Some are challenged by the profitability of long-term farming operations; others, especially beginning farmers, are challenged by new ventures. New ventures present their own set of stressors. Tensions may arise between the entrepreneur and immediate and extended family members. Researchers are acknowledging the importance of family context on start-up success and sustainability (Hanson et al., 2019; Yang & Danes, 2015). “There’s a heavy pressure – the weight of expectations and a sense of failing the next generation. ”
- U.S. Representative J.T. Wilcox WA speaking to farmers in 2018
Farm families may struggle with building and maintaining a farming legacy. Their deeply felt
connections to the land and to what, for many, is a “calling” can also become a stressor if there are different connections to the land among family members or when the viability of the farm is at risk (Rosmann, 2008).
In this 1-minute, 20-second video, Mike Harrison, owner-operator of a multigenerational soybean farming business in Howard County, Maryland, talks about the importance of being a farmer.
Site: https://mymdfarmers.com/ Video: https://youtu.be/DJuH1l5kNaE
VIDEO
In this 4-minute video, Russell and Jewel Bean talk about returning to their family farm after corporate careers. They were determined to continue their family legacy farm. Their work was recognized by the Alabama NRCS with a 2017 Small Farmers of the Year Award.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sP6X8duaGY
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