OFI 396: Farmers Need To Diversify And Find Niches At All Levels, Even Production Agriculture | Matt Kellogg | Seed Source LLC

SHOW NOTES

KEY IDEAS: 

Today’s guest is a production agriculture farmer in Illinois.  He also owns and operates a business called Seed Source LLC.

Matt Kellogg’s family has been farming this ground in Illinois for around 175 years.  This is not something that he takes lightly.  He is doing whatever he can to make sure that he can continue this lifestyle and work this ground like his ancestors did.

What really stood out about this interview is the fact that even the large scale, production agricultural farmers like Matt Kellogg need to find niches and diversify to make sure that their business is sustainable.  Matt does creative things to pay for health insurance and to weather the storms of low commodity prices and high input costs.  Currently he is losing money on the corn he is raising based on the input costs and commodity prices.  He uses entrepreneurship, just like small farmers, to keep him in this lifestyle.

ADVICE FROM MATT:

STUDY: Before you dismiss an offer or opportunity, study it.  Take a good look at the opportunity before you decide against it.

BOOK COVERS: Don’t judge a book by its cover.  Matt tells a story of a gentleman from Chicago driving onto his farm and getting out of his car.  If Matt were to have just dismissed this gentleman based on his appearance he would have missed out on a great opportunity.

PERSONAL HABIT THAT MAKES MATT SUCCESSFUL:

HAPPINESS: Can happiness really be a habit?  For Matt Kellogg it is.  Matt makes a conscious decision to be happy every day and to make time for things that bring him happiness.  He takes full responsibility for his own happiness and does not leave that up to anyone else.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO MATT:

Matt’s father once told him to listen to people thoroughly and not to be just thinking about your answer before they finish asking their question.  Being an active listener has been very helpful to Matt.

CONTACT INFORMATION AND LINKS:

Seed Source LLC Facebook Page: LINK

Kellogg Farms Facebook Page: LINK

Matt’s Telephone Number: (630) 546-3559

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