Future Generation of Growers

Attempting to follow in the footsteps of previous generations of farmers is daunting.  Acquiring funds and resources to help you build your own farm can be seriously discouraging.  Luckily, you are not alone.

Credit: MONTY RAKUSEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has compiled an interesting video from real farmers who share some of the valuable information, resources and funding opportunities that they have received through the United States Department of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency.

The High Plains Journal

As a young farmer, I am constantly looking for resources and publications where I can get information that is not only timely, but derived from sources who are successful in agriculture - not just good at researching others who are.

For as long as I can remember, my dad has gotten a copy of the High Plains Journal each week.  It is literally the size of a large place mat and fills our entire mail box.  This "Texas sized" publication is stocked from cover to cover with information about Ag Markets, classifieds and real stories about real people who are trying really hard to build a legacy for their families through their farming and ranching operations - not to mention columns from a number of seasoned Ag professionals including fellow Northwest Oklahoman, Jerry Nine - and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

I personally enjoy a hard copy of something in my hands.  I guess thatt's almost retro these days, so if you prefer to read publications online, the High Plains Journal does not require you to purchase a membership to access the vast resources available on their website.  These include full-length articles and links to other valuable resources dedicated to a diverse sampling of the Ag industry from crops and livestock to farm shows and conventions.

Take time to check out their website at www.hpj.com and I promise you won't be disappointed.  You can also follow them on Facebook for updates. 

Everyone laughs when they catch me digging through the mail to gather up the recent issue, but they are always curious to hear the latest and greatest I have to offer after reading it.

Good luck!

Oklahoma State University Dept. of Agriculture

The Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is an abundant wealth of scientific research offered in simple easy to read fact sheets on a plethora of agricultural and horticultural topics.

From animals to specialty crops to pest control and gardening, you are likely to find timely and relevant information about topics you're interested in here.

Check out OSU Fact Sheets by topic.



One of my favorite divisions of this OSU program is a section called Oklahoma Gardening.

According to OSU's Department of Agriculture,

"Whether you are a gardener or just enjoy the diverse beauty that Oklahoma has to offer, you will enjoy watching the Oklahoma Gardening television program. Each year we endeaver to provide the best research-based information available on television. Episodes contain beautiful and informative segments on gardening, lawn care, tree care, and landscaping design and maintenance. Along with segments from our studio garden, we will introduce you to gardeners from around the state and tour their gardens."

Their website is also a wealth of information for everyone from the weekend gardener to the seasoned farmer.

Visit the Oklahoma Gardening Website

The Gardens At OSU - Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Gardening.

Not Just The Farmer's Daughters Anymore

Once upon a time, we were just the farmer's daughters and content to be so.  My dad has planted wheat and raised cattle since he was old enough to walk - and that was that.  

Times have changed and the market has changed and my dad isn't as young as he would like us to think he is.  Working cattle is hard and there is no money to made for a small time farmer in what little  wheat we plant... so now what?

A lovely little thing called crop diversification is about to take place at the Phillips Farm.  Rather than fight through the hardships, we are going to revamp it and go a different direction.  

I was surprised that Dad jumped on board so quickly.  I did my research and explained the risks and rewards.  He nodded his head without expression (making my heart sink a little...) and when I was through, he said "That sounds like a good idea.  You can be in charge."

Rev that tractor up, Bobby... we're planting something new this year!

Look out, folks - there is about to be a passing of the torch (or perhaps more like a sharing of the torch).  The farmer's daughters are about to become farmers themselves.  Stay tuned for more details soon.