From Loss to growth in farming with Matt and Janna Splitter
How Mentorship and Strategic Thinking Transformed a Family Farm into a Thriving Business
Farming isn't just about tending to crops or raising livestock; it’s a business that requires strategy, resilience, and a clear vision. For those looking to grow an agricultural operation into a thriving enterprise, there is one key ingredient that stands above all: mentorship.
In agriculture, mentorship can make all the difference between surviving the early stages and truly thriving. For Matt and Janna Splitter, the path to growing their family farm into a successful business wasn’t just paved with hard work; it was shaped by the wisdom and guidance of those who had been there before them.
When they first took over Matt’s family farm, the Splitters quickly realized that success wasn’t just about working harder; it was about working smarter. Mentorship played a crucial role in this realization. By seeking advice from experienced farmers, they were able to take a step back and evaluate their operations with a fresh perspective. Mentors help you see opportunities and blind spots you might miss on your own.
In Matt and Janna’s case, their mentors weren’t just people who handed out answers. They were individuals who challenged them to think differently. Instead of giving simple solutions, they encouraged Matt and Janna to ask the right questions: What do your financials say? How will this decision impact the long-term sustainability of your operation? This kind of guidance is invaluable, especially when facing tough decisions or navigating complex situations like a farm transition.
Mentorship in agriculture isn’t just about business practices; it’s also about personal growth. Many in the ag industry are second- or third-generation farmers, often without the benefit of formal business training. Without mentorship, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “doing things the way they’ve always been done.” But as Matt and Janna discovered, real growth requires flexibility and the ability to adapt. Their mentors helped them understand that farming is just one part of the equation; it’s also about running a business, building relationships, and making strategic decisions that will ensure the long-term success of the operation.
“Sometimes you have to stop and look around and go, what do I actually need to do to make this work?”
One of the key points from Matt and Janna’s story is that agriculture needs to be seen as a business first, not just a lifestyle. As they grew their operation, they focused not just on growing their acreage, but on growing in a way that was financially sustainable. This means focusing on efficiency, optimizing margins, and making decisions that benefit the farm in the long run, even when short-term gains seem more tempting. Their success didn’t come from working harder; it came from focusing on the details and having a plan in place.
For those just starting out or looking to take their farm or ranch to the next level, it’s essential to recognize the importance of working with mentors who can help guide you through obstacles and help you avoid costly mistakes. Whether it’s someone with decades of experience or a peer who shares similar struggles and victories, mentorship in agriculture can provide the support and perspective needed to make critical decisions.
Additionally, one of the things that often goes unnoticed in agriculture is the power of a strong network. For Matt and Janna, their mentors didn’t just help them with day-to-day decisions; they helped them build a network of advisors, from bankers to crop insurance agents, who could offer unbiased, practical advice when it mattered most. This network provided a solid foundation for their farm’s continued growth and expansion.
As they look to the future, Matt and Janna are now in the position to pass down their knowledge and experience to the next generation. Mentorship isn’t a one-way street; it’s a cycle of learning, growing, and giving back. By creating a mentorship culture within the ag community, new farmers can find the support and guidance they need to succeed, just as Matt and Janna did.
If there is one piece of advice that stands out from Matt and Janna’s journey, it is this: find the mentors who will challenge you to think bigger, work smarter, and, most importantly, build a business that will stand the test of time. The road to success in agriculture is never easy, but with the right people by your side, it can be incredibly rewarding.
Splitter Farms Website- https://sites.google.com/view/splitterfarms/home?authuser=0
