Earlier this week we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Center for Dairy Excellence. We invited past board members, partners and staff back to reflect on the work that we have done at the Center and how it has helped the dairy industry. We also asked a few farmers who have been involved in our programs to share how we have helped them personally. It was rewarding to hear the stories of how our consultants and grants have helped them transform their operations, transition to the next generation, and find help to improve their businesses.
In many ways, what we do at the Center is help build legacy, whether it is helping farms figure out how to transform a business that started many generations ago or build on something that is just taking shape now. The idea of leaving a legacy is so important to many of us because it gives our lives purpose and helps us feel like we are making a positive impact on the world. When you feel like you are making a difference in the world, it improves your mental health and gives you a more positive outlook.
The holiday season can be a time when many of us reflect on our legacy and question if we are truly making a difference. That is because, even though we often think about the holidays as being synonymous with joy, peace and love, it’s often a time when we can start to feel lonely and a little lost. The days get colder and shorter, and chores on the farm can become a little more brutal with the colder weather. Fewer hours of sunshine in general can lead to a gloomy disposition, while all the hype around holiday get-togethers can remind us of relationships lost.
Tips to Consider
As we move into this winter season, instead of reflecting on the negative, now may be a good time to consider what you are doing to build on the legacy you want to leave. I recently read an article that offered a few tips on how you could be more intentional about building your legacy. A few they listed included:
- Adopting a growth mindset. Being willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new things can often lead to a stronger business and a stronger mind. Did you ever notice that cobwebs grow when nothing moves? The same is true with your mind and your business. Consider taking time this winter to think about changes you could make to improve your business or even just your own state of mind.
- Pursuing a life of learning. You don’t have to go back to school to learn. Pick up a magazine and read an article about the latest research on transition cows. Attend a meeting where they’re talking about different crop varieties. Listen to a podcast or just have coffee with another farmer to learn what they are doing differently. Every new idea or bit of knowledge you gain can equip you to improve on the value you bring to your business and to the world.
- Sharing your wisdom. A little more than four years ago, the Center started hosting a podcast just to interview farmers about their dairy businesses. That podcast is approaching 20,000 downloads. When it first started taking off, we were surprised at how much our listeners liked it. But looking back, it’s because people love benefiting from other people’s wisdom. Your legacy grows when you share your values, your knowledge and your experiences with those around you.
- Dreaming big and planning accordingly. Legacies in business or in life don’t just happen. Anyone who is part of a multi-generational dairy farm knows how much intentionality and planning it takes to carry forward a legacy. Take time to “dream big” and think about those lofty goals that you could pursue, either for yourself or for your business. Then, break down those goals into smaller steps and strategic decisions on moving forward.
How We Can Help
As we celebrated our 20th anniversary, we reflected on our core purpose as the Center for Dairy Excellence and how we are helping the farm families who have used our programs. If you haven’t used our resources yet, we can help by connecting you to consultants, bringing in outside perspective, and helping you think through those key opportunities and bottlenecks to moving forward. We can also provide resources – knowledge, materials, funding – to help you get where you want to go. If you want to learn more about what we have to offer, give us to a call at 717-346-0849 or email us at info@centerfordairyexcellence.org. You can also find more information at centerfordairyexcellence.org.
Also, if you are struggling to find your purpose in an uncertain world, the Center has resources available to help you find guidance and support. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/stress for a list of hotlines and articles from a rural ag psychologist who has experience working with farmers. The agri-stress hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-833-897-2474.
Remember, at the end of the day, your legacy is not just about your business or what you leave behind. It’s about how you show up in the world and for the people around you. Consider how you want to be remembered. As I think about the holiday season, for me, the Christ Jesus is at its core. He was born with nothing, and he died with nothing. But his life changed the world more than no other ever could.
Editor’s Note: This column is written by Jayne Sebright, executive director for the Center for Dairy Excellence.