UW Extension Education: A Letter to Young Entrepreneurs Passionate About Agriculture

First generation business owners, farmers and ranchers face a wave of challenges when trying to get started. From organizing a business, to securing the capital to launch something new, to navigating complex financial decisions, it can feel like a lot and mistakes come with the process. 

Then, you either figure it out the hard way, ask for help or, if you’re lucky, find a special person who steps in and takes the time to show you how it’s done just because they care.

As an Extension educator, I deeply admire those who choose to dedicate their lives to agriculture, whether it’s through running a business, managing a ranch or contributing in other meaningful ways. 

But as a young entrepreneur outside of my professional life who blends a love for art and agriculture and who didn’t grow up in a family rooted in either business or farming, I understand how intimidating starting a business from scratch can be. 

While imposter syndrome is real, it is worth remembering your willingness to try and a commitment to grow are exactly what this industry needs most.

There are two keys to entrepreneurship. The first is curiosity. Often, when I’m helping at a branding or working livestock with friends and loved ones, I ask the people around me – whether I know them or not – two questions out of my own curiosity and on behalf of the community members I educate in my career with Extension.

1. How did you get started?

2. What would you say to someone just starting out in agriculture or business for the first time?

The answers to the first question vary widely. Everyone has their own unique story, but there’s one common theme that ties them all together which just so happens to also be the second key to entrepreneurship – grit. 

These folks didn’t take “no” for an answer, and if “no” really was the answer, they found a way despite it with enough determination and passion.

As for the second question, most people laugh, shift uncomfortably or have a hard time answering at all. I rarely get a detailed answer beyond, “It’s hard” or “I’m not sure.” 

But the few who take the time to explain parts of the industry, teach me a skill or offer some encouragement are the people I admire most. A kind gesture, a shared lesson or a simple word of wisdom are so valuable. 

One of my favorite quotes comes from “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy. It goes like this:

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.

“Help,” said the horse.

“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up.”

Asking for help isn’t a weakness, but a desire to grow. Being humble enough to admit we don’t know everything but being eager to learn anyway is the first step to success. 

Surrounding yourself with people who share your values and who appreciate you just as much as you appreciate them is not only a gift, it’s essential to growth as both a person and a business or operation owner. 

And maybe, one day, you’ll see a new entrepreneur just starting out and you’ll be the one who steps in to offer wisdom just because.

So, if you’re just getting started or even just thinking about it, know this – you don’t have to know everything before you start, it’s okay to learn along the way. 

You don’t need a family legacy in agriculture or a perfect business plan to belong in this industry, instead what you do need is the courage to ask questions, the grit to keep going when things get tough and the curiosity to keep learning at every step. 

Surround yourself with people and mentors who will teach you, support you and remind you your dreams are worth pursuing. Even if you feel like an outsider, keep showing up anyway and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And help others too. This is how communities and legacies are built.

Agriculture doesn’t just need people with land or money. It needs people with hearts full of determination, curious minds and perseverance to keep growing. 

If this is you, keep going. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Brenna Litynski is the University of Wyoming Extension agriculture and natural resources educator serving Albany County. She can be reached at blitynsk@uwyo.edu or 307-721-2571.