitude – Your most important controllable
- Stay calm, positive, and focused. Your crew will follow your example.
Communication – Keep team members on the same page
- Hold quick daily meetings.
- Set clear expectations in simple terms.
- Encourage team members to speak up when they are unsure or see something wrong.
Safety – Everyone goes home
- Provide water for hydration and watch for signs of heat stress.
- Issue hi-visibility vests and keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers handy.
- Maintain equipment and ensure operators are trained.
Recognition – The engine that fuels motivation
- Say thank you often and mean it. Body language speaks louder than words.
- Highlight individual and team successes.
- Use small rewards like Freezie Pop breaks to boost morale.
So, what’s Rule #1 in farming? Too bad for us: “Farmers can’t change Rule #2”.
But by focusing on the controllables, we can lead our teams through whatever 2025 brings. Remember, your preparedness and attitude set the tone, and your crew will follow your lead. Good luck to your team and stay safe out there.
By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post The Rules of Farming: 101 appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.
