32 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | September 2024 UP CLOSE accounting, purchasing, tractor work, scouting, and marketing. “Joe and I are managing stuff now,” says Curtis. “My brother does a lot of crop management – fertilizer application, planting, spraying, and field work. Joe also makes sure we have enough guys on staff for the fall harvest and spraying and does equipment purchasing and sales. “I am responsible for the elevator, and I manage the seed dealership. We are both involved with seed variety selection. Every year, Joe and I go through planting and spraying and decide what we should do. Our responsibilities overlap during the spring. I’m usually out in the field repairing things, bringing seed out, and making sure planters are running properly in the field and tillage is getting done.” Their farm activities are also shared daily on social media by Adam Donck on their Instagram page, @vanquaethem_farms. Managing employees is also a large task on the farm. Joe and Curtis prioritize structure and communication to make sure everyone is efficient and effective at their job. “A lot of people have problems with employees because they don’t make that a priority as part of their job,” says Joe. “Every year you should have meetings, do job reviews, ask if they are happy, and talk about pay increases and planning for the future. If you have young guys who are good, but you don’t talk about next year and pay increases and room to grow, they are going to lose trust quickly. “If you want to keep employees in the labour market we are in, you need to treat them well. Treat them with respect and respect their free time. They may be really happy with your crop, but they are still working to pay bills and need vacation time.” Joe and Curtis use John Deere Operations Center to make sure their employees know where they are going and what needs to be done. It also helps the brothers monitor all farm operations. “When our employees get into a tractor in the morning, they aren’t guessing what they are doing. The info is there, they run good equipment, it’s maintained, and they know how to maintain it. They know their job and their start and end time,” says Curtis. In addition to good employees and structure, the brothers credit their wives Sam and Sherry for supporting the farm. “Family, a good support system, and a strong network behind you is massive,” says Curtis. Joe with his wife Samantha and son Nolan. Photography Beitz photo
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