When It All Went Under: A Hard-Learned Lesson from My Granddad’s Operation

Growing up, I thought our family operation was a big success. From my perspective as a kid, it looked like everything was working. We had land, cattle, equipment—everything that signals a thriving farm. And on top of that, I was spoiled. I had the dirt bike, the toys, the lifestyle. I didn’t know any different.

What I didn’t see—what most kids can’t see—was the risk my granddad was carrying on his shoulders. He was running a large-scale operation, managing big numbers, feeding all his own cattle, and keeping everything afloat in a way that looked effortless to the outside eye.

But underneath? There was a storm brewing.

When the 2000s hit and the internet changed the game, everything shifted. Local markets suddenly became global. Volatility spiked. What worked in the '70s and '80s was no longer enough. My granddad just wasn’t ready for the new world ag was stepping into.

By 2003 and 2004, things started to unravel. He lost a significant amount of his own money trying to manage risk in the same ways that had worked decades before. I believe one year he lost around $2 million—then tried to make it back by trading contracts, trying to play in a game he didn’t fully understand.

It didn’t work.

Within 12 to 18 months, the writing was on the wall. In the summer of 2005, we had our farm sale. And just like that, 50+ years of hard work, sweat, and sacrifice went under.

Why This Story Matters Today

This isn’t just a story about my family. It’s a warning—and a wake-up call.

Markets are faster, risk is higher, and the margin for error is smaller than ever before. What worked for past generations won’t cut it today. If you’re not adapting, if you’re not tracking your numbers, understanding your risks, and thinking like a business owner… the same fate could happen to you.

Don’t wait for the auction flyer to show up in your mailbox.

Learn from those who came before you.