A good time for farm resolutions

Polls show that 88 percent of Americans make at least one New Year's resolution. While resolutions can be as unique as the individual, the most popular resolutions are to eat healthier (55 percent), exercise more (50 percent), and lose weight (38 percent).

Although made with good intentions, most people fail to follow through in keeping their goals for the New Year. But that doesn't mean you can't be among the 20 percent of people who do actually achieve success with their resolutions.

Your resolutions must be realistic and somewhat flexible as life does happen. To establish accountability to yourself, share your goals with your family and business partners; write them down and don't be afraid to ask for professional help. Long-term changes are not made overnight, so give it some time, and when you complete your goal, reward your success.

If setbacks occur and you "fall off the band wagon" so to speak, do not give up. Hang in there and be persistent on the promise you made to yourself.

As farmers and ranchers, what would you like to do differently in your operation over the next year? Your resolutions may be small and easy, large and costly or somewhere in between.

Here are a few "to do" suggestions for you to think about.

* If the weatherman is predicting a large snow, gather livestock and pet feed pans and buckets before they are full of snow and hard to find. You will have enough to worry about without locating covered pans.

* Secure the axe, shovel, sorting stick or chain (or insert your favorite tool) to the truck. There is nothing more frustrating than going to cut ice only to determine the axe is missing.

* Keep close when filling the water tanks to prevent overflowing. Use this time to make phone calls, create to-do lists or clean out and arrange the vehicle.

* Always close gates when leaving pastures and pens, even if you intend to come right back.

* Update your books on a monthly basis, keeping receipts and statements orderly. Perhaps you have this done for you, but keeping organized is always beneficial.

* Order parts to repair equipment during the winter and get started on the repair before you need to be in the field tomorrow.

* When on a horse or all-terrain vehicle, ensure your wallet and phone will not come out of your pocket. If you have ever lost a phone on silent or vibrate, you might suggest turning the ringer up, as well as getting a bright cover that will not blend in with the grass, dirt and other organic material found on the farm.

* Show the community your support by hosting a grade school class for a day on the farm, sponsoring a summer sports team or volunteering.

* Keep your memberships with commodity groups and associations; these folks are in Washington and Topeka lobbying for your rights. Along these lines, contact your congressperson or state legislator on issues that affect you. Most importantly, go vote.

* Ensure all contracts and agreements are in writing. Unfortunately, the days of a handshake are over; as a tenant or landlord, a written agreement can prevent confusion and hard feelings.

On a more complex note, 2012 is as good a time as ever to get your estate plan in order, create a trust, if needed, and write a will. If these are completed, perhaps take the time to review and make sure information is still relevant and up to date.

Wishing you and yours a prosperous 2012.

Southeast Kansas landlords and tenants have the opportunity to attend a workshop which will address the intricacies of leasing agricultural land. The workshop is designed to aid both landlords and tenants as they work to arrive at an equitable arrangement for Kansas farmland.

This event is scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Buckeye Community Center, 505 N Buckeye, Iola, Kan. Registration starts at 9 a.m. with the program at 9:30 a.m. This is a joint effort between the Kansas State Ag Economics department, Southwind Extension District, Coffey and Wilson County extension offices.

There will be a $10 charge to cover the meal and materials. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 6. More information is available at www.southwind.ksu.edu, www.agmanager.info or by contacting the Southwind District, Fort Scott office at (620) 223-3720.