(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Farming through the spin
June 30, 2025 | Aaron Putze, APR
One of my most forgettable summer vacation moments as a child was a ride on Adventureland's Silly Silo, a then-centerpiece of the Altoona-based amusement park.
I was eight as I joined other park visitors and stepped inside the round, roofed and wood-paneled contraption. We were ushered into place in near total darkness and soon stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our backs against the ride's inner wall. With everyone securely in place, the ride began to spin - slowly at first, then faster, and faster, and faster. Soon, everything was a dizzying blur, the centrifugal force pinning us immobile against the wall in almost total darkness. Amid shrieks and laughter, the floor suddenly dropped away, leaving us suspended as the ride continued to spin and tilt.
After what seemed like an eternity, the ride stopped, and I stumbled back into the bright sunshine - though I'm pretty sure my stomach stayed behind. Game. Set. Match. One ride and my vacation day was over. It was the first, and to this day, the shortest vacation of my life.
The risks and chaos impacting agriculture - from tense geopolitical relations and weather extremes to shortsighted state mandates dictating how food must be produced - mirror the gyrations of the Silly Silo. Soybean farmers and the industry they love are spinning in endless circles at a dizzying pace, with no clear direction or ability to keep one's footing.
During unsettled times, it's worth remembering that no matter what comes at us, we retain full control over our attitude, perspective and actions. Doing so is empowering and reassuring. While the world spins unpredictably, consider:
- Tapping into multiple, trustworthy sources of information (starting with this publication, of course!). More sources and perspectives will help you avoid group think.
- Being open to new ideas and practices on the farm. Even if something sounds out there, it could lead to a more practical, workable solution down the line.
- Building resilience into your soybean operation by adding value to what you produce or developing new revenue streams that align with your skills and interests.
- Involving your family in setting a clear vision and mission for the farm, along with strategies and a timeline to make it happen.
- Focusing more on what';s important, not what's urgent. Reacting to every shock headline or social media flare-up saps energy and distracts you from work that really matters.
- Accepting that some people will believe what they want, facts or not. Engage with those who are open to learning and growth and ignore those who only wish to make noise
- Leaning on others with expertise in areas outside your own. You don't have to know everything - but know who to ask. Most people generally want to help others.
- Keeping your will and succession plan up to date. It's not the most enjoyable task, but it';s one of the most important - for your farm and most important, your family.
Life on the farm might feel a lot like a ride on the Silly Silo - spinning wildly, the floor dropping out and your stomach left behind. But with the right mindset and focusing on the things you can control, you'll remain level-headed, keep your balance and position your farm to take advantage of better times.
For this, too, will pass, just like the Silly Silo.
Written by Aaron Putze, APR.
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