Patience & Planning: Key Preparations for Getting Back to Field Work

Some areas are still grappling with rain delays, saturated soils, and a lack of planting progress. It's a tough situation, and IL Soy Envoy, Kelly Robertson, shares a few thoughts that might help while some farmers are waiting to get back into the fields.
"First and foremost, having a game plan is crucial. With all the stress around planting and markets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I think it’s important to talk about mental health. The stress can be massive, so find a friend, neighbor, or anyone who will listen and talk about what’s going on. Sometimes just sharing can make a big difference.
Another key point: slow down. Speed doesn’t solve problems; it often creates them. Going faster won’t improve the situation and can lead to mistakes or accidents. Remember, worrying robs us of the ability to think clearly. Take a breath, slow down, and plan your actions thoughtfully.
When you do get back into the field, don’t put yourself in a position to get hurt. An injury can severely impact your operation. Safety should always be your priority.
Make a spreadsheet for each field detailing what needs to be done. Review your fields, plan what’s going to be planted where, and take note of any herbicides already applied.
Planning out the work and setting expectations with your family and employees is essential. Understand and communicate the long hours that may be ahead.
Now is a good time to review your risk management plan. How can we make things smoother? Stay in touch with your seed supplier, ag retailer, and crop insurance agent. Good communication can prevent many issues down the line.
Lastly, remember this: if too much of one thing is a problem, adding something else isn’t necessarily the solution. Understand what’s causing the problems in your fields before adding another product to fix it.
I hope these thoughts help as you navigate these challenging times. Take care of yourselves and each other out there."

[@LtColDaddy71]

I like what you say about just talking things out. As a veteran, an aviator, and farmer last, and a husband and dad 1st, I figured out that the only way to keep what I have is to figure things out. I’m addicted to the element oxygen, and intend to keep breathing it in as long as I can. We’re a closed off type of people. That’s OK, but find a groove of a few people where it’s a good fit to just talk it out with them. Reach out to anybody if you have to at 1st, and settle in to people you can relate to.