Today's farmers wear many hats. Agronomist, meteorologist, marketing specialist, mechanic and supervisor are just a few of those hats dangling on the hook.
For the next generation eyeing their entry into farming, deciding which hat is most important to dust off and keep readily available can be daunting. However, the 2026 Indiana Master Farmers offered guidance to make that decision easier during the Q&A panel at the Indiana Master Farmer ceremony in July.
This year's class consisted of Stan and Ann Armstrong, Springville; Susan Brocksmith, Vincennes; Dale and Lisa Koester, Wadesville; and Rodney and Natasha Rulon, Arcadia. The Honorary Master Farmer was Barry Fisher, Greencastle.
Here is how they responded, in order, to what skills they believe will be most important for the next generation of farmers to be successful:
Susan Brocksmith: It's going to be about technology. They're going to have to know how to use artificial intelligence, whether we like it or not. AI is going to have a major impact on what they do.
It's also going to take advocacy efforts and speaking out about what we need as agriculturists - looking at how policies are impacted and what our Congress is doing will be important, as well as letting other people know who we are.
I'm very concerned that if the next generation doesn't speak up and share how we're putting food on the table, then they may face some tough times.
Barry Fisher: I agree with Susan; AI is going to be here. But what I see being increasingly important is communication skills, whether you're communicating with a landlord or a policymaker or your banker or just communicating with your friends. I see that skill set is changing rapidly. I don't think AI will be able to do all of that for us, and that's what will separate you from those who are just good at the technology.
Natasha Rulon: I think we need to just keep encouraging and keeping our younger kids involved in taking care of the land like we always have.
Rodney Rulon: I agree with Natasha said. And what's probably the most important thing is that technology is going to change. The way we do things is going to change. But all of us can pass on the legacy of how to work hard and how to continue to learn. If you do these two things, whatever changes come your way, you're going to be able to adapt.
Lisa Koester: I'll add onto the communication comments and the importance of soft skills. Within any business, it's important to have those skills. With the cousin collaboration in the next generation on our farm, they have all worked off the farm for two to five years. And I'm so impressed with their ability to communicate with one another thanks to those soft skills they've developed.
Dale Koester: I'll echo what they've all said so far. And I've always said that to stay professional, you must get off the farm and have additional experiences. But you've got to have perseverance on the farm, too, and have a passion for what you do.
Ann Armstrong: Coming from the education world, I always felt it was important to have ag programs in schools. And it's important to have hands-on knowledge and stay involved - to expose them to what's happening on a farm.
Stan Armstrong: Set goals and have the desire to reach those goals. Communicate with others about what your desires are and work hard. I think we are losing the ability to get up and sweat and work and do the things that have to be done to be successful.
