Yellowstone to Your Own Gate: Tom Cosentino’s Advice for Young Farmers.
Farm ownership is one of the biggest dreams — and biggest challenges — for young people in agriculture today. For many, the idea feels out of reach due to skyrocketing land prices, complex succession issues, and the uncertainty of stepping into such a high-risk, high-reward lifestyle.
But every now and then, someone comes along who not only breaks through those barriers but also has the insight, humility, and clarity to explain how it can be done. Tom Cosentino is one of those people.
In this episode of Legacy Lessons, we go beyond theory. We talk real numbers, practical pathways, and the mindset shifts that make the difference between watching opportunities pass by and walking through your own farm gate.
The story begins with an unlikely connection — not in a paddock or a boardroom, but on the open road of Yellowstone National Park. Tom was driving through the stunning, wild landscape when he tuned into a podcast I’d recorded with Sam Fryer.
That moment — surrounded by some of nature’s most enduring beauty — reminded Tom how the right conversation at the right time can change your entire trajectory. He reached out, and we quickly discovered we shared a deep commitment to helping the next generation of farmers take ownership of their future.
Tom is not your typical farmer. He’s a first-generation landowner who understands the grind from the ground up. As an accountant and a young farmer, he brings a rare dual perspective:
That combination means he can speak directly to the young man or woman staring at an opportunity — or a bank balance — wondering if the dream is even possible.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
This is not a fluff conversation. It’s an honest, practical roadmap for anyone thinking about stepping into farm ownership, whether through family succession, partnership, or outright purchase.
Tom explains the mental shift it takes to move from “I wish I could” to “I’m going to.” We talk about confidence, calculated risk-taking, and why waiting for perfect conditions can keep you stuck for decades.
Farm ownership isn’t just about passion; it’s about profitability. Tom walks us through:
How to assess a property’s earning capacity.
The real cost of servicing debt in today’s environment.
Creative financing options that young farmers often overlook.
Tom’s story proves you don’t have to do it alone. He shares how strategic relationships — with family, other farmers, and professional advisors — opened doors that would have been locked without trust and collaboration.
In an era of tight margins and volatile markets, knowing your numbers is a survival skill. Tom shows how his accounting background didn’t just help him run a business — it helped him secure the business in the first place.
Every big move has its risks. Tom talks openly about the doubts he faced and the moments he wondered if he’d made a mistake — and how he pushed through anyway.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
This is not a fluff conversation. It’s an honest, practical roadmap for anyone thinking about stepping into farm ownership, whether through family succession, partnership, or outright purchase.
1. The Mindset of a First-Generation Farmer2. Understanding the Numbers3. The Power of Partnerships and Networks4. Why Accounting Skills Matter More Than Ever5. Overcoming the Fear Factor
