Hindsight is always 20/20. But for farmers who have seen their fair share of harvests, what does hindsight mean for them? Five farmers sat down with AgWeb to share what they would tell the younger versions of themselves and subsequently, what advice they’d share with a young farmer just getting started. Chase Dewitz of North Dakota says a mentor is critical. Matt Bennett, a farmer and grain marketing expert says a genuine love of farming is the key ingredient to getting through challenging times.

Andrew McCrea of Missouri says farmers shouldn’t be afraid to have a way of making extra cash, although prioritizing time with family is most important. Jeannie Schmidt in Maryland says young farmers need to ask themselves if returning to the farm is what they really want to do or if they just feel obligated to do it. And Dick Wittman in Idaho says young farmers need to be realistic about financial resources and explore custom work arrangements and always have a polished resume to keep earning their way to success.

Read more on these farmers’ journeys, mistakes and words of wisdom here.