February

I ran into one of my swim buddies Saturday at the athletic club. Lap swimming is a niche activity in which a small percentage of members participate. Inevitably, you get to know and develop a kinship with other swimmers.

We chatted for a few minutes and after a quick review of the standard work, family and health updates, Keith asked, "How do you stay busy this time of year?" 

I paused to think. How can I answer this question without sounding boastful, judgmental, overly complex or making my friend regret asking?

He probably has this idea of the sole owner operator with a couple seasonal helpers who work the fields from April to October and hibernates when the ground freezes.

This perception is understandable as it is a popular choice among "mature" grain farmers. After 40 plus years of nimble risk management, personal sacrifice, life expectancy reducing overwork and stress, the November to March semi-retirement option seems not only deserved but well informed. This is exactly what Dad and Mom were doing at my current age and it has contributed to their enduring quality of life.  

How do I answer my friend's question concisely and objectively? How, and more importantly, why does a crop farmer (choose to) stay busy all winter?

I could tell him the number of full time and part time employees who need daily guidance, feedback, and leadership to ensure their value exceeds their cost. Or I could point out the tens of millions of dollars’ worth of rolling stock, farmland, and grain inventory we are responsible for. That this responsibility requires our constant attention as the opportunity to extend the life of these assets and reduce operating costs is commensurate with their value.  

Our 20K square foot office and shop allow a large workforce to be safe and productive year-round in any weather conditions and helps us accomplish the aforementioned tasks.  

Should I divulge how many key partnerships we rely on to grow, acquire inputs, access expertise, stay compliant, and fill operational gaps? From professionals of all disciplines to company representatives, landowners, realtors, and local business partners.  Winter is the ideal time to give these relationships the attention they deserve without distraction.

Should I share with Keith all the things we screwed up last year and our subsequent adjustments? The quiet time between growing seasons gives us the flexibility to develop and implement better practices.   

Would it be helpful to share that we are driven to be our best? While we lower the intensity of the workload during the winter months, for the most part we all still work at least forty hours, and our days are filled with high value projects. No puttering or busy work.

After a few seconds delay, I decided to employ the old adage, "Ignorance is Bliss." 

I answer to my friend, "Well Keith, I stay busy working out." 😉

Jim