3 Major Groups of People to help:

-mentor agriculturalists

-college/universities and extension

-private organizations

First place I would turn is to:

Mentor agriculturalists

            -these are local farmers, producers, and ag business people who are experienced

  in the field that the individual is attempting to break into

            -try to pick someone on your same economic level or who started at your level or

 age, they can relate better to you

Advantages:

            -candid advice- has no loyalties to any company/org., can be totally honest

            -real world experience with good and bad

            -learn from their mistakes

            -experience in your area

Disadvantages:

            -knowledge may be limited to specifically what they do

            -experience/practices may be outdated, new businesses will need the latest

  technology and processes to make it

            -coffee shop effect – can get dragged into swapping sob stories at the local feed

  store or breakfast café about how it hasn’t rained, cattle aren’t selling, etc…

After getting an information base from your mentor, its time to check their facts with the most recent research:

Colleges/Universities and extension

            -colleges- great to have an ag degree from one that specialized in your ag venture

            -extension def: according to UK extension website their mission is to “make a

  difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research-based education.”

            -every county has an “ag agent” and most have an “FCS agent” (family and

  consumer sciences)  in addition to 4-H agent

                        -all three may be a part of your resources depending on their background

                                    (great spot for b.s. example of your own ag business)

Advantages:

            -constantly coming out with new research

            -networks with other states extension and their new discoveries

            -free assistance, no membership fees etc…

Disadvantages:

            -agents may not have much background with your specific ag venture

            -can’t give candid advice because of their tie to university

                        -can’t endorse one brand name over the other

Its common for young farmers to look to their peers for help.  A great way to find other agriculturalists your age and with similar interests is through:

Private Organizations

            -examples: pork producers, cattleman’s association, young farmers association

Advantages:

            -specialized programs to your ag venture

            -great way to meet others interested in the same area of ag

            -often have educational programs at conventions

Disadvantages:

            -membership fees

            -not all areas have clubs/associations

            -cost of travel to conventions, educational programs, trips, etc…