Steven Snider was Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 2003. Twenty years later, he’s still running a successful farm near New Norway, Alberta, growing organic heritage grains and organic pulse crops for the organic milling and food processing industries. He also runs Little Red Hen Mills. Looking back over his career, we asked Steven Snider what advice he would give his younger self? His answer? “Lots.”
In terms of production, Snider would make sure his younger self knew that “nutrients are key.” Soil testing, using manure, setting a good seed bed and rod-weeding are key parts of his production system. “Tillage is an art,” he would tell his younger self. “Paint carefully.” Also, he’d tell his younger self, “You’re not a farmer until you have quietly cried at, and for, rain.” For any farmer, no matter what you do on the farm, Snider writes, “Mother Nature always bats last.”
When it comes to politics, Snider would remind himself to “turn off the noise.” And also, something that’s easily forgotten: “the most valuable opinion in the room is the one that doesn’t agree with yours.”
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Snider would advise his younger self to not choose the cheapest solution, but instead, “buy the best you can afford.” With 20 more years of experience than he had in 2003, Snider would also remind his younger self that “good help is your best investment.”
Snider would also give his younger self some personal advice. “If you can’t figure it out, walk away, calm down. The solution is hiding behind your frustration.” He would make sure his younger self knew that “those who need help seldom ask,” and also remind his younger self to have fun. “Build that cabin.”
And finally, a little advice that’s probably not much help for today’s young farmers. “Eighties’ rock will always rule. Save those t-shirts!”
