By SUSAN MYKRANTZ
Ohio Correspondent

FREDERICKSBURG, Ohio — Farming has been part of the Anabaptist heritage for hundreds of years, according to Wayne Wengerd, who operates an equipment manufacturing business with his family, in addition to their farming operation.

He was one of the presenters during the 2010 Family Farm Field Day at Legend Hollow Farm, owned and operated by the David Hershberger family. The Hershbergers have an organic dairy operation and milk 40 Jerseys.

The farm is a wonderful place to raise a family, but to pass that lifestyle to the next generation requires vision, according to Wengerd.    

“First and foremost, develop a ‘Family Farm Plan,’” he said. “Decide and agree on what and where you will or won’t do or go. Focus on wills and won’ts rather than dos and don’ts. Write it all down and explain why. Plan and hold regular family meetings to review your plans and progress.”

Next, determine the cost of the investment. It will take time, effort, energy and dedication. Count the cost up front and decide if the family is willing to pay the price.

“Are your children willing to occasionally stay home evenings to work or do chores rather than participating in neighborhood sports?” he said. “How will they deal with this peer pressure? Can you as their parents deal with it?”

Draw up a list of assets such as land, buildings, equipment, livestock, water, crops and fences and resources such as veterinarians, feed salesman, suppliers, extension, USDA, customers, books and publications, bankers, accountants and fellow farmers who can benefit the operation.

“Develop relationships and use them to your advantage,” Wengerd said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for advice; this is a sign of strength. Develop a project list and prioritize. Some are simple JDIs; Just Do It. Try to create a stakeholder mentality so everyone has a sense of ownership and value. Not just financially; emotionally, as well.”

Wengerd said it is important to start the estate planning process as soon as possible. “Include your children in the planning process, he said. “Don’t attempt to do it yourself, engage the services of a professional.

“As a family, decide beforehand what you want to happen and when. Make sure there won’t be any surprises for the children. Remember, we draw nothing out of the bank of life except what we deposit into it. We cannot give to our children what we don’t have.”

Wengerd listed several keys to putting together a successful plan. “Always treat your children with respect,” he said. “They are created in God’s image. They are God’s gift to you. They are the only things you can take with you into eternity.”

Education is critical; parents should help their children achieve a good, sound, basic education.

“Cultivate and promote an interest in reading,” he said. “Provide good sound reading material. Be involved in their education and school activities. Their interest level will be about the same as yours.”

Parents should teach their children by example, but they must also lead, according to Wengerd. First, teach them the important things: his are faith and Anabaptist heritage, the facts of life, sustainable farming practices, animal husbandry, land stewardship and financial responsibility.

 “Practice and teach true humility; it’s not about us, Wengerd said. “Teach by example respect for authority, be it in church, ministry or the law, even those who abuse their authority. Help your sons develop into gentlemen, your daughters into ladies. Talk with your children, not just to them. Discuss serious life issues on a regular basis.”

Children need to be involved in the day-to-day operation of the house and farm.

“Get your children involved,” said Wengerd, a father and grandfather. “They need chores and responsibilities before they start school. Solicit their input when making decisions.

“Be considerate of their ideas, even if you can’t use them. Take time to give them an honest answer and explain why and why not. This gives them that sense of ownership we want to implant.”

It is important to give them the tools, the resources and teaching to do their job, and then get out of the way. Hold them accountable, they expect it and will respect you for it, he explained.

“Share with them and include them in the joys and sorrows of farming,” Wengerd said.

“Be generous with praise, constructive with criticism, but always with love. Take time to really listen to your children when they voice their fears and concerns, or have questions.”

Wengerd said it is important to teach them the importance of family. “Choose your time off and your recreation wisely,” he said. “It should be informational, educational or relaxing. Look for recreations that broaden your horizons and enables them to grow emotionally and spiritually.

“Shun entertainment and organized sports. These dull the senses, create boredom and a sense of emptiness. Gameboys and cell phones do not future farmers and spouses make.”

Wengerd advised the audience to be picky about what they support and endorse, and to make sure it lines up with their values and principles: “Providing vision for the next generation of farmers is like planting trees. It is not about us; we plant so future generations can harvest.”