Punch drunk is a term used to describe a boxer who has taken too many hard blows to the head. Their brain has been bruised causing them to become dazed, confused, and unable to think clearly. They’re usually the ones who stayed in the business too long and lost too many matches.
Did you know there are farmers who are also punch drunk? No, not due to taking too many physical blows to the head, but by being exposed to the constant bombardment of technology advances. These mental blows involve mostly new technologies that claim to simplify farming operations while adding yield. They may be an added convenience, but they don’t add yield. I’m talking about the technologies that are integrated into varieties that make varieties appear almost bullet proof against insects and diseases. I’m talking about the messages that advances in planting equipment allows farmers to plant faster and in almost any soil condition without worry of losing stand quality.
Only You, the Farmer Can Make the Kinds of Decisions that Need to be Made
Regardless of the amount of technology a farmer has on his equipment or in his tractor cab, the biggest variable resides in the tractor seat, the farmer himself. Only the farmer can make the kinds of decisions that need to be made at critical times of the production year. That takes an uncontaminated line of thinking. So many of these innovations distract growers from their real job of staying hands on when managing their crops. Enough bombardment of these kinds of messages can cause confusion, frustration, irritability, and anger, just like a punch-drunk fighter. Previously happy farmers can even begin to dislike farming. That’s because farmers aren’t getting the results they should be getting, and these ideas give them the impression they’re not really responsible for raising a crop, the technologies are.
Regardless of the amount of technology a farmer has on his equipment or in his tractor cab, the biggest variable resides in the tractor seat, the farmer himself.
Matt
Although punch-drunk farmers may not get hit in the head, they’ve been beaten up plenty, mentally. And it’s those kinds of beatings that lead them to make decisions that don’t advance their cause. I’ve seen punch-drunk farmers over the years, they’re easy to recognize. They become so impressed with new technologies, they begin to rely on them totally for advancing their operations. They don’t plan ahead, follow a calendar, scout their fields, or believe they have any responsibility when things don’t go right.
Stay Hands-on and in Total Control of Your Farming Operation
The number one way to keep from becoming punch drunk is by staying hands on and in total control of your farming operation. It doesn’t mean you can’t use new technology, but it does mean you use those new innovations as a tool to enhance what you’re already doing and not as a replacement for it. When boxers are in control of the fight, they don’t worry about becoming punch-drunk because they’re not getting hit. When you’re directly in control of your farming operation, planning ahead and staying involved, you don’t have to worry about becoming punch-drunk, you’re in control of your thinking.
Contact us today & ask about our Max Yield System©, so you can always plan ahead and have a cropping plan!
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