68. The Things Leaders Bury

Tyler Dickerhoof grew up on an Ohio dairy farm and spent 25 years building a massive business career. He also spent most of that time operating like a bulldozer. When things got hard, he simply put his head down and pushed. That works in the dirt, but it destroys relationships. In this episode, Tyler sits down with “Your Ag Empire” podcast host Jonathon Haralson to talk about the things leaders bury. They cover the emotional toll of agriculture, why farmers isolate themselves, and what it actually takes to pass the family operation to the next generation without burning it to the ground.In this episode, we cover:When things get tough, the default reaction in agriculture is to put your head down and push harder. That brute force might get the daily job done, but it isolates you and wrecks the relationships you need to survive.Elite military units do not look for the guy who can do everything alone. They look for the guy who links arms with the person next to him. Farming is no different. You have to drop the pride and ask for help.The older generation holds onto the checkbook and the daily decisions because they do not know who they are without the farm. Passing the baton only works when the exiting leader has a real, productive role to step into.The previous generation plowed with horses. You drive a tractor. The next generation might use robotics or artificial intelligence to run the dairy. Adapting to the market and using new tools is exactly how the operation stays alive.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.Connect with Tyler Dickerhoof:Website: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetylerdickerhoofshowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdickerhoof/Connect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speakerMentioned in this episode:Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.Empire Financial Services