Looking down the road five years, what is your no-till operation going to look like?

Perhaps you see yourself farming more land, adopting precision farming technology or growing specialty crops. It’s not an easy question, but your ability to answer it plays a large role in your future profitability, says Doug Harford of Mazon, Ill.

At 49, Harford realizes change is reality. He sees two options for his future: find new opportunities and accept what it takes to be successful with them, or plan demise by farming with his current equipment until it is worn out, at which time he’ll retire.

“I’ve decided that I’m going to do what it takes to be successful,” says Harford.

Harford wants to avoid making the mistake of ignoring change because he thinks it will cost him in the long run. For example, if he doesn’t update his equipment, he may have difficulty selling this outdated, worn machinery at retirement.

“I can’t rely on past opportunities,” he comments. “It’s unrealistic.”

Harford believes farmers who look to the future and think about what they can do today to make a difference tomorrow are going to have the edge.

“If I’m going to be a successful farmer down the road, I need a way to differentiate myself. That is a rule of business. If you are going to be normal, you are going to get normal results. Normal in agriculture is getting to be less and less.”

You’re Qualified!

Looking ahead gives time to evaluate and…