Balancing Off-Farm Work and Agricultural Dreams

Farming on Purpose

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“I think we have to figure out what makes sense for ourselves. And for the amount of effort that we're putting in are we going to reach our goals? Are we going to get there realistically on a timeframe that makes sense? And how does that impact other people in our lives? That can be a very challenging conversation to have with yourself, but I think it is one that is worth having.”

As farmers and ranchers, we're no strangers to hard work. But these days, many of us are finding ourselves working even harder - both on and off the farm. Let's talk about this growing trend and what it means for our families and our futures in agriculture.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Here's a shocking statistic: in 2021, 82% of U.S. farm household income came from off-farm sources. That's a big jump from the 1960s when it was only about 50%. Even more eye-opening? In 2017, 58% of all farmers had a primary job that wasn't farming.

As a farmer and a mom, these numbers hit close to home. They paint a picture of an industry where it's becoming harder and harder to make ends meet solely through farming.

Why the Shift?

Several factors are driving this trend:

Improved technology means we need fewer hands on the farm.
There are more job opportunities in rural areas, especially with remote work on the rise.
Farm incomes can be unpredictable due to weather and market changes.
The cost of farming keeps going up, but the prices we get for our products don't always keep pace.

Size Matters

Interestingly, farm size plays a big role in this trend. Farms making over $350,000 in annual gross income (only about 8% of all U.S. farms) are less likely to rely on off-farm income. These larger operations, averaging about 1,500 acres, produce about 80% of the total value of agricultural production in the country.

Juggling Act: Farm, Family, and Off-Farm Work

For those of us balancing farming with off-farm jobs, life can feel like a constant juggling act. Here are some of the challenges we face:

Time management: There are only so many hours in a day, and farming doesn't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule.
Physical and mental fatigue: Working two (or more) jobs is exhausting, especially during busy seasons.
Financial stress: Often, the off-farm job is necessary to keep the farm afloat or to invest in its growth.
Family strain: Long hours and divided attention can take a toll on our relationships.

As a mom and a farmer, I feel this strain acutely. Just like there's often a "default parent" handling most childcare tasks, there's often a "default farmer" juggling most of the day-to-day farm operations. This imbalance can create tension in families and partnerships.

Finding the Silver Lining

While off-farm work can feel like a necessary evil, it's not all bad news. Here are some potential benefits:

It can provide a steady income to invest back into the farm.
Off-farm jobs can offer valuable skills and networking opportunities that benefit your farming operation.
For some, it offers a way to pursue farming dreams without the immediate pressure of making the farm profitable.

Looking to the Future

As we navigate this new reality, it's crucial to keep our long-term goals in sight. Here are some strategies that larger, more successful farms often use:

Embrace technology: Even small investments in tech can make a big difference in efficiency.
Explore new markets: Look into direct marketing or value-added products.
Keep learning: Stay open to new ideas and techniques.
Diversify: Consider adding new enterprises to your farm to spread risk.

A Call to Action

If you're in this boat of balancing off-farm work with your farming dreams, know that you're not alone. I encourage you to:

Communicate openly with your family about the challenges and your goals.
Be realistic about your timeline for growing your farm.
Look for ways your off-farm work can benefit your farming operation.
Take care of yourself - burnout helps no one.

Remember, every farm's path is different. What matters most is that we keep pushing forward, supporting each other, and working towards a stronger future for our farms and our families.

What's your experience with balancing off-farm work and farming? Join the conversation in our Farming On Purpose Facebook group or reach out on social media. Let's support each other in this journey!

If you would like to support the podcast or be a part of the conversation join the Farming On Purpose Facebook group and visit the Farming on Purpose merch page.