From seed representatives to crop advisors to processors, farmers have many partners who help grow both their crops and their business.
Stan Mehmen, who founded MBS Family Farms in Plainfield, Iowa in the 1970s, says that decades later he still continues to learn and grow from each partner he works with.
“Whether I’m doing custom work with young farmers who might have a new pulse on technology, or partnering with farmers in nearby states who might have a unique mapping system or inventory process, the farm benefits from new ideas,” Mehmen says. “We share a passion, but we each bring a unique set of expertise.”
The key to a successful partnership? On the farm or off, “It must be a ‘win’ for both parties,” he says. “It cannot be one-sided; all partners must benefit.”
Partners in conservation
This mutual benefit is especially integral to the landowner-farmer relationship. Mehmen often partners with landowners to improve conservation efforts, whether on waterway installation, tile, fertilization projects or other sustainable improvements.
“We try to always leave the land in better shape than when we got it, and are willing to invest in projects that offer a strong ROI,” Mehmen says. “By doing so, our landowners know they have a good tenant. We consider all our landowners partners; they treat us fairly, and we take care of their land. In return, we’re both more profitable.”
Few would dispute that landowners are selective about their tenants. Likewise, Mehmen says he’s equally choosy about the landowners he partners with.
“Most landowners really care for their land,” he says. “We want to work for those who appreciate how we care for their land and make it look and produce better – that’s why we do business. Working with a new landowner, we blend ideas and processes for the good of the operation.”
The most important partnership of all
Many farmers are lucky enough to work with family – the most important partnership of all. MBS Family Farms benefits from the expertise of four members of the Mehmen family – Stan; wife, Karen; son Kyle; and Kyle’s wife, Carrie. Each plays a unique role.
When combined, they form a cornerstone of a successful operation.