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This solo episode starts with the simple act of closing out farm books and ends with a phone call that hits much deeper. A young professional in agriculture reached out after losing his job and facing a major crossroads: pursue an accelerated doctorate program out of town or stay close to home and fight for a place in an uncertain ag job market.

It was a conversation about choices, identity, timing, and how mentorship really works — especially in agriculture. Not the formal “assigned mentor” programs, but the quiet kind that happens when someone trusts you enough to ask for advice.

In this episode I talk about:
 • Why ag professionals are facing tough career decisions
 • The hidden value of lived experience in career guidance
 • Informal mentorship vs. formal mentorship programs
 • The role of friendship when the chips are down
 • How the ag economy is impacting young talent
 • Why listening matters more than having the “right” answer

If you’re between jobs, navigating the ag industry, or wondering where you fit next — you’re not alone. And if someone calls you looking for guidance, don’t underestimate the impact of simply showing up.

Keywords: agriculture careers, ag jobs, ag economy, mentorship in ag, informal mentorship, agricultural workforce, career crossroads, farm life, rural careers, ag professional development, ag education, PhD vs industry, ag unemployment, advising young farmers, agricultural roots, agriculture podcast