Every Extension Agent's favorite phone call is "I bought a farm. What can I do with it to make money?"

The question is filled with opportunity, worry, aspiration, and many times a hint of fear. As Extension, we are the place to turn to for answers, and to be brought in so early we are poised to serve as a strong ally to help farmers achieve their goals. Since 2018 I have served as a consultant to over 36 farmers. Offering unique and tailor-made farm plans to fit not only their desires and local markets, but also assisting them in matching their farm desires to their farm reality.

Each consulting journey begins the same way, a 2-hour private meeting at the office to take a non-bias approach to familiarize me as an agent with their farm operation and to familiarize the client with the opportunities and foundations that Extension can provide. From that meeting, farmers are provided with a personalized document outlining their: current situation; annual goals; mid-term goals; and long-term goals; first steps (or homework) of specific tasks to complete prior to our next meeting; and an array of publications to fit their depth-of-knowledge.

From those first meetings, the progression is individually based on the needs of the clients. Follow-ups include: farm visits; educational seminars; phone calls; business planning; mentoring; etc.

98% of farmers are first-time extension clientele; first-generation farmers; seeking sustainability or freedom from the "industrious world"; and vary in ages from mid-20's to 60's. The success of the farm consult program is garnered through each of their individual triumphs and the adoption of best-management practices that are adopted to help them meet their goals. The general demographic or trait markers of these individuals are hungry for education and eager to mark their to-do list check-boxes. Extension helps them hone in their focus early, so they are not lost, clammering for "the right way" to conduct business and overwhelmed by the opportunity and risk that they have embarked on in their new venture.

The goals of farm consulting are as holistic as the services provided. Fostering new clientele into Extension; developing sustainable farms both environmentally and economically; providing best management practices for success; creating business plans.

To date clients have shared numerous quotes:

 "I don't know what I would do without my extension service."

"I followed your recommendations and tripled my yields!"

"You talked to me. Not above me. You helped me think through my process and realize my farm is more than just a farm. It's a business."

Extension is a non-biased research-based engine, but the success of Extension hinges on the relationships that develop between agents and clients. The Farm Consult Service provides the spring-board to bring on long-lasting trust in a partnership that will hopefully span decades and even future generations of agrarians.