Sunday Solopreneur
Read on my website – Read Time: 5 Minutes
On the farm, we often look to others for inspiration. It’s easy to see what’s working for them and think, “I should be doing that too!”.
We watch YouTube videos, we follow publications and magazines, and there’s no shortage of those out there telling us how we should do things or how things should be done.
Take Joel Salatin, for example. Watching his operation, you might see chickens following cows in a seamless rotation. It’s inspiring, sure—but what you don’t see is the team of interns he has helping him pull it off.
Or maybe you’ve come across farmers who rotate their cattle three times a day, and you think, “That’s how I should be managing my herd.”
Now this is no slight or shade to them in anyway. I’ve learned so much from watching them. I say this though because I’ve also felt like I’m doing things wrong or not doing it in a regenerative fashion by deviating from the way some of these guys do it.
I’ll admit—I’ve fallen into that trap myself. It’s tempting to set these lofty goals, especially when they look so good on paper.
But here’s the thing: following someone else’s rules can end up hurting your operation.
My “Rule” Was Holding Me Back
I’ve always told myself that rotational grazing needed to happen a certain way. Move the herd every day, rain or shine, no excuses.
In theory, it’s a great plan. But in reality? With everything else on my plate—kids, emails, part-time job, projects around the farm—it’s not always feasible.
The result? I ended up falling behind. Not just with grazing, but with other priorities too. And the cattle? They didn’t get the attention they deserved either.
Why? Because I was trying to follow a rule that wasn’t realistic for me. I created a rule that didn’t exist, and then found myself disappointed, based on a rule that wasn’t necessary yet I imposed upon myself.
The Problem With Other People’s Rules
What works for one farm may not work for another. Everyone’s situation is different—time, resources, help, even the layout of the land.
By trying to copy someone else’s system, I was setting myself up to fail. Instead of focusing on what was practical for my farm, I was chasing an ideal that simply didn’t fit.
The Shift: Simple Works
When I broke my rule, I finally found a rhythm that worked. Now, instead of rotating daily, I move the cattle every 2-3 days. It’s manageable, it works for my land, and most importantly, it keeps the animals healthy.
This shift reminded me of an important lesson: simplicity wins and rules made up out of thin air don’t serve me or my farm.
How You Can Apply This
So, what rules are you following that might not actually work for you?
Here’s how to start breaking free:
- Be Realistic: What’s achievable with the time, help, and resources you actually have?
- Adapt to Your Farm: Your land, animals, and schedule are unique. Build systems around them, not around someone else’s operation.
- Simplify Where You Can: If you’re overwhelmed, it might be time to trim the fat. Focus on what matters most, and let go of the rest.
Remember, success on the farm isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what works—for you.
So, take a step back. Break a rule or two. You might just find that the simpler way is the better way.
Until next time,
Jason
with my appreciation,
Jason
Aka: The Part-Time Farmer
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