Farming is more than just a profession; it’s a way of life that is governed by experience, nature, tradition, and intuition. While there are textbooks and manuals that can teach you the basics of agriculture, certain rules are unspoken but universally understood by those who work the land. These “unwritten rules” of farming encompass the nuances of daily life on the farm, as well as the wisdom passed down through generations of farmers. Below, we outline 20 of these unwritten rules that every farmer eventually comes to know.
1. Nature Always Has the Final Say
• You can plan, strategize, and implement the best farming practices, but ultimately, nature controls the outcome. Weather, pests, and unpredictable seasons can alter even the most well-laid plans. Respect for nature is essential in farming.
2. Patience is Your Greatest Tool
• Farming is not a quick endeavor. Crops take time to grow, and animals take time to mature. Farmers understand the value of patience—waiting for the right moment to plant, harvest, or breed is often more important than the effort involved.
3. No Season is the Same
• Each growing season brings different challenges and opportunities. What worked last year may not work this year. Adapting to the unique conditions of each season is crucial for success.
4. Early Mornings Are Non-Negotiable
• Whether it’s planting, feeding animals, or harvesting, most farm tasks are best done in the early hours of the day. Successful farmers know the day starts before sunrise.
5. The Health of Your Soil is the Health of Your Farm
• Healthy soil is the cornerstone of successful farming. Without rich, fertile soil, nothing grows well. Constantly improving and maintaining soil health is one of the unsaid golden rules in agriculture.
6. Expect the Unexpected
• Farming is filled with surprises, whether it’s a sudden storm, equipment failure, or an unexpected crop disease. Being mentally prepared for the unpredictable is key to survival in the farming world.
7. A Farmer is Always Learning
• Farming is a continuous learning process. Whether it’s a new technique, crop variety, or innovation, farmers must always be willing to learn and improve. The moment you think you know everything is when nature humbles you.
8. Take Care of Your Equipment, and It Will Take Care of You
• Well-maintained machinery is the backbone of modern farming. Proper care, regular servicing, and knowing how to fix minor issues yourself can prevent costly breakdowns during critical times like planting or harvesting.
9. You Can’t Outsmart Mother Nature
• Trying to outwit the natural processes often leads to disappointment. Over-fertilizing, over-irrigating, or relying on shortcuts usually causes more harm than good in the long run.
10. You Are a Steward of the Land
• Farmers understand that they don’t truly “own” the land—they care for it. Whether it’s preventing erosion, replenishing nutrients, or maintaining biodiversity, good farmers see themselves as caretakers of the environment.
11. When in Doubt, Ask Your Neighbor
• In farming communities, advice from fellow farmers is often more valuable than what you’ll find in any manual. Whether you’re facing a pest problem or debating when to plant, your neighbor’s experience can be invaluable.
12. Animals Can Sense Your Mood
• Farmers who work with livestock know that animals can pick up on your stress or calmness. Approaching animals with patience and respect leads to better handling and care.
13. Waste Not, Want Not
• Nothing goes to waste on a farm. Whether it’s composting plant material, using manure as fertilizer, or repurposing old equipment, successful farmers know how to make the most of everything they have.
14. Farmers Are Some of the Best Problem Solvers
• When something breaks down in the middle of the field, there’s often no mechanic nearby to help. Farmers learn to be resourceful, making on-the-spot repairs with whatever is available.
15. You Can’t Control Everything, So Focus on What You Can
• It’s easy to get frustrated with things out of your control—like the weather—but seasoned farmers know it’s better to focus on the aspects they can control, like planting times, soil preparation, or irrigation schedules.
16. The First Crop is for the Birds
• This old saying refers to the fact that a portion of your crops may be lost to pests, weather, or other factors before you get to harvest. It’s a reminder to plan for losses and not to get too discouraged by them.
17. Rest is Just as Important as Work
• Burnout is real in farming. Without proper rest, both your body and mind can break down. Taking care of your own health is just as important as tending to your crops and animals.
18. Timing is Everything
• Whether it’s planting seeds, applying fertilizer, or harvesting crops, the timing of these actions can make or break your farm’s success. Good farmers have an internal calendar that aligns with the rhythms of nature.
19. You Reap What You Sow—Literally and Figuratively
• The effort, care, and dedication you put into your farm is directly reflected in the outcome of your crops or livestock. Cutting corners or neglecting important tasks leads to poor results, while hard work and diligence pay off.
20. Farming is a Labor of Love
• No one goes into farming expecting an easy life. The physical, emotional, and financial challenges are immense. But those who truly love farming find joy in the hard work, the connection to nature, and the satisfaction of growing something from the earth.
Farming is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle built on hard work, patience, respect for the land, and adaptability. These unsaid laws are part of the deeper wisdom that every farmer, over time, comes to appreciate. They serve as a guide, not only for farming practices but for living a life deeply connected to the cycles of nature. While some of these laws may seem simple, they contain truths that have been passed down through generations, proving invaluable in the pursuit of a sustainable, rewarding farming experience.
