Bad times get us down. Whether the crops fare poorly, the cows don’t produce well, or the chickens get sick, you know the feelings of despair and hopelessness. You want to kick at the ground and raise a big cloud of disgust. These natural reactions to farm trials can be okay for a little while, but don’t let the bitterness and despair take root. Instead, plant a seed of hope in your farm, and watch it grow into better times.
The Seed
A seed of hope might be something as small as a promising cow who did better than the others. It could be a loan officer at the bank who believed in you enough to keep you funded for another year. Your hope could come from watching your family grow and learn and work with you on the farm. Maybe you are hopeful of a new venture, a crop you’ve never tried before, or a side business your wife wants to try. These things may be small and insignificant at first, but like all seeds, when watered and cared for, they can grow into big ideas that pay off.
Caring for the Seed
What does it mean to care for a seed of hope? It means taking care of yourself. Learn to manage your negative thoughts and actions. Work toward a realistic goal. Surround yourself with people who care about you and want you to succeed. Lead a life of integrity and grit. You’ll respect yourself more, and you will be proud of whatever comes from your efforts.
The Harvest
Keep in mind the big picture of a field. When you plant soybean seeds, your end goal is to harvest soybeans. When you plant a seed of hope in your farm, your end goal is to harvest that hope. Your positive actions and hard work will result in something good. It could be a more successful farm, a happier family, or a lasting legacy to pass on to your future generations.
If you have questions about keeping the farm in the family, please contact us. We want your seed of hope to reap a bountiful harvest.
