Rod Pierce started learning how to farm alongside his dad as a kid, and he was 21 when he started his own operation in central Iowa.
“I had the chance to rent the farm,” he says. “It actually was a high school classmate’s mother’s farm, and she wanted me to farm it. So that was my first opportunity, 40 acres in 1973. Then I picked up another couple farms the next year, and that’s how I started.”
Fifty years later, as his family farm has grown, Pierce says the best advice for success he can give to the next generation is to build their networks.
SF: How has networking over the years helped you and your farm?
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Successful Farming.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Successful Farming.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Achieve Optimum Traction
Properly ballast tractor tires in six steps.
Building From the Ground Up
Robert Lager is a leader in soil conservation and community service in northwest Missouri.
TANNENBAUM TRIVIA
Avoid divisive topics at the holiday dinner table and share these interesting facts about Christmas trees instead!
BEHIND CARBON DATA VERIFICATION
Third-party data verification can increase profits from carbon programs.
VACCINES AND MANAGEMENT
Vaccines won't dig you out of a management hole.
Tough LOVE
FROM BLIZZARDS THAT BURY BUILDINGS TO GRASSHOPPER INFESTATIONS OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS, THE KVALE FAMILY HAS SURVIVED AND THRIVED ON THE RUGGED SOUTH DAKOTA PRAIRIE FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.
CUT COSTS, NOT YIELD
When soil health improves, fewer inputs may be needed.
SMALL, BUT MIGHTY
Trace minerals play a critical role in ensuring dairy herd health.
BEEF HEALTH
Advice on killed vs. live vaccines, long-range dewormer, and nutrition.
WHOOPING CRANE COMEBACK PROVES VALUE OF CONSERVATION
Farmers have aided a stunning rally by an endangered species.