In the “not so good days” of grain farming, Todd Hames attended FarmTech because it was an uplifting experience.
The third-generation farmer from Marwayne was able to meet people who were excited about farming when farming was not that great. Now, he keeps coming back because he wants to be with innovative farmers and keep abreast of new ideas and technology.
“As we evolve we become more mature, seek out new ideas, and there is more information out there,” said Hames, who has been farming for more than 20 years.
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That’s reflected in the lineup of speakers at this year’s event, which runs from Jan. 27 to 29 at Northlands. In its early days, FarmTech focused on things such as zero tilling, weed control, and other agronomic topics. Now the show offers “something for everyone,” running the gamut from comedian Colin Mochrie and new technology, such as drones, to presentations on healthy living and lifestyle.
This includes “soft issues” such as succession. Among the speakers is John Fast — a.k.a. the Family Business Doctor — who will help participants identify and begin to practise the Six Key Habits of Highly Successful Farm Families.
“Soft issues open people’s minds to other issues that affect farming,” said Hames, who is the 2014-15 chair of the FarmTech Foundation board.
When he began farming, Hames farmed with his brother, but that setup wasn’t the best fit.
“Family structures change, so early on, we set out to own separate farms,” he said.
Many people may think the succession planning drum has been overbeat. However, Hames has a different view. These type of issues take a long time to deal with, and it can take years before advice on succession, working with family, and developing strong life skills takes hold, he said.
One of the speakers Hames is especially looking forward to is Jason Dorsey, who has copyrighted his title: The Gen Y Guy. The American speaker and consultant is an expert on multi-generational workforces and the strains that can develop because each generation has its own viewpoint and set of values.
Finding workers is a challenge on his operation, said Hames, and the younger generation’s attitude towards food production is having a big impact on all farms.
“How do we sell products to, hire, and work with the generation below us?” Hames asked.
The goal for FarmTech organizers is to both inform and challenge attendees — to get farmers thinking about new ideas and make them keen to improve their operations when they get home.
“Some changes are easy, such as new products or equipment, but others are harder as they involve a whole new way of dealing with a problem,” said Hames.
“Either way, FarmTech is about innovation of new ideas or supporting current ideas and sharing this with fellow farmers.”
Dealing with soft issues can help people become more aware of their own attitudes and how they make choices, he said.
Ultimately, the better we are at learning, the better we get at making life and management decisions, he added.
And that goal hasn’t changed since Hames first began attending FarmTech.
