I wrote this as part of my daily reflections on LinkedIn today. While I didn’t mention it in the essay, some of these thoughts were also sparked by recent conversations I read here on NAT. I know my perspective may hit some nerves, but I think it’s an important discussion to have.

I post my thoughts on various topics daily on LinkedIn and my corresponding Facebook page. If you’re interested, feel free to follow along:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-smith-10a3a52b/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570216289639

Patio Pondering: But You’re Not a REAL Farmer

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had several conversations about what defines a “real farm.” These discussions, sparked by the tight ag economy, tax prep, or the Continuing Resolution, have lingered in my mind. This morning, as I enjoy my coffee and watch flurries fall in the backyard, I find myself pondering this question again.

Yesterday, I spoke with a potential podcast guest, and our conversation turned to where we fit in agricultural production. Both of us—and our spouses—have built successful off-farm careers. Because of this, we’re often told we’re not “real farmers.” But I see our off-farm work as just another form of diversification—no different than farms that truck grain in the off-season, run tiling machines for hire, or pursue other ventures to generate income beyond direct crop or livestock production.

What many don’t realize is that our farm work strengthens our off-farm careers. Walking in the same shoes as our customers gives us insights many competitors lack. We understand the challenges farmers face, from volatile commodity prices to managing land, livestock, and labor. This firsthand knowledge allows us to offer practical, grounded solutions and build trust. It’s an advantage that bridges the gap between theory and practice—often missing in ag-related industries.

When others accuse us of not running “real farms,” we push back. Like any farm aiming to stay profitable, we rely on essential tools and practices: crop insurance, consulting agronomists for soil sampling, advanced fertility tech, meticulous balance sheets, hedging strategies, and forward selling. These are the hallmarks of a farm operated with intention and an eye toward long-term sustainability.

To me, what makes a “real farm” isn’t measured by size, acres, or whether the farmer works off-farm. It’s defined by how the farm is run. Whether it’s a 2-acre herb patch supplying restaurants, a sprawling ranch with thousands of brood cows, measure in sections not acres, or managing cropping plans to accommodate an off-farm job, what truly matters is having an agricultural business mindset. Unfortunately, that mindset isn’t always present.

But what about you? How do you define a “real farm”? Is it adaptability and diversification, the scale of production, or something else? Are we too quick to judge others by outdated metrics, or are these distinctions still valid? As agriculture evolves, how can we better recognize and celebrate the diverse ways farmers contribute to the industry’s resilience? And how might we embrace the value that farmers with diverse experiences—both on and off the farm—bring to the table?

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